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

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

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

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Divinity — Chaplaincy, Counseling, Psychotherapy 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 Divinity with a major in Chaplaincy, Counseling, and Psychotherapy is a rigorous graduate program designed to equip students with a robust foundation in theological study alongside advanced competencies in pastoral care and psychosocial support. The curriculum addresses the intersection of spiritual formation and behavioral health, emphasizing the role of the chaplain and counselor in fostering resilience, ethical stewardship, and compassionate service within diverse institutional settings. Students engage in multidisciplinary study that balances scholarly research with practical application, ensuring that graduates are prepared to address the complex needs of individuals and communities through a lens of informed, servant-led care. This program fosters intellectual growth alongside personal character development, providing a comprehensive framework for those called to professional ministry and therapeutic support roles. By integrating theoretical foundations in psychology and theology, students learn to navigate the complexities of human suffering and institutional dynamics with integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in Divinity — Chaplaincy, Counseling, Psychotherapy theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and divinity — chaplaincy, counseling, psychotherapy-support services.

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

Program Details

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

Capstone Project

• 6
• RES510, THE525
• COU650
• Integration of Faith and Behavioral Health
• 3
• COU601
• MIN655
• Global Community Engagement
• 3
• MIN515
• COM660
• Professional Communication and Advocacy
• 2
• None
• CAP690 — Capstone Project: This is the culminating experience where students integrate all program learning into a major project. Students will research, design, and present an original contribution to their field. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU650 — Integration of Faith and Behavioral Health: Students synthesize their theological and psychological education to develop a unique framework for care. The course emphasizes practical application in diverse professional settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN655 — Global Community Engagement: This course examines the role of faith-based leaders in fostering community development on a global scale. It addresses cultural competency and social justice advocacy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM660 — Professional Communication and Advocacy: This course focuses on effective communication and advocacy skills for professional leaders. It covers public speaking, writing, and professional networking within institutional contexts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Master’s Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience for the M.Div. degree, requiring students to demonstrate mastery in their chosen concentration of chaplaincy, counseling, or psychotherapy. Students are expected to complete a comprehensive project that addresses a substantive problem or opportunity within a ministry or community organization, applying advanced research methodologies and ethical reasoning. The project must articulate a clear integration of biblical principles and professional best practices, demonstrating how the student’s academic training informs their approach to leadership and care. This experience requires students to reflect on their own spiritual development, emphasizing how their faith-informed character drives their commitment to service. Through the synthesis of scholarly research and applied fieldwork, the capstone provides a platform for students to demonstrate their professional readiness and dedication to excellence. This project is a 6-credit requirement that underscores the student's capacity to serve as an ethical leader in their community. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Career Opportunities

• Institutional Chaplain in healthcare or correctional facilities
• Pastoral Counselor in a ministry or clinical setting
• Nonprofit Administrator for faith-based social services
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Organizational Consultant for religious and charitable entities
• Spiritual Care Specialist in hospice or senior living centers
• Educational Leader in a faith-based institution

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 Divinity — Major in Chaplaincy, Counseling, Psychotherapy
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Divinity — Chaplaincy, Counseling, Psychotherapy 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 | Theological Foundations for Ministry | 4 | None
• COU505 | Theories of Counseling | 4 | None
• RES510 | Graduate Research Methods | 3 | None
• MIN515 | Foundations of Servant Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU520 | Crisis Intervention and Pastoral Care | 4 | COU505
• THE525 | Ethics in Professional Practice | 4 | THE501
• SOC530 | Sociology of Community and Family | 3 | None
• MIN535 | Spiritual Formation and Wholeness | 3 | THE501
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU601 | Advanced Pastoral Counseling | 4 | COU520
• CHR605 | Chaplaincy in Institutional Settings | 4 | COU520
• MGT610 | Nonprofit Resource Stewardship | 3 | MIN515
• COU615 | Grief and Trauma Counseling | 3 | COU505
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP690 | Capstone Project | 6 | RES510, THE525
• COU650 | Integration of Faith and Behavioral Health | 3 | COU601
• MIN655 | Global Community Engagement | 3 | MIN515
• COM660 | Professional Communication and Advocacy | 2 | None