Master of Science in Christian Counseling Specialization in Psychology & Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.S. in Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Psychology, Specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Total program length

105 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Psychology, Specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling core

45 credit hours

Advanced Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Psychology, Specialization in 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 in Christian Counseling & Psychology with a Minor in Clinical Mental Health Counseling prepares students to integrate psychological principles with biblical teachings. Students will learn essential therapeutic techniques, ethical counseling practices, and the ability to address mental health issues within a faith context. Throughout the two-year program, they will gain practical experience through supervised counseling sessions and internships, which equip them for credible and compassionate leadership roles in various settings, including churches, community organizations, and private practices. This program emphasizes compassion, spiritual growth, and mental well-being, making graduates highly valuable in the fields of counseling and mental health ministry.

The 105-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Psychology, Specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based christian counseling, psychology, specialization in clinical mental health counseling-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based christian counseling, psychology, specialization in 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 105-credit requirement is an institutional academic standard that exceeds that minimum.

Program Details

• Total Credits: 105
• Duration: 2 years
• Degree Level: Master

Career Opportunities

• Christian Counselor
• Marriage and Family Therapist
• Youth Minister
• Church Administrator
• Mental Health Coordinator
• Faith-Based Nonprofit Director
• Counseling Program Director

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.S. in Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Psychology, Specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Total program length | 105 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Psychology, Specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling core | 45 credit hours
• Advanced Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Psychology, Specialization in 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
• PAS484 | Pastoral Psychotherapy | 3 | None
• COUC500 | Orientation To Counseling Profession Identity & Function | 3 | None
• COUC501 | Ethical and Legal Issues In Counseling | 3 | None
• COUC502 | Human Growth and Development | 3 | None
• COUC504 | Multi-Cultural Counseling | 3 | None
• COUC505 | Counseling Techniques and the Helping Relationship | 3 | None
• COUC506 | Integration of Spirituality & Counseling | 3 | None
• COUC510 | Theories of Counseling | 3 | None
• COUC512 | Group Counseling | 3 | None
• COUC515 | Research & Program Evaluation | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COUC521 | Assessment Techniques In Counseling | 3 | None
• COUC522 | Career Development In Counseling | 3 | None
• COUC524 | Lifestyle Assessment | 3 | None
• COUC546 | Psychopathology | 3 | None
• COUC601 | Theories of Family Systems | 3 | None
• COUC603 | Human Sexuality: Bio-Sexuality vs. Gender Psychology | 3 | None
• THES603 | Masters Capstone Thesis/Project | 3 | Completion of core coursework in the Master of Science Christian Counseling & Psychology program
• COUC604 | Crisis Counseling | 3 | None
• COUC606 | Social Work Dynamics | 3 | None
• COUC667 | Clinical Diagnosis | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COUC668 | Clinical Treatment Planning | 3 | COUC550 or equivalent foundational counseling course
• COUC691 | Substance Abuse Diagnosis: Treatment & Prevention | 3 | None
• COUC698 | Counseling Practicum | 3 | Completion of foundational counseling courses and consent of the program director
• COUC699 | Internship/Field Experience | 3 | Completion of foundational counseling courses and approval from the program coordinator
• COUC701 | Understanding The Client: Self, Mind and Personality | 3 | None
• COUC702 | Stages Of Change and Intentional Behavior Change | 3 | None
• COUC703 | Therapist/Counselors Role in Client Relationship | 3 | None
• COUC704 | Essential Cognitive Model in Counseling | 3 | None
• COUC705 | Essential Behavioral Model in Counseling | 3 | None
• COUC706 | Essential Psycho-Dynamic Model in Counseling | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COUC707 | Essential Experiential Model in Counseling | 3 | None
• COUC708 | Creative Counseling Model 1: Dramatic Technique | 1 | None
• COUC709 | Creative Counseling Model 2: Visual Art Technique | 1 | None
• COUC710 | Creative Counseling Model 3: Dance-Movement Technique | 1 | None
• COUC711 | Mindfulness Techniques In Counseling | 3 | None
• MCC777 | The Ministry of Christian Counseling | 3 | None
• COU ID | ICD-11 Diagnostics | 3 | None
• COU ID-Q | Psychopathology and Psychotherapy_ DSM-5 Diagnosis, Case | 3 | None