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

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.S. in Christian Counseling Specialization in Psychology & Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Christian Counseling Specialization in Psychology & 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 Science in Christian Counseling with a specialization in Psychology and Clinical Mental Health Counseling is an advanced academic program designed to bridge the gap between psychological theory and faith-informed professional practice. Students engage in a rigorous exploration of mental health interventions, developmental psychology, and therapeutic techniques within a framework of ethical stewardship and compassionate care. The curriculum emphasizes the application of evidence-based clinical practices while maintaining a focus on the holistic development of the individual.

Building upon a foundation of psychological science, this program prepares graduates to operate within diverse organizational settings where emotional and mental well-being are paramount. Through a commitment to servant leadership, the program cultivates professionals who are equipped to address complex human needs with empathy, intellectual rigor, and integrity. Students are encouraged to integrate their professional competencies with a robust ethical worldview to serve as agents of transformation in their respective communities.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A christian counseling specialization in psychology & 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

Capstone Integration Project

• 3
• RES500, COU610
• COU650 — Career Development and Counseling: The study of career development theories and their application in counseling sessions. Students learn how to assist individuals in achieving their professional potential through stewardship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU660 — Advanced Clinical Supervision: An exploration of the supervisory role in clinical settings. This course covers models of supervision and the development of junior clinicians. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU670 — Community Mental Health Advocacy: This course focuses on the role of the clinician in community development and policy advocacy. It emphasizes the importance of servant leadership in addressing community health issues. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP699 — Capstone Integration Project: A culminating academic project requiring students to synthesize their learning and demonstrate clinical application. Students develop a comprehensive proposal or research study that serves the mission of an existing community or faith-based organization. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Capstone Project serves as the final, integrative experience for the Master of Science in Christian Counseling. Students are required to design and implement a scholarly project that addresses a critical issue in the field of mental health, reflecting their synthesis of clinical knowledge, research methodology, and a Christian worldview. The project demonstrates the student's ability to navigate ethical complexities while maintaining a focus on stewardship and servant leadership.
• Expected deliverables include a formal research paper and an oral defense that demonstrates critical analysis and academic rigor. The project must explicitly address how the proposed intervention aligns with the student's faith-informed character development, demonstrating an ability to serve as a bridge between clinical best practices and community health needs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Career Opportunities

• Mental Health Counselor in non-profit settings
• Clinical Program Coordinator for community agencies
• Faith-based organizational outreach specialist
• Human Services Consultant
• Family Support Liaison
• Behavioral Health Administrator
• Educational Counselor in private institutions

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 Christian Counseling Specialization in Psychology & Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Christian Counseling Specialization in Psychology & 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
• COU501 | Foundations of Clinical Mental Health | 4 | None
• PSY510 | Lifespan Development | 4 | None
• COU520 | Ethical and Legal Issues in Counseling | 4 | None
• RES500 | Research Methods in Social Sciences | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU530 | Counseling Theories and Applications | 4 | COU501
• PSY540 | Psychopathology and Diagnosis | 4 | PSY510
• COU550 | Group Counseling Dynamics | 4 | COU530
• THE600 | Integration of Faith and Clinical Practice | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU610 | Crisis Intervention and Trauma | 4 | PSY540
• COU620 | Multicultural Counseling | 4 | COU501
• COU630 | Family and Systems Therapy | 4 | COU530
• COU640 | Addiction Counseling and Recovery | 3 | PSY540
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU650 | Career Development and Counseling | 3 | None
• COU660 | Advanced Clinical Supervision | 3 | COU501
• COU670 | Community Mental Health Advocacy | 3 | COU610
• CAP699 | Capstone Integration Project | 3 | RES500, COU610