Master of Science in Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Life Coaching

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.S. in Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Life Coaching

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Life Coaching 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 Faith-Based Christian Counseling and Life Coaching is a comprehensive graduate program designed to integrate advanced behavioral science principles with ethical, faith-based practice. The curriculum emphasizes the development of professional competencies in communication, interpersonal development, and community stewardship, equipping students to support individuals through life transitions and personal growth. By blending psychological frameworks with the tenets of Christian service and ethical leadership, the program prepares graduates to serve in diverse community and organizational contexts. Students engage in rigorous scholarly inquiry, examining the intersections of human behavior and spiritual formation within the context of servant leadership. The program emphasizes the practical application of theory to real-world challenges, fostering an environment of collaborative learning and intellectual excellence. By focusing on holistic development, the curriculum ensures that students are prepared to address complex interpersonal needs with integrity and academic rigor.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based christian counseling, life coaching-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 Thesis Project

• 4
• RES505
• COU620
• Professional Ethics and Law
• 4
• THE510
• EDU625
• Designing Educational Workshops
• 4
• COU530
• COM630
• Strategic Organizational Communication
• 4
• COU515
• CAP699 — Capstone Thesis Project: The culminating project requiring the development of a comprehensive intervention or organizational study. Students defend their research and application findings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU620 — Professional Ethics and Law: An analysis of legal standards and ethical considerations within the behavioral science field. Focus is placed on maintaining professional boundaries and confidentiality. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU625 — Designing Educational Workshops: Provides skills for creating and facilitating educational programs for community groups. Students design curricula that meet specific audience needs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM630 — Strategic Organizational Communication: Focuses on communication strategies for internal and external organizational branding and mission outreach. Students learn to effectively communicate institutional goals. 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, requiring students to integrate and apply the knowledge gained throughout the program. Students will identify a specific community or organizational challenge and develop a comprehensive, research-informed intervention or coaching framework. This project demands a high level of scholarly rigor, requiring students to substantiate their work with current literature while applying principles of ethical reasoning and Christian worldview reflection.
• In addition to academic deliverables, such as a formal manuscript and a capstone presentation, students must reflect on the spiritual formation and character development aspects of their work. This component asks students to articulate how they have applied biblical stewardship and servant leadership principles to their chosen project. Through this process, students demonstrate that they are capable of bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical, faith-informed service, ensuring their contributions are both academically sound and ethically aligned with institutional values.

Career Opportunities

• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Nonprofit Program Manager
• Life Coach
• Church Ministry Administrator
• Academic Student Services Advisor
• Christian Education Coordinator
• Human Services Coordinator

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, Life Coaching
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Life Coaching 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 Behavioral Science | 4 | None
• RES505 | Research Methods in Social Science | 4 | None
• THE510 | Christian Worldview and Ethics | 4 | None
• COU515 | Interpersonal Communication Strategies | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU520 | Theories of Human Development | 4 | COU501
• MGT525 | Leadership in Nonprofit Organizations | 4 | None
• COU530 | Coaching Methods and Techniques | 4 | COU515
• MIN535 | Spiritual Formation and Mentorship | 4 | THE510
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU601 | Conflict Resolution and Mediation | 4 | COU515
• SOC605 | Social Systems and Community Engagement | 4 | RES505
• COU610 | Advanced Life Coaching Practicum | 4 | COU530
• BUS615 | Fiscal Stewardship and Resource Development | 4 | MGT525
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP699 | Capstone Thesis Project | 4 | RES505
• COU620 | Professional Ethics and Law | 4 | THE510
• EDU625 | Designing Educational Workshops | 4 | COU530
• COM630 | Strategic Organizational Communication | 4 | COU515