Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Counseling Psychology — Minor: Advanced Counseling Theory, Supervision

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Counseling Psychology

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Maximum approved transfer credit

Up to 40 semester credit hours

Minimum credits completed through the University after maximum transfer

80 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, research progress, and dissertation completion

Advanced Faith-Based Counseling Psychology theory and specialization

30 credit hours

Research methods, statistics, and scholarly inquiry

24 credit hours

Professional leadership and higher-education teaching

15 credit hours

Advanced electives and concentration courses

18 credit hours

Scholarly writing and publication

9 credit hours

Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy

6 credit hours

Program Details

• Total Credits: 120
• Duration: 3 years
• Degree Level: PhD

Dissertation research and defense

• 18 credit hours
• Total
• 120 semester credit hours
• The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Counseling Psychology is an advanced research-oriented program designed to cultivate scholars who integrate psychological science with ethical stewardship and servant leadership. Students engage in rigorous academic inquiry to analyze human behavior, counseling theories, and the complexities of human development within the context of global community service and compassionate social engagement.
• The curriculum emphasizes the application of psychological principles through a framework of moral responsibility and academic excellence. By fostering critical thinking, evidence-based research methodologies, and a deep understanding of human dignity, the program prepares graduates to contribute meaningfully to the field of behavioral science while upholding the institutional commitment to faith-informed professional practice.
• The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Counseling Psychology is a research-intensive doctoral program emphasizing advanced faith-based counseling psychology theory, original research, quantitative and qualitative methodology, scholarly publication, higher-education teaching, ethical leadership, and the development and evaluation of faith-based counseling psychology-support programs.
• Students may receive up to 40 semester credit hours of approved graduate or doctoral transfer credit. Accepted transfer credits are applied toward the 120-credit graduation requirement and may reduce the student's remaining coursework and anticipated completion time. A student receiving the maximum transfer-credit award must complete at least 80 semester credit hours through the University.
• The Ph.D. requires successful completion of all required coursework, comprehensive examinations, admission to doctoral candidacy, approval of a dissertation proposal, original scholarly research, submission of an approved written dissertation, and a successful oral defense.
• DOCTORAL TRANSFER-CREDIT POLICY: The Doctor of Education and Doctor of Philosophy programs each require 120 semester credit hours. Students may transfer up to 40 semester credit hours of eligible graduate or doctoral coursework toward either degree. Transfer credit is not automatically awarded. Each request is evaluated individually according to: The academic level of the previous coursework; The relevance of the coursework to the doctoral curriculum; Course content and learning outcomes; Credit-hour equivalency; Grades earned; The age of the coursework; Official institutional documentation; The University's residency and transfer-credit policies. Accepted transfer credit may reduce the number of courses and the amount of time required to complete the degree. Students awarded the maximum 40 transfer credits will have 80 semester credit hours remaining in the 120-credit doctoral program. Comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidacy, doctoral residency, the applied doctoral project, dissertation research, and the final oral defense must ordinarily be completed through the University. These requirements may not be satisfied through transfer credit unless expressly permitted under a published University policy.

Dissertation Proposal Development

• 4
• RES800
• COU830
• Interpersonal Communication in Practice
• 3
• None
• EDU850
• Pedagogy for Behavioral Science
• 3
• None
• SOC840
• Community Engaged Research
• 3
• RES800
• RES815 — Dissertation Proposal Development: Students work to finalize their research question, methodology, and literature review. The course culminates in a formal proposal review by a faculty committeeThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COU830 — Interpersonal Communication in Practice: Analyzes advanced communication strategies to support collaboration across diverse professional stakeholders. Focuses on empathetic listening and clarity in organizational messagingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU850 — Pedagogy for Behavioral Science: Explores teaching methods for graduate-level students, emphasizing collaborative learning and effective knowledge dissemination. Addresses the creation of inclusive and impactful classroom environmentsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC840 — Community Engaged Research: Examines the methodology of engaging with local communities to solve social challenges. Focuses on the collaborative process between researchers and community stakeholdersThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Dissertation Research I

• 4
• RES815
• RES850 — Advanced Data Synthesis: Provides dedicated time for data collection and analysis under the guidance of a dissertation advisor. Focuses on the rigorous verification of findingsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COU860 — Integrative Behavioral Models: Synthesizes major psychological trends with practical application in contemporary institutional settings. Encourages the development of an integrative, ethical professional philosophyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COU870 — Advanced Leadership Seminar: Focuses on the challenges of leading behavioral health organizations. Emphasizes strategic planning, ethical oversight, and the cultivation of mission-driven staff cultureThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES890 — Dissertation Research I: The first phase of the dissertation project involving original research activities. Students demonstrate the ability to conduct independent inquiry and contribute to professional knowledgeThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Dissertation Research II

• 4
• RES890
• RES899

Dissertation Defense

• 4
• RES895
• COU880
• Professional Development and Service
• 3
• None
• THE890
• Senior Integrative Seminar
• 3
• THE705
• RES895 — Dissertation Research II: The final stage of the dissertation, focused on the preparation of the manuscript and preparation for the oral defense. Demonstrates scholarly excellence and integrityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES899 — Dissertation Defense: The formal oral presentation and defense of the completed dissertation project. Students must justify their methodology, findings, and implications to a faculty committeeThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COU880 — Professional Development and Service: Focuses on transitioning from doctoral student to independent scholar and community leader. Addresses personal stewardship, service contribution, and continuous lifelong learningThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• THE890 — Senior Integrative Seminar: A final synthesis of academic training, ethical discernment, and professional calling. Students articulate their future commitment to service-oriented behavioral science practiceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation serves as the culminating scholarly endeavor, requiring students to conduct an original, independent research project that addresses a critical issue within the field of counseling psychology. Students are expected to demonstrate mastery of research design, data analysis, and the ability to articulate scholarly conclusions that contribute to existing academic literature. The scope involves a comprehensive review of relevant theories, empirical analysis, and the synthesis of findings with ethical, faith-informed implications for professional practice.
• This project reflects the integration of academic competence with spiritual formation, requiring students to demonstrate how their research serves the broader community with wisdom and stewardship. Beyond technical proficiency, the dissertation must document how the student applies a Christian worldview to the subject matter, ensuring that the research promotes human flourishing and upholds ethical integrity. Successful completion culminates in a formal oral defense before a faculty committee, validating both the student's research rigor and their readiness to lead as a scholar-practitioner.

Dissertation research and defense | 18 credit hours

• Total | 120 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES700 | Advanced Research Methodology | 4 | None
• COU710 | Contemporary Counseling Theories | 3 | None
• THE705 | Ethics in Behavioral Science | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES720 | Applied Statistical Analysis | 4 | RES700
• COU725 | Advanced Human Development | 3 | None
• COU730 | Principles of Counseling Supervision | 3 | COU710
• MIN710 | Servant Leadership in Organizations | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES800 | Qualitative Research Inquiry | 4 | RES700
• COU810 | Advanced Group Dynamics | 3 | COU710
• COU820 | Advanced Supervision Practicum | 3 | COU730
• SOC805 | Sociology of Sustainable Resource Management | 3 | THE705
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES815 | Dissertation Proposal Development | 4 | RES800
• COU830 | Interpersonal Communication in Practice | 3 | None
• EDU850 | Pedagogy for Behavioral Science | 3 | None
• SOC840 | Community Engaged Research | 3 | RES800
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES850 | Advanced Data Synthesis | 3 | RES815
• COU860 | Integrative Behavioral Models | 3 | COU810
• COU870 | Advanced Leadership Seminar | 3 | MIN710
• RES890 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES815
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES895 | Dissertation Research II | 4 | RES890
• RES899 | Dissertation Defense | 4 | RES895
• COU880 | Professional Development and Service | 3 | None
• THE890 | Senior Integrative Seminar | 3 | THE705

Career Opportunities

• University Faculty and Academic Instructor
• Social Service Program Director
• Non-profit Leadership Consultant
• Counseling Center Administrator
• Behavioral Health Policy Researcher
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Supervisor of Professional Counseling Services
• Academic Research Associate

Important Notices

• The program educates ethical professionals who demonstrate technical excellence, servant leadership, professional integrity, and a commitment to apply sound principles to advance faith-based organizations, strengthen communities, and contribute responsibly.
• HBIU is a lawfully operating nonpublic faith-based postsecondary institution that maintains its status under section 1005.06(1)(f), Florida Statutes. The University annually affirms its compliance with the requirements applicable to faith-based institutions in Florida through Commission for Independent Education.
• HBIU accreditation from QAHE (for quality assurance in pre-tertiary and higher education mechanisms). QAHE offers globally recognized accreditation and quality assurance for higher education, training providers, and professional institutions worldwide. Students should consider the nature and scope of this recognition in relation to their individual certification and professional goals.
• Transfer credit is evaluated individually based on course content, credit hours, grades, institutional documentation, program requirements, and applicable university policies. Although HBIU provides academically structured programs, no institution can guarantee that another college, university, employer, licensing board, or credential-evaluation service will accept its credits or credentials. Students are encouraged to obtain advance written confirmation from the intended receiving organization.
• The program develops academic knowledge and applied competencies for service in faith-based organizations, nonprofit institutions, community programs, and related professional environments. Some occupations associated with the subject area may be regulated by governmental or professional authorities. A degree from HBIU demonstrates completion of the University's academic requirements but does not, by itself, confer professional licensure or legal authority to perform regulated services.
• Where a program is related to an external certification, eligibility is determined exclusively by the applicable certifying organization. Certification bodies may establish additional requirements involving education, examinations, experience, background screening, continuing education, or membership. HBIU does not guarantee certification eligibility or examination approval unless a formal written agreement expressly provides otherwise.
• Career and occupational information is provided to help students make informed educational decisions. Employment outcomes depend on factors such as the graduate's experience, geographic location, professional qualifications, employer requirements, economic conditions, interviewing ability, and any applicable licensure or certification requirements. Completion of a program does not constitute a promise of employment, promotion, job placement, or a particular occupational title.
• This program is delivered through online instruction. Students must have access to the technology, equipment, internet service, software, and learning resources identified in the University's technology requirements.
• Internship or field-experience participation is subject to academic eligibility, site availability, supervisor approval, and the requirements of the participating organization. The University assists students with the placement process but cannot guarantee placement with a particular organization, supervisor, location, or schedule.
• Students are responsible for reviewing the catalog, understanding program requirements, providing accurate information, meeting academic and financial obligations, and verifying whether the program supports their intended educational or professional goals.
• Completion of a University program does not authorize a graduate to use a professional title that is protected or restricted by law. Graduates must use titles that accurately reflect their education, credentials, employment role, and current licensure or certification status.
• Degree abbreviation | Ph.D. in Faith-Based Counseling Psychology
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Maximum approved transfer credit | Up to 40 semester credit hours
• Minimum credits completed through the University after maximum transfer | 80 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, research progress, and dissertation completion
• Advanced Faith-Based Counseling Psychology theory and specialization | 30 credit hours
• Research methods, statistics, and scholarly inquiry | 24 credit hours
• Professional leadership and higher-education teaching | 15 credit hours
• Advanced electives and concentration courses | 18 credit hours
• Scholarly writing and publication | 9 credit hours
• Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy | 6 credit hours