Master of Science in Faith-Based Clinical Psychology, Pastoral Care Administration

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.S. in Faith-Based Clinical Psychology, Pastoral Care Administration

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Clinical Psychology, Pastoral Care Administration 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 Psychology, Pastoral Care Administration is a specialized graduate program designed to equip practitioners with the advanced psychological knowledge and administrative acumen necessary to lead within mission-driven organizations. This curriculum bridges the gap between behavioral health science and organizational leadership, emphasizing the stewardship of human resources and the application of ethical psychological frameworks within diverse institutional settings. Students engage in rigorous academic inquiry that prioritizes evidence-based practice, operational integrity, and the development of sustainable, service-oriented systems. By combining clinical foundations with administrative theory, the program prepares graduates to manage complex delivery systems while maintaining a high standard of professional excellence and ethical responsibility. The curriculum is delivered through a blend of theoretical study and practical application, ensuring that graduates are well-positioned to address the multifaceted needs of individuals and communities in an increasingly challenging landscape.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in faith-based clinical psychology, pastoral care administration theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based clinical psychology, pastoral care administration-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based clinical psychology, pastoral care administration-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 culminating experience for the Master of Science program is a capstone project that serves as a synthesis of the student's clinical, administrative, and ethical training. Students are expected to design an original project that addresses a substantive problem or opportunity in a real-world organizational setting, demonstrating their ability to apply rigorous analytical methods to complex human service challenges. This project functions as a testament to the student's academic growth and their readiness to operate at a high level of professional competence.
• The project requires the integration of faith-based principles—specifically examining how stewardship, servant leadership, and biblical ethics inform administrative decision-making and psychological care delivery. Students must articulate how their work reflects their commitment to human dignity and spiritual integrity. The final deliverable consists of a formal written report and a presentation to faculty, confirming that the graduate possesses the capacity to lead with both intellectual precision and the moral depth required of a faith-informed professional.

Career Opportunities

• Pastoral Care Director
• Non-Profit Program Manager
• Human Services Administrator
• Faith-Based Counseling Center Coordinator
• Organizational Consultant for Religious Institutions
• Community Outreach Liaison
• Behavioral Health Advocacy 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 Psychology, Pastoral Care Administration
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Clinical Psychology, Pastoral Care Administration 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
• PSY 501 | Advanced Theoretical Foundations of Psychology | 4 | None
• MGT 510 | Administrative Leadership in Service Organizations | 4 | None
• RES 505 | Research Methods for Behavioral and Social Sciences | 3 | None
• THE 520 | Ethical Reasoning in Professional Practice | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU 530 | Foundations of Pastoral Care Administration | 4 | PSY 501
• PSY 540 | Psychosocial Development and Life Stages | 4 | PSY 501
• MGT 550 | Resource Development and Grant Writing | 3 | MGT 510
• COM 560 | Communicating Mission and Organizational Vision | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY 610 | Advanced Psychopathology and Support Systems | 4 | PSY 540
• COU 620 | Crisis Intervention and Conflict Management | 4 | COU 530
• MGT 630 | Human Resource Management for Faith-Based Organizations | 3 | MGT 510
• RES 640 | Advanced Evaluation and Program Assessment | 3 | RES 505
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP 690 | Graduate Capstone Project | 4 | RES 640
• MGT 650 | Strategic Planning for Organizational Sustainability | 4 | MGT 510
• PSY 660 | Diversity and Global Perspectives in Care | 3 | PSY 501
• THE 670 | Spiritual Formation and Professional Integrity | 3 | THE 520