Master of Arts in Divinity (M.Div.) — Major in Chaplaincy, Counseling, Psychotherapy

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Divinity — Major in Chaplaincy, Counseling, Psychotherapy

Total program length

108 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Divinity, Chaplaincy, and Psychotherapy core

48 credit hours

Research, assessment, and program evaluation

12 credit hours

Professional application and field experience

12 credit hours

Graduate capstone requirement

36 credit hours

The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) with a major in Chaplaincy, Counseling, and Psychotherapy is designed to equip students with the theological, psychological, and practical skills for effective ministry. Throughout this two-year program, students will engage in comprehensive coursework covering theology, ethics, counseling techniques, and the art of chaplaincy. Practical training through internships and field experiences prepares graduates to serve in various contexts, including healthcare, military, and community organizations. This program emphasizes the integration of faith and mental health, enabling students to support individuals spiritually and emotionally. Graduates will be well-prepared for careers that require compassionate care, sound ethical decision-making, and advanced counseling skills in diverse environments.

Complete Master of Divinity (M.Div.) curriculum with course codes for a Major in Chaplaincy, Counseling, & Psychotherapy, built to match the “must-have” seminary and professional formation standards used across regionally accredited theological schools and widely recognized programs (Harvard/Liberty-style expectations: Bible, theology, ethics, ministry formation + clinical pastoral care, counseling theories, assessment basics, crisis/trauma, and supervised practice).

Format: 3 years • 9 semesters (Semester 1–9) • 4 courses per semester • 3 credits each

Total: 36 courses = 108 credits (a very common M.Div. credit total range is ~72–108 depending on institution; this is a “full professional” model.)

Required “Secular Core” Embedded (Top-University Expectations)

These are the non-sectarian, professionally standard courses that align with what major universities expect for competent counseling/psychotherapy formation inside a ministry degree:

Human Development: CNS 530

Psychopathology/Diagnosis & Case Conceptualization: CNS 531

Trauma/Crisis/Grief: CNS 540

Multicultural Counseling: CNS 541

Family Systems: CNS 550

Group Counseling: CNS 551

Ethics & Law: CNS 560

Interviewing/Intake/Treatment Planning: CNS 561

Evidence-Based Practice: CNS 570

Addictions: CNS 571

Assessment Foundations (screening/referral): CNS 580

Research Methods/Program Evaluation: CNS 581

Supervised Clinical Practice: CHP 531, CHP 541, INT 580, INT 581

Chaplaincy “Must-Be” Requirements (Professional Formation)

To reflect widely recognized chaplaincy formation patterns:

Intro to Chaplaincy & Spiritual Care: CHP 510

Pastoral Theology & Care: CHP 520

Healthcare Chaplaincy: CHP 530

Interfaith Spiritual Care: CHP 550

Crisis/Disaster Chaplaincy: CHP 540

CPE Seminars + Practicums: CHP 521, 532, 531, 541

Internship with Portfolio: INT 580–581

Program Details

• Total Credits: 108
• Duration: 3 years
• Degree Level: Master

Capstone Integration: MDV 599

• Optional Concentration Add-ons (if you want to expand to 120 credits)
• CNS 590 Suicide Assessment & Safety Planning (3)
• CNS 591 CBT Skills for Pastoral Clinicians (3)
• CNS 592 Narrative & Solution-Focused Therapy (3)
• CHP 560 Ethics of Spiritual Care, Power, and Professional Boundaries (3)
• The 108-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in divinity, chaplaincy, counseling, and psychotherapy theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and divinity, chaplaincy, counseling, and psychotherapy-support services.
• The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A divinity, chaplaincy, counseling, and psychotherapy-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 108-credit requirement is an institutional academic standard that exceeds that minimum.

Career Opportunities

• Healthcare Chaplain
• Military Chaplain
• Counselor in Mental Health Settings
• Spiritual Care Provider
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Clergy with Counseling Skills
• Crisis Intervention Specialist

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 Divinity — Major in Chaplaincy, Counseling, Psychotherapy
• Total program length | 108 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Divinity, Chaplaincy, and Psychotherapy core | 48 credit hours
• Research, assessment, and program evaluation | 12 credit hours
• Professional application and field experience | 12 credit hours
• Graduate capstone requirement | 36 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MDV 501 | Old Testament Foundations I | 3 | None
• MDV 502 | New Testament Foundations I | 3 | None
• MDV 503 | Christian Theology I: Doctrine of God, Christ & Salvation | 3 | None
• CHP 510 | Introduction to Chaplaincy & Spiritual Care | 3 | None
• MDV 511 | Old Testament Foundations II | 3 | Old Testament Foundations I or equivalent
• MDV 512 | New Testament Foundations II | 3 | New Testament Foundations I
• MDV 513 | Christian Theology II: Spirit, Church & Eschatology | 3 | None
• CHP 520 | Pastoral Theology & Care in Contemporary Contexts | 3 | None
• CNS 520 | Foundations of Counseling & Helping Relationships | 3 | None
• CHP 521 | CPE Seminar I: Spiritual Assessment & Care Planning | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CNS 521 | Counseling Theories & Psychotherapy Models | 3 | None
• MDV 521 | Hermeneutics & Biblical Interpretation | 3 | None
• MDV 522 | Church History & Historical Theology | 3 | None
• MDV 523 | Christian Ethics & Moral Theology | 3 | None
• CHP 530 | Hospital, Hospice, & Healthcare Chaplaincy | 3 | None
• CNS 530 | Human Growth & Lifespan Development | 3 | None
• CHP 531 | CPE Practicum I: Supervised Clinical Pastoral Care | 3 | None
• CNS 531 | Psychopathology & Clinical Case Conceptualization | 3 | None
• CHP 532 | CPE Seminar II: Interdisciplinary Care & Documentation | 3 | None
• CHP 540 | Chaplaincy in Crisis: Disaster, Violence, and Public Trauma | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CNS 540 | Trauma, Crisis, & Grief Counseling | 3 | None
• MDV 540 | Pastoral Leadership, Administration & Ministry Strategy | 3 | None
• CHP 541 | CPE Practicum II: Advanced Supervised Spiritual Care | 3 | CPE Practicum I or equivalent experience
• CNS 541 | Multicultural Counseling & Cultural Humility | 3 | None
• CHP 550 | Spiritual Care Across Faith Traditions (Interfaith Chaplaincy) | 3 | None
• CNS 550 | Marriage, Couples, & Family Systems | 3 | None
• CNS 551 | Group Counseling & Therapeutic Process | 3 | None
• CHP 560 | Ethics of Spiritual Care, Power, and Professional Boundaries | 3 | None
• CNS 560 | Ethics & Law in Counseling and Chaplaincy Practice | 3 | None
• CNS 561 | Clinical Interviewing, Intake, & Treatment Planning | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CNS 570 | Evidence-Based Practice & Integrative Psychotherapy | 3 | None
• CNS 571 | Substance Use, Addictions & Recovery Counseling | 3 | None
• CNS 580 | Assessment Foundations for Counselors (Screening & Referral) | 3 | None
• INT 580 | Internship I: Chaplaincy/Counseling Placement | 3 | None
• CNS 581 | Counseling Research Methods & Program Evaluation | 3 | None
• INT 581 | Internship II: Professional Practice & Portfolio | 3 | Successful completion of Internship I
• CNS 590 | Suicide Assessment & Safety Planning | 3 | None
• CNS 591 | CBT Skills for Pastoral Clinicians | 3 | None
• CNS 592 | Narrative & Solution-Focused Therapy | 3 | None
• MDV 599 | M.Div. Capstone: Integrative Theology & Practice | 3 | Completion of prior coursework in chaplaincy, counseling, or psychotherapy courses