Faith-Based Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Counseling & Psychology

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.S. in Counseling & Psychology

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Counseling & Psychology core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Counseling & Psychology comprises 120 credit hours, deeply integrating comprehensive psychological theory with a robust Christian worldview. This program fosters academic excellence alongside intentional spiritual formation, ensuring that students rigorously evaluate clinical methodologies through the lens of biblical stewardship. By synthesizing counseling techniques with ethical reasoning rooted in the immutable truths of Scripture, students are prepared to address the complex emotional and spiritual needs of individuals with wisdom and grace. The curriculum emphasizes the development of servant leadership, equipping graduates to serve diverse communities with professional competence, Christ-centered compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the inherent dignity of every person as uniquely created in the image of God.

The Faith-Based Bachelor of Science in Counseling & Psychology combines a robust liberal arts foundation with comprehensive study in counseling theory, behavioral science, human development, professional ethics, research methodology, crisis awareness, referral strategies, program development, and community-based support. This integrated curriculum prepares students to analyze human behavior through both psychological and faith-based frameworks.

Florida's current standard establishes a minimum of 120 semester credits for a bachelor's degree and at least 30 general-education credits for a Bachelor of Science. This curriculum exceeds the general-education minimum.

Program Details

• Total Credits: 120
• Duration: 4 years
• Degree Level: Bachelor

General education | 36 credit hours

• Counseling & Psychology core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIB 101 | Biblical Foundations for Human Behavior | 3 | None
• PSY 102 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• SOC 105 | Sociology of the Family | 3 | None
• PSY 201 | Developmental Psychology | 3 | PSY 102
• PSY 205 | Personality Theory | 3 | PSY 102
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THL 210 | Ethics in Pastoral Care | 3 | BIB 101
• PSY 220 | Social Psychology | 3 | PSY 102
• PSY 250 | Research Methods in Psychology | 3 | PSY 102
• COUC 301 | Techniques of Interviewing | 3 | PSY 102
• COUC 304 | Counseling Across Cultures | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• GEN 308 | Critical Thinking for Helping Professions | 3 | None
• Gen 310 | Cross-Cultural Communication in Counseling | 3 | None
• PSY 310 | Cognitive Psychology | 3 | PSY 102
• PSY 315 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 | PSY 201
• THL 320 | Spiritual Formations and Healing | 3 | THL 210
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY 325 | Biopsychology | 3 | PSY 102
• COUC 330 | Crisis Intervention | 3 | COUC 301
• PSY 340 | Learning and Motivation | 3 | PSY 102
• SOC 350 | Community Outreach and Advocacy | 3 | SOC 105
• COUC 360 | Addiction and Recovery | 3 | PSY 315
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY 370 | Psychological Testing | 3 | PSY 250
• CMHC 401 | Foundations of Mental Health Counseling | 3 | None
• CMHC 410 | Group Counseling Dynamics | 3 | COUC 301
• PSY 415 | Child and Adolescent Psychology | 3 | PSY 201
• THL 420 | Christian Apologetics in Care | 3 | THL 320
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY 425 | Health Psychology | 3 | PSY 325
• COUC 430 | Family Therapy Models | 3 | SOC 105
• PSY 440 | Motivation and Leadership | 3 | PSY 220
• CMHC 450 | Clinical Documentation | 3 | COUC 301
• PSY 460 | Human Sexuality and Relationships | 3 | PSY 201
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY 465 | Positive Psychology | 3 | PSY 102
• COUC 470 | Interpersonal Conflict Resolution | 3 | COUC 301
• PSY 475 | Sensation and Perception | 3 | PSY 325
• SOC 480 | Organizational Management in Nonprofits | 3 | SOC 350
• PSY 485 | Advanced Behavioral Analysis | 3 | PSY 340
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY 490 | Professional Development | 3 | Senior Standing
• PSY 492 | Internship I | 3 | Senior Standing
• PSY 494 | Internship II | 3 | PSY 492
• PSY 495 | Senior Seminar | 3 | Senior Standing
• PSY 499 | Senior Capstone Thesis | 3 | Senior Standing

Career Opportunities

• Christian Counselor
• School Counselor
• Mental Health Technician
• Chaplaincy in Mental Health Facilities
• Crisis Intervention Specialist
• Substance Abuse Counselor
• Family Therapist

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 | B.S. in Counseling & Psychology
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years