Master of Arts in Divinity, Major in Chaplaincy, Counseling, Psychology

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Divinity, Major in Chaplaincy, Counseling, Psychology

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced chaplaincy, counseling, and psychology 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

The Master of Arts in Divinity with a major in Chaplaincy, Counseling, and Psychology is a comprehensive graduate program designed to integrate advanced theological inquiry with contemporary psychological theories and counseling methodologies. This interdisciplinary degree equips students with the academic rigor and practical skills necessary to provide compassionate, ethical, and informed support within diverse organizational and community settings. By synthesizing historical theological frameworks with modern behavioral science, the program fosters a holistic approach to human care, emphasizing social responsibility, servant leadership, and the stewardship of human potential. Students engage in critical analysis of the intersection between spiritual formation and psychological well-being, preparing them to address complex human needs through evidence-based practices and ethical reflection. The curriculum encourages a deep examination of human behavior and development through the lens of community service and organizational excellence, ensuring that graduates are prepared to lead with integrity and wisdom in diverse professional environments.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in chaplaincy, counseling, and psychology theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and chaplaincy, counseling, and psychology-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A chaplaincy, counseling, and psychology-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 60-credit requirement is an institutional academic standard that exceeds that minimum.

Program Details

• Total Credits: 60
• Duration: 2 years
• Degree Level: Master

Thesis Development Seminar

• 3
• RES500
• PSY710 — Social Psychology of Diversity: Evaluation of sociocultural influences on identity formation and interpersonal communication in modern society. Students learn to facilitate reconciliation and mutual respect across cultural boundaries. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU720 — Systems Theory and Family Dynamics: Advanced study of family systems and the impact of relational dynamics on individual development. Techniques for fostering healthy family communication and resilience are analyzed. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE730 — Spiritual Formation and Mental Health: Examination of the integration of spiritual practices with psychological growth processes. Students evaluate how spiritual maturity contributes to overall resilience and mental health. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES700 — Thesis Development Seminar: Seminar focused on the refinement of the thesis proposal, methodology, and initial literature review. Students receive mentorship and peer feedback to prepare for the final research project. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis Research and Defense

• 6
• RES700
• MIN810
• Organizational Strategy and Community Impact
• 3
• MIN550
• PSY820
• Advanced Topics in Psychology and Society
• 3
• PSY710
• COU830
• Professional Practice and Consultation
• 3
• COU720
• CAP800 — Thesis Research and Defense: Completion of an original research project that demonstrates academic mastery and practical application of the program core. The project concludes with a formal defense of the findings before a faculty committee. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN810 — Organizational Strategy and Community Impact: Strategic planning for faith-based and community service organizations. Students develop comprehensive plans for project implementation that prioritize community needs and ethical stewardship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY820 — Advanced Topics in Psychology and Society: Critical analysis of contemporary psychological and social trends and their effects on institutional missions. Focuses on adapting support models to address emerging community challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU830 — Professional Practice and Consultation: Preparation for professional roles in various consulting and advisory capacities. Students refine their communication and consultative skills to support organizational goals. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Master of Arts Thesis is the culminating academic experience of this degree, designed to allow students to synthesize their learning through the completion of a major research project or a significant applied study. Students are required to address a complex problem within the fields of chaplaincy, counseling, or psychology, proposing a rigorous, evidence-based solution that is grounded in both professional academic standards and faith-informed ethical reasoning. This project requires students to demonstrate high-level critical thinking, methodological precision, and the capacity to integrate their vocational calling with their academic training.
• The Thesis is a 6-credit endeavor that requires the development of a comprehensive written document and a formal oral defense. Throughout the process, students must demonstrate how their research upholds the values of servant leadership, biblical stewardship, and the promotion of human dignity. By addressing contemporary challenges through a lens of spiritual and ethical integrity, students showcase their ability to translate academic mastery into practical, community-oriented service that honors both the intellectual and spiritual dimensions of their chosen field.

Career Opportunities

• Institutional Chaplain
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Nonprofit Program Administrator
• Spiritual Care Consultant
• Human Services Counselor
• Organizational Development Specialist
• Faith-Based Advocacy Researcher

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, Psychology
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced chaplaincy, counseling, and psychology 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
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THE501 | Foundations of Theological Inquiry | 4 | None
• PSY505 | Advanced Human Development | 4 | None
• COU510 | Counseling Theory and Practice | 4 | None
• RES500 | Research Methods in the Social Sciences | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THE610 | Ethics in Professional Care | 4 | THE501
• COU620 | Crisis Intervention and Chaplaincy | 4 | COU510
• PSY630 | Psychology of Community and Group Dynamics | 4 | PSY505
• MIN550 | Servant Leadership and Stewardship | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY710 | Social Psychology of Diversity | 4 | PSY630
• COU720 | Systems Theory and Family Dynamics | 4 | COU620
• THE730 | Spiritual Formation and Mental Health | 4 | THE610
• RES700 | Thesis Development Seminar | 3 | RES500
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP800 | Thesis Research and Defense | 6 | RES700
• MIN810 | Organizational Strategy and Community Impact | 3 | MIN550
• PSY820 | Advanced Topics in Psychology and Society | 3 | PSY710
• COU830 | Professional Practice and Consultation | 3 | COU720