Master of Science in Faith-Based Counseling

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.S. in Faith-Based Counseling

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based 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 Faith-Based Counseling is an advanced graduate program designed to equip students with a robust foundation in psychological theory, human development, and ethical practice. By integrating professional counseling competencies with a rigorous commitment to a Christian worldview, the program prepares graduates to address the complexities of human behavior and interpersonal conflict through a lens of servant leadership and stewardship. Students engage in critical inquiry, evidence-informed practice, and the application of ethical principles within diverse community contexts. Through a curriculum rooted in academic excellence and holistic development, the program fosters both scholarly research abilities and a deep sense of calling to support individuals and families in their pursuit of psychological and spiritual well-being.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based 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

Thesis Proposal and Design

• 2
• RES600
• CAP700
• Master's Thesis Project
• 6
• COU690
• MGT650
• Leadership in Non-Profit Organizations
• 2
• None
• COU680
• Professional Practice Seminar
• 2
• COU605
• COU690 — Thesis Proposal and Design: Students finalize their research proposal, including the methodology and literature review. This course facilitates the transition into the full implementation of the thesis projectThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CAP700 — Master's Thesis Project: The culminating project where students execute original research. It integrates faith-based ethical standards with academic rigor to address complex human behavioral issuesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MGT650 — Leadership in Non-Profit Organizations: Focuses on the administrative and servant-leadership skills required to manage community-facing organizations effectively. Emphasizes fiscal and moral stewardshipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COU680 — Professional Practice Seminar: A final seminar focused on the application of learned skills in real-world professional contexts. Discusses the transition to career service and continued professional developmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Master's Thesis serves as the culminating academic experience, requiring students to conduct original research on a topic relevant to the field of counseling. This project is designed to demonstrate the student's mastery of research methodology, critical thinking, and the ability to synthesize academic literature with the values of servant leadership and ethical stewardship. Students are expected to produce a formal document that contributes to the discourse on faith-informed practice in contemporary society. The thesis is worth 6 credits and acts as the definitive measure of the student's readiness for professional practice and advanced scholarship. Through this process, students demonstrate their ability to apply theoretical concepts to real-world concerns, ensuring that their work is both academically sound and grounded in a commitment to human flourishing. By integrating spiritual formation and ethical reasoning into their final output, students illustrate their capacity to serve as thoughtful leaders who approach professional challenges with character, integrity, and a clear sense of purpose.

Career Opportunities

• Community Resource Coordinator
• Faith-Based Non-Profit Administrator
• Family Support Specialist
• Educational Program Developer
• Human Services Consultant
• Pastoral Care Assistant
• Social Advocacy Researcher

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 Counseling
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based 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 Human Development | 4 | None
• COU505 | Professional Ethics and Stewardship | 4 | None
• PSY510 | Integrative Paradigms in Behavioral Science | 3 | None
• RES500 | Research Methods in Social Science | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU520 | Social and Cultural Perspectives | 4 | COU501
• COU525 | Crisis and Intervention Strategies | 4 | COU501
• PSY530 | Advanced Personality Theory | 4 | COU501
• COM510 | Communication and Conflict Resolution | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU605 | Group Dynamics and Facilitation | 4 | COU520
• COU610 | Family Systems and Dynamics | 4 | COU501
• RES600 | Advanced Data Analysis | 4 | RES500
• COU600 | Applied Ethics and Professional Identity | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU690 | Thesis Proposal and Design | 2 | RES600
• CAP700 | Master's Thesis Project | 6 | COU690
• MGT650 | Leadership in Non-Profit Organizations | 2 | None
• COU680 | Professional Practice Seminar | 2 | COU605