Master of Arts in Christian Counseling, Life Coaching

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Life Coaching

Total program length

96 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Life Coaching core

27 credit hours

Research, assessment, and program evaluation

12 credit hours

Professional application and field experience

12 credit hours

Graduate capstone requirement

9 credit hours

Program Details

• Total Credits: 96
• Duration: 2 years
• Degree Level: Master

Elective concentrations and supplemental coursework

• 36 credit hours
• The MA in Christian Counseling & Life Coaching is designed for individuals seeking to integrate their faith with professional counseling practices. Students will explore foundational principles of counseling, psychology, and life coaching, focusing on the holistic development of individuals through a Christian perspective. The program emphasizes practical skills in guiding clients toward personal growth, emotional healing, and spiritual maturity. Graduates will be equipped with theoretical knowledge and hands-on experiences, preparing them for careers in faith-based counseling environments, churches, and private practice. This degree not only enhances their counseling capabilities but also emphasizes the significance of spiritual and personal growth, making graduates valuable assets in various helping professions.
• The 96-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Life Coaching theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based christian counseling, life coaching-support services.
• The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based christian counseling, life coaching-support program; A professional training manual; A program-development and evaluation project; Another faculty-approved scholarly project.
• The program is designed for completion within two academic years by students maintaining the University's prescribed full-time course load. Part-time students may require additional time.
• Florida establishes a minimum of 24 semester credits beyond the bachelor's degree for a master's program. The University's 96-credit requirement is an institutional academic standard that exceeds that minimum.

Elective concentrations and supplemental coursework | 36 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENGL 105 | English Composition II | 3 | None
• ENGL 105-PWF | English Composition II (Professional Writing Focus) | 3 | English Composition I or equivalent
• CPPC 210 | Professional Life Coaching | 3 | None
• CPPC 215 | Health and Wellness Coaching | 3 | None
• MADC 500 | Principles of Spiritual Formation | 3 | None
• MADC 500-ADV | Principles of Spiritual Formation (Advanced Integration) | 3 | None
• GRAS 501 | Introduction to Graduate Academic Studies | 3 | None
• MALC 501 | Introduction to Life Coaching | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COUC 502 | Human Growth and Development | 3 | None
• MALC 502 | Business and Organization Coaching | 3 | None
• MALC 502-ADV | Business and Organization Coaching (Advanced Applications) | 3 | None
• MALC 503 | Executive Coaching | 3 | None
• MALC 503-ADV | Executive Coaching (Advanced Applications) | 3 | None
• MALC 504 | Life Balance Coaching | 3 | None
• MALC 504-ADV | Life Balance Coaching (Advanced Applications) | 3 | None
• COUC 506 | Integration of Spirituality & Counseling | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MALC 506 | Integrating Prayer and Spiritual Growth in Coaching | 3 | None
• MALC 506-ADV | Integrating Prayer & Spiritual Growth (Advanced Practice) | 3 | Completion of foundational courses in Christian Counseling and Life Coaching.
• MALC 507 | Marketing & Branding Faith-Based Coaching Practice | 3 | None
• MALC 507-CAP | Marketing & Branding Faith-Based Coaching Practice (Capstone Integration) | 3 | None
• PSYC 570 | Contemporary Psychology | 3 | None
• PSYC 590 | Social & Cultural Psychology | 3 | None
• PSYC 590-GD | Group Dynamics | 3 | None
• GRST 601 | Applied Research Processes | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• GRST 601-PRJ | Applied Research Processes (Project Focus) | 3 | None
• LFC 6105 | Advanced Counseling Strategies in Faith-Based Coaching | 3 | None
• LFC 6105-CLI | Advanced Counseling Strategies in Faith-Based Coaching (Clinical Integration) | 3 | None
• LFC 6107 | Supervised Practicum in Life Coaching | 3 | None
• LFC 6107-EXT | Supervised Practicum in Life Coaching (Extended) | 3 | None
• LFC 6108 | Capstone Project: Life Coaching & Mentorship | 3 | None
• FBC 6201 | Biblical Counseling and Coaching Principles | 3 | None
• FBC 6201-APP | Biblical Counseling and Coaching Principles (Applied) | 3 | None

Capstone Project: Life Coaching & Mentorship

• 3
• None
• FBC 6201
• Biblical Counseling and Coaching Principles
• 3
• None
• FBC 6201-APP
• Biblical Counseling and Coaching Principles (Applied)
• 3
• None
• GRST 601-PRJ — Applied Research Processes (Project Focus): This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LFC 6105 — Advanced Counseling Strategies in Faith-Based Coaching: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LFC 6105-CLI — Advanced Counseling Strategies in Faith-Based Coaching (Clinical Integration): This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LFC 6107 — Supervised Practicum in Life Coaching: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LFC 6107-EXT — Supervised Practicum in Life Coaching (Extended): This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LFC 6108 — Capstone Project: Life Coaching & Mentorship: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• FBC 6201 — Biblical Counseling and Coaching Principles: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• FBC 6201-APP — Biblical Counseling and Coaching Principles (Applied): This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Career Opportunities

• Christian Counselor
• Life Coach
• Church Program Director
• Family Therapist
• Crisis Intervention Specialist
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Behavioral Health Consultant

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 | M.A. in Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Life Coaching
• Total program length | 96 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Life Coaching core | 27 credit hours
• Research, assessment, and program evaluation | 12 credit hours
• Professional application and field experience | 12 credit hours
• Graduate capstone requirement | 9 credit hours