Master of Science in Faith-Based Clinical Pastoral Education

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.S. in Faith-Based Clinical Pastoral Education

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Clinical Pastoral Education 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 Clinical Pastoral Education is a rigorous graduate program designed to integrate advanced psychosocial theory with compassionate, ministry-focused care. Students engage in a comprehensive curriculum that bridges clinical methodology, interpersonal communication, and organizational leadership, emphasizing the stewardship of human potential in diverse service contexts. Through scholarly inquiry and reflective practice, the program prepares graduates to serve effectively in institutional settings requiring both technical competence and deep ethical commitment.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in Faith-Based Clinical Pastoral Education theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based clinical pastoral education-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based clinical pastoral education-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’s Thesis serves as the culminating scholarly endeavor, requiring students to conduct original research or develop a specialized project addressing a significant issue within faith-based clinical care. This project necessitates the synthesis of academic research, clinical observation, and theological reflection, demonstrating the student's ability to apply advanced theory to real-world community needs. Students must produce a rigorous document and a formal oral defense that reflects their mastery of the field and their capacity for sustained scholarly contribution.
• Beyond technical proficiency, the thesis acts as a vehicle for demonstrating faith-informed character development, requiring students to articulate how their work embodies principles of biblical stewardship, servant leadership, and ethical integrity. By integrating spiritual reflection with professional practice, the project illustrates the student's readiness to serve as a bridge between academic excellence and community flourishing, ensuring their professional legacy is marked by both intellectual rigor and personal spiritual depth.

Career Opportunities

• Institutional Chaplain
• Nonprofit Program Director
• Faith-Based Community Liaison
• Pastoral Care Coordinator
• Organizational Ethics Consultant
• Crisis Support Manager
• Ministry Development Specialist

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 Clinical Pastoral Education
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Clinical Pastoral Education 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 Human Development | 4 | None
• RES505 | Research Methods in Human Services | 4 | None
• THE510 | Theology of Human Stewardship | 4 | None
• COU515 | Professional Ethics and Law | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU520 | Interpersonal Communication and Conflict Resolution | 4 | COU501
• MIN525 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 4 | None
• COU530 | Crisis Intervention Strategies | 4 | COU501
• EDU535 | Curriculum Design for Community Education | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU601 | Group Facilitation and Dynamics | 4 | COU520
• RES605 | Advanced Analytical Writing | 4 | RES505
• MIN610 | Spiritual Formation and Mentorship | 4 | THE510
• COU615 | Systems Thinking and Community Health | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP699 | Master's Thesis Project | 4 | RES605
• COU650 | Advanced Clinical Pastoral Consultation | 2 | COU601
• BUS655 | Nonprofit Administration and Operations | 2 | None
• COU660 | Cultural Humility in Practice | 2 | None