Master of Arts in Divinity, Specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Divinity, Specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Clinical Mental Health Counseling 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, Specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, at HBIU Seminary is a rigorous 60-credit graduate program designed to integrate advanced clinical counseling theory with theological foundations and ethical practice. Students engage in a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes evidence-based counseling strategies alongside a profound commitment to servant leadership and compassionate care within diverse community environments. The program fosters intellectual growth and professional competence, ensuring that graduates are prepared to address the complex psychological and spiritual needs of the populations they serve. Through a structured pedagogical approach, candidates explore the intersection of human development, ethical decision-making, and organizational stewardship. This curriculum ensures that students emerge as skilled practitioners capable of navigating the nuanced demands of contemporary mental health settings while maintaining a steadfast adherence to institutional values of integrity and holistic wellness. The program emphasizes the application of psychological principles in a manner that honors the dignity of every individual.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in Clinical Mental Health Counseling theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and clinical mental health counseling-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A clinical mental health counseling-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 or Capstone Project

• The Master of Arts Thesis represents the culmination of the candidate's academic and professional journey at HBIU Seminary. This project requires students to synthesize clinical research with an in-depth analysis of ethical and faith-based applications in a contemporary counseling setting. Students are expected to produce a formal research paper or an applied project that addresses a specific challenge within mental health, demonstrating mastery of the discipline and an advanced ability to apply servant leadership principles to real-world problems. The thesis is worth 4 credit hours and serves as a formal demonstration of professional readiness and scholarly integrity. Through this project, students articulate how their clinical work reflects stewardship of human resources and a commitment to serving their community with excellence. The deliverable is defended before a faculty committee, ensuring the work meets both academic standards and the institutional mission of faith-informed service. This requirement demonstrates both academic competence and faith-informed character development.

Career Opportunities

• Community Mental Health Counselor
• Nonprofit Program Coordinator
• Family and Youth Services Specialist
• Clinical Outreach Consultant
• Faith-Based Residential Counselor
• Organizational Development Strategist
• Social Services Case Manager

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, Specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Clinical Mental Health Counseling 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
• COU500 | Foundations of Counseling | 4 | None
• THE501 | Theology of Human Personhood | 4 | None
• PSY510 | Lifespan Development | 3 | None
• RES505 | Research Methodology | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU520 | Ethical and Legal Issues | 4 | COU500
• COU530 | Counseling Techniques | 4 | COU500
• PSY540 | Psychopathology | 3 | PSY510
• MIN510 | Leadership in Community Ministry | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU600 | Group Counseling Theory | 4 | COU530
• COU610 | Crisis and Trauma Counseling | 4 | PSY540
• SOC620 | Multicultural Counseling | 3 | COU500
• THE650 | Spiritual Formation and Ethics | 3 | THE501
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP699 | Master's Thesis Project | 4 | RES505
• COU680 | Advanced Clinical Seminar | 4 | COU610
• BUS630 | Nonprofit Resource Stewardship | 3 | MIN510
• COU690 | Counseling and Social Policy | 3 | SOC620