Doctor of Philosophy in Pastoral Counseling, Specialization in Psychology, Clinical Chaplaincy Psychotherapy

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Psychology, Specialization in Clinical Chaplaincy Psychotherapy

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

Three to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, academic progress, and completion of the doctoral project

Advanced faith-based psychology and clinical chaplaincy psychotherapy specialization courses

30 credit hours

Clinical chaplaincy leadership, administration, and professional practice

21 credit hours

Research methods and program evaluation

18 credit hours

Professional application and doctoral residency

15 credit hours

Advanced electives or concentration courses

12 credit hours

Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy

6 credit hours

Applied doctoral project and defense

18 credit hours

Total

120 semester credit hours

The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Psychology, Specialization in Clinical Chaplaincy Psychotherapy, is an advanced research and practice-oriented degree program designed for scholars and practitioners seeking to integrate psychological science with the ethical and spiritual framework of clinical chaplaincy. This program provides an rigorous academic environment where students analyze the intersections of human development, psychotherapeutic theory, and spiritual care, fostering a deep understanding of the human condition through a lens of service and stewardship. The curriculum emphasizes the application of high-level research methodologies to contemporary challenges in clinical and organizational settings, preparing graduates to contribute significant scholarship to the field. Students engage in critical inquiry regarding the nature of psychological health and spiritual flourishing, ensuring that all professional activities are grounded in ethical integrity and a robust commitment to social responsibility. By combining clinical theory with the tenets of faith-based practice, this program develops leaders capable of navigating complex human experiences with compassion and academic rigor.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Psychology, Specialization in Clinical Chaplaincy Psychotherapy is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based psychology knowledge, organizational leadership, ethical stewardship, program development, community-care systems, higher-education instruction, and evidence-informed professional practice.

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 number of courses and the amount of time required to complete the degree. A student receiving the maximum transfer-credit award must complete at least 80 semester credit hours through the University.

The applied doctoral project must address a documented faith-based psychology-support, educational, organizational, or community-care need. The project must include scholarly research, an implementation model, measurable outcomes, ethical safeguards, an evaluation plan, 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.

Program Details

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

Dissertation Seminar

• 3
• RES801
• PSY850
• Cognitive and Behavioral Interventions
• 3
• PSY710
• SOC860
• Social Justice and Stewardship
• 3
• SOC740
• THE870
• Theology and Ethics in Psychological Practice
• 3
• THE720
• RES805 — Dissertation Seminar: Initial preparation for the doctoral dissertation, including research topic selection and proposal development. Focus on scholarly rigor and ethical research practices. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY850 — Cognitive and Behavioral Interventions: Advanced study of evidence-based intervention strategies for behavioral concerns. Analysis of clinical efficiency and patient advocacy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC860 — Social Justice and Stewardship: Theoretical framework for understanding social inequalities and the role of stewardship in community service. Emphasis on organizational accountability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE870 — Theology and Ethics in Psychological Practice: Critical reflection on the theological underpinnings of professional ethics in behavioral sciences. Focus on character formation and vocational stewardship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation I: Research and Drafting

• 4
• RES805
• PSY880
• Cross-Cultural Competence in Service
• 3
• None
• MGT890
• Strategic Planning for Nonprofits
• 3
• None
• COU895
• Advanced Supervision and Mentorship
• 3
• COU720
• RES890 — Dissertation I: Research and Drafting: Substantive development of the dissertation manuscript. Candidates conduct data collection and analysis under committee guidance. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY880 — Cross-Cultural Competence in Service: Strategies for delivering competent services across diverse cultural and religious contexts. Emphasizes empathy and respect in organizational practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT890 — Strategic Planning for Nonprofits: Application of management theory to nonprofit operations. Focus on fiscal responsibility, resource management, and long-term sustainability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU895 — Advanced Supervision and Mentorship: Models and techniques for supervising clinical staff or student interns. Focus on cultivating leadership skills and ethical oversight in others. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation II: Defense and Publication

• 5
• RES890
• PSY898
• Advanced Behavioral Analysis Application
• 3
• PSY850
• MIN898
• Contemporary Issues in Clinical Care
• 3
• MIN830
• RES897
• Evidence-Based Program Evaluation
• 3
• RES702
• RES899 — Dissertation II: Defense and Publication: Final completion of the dissertation manuscript, presentation, and oral defense before a faculty committee. Focus on scholarly impact and final formatting. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY898 — Advanced Behavioral Analysis Application: Practical application of advanced behavioral analysis principles within service systems. Enhances program evaluation skills and professional service quality. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN898 — Contemporary Issues in Clinical Care: Review of current trends and challenges in clinical and pastoral settings. Students synthesize coursework to propose innovative institutional solutions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES897 — Evidence-Based Program Evaluation: Application of research methods to assess the efficacy of organizational interventions. Focus on data-driven improvement and ethical reporting. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation serves as the culminating academic achievement of the Doctor of Philosophy program, representing a significant original contribution to the body of knowledge in Faith-Based Psychology and Clinical Chaplaincy Psychotherapy. Students are expected to identify a specialized research problem, design a robust methodological approach, and conduct rigorous analysis under the guidance of a faculty committee. This process is structured to cultivate academic mastery while simultaneously requiring the student to articulate how their findings reflect a commitment to ethical reasoning, spiritual integrity, and servant leadership in a professional context.
• The dissertation process is weighted at 9 credit hours, providing dedicated space for the development of both the final manuscript and the defense of the work. Throughout this phase, candidates must demonstrate how their research aligns with principles of biblical stewardship and the advancement of community flourishing. The resulting dissertation is a demonstration of academic competence and character, showing that the student can translate complex scholarly insights into practical, faith-informed contributions that address the needs of humanity and support institutional goals.

Career Opportunities

• Clinical Chaplaincy Director
• Faith-Based Organizational Consultant
• Higher Education Faculty in Psychology
• Mental Health Program Administrator
• Spiritual Care Researcher
• Nonprofit Leadership and Advocacy
• Clinical Research Scientist

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 Psychology, Specialization in Clinical Chaplaincy Psychotherapy
• 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 | Three to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, academic progress, and completion of the doctoral project
• Advanced faith-based psychology and clinical chaplaincy psychotherapy specialization courses | 30 credit hours
• Clinical chaplaincy leadership, administration, and professional practice | 21 credit hours
• Research methods and program evaluation | 18 credit hours
• Professional application and doctoral residency | 15 credit hours
• Advanced electives or concentration courses | 12 credit hours
• Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy | 6 credit hours
• Applied doctoral project and defense | 18 credit hours
• Total | 120 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES701 | Advanced Research Methods I | 3 | None
• PSY710 | Theories of Clinical Psychotherapy | 3 | None
• COU720 | Ethics in Professional Practice | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES702 | Advanced Research Methods II | 3 | RES701
• PSY715 | Human Development and Spiritual Formation | 3 | None
• MIN730 | Clinical Chaplaincy Foundations | 3 | None
• SOC740 | Sociology of Faith-Based Organizations | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES801 | Qualitative Inquiry | 4 | RES702
• PSY810 | Crisis Intervention and Spiritual Care | 4 | PSY710
• COU820 | Leadership in Clinical Settings | 3 | COU720
• MIN830 | Spirituality and Health Outcomes | 3 | MIN730
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES805 | Dissertation Seminar | 3 | RES801
• PSY850 | Cognitive and Behavioral Interventions | 3 | PSY710
• SOC860 | Social Justice and Stewardship | 3 | SOC740
• THE870 | Theology and Ethics in Psychological Practice | 3 | THE720
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES890 | Dissertation I: Research and Drafting | 4 | RES805
• PSY880 | Cross-Cultural Competence in Service | 3 | None
• MGT890 | Strategic Planning for Nonprofits | 3 | None
• COU895 | Advanced Supervision and Mentorship | 3 | COU720
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES899 | Dissertation II: Defense and Publication | 5 | RES890
• PSY898 | Advanced Behavioral Analysis Application | 3 | PSY850
• MIN898 | Contemporary Issues in Clinical Care | 3 | MIN830
• RES897 | Evidence-Based Program Evaluation | 3 | RES702