Faith-Based Bachelor of Science in Counseling Psychology Minor in Pastoral Care

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.S. in Faith-Based Counseling Psychology

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Counseling psychology and pastoral care core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Science in Counseling Psychology with a minor in Pastoral Care prepares students to deeply understand human behavior and mental health while integrating spiritual principles. Students will learn therapeutic techniques, counseling theories, and the importance of faith-based support in mental health care. This program emphasizes both personal and professional growth, equipping graduates with the skills necessary for effective, compassionate assistance in a variety of settings, from churches to community centers. Graduates will be well-prepared for careers in counseling, social services, and ministry, with a strong foundation that values both psychological practices and spiritual guidance.

The Faith-Based Bachelor of Science in Counseling Psychology with a Minor in Pastoral Care combines a broad liberal arts foundation with comprehensive study in psychological theory, behavioral science, human development, ethical standards, social science research, crisis awareness, referral protocols, program development, and community-based support strategies.

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: 3 years
• Degree Level: Bachelor

General education | 36 credit hours

• Counseling psychology and pastoral care core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENGL 101 | College Composition I | 3 | None
• HUM 101 | Critical Thinking & Communication | 3 | None
• PSYC 101 | General Psychology | 3 | None
• SOCI 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• ENGL 102 | College Composition II | 3 | College Composition I (ENGL 101)
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIOL 110 | Human Biology | 3 | None
• COUN 200 | Introduction to Counseling | 3 | None
• STAT 201 | Statistics for Behavioral Sciences | 3 | None
• COMM 205 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | None
• COUN 210 | Counseling Theories | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ETHC 210 | Ethics in Helping Professions | 3 | None
• PSYC 210 | Lifespan Development | 3 | None
• RES 210 | Research Methods in Social Sciences | 3 | None
• COUN 220 | Helping Skills & Interviewing | 3 | None
• PSYC 220 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COUN 230 | Multicultural Counseling | 3 | None
• PSYC 230 | Social Psychology | 3 | None
• COUN 240 | Group Counseling | 3 | None
• PSYC 240 | Cognitive Psychology | 3 | None
• PSYC 250 | Personality Theories | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CHM 301 | Christian Helping Ministries (Minor) | 3 | None
• CHM 302 | Pastoral Care Foundations (Minor) | 3 | None
• COUN 310 | Psychological Assessment Basics | 3 | None
• PSYC 310 | Learning & Behavior | 3 | None
• COUN 320 | Case Management & Community Resources | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSYC 320 | Biological Bases of Behavior | 3 | Introduction to Psychology or equivalent
• COUN 330 | Crisis Intervention | 3 | None
• COUN 340 | Counseling Children & Adolescents | 3 | None
• COUN 350 | Career Development & Counseling | 3 | None
• COUN 360 | Family Systems & Counseling | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CHM 401 | Clinical Pastoral Care & Crisis Support (Minor) | 3 | None
• CHM 402 | Spiritual Assessment & Care Planning (Minor) | 3 | None
• COUN 410 | Trauma-Informed Care Foundations | 3 | None
• PSYC 410 | Psychological Testing & Measurement | 3 | None
• COUN 420 | Addictions & Recovery Counseling | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COUN 430 | Legal Issues in Counseling | 3 | None
• PRAC 480 | Practicum in Counseling Skills | 3 | None
• INTR 481 | Internship I: Counseling Psychology | 3 | Completion of introductory psychology courses
• INTR 482 | Internship II: Counseling Psychology | 3 | Internship I: Counseling Psychology or equivalent experience
• CAP 499 | Counseling Psychology Capstone | 3 | Completion of core counseling psychology courses

Career Opportunities

• Mental Health Counselor
• Clinical Social Worker
• Pastoral Counselor
• Youth Minister
• Marriage and Family Therapist
• Substance Abuse Counselor
• Psychological Assistant

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 Faith-Based Counseling Psychology
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years