Bachelor of Science in Clinical Chaplaincy Psychotherapy

Degree abbreviation

B.S. in Faith-Based Clinical Chaplaincy Psychotherapy

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

Academic unit

HBIU College of Chaplaincy

Total credits

120

Duration

4 years

• Analyze foundational psychological theories and their application in supportive pastoral contexts.
• Evaluate diverse counseling methodologies to facilitate effective communication and crisis intervention.
• Integrate ethical reasoning and biblical stewardship into the practice of professional caregiving.
• Design comprehensive support plans that address the intersection of mental health and spiritual development.
• Demonstrate servant leadership through community engagement and service-learning initiatives.
• Communicate complex therapeutic concepts effectively across diverse populations and cultural contexts.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• PSY101
• Introduction to Psychology
• 3
• None
• ENG101
• Academic Writing and Rhetoric
• 3
• None
• THE100
• Foundations of Spiritual Formation
• 3
• None
• SOC101
• Introduction to Sociology
• 3
• None
• PSY101 — Introduction to Psychology: This course covers the foundational principles of behavioral science, exploring cognitive processes and human development. It provides the base for understanding human interaction. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ENG101 — Academic Writing and Rhetoric: Focuses on the development of clear, persuasive writing for professional and academic contexts. Students examine effective rhetorical strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE100 — Foundations of Spiritual Formation: Explores the historical and practical aspects of spiritual development and character maturity. Examines personal growth within a community context. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC101 — Introduction to Sociology: An examination of social structures, institutions, and their impact on individual behavior. Students analyze the role of community and culture. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• PSY202
• Lifespan Development
• 3
• PSY101
• COM105
• Interpersonal Communication
• 3
• None
• MAT201
• Statistics for Behavioral Sciences
• 3
• MAT100
• CHR150
• Ethics in Service
• 3
• THE100
• PSY202 — Lifespan Development: Explores the psychological and physical changes that occur from infancy to late adulthood. Emphasis is placed on developmental milestones. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM105 — Interpersonal Communication: Develops essential communication skills for building relationships in professional settings. Analyzes barriers to effective interaction. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MAT201 — Statistics for Behavioral Sciences: Introduces statistical methods and data analysis techniques used in social science research. Emphasizes interpretation of research findings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR150 — Ethics in Service: Provides an overview of ethical decision-making frameworks within a service-oriented context. Evaluates professional codes of conduct. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU210
• Introduction to Counseling Theory
• 3
• PSY101
• RES200
• Research Methods
• 3
• MAT201
• HIS250
• Global Perspectives on Community Care
• 3
• SOC101
• MIN220
• Foundations of Pastoral Care
• 4
• THE100
• COU210 — Introduction to Counseling Theory: Overview of major therapeutic models and their applications in supportive environments. Students evaluate the efficacy of various approaches. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES200 — Research Methods: Covers the process of designing and executing social science research projects. Focuses on ethical collection and analysis of data. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS250 — Global Perspectives on Community Care: Examines how different cultures approach support and healing throughout history. Analyzes the impact of tradition on modern systems. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN220 — Foundations of Pastoral Care: An introduction to the discipline of chaplaincy and the role of the caregiver in institutional settings. Students learn essential support protocols. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU301
• Crisis Intervention Strategies
• 3
• COU210
• PSY310
• Abnormal Psychology
• 3
• PSY101
• BUS305
• Nonprofit Organizational Stewardship
• 3
• None
• BIO210
• Human Biology and Health
• 3
• None
• COU301 — Crisis Intervention Strategies: Training in evidence-based methods for managing crises and providing immediate support. Students practice emergency response techniques. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY310 — Abnormal Psychology: Survey of the symptoms and etiologies of psychological disorders. Emphasizes understanding the human struggle within a support framework. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS305 — Nonprofit Organizational Stewardship: Analyzes the operational and financial management of nonprofit organizations. Focuses on resource allocation and long-term sustainability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BIO210 — Human Biology and Health: Explores the physiological aspects of the human body and health maintenance. Examines how biological health intersects with psychological well-being. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU350
• Counseling and Cultural Diversity
• 3
• COU210
• PSY320
• Grief, Loss, and Trauma
• 3
• PSY310
• MIN350
• Advanced Chaplaincy Practices
• 3
• MIN220
• EDU380
• Educational Design for Community Programs
• 3
• None
• COU350 — Counseling and Cultural Diversity: Examines the role of cultural competency in professional support services. Focuses on inclusive practices and demographic awareness. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY320 — Grief, Loss, and Trauma: Focuses on the psychological processing of trauma and loss in individuals and communities. Evaluates evidence-based support strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN350 — Advanced Chaplaincy Practices: Deepens technical knowledge in specific chaplaincy environments like hospitals and prisons. Students analyze complex institutional challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU380 — Educational Design for Community Programs: Covers the design and delivery of community workshops and support programs. Focuses on assessment and curriculum development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU410
• Group Dynamics and Facilitation
• 3
• COU210
• MGT320
• Leadership and Organizational Management
• 3
• BUS305
• RES400
• Applied Research and Evaluation
• 4
• RES200
• SOC420
• Social Justice and Community Advocacy
• 3
• SOC101
• COU410 — Group Dynamics and Facilitation: Explores the principles of group behavior and facilitation methods for support groups. Analyzes the impact of group dynamics on individuals. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT320 — Leadership and Organizational Management: Examines models of servant leadership in organizational settings. Focuses on managing teams and promoting ethical organizational culture. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES400 — Applied Research and Evaluation: Focuses on the practical application of research methods in organizational settings to measure impact. Emphasizes evaluation of program efficacy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC420 — Social Justice and Community Advocacy: Analyzes the sociological basis for advocacy and the systemic issues impacting vulnerable populations. Discusses equitable community engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 7 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU450
• Family Systems and Support
• 3
• COU210
• MIN480
• Ethics in Pastoral Counseling
• 3
• CHR150
• PSY440
• Psychology of Resilience
• 3
• PSY101
• HUM400
• Professional Ethics and Law
• 3
• CHR150
• COU450 — Family Systems and Support: Explores the dynamics of family systems and methods for facilitating supportive interactions. Examines the impact of change on family stability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN480 — Ethics in Pastoral Counseling: Addresses the unique ethical dilemmas in pastoral support, focusing on boundaries and confidentiality. Examines professional integrity in complex situations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY440 — Psychology of Resilience: Examines the cognitive and emotional factors that contribute to long-term resilience. Discusses strategies for supporting individual growth. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM400 — Professional Ethics and Law: Review of relevant legal standards and ethical requirements in social service professions. Discusses risk management and reporting requirements. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 8 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP490
• Senior Capstone Project
• 4
• Senior Status
• COU495
• Professional Readiness Seminar
• 3
• Senior Status
• SOC490
• Community Partnership and Development
• 3
• Senior Status
• MIN499
• Integrative Seminar in Faith and Service
• 3
• Senior Status
• CAP490 — Senior Capstone Project: The culminating project where students integrate their academic studies into a significant, faith-informed organizational contribution. Deliverables include research, implementation, and analysis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU495 — Professional Readiness Seminar: Provides preparation for entering the workforce, focusing on resumes, interviews, and portfolio development. Emphasizes alignment with institutional mission. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC490 — Community Partnership and Development: Investigates methods for building partnerships between nonprofit organizations and the community. Focuses on long-term project sustainability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN499 — Integrative Seminar in Faith and Service: A final synthesis of spiritual formation, ethics, and professional practice. Students reflect on their development and future vocational path. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or recognized equivalent, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Prospective students should demonstrate an interest in the intersection of psychology and faith-based service, typically evidenced by personal statements, recommendations from academic or community mentors, and a commitment to the mission of HBI University. Standardized test scores or additional documentation may be requested as part of the holistic review process to ensure academic readiness. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience, requiring students to synthesize their learning in psychology, counseling, and spiritual formation. Through this 4-credit endeavor, students design, implement, and evaluate a research-based intervention or service project focused on a contemporary challenge within a chosen chaplaincy or community context. The project mandates a scholarly analysis of institutional needs, theoretical application, and a reflective evaluation of personal professional development. This project integrates faith-based perspectives by requiring students to articulate how their work reflects biblical stewardship, ethical integrity, and a commitment to social justice. Students must demonstrate their readiness for professional service by articulating a sustainable framework for servant leadership within their chosen field. The final deliverable includes a comprehensive academic portfolio and a formal presentation that showcases both academic competence and the integration of faith-informed character development.

• To graduate with the Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Clinical Chaplaincy Psychotherapy, students must complete a total of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. All core requirements, including the Senior Capstone Project, must be passed with a grade of C or higher. Beyond academic success, students are expected to engage in consistent spiritual formation and community service as essential components of their growth in character and integrity.
• Graduation signifies not only the attainment of intellectual rigor but also a commitment to ethical service. Students must demonstrate alignment with institutional values, including the principles of servant leadership and compassion. By satisfying these requirements, graduates are prepared to enter their professional paths as individuals grounded in both academic excellence and the spiritual maturity necessary to lead and serve with integrity.
• Career Opportunities
• Institutional Chaplaincy Assistant
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Nonprofit Program Case Manager
• Faith-Based Social Service Coordinator
• Patient Advocacy Specialist
• Crisis Response Volunteer Coordinator
• Spiritual Care Associate
• 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 | B.S. in Faith-Based Clinical Chaplaincy Psychotherapy
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years
• General education | 36 credit hours
• Faith-based clinical chaplaincy psychotherapy core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours
• Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Rhetoric | 3 | None
• THE100 | Foundations of Spiritual Formation | 3 | None
• SOC101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY202 | Lifespan Development | 3 | PSY101
• COM105 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | None
• MAT201 | Statistics for Behavioral Sciences | 3 | MAT100
• CHR150 | Ethics in Service | 3 | THE100
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU210 | Introduction to Counseling Theory | 3 | PSY101
• RES200 | Research Methods | 3 | MAT201
• HIS250 | Global Perspectives on Community Care | 3 | SOC101
• MIN220 | Foundations of Pastoral Care | 4 | THE100
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU301 | Crisis Intervention Strategies | 3 | COU210
• PSY310 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 | PSY101
• BUS305 | Nonprofit Organizational Stewardship | 3 | None
• BIO210 | Human Biology and Health | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU350 | Counseling and Cultural Diversity | 3 | COU210
• PSY320 | Grief, Loss, and Trauma | 3 | PSY310
• MIN350 | Advanced Chaplaincy Practices | 3 | MIN220
• EDU380 | Educational Design for Community Programs | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU410 | Group Dynamics and Facilitation | 3 | COU210
• MGT320 | Leadership and Organizational Management | 3 | BUS305
• RES400 | Applied Research and Evaluation | 4 | RES200
• SOC420 | Social Justice and Community Advocacy | 3 | SOC101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU450 | Family Systems and Support | 3 | COU210
• MIN480 | Ethics in Pastoral Counseling | 3 | CHR150
• PSY440 | Psychology of Resilience | 3 | PSY101
• HUM400 | Professional Ethics and Law | 3 | CHR150
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | Senior Status
• COU495 | Professional Readiness Seminar | 3 | Senior Status
• SOC490 | Community Partnership and Development | 3 | Senior Status
• MIN499 | Integrative Seminar in Faith and Service | 3 | Senior Status