Bachelor of Science in Divinity, Chaplaincy, Christian Counseling

Degree abbreviation

B.S. in Divinity, Chaplaincy, Christian Counseling

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 Seminary

Total credits

120

Duration

4 years

• Analyze foundational theological concepts and their historical implications on contemporary societal structures.
• Evaluate diverse psychological theories through an integrated framework of ethical reasoning and human development.
• Design effective organizational strategies for community-based outreach that prioritize servant leadership.
• Communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively across diverse cultural and social settings.
• Apply rigorous research methodologies to investigate contemporary social issues affecting non-profit and community institutions.
• Demonstrate spiritual maturity and character-driven leadership through consistent adherence to institutional and ethical standards.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ENG101
• Academic Writing and Rhetoric
• 3
• None
• THE101
• Foundations of Theology
• 3
• None
• PSY101
• Introduction to Psychology
• 3
• None
• SOC101
• Introduction to Sociology
• 3
• None
• ENG101 — Academic Writing and Rhetoric: This course focuses on developing proficiency in argumentative writing and scholarly communication. Students practice research and citation techniques. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE101 — Foundations of Theology: An introduction to the historical and philosophical development of theological thought. The course explores key texts and tradition. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY101 — Introduction to Psychology: Explores the fundamental principles of human behavior, cognition, and development. Emphasis is placed on empirical research methods. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC101 — Introduction to Sociology: Examination of human society, group interactions, and social structures. The course analyzes institutional dynamics and cultural change. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ENG102
• Research and Critical Thinking
• 3
• ENG101
• CHR105
• Spiritual Formation and Character
• 3
• None
• MAT110
• Statistical Methods in Social Sciences
• 3
• None
• COM101
• Principles of Communication
• 3
• None
• ENG102 — Research and Critical Thinking: Advanced training in information literacy and critical inquiry. Students synthesize multi-disciplinary sources to develop logical arguments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR105 — Spiritual Formation and Character: Explores the practice of character development and spiritual disciplines within a contemporary context. Students reflect on ethical living. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MAT110 — Statistical Methods in Social Sciences: Provides an overview of statistical analysis for research. Topics include data interpretation and research design. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM101 — Principles of Communication: Investigates effective interpersonal and organizational communication strategies. Focuses on clarity and professional discourse. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU201
• Foundations of Counseling
• 3
• PSY101
• THE210
• Biblical Studies and Hermeneutics
• 3
• THE101
• MGT200
• Organizational Leadership
• 3
• None
• HIS201
• History of Christian Thought
• 3
• THE101
• COU201 — Foundations of Counseling: Introduction to basic counseling theories and helping strategies. Emphasizes empathy, listening, and relational ethics. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE210 — Biblical Studies and Hermeneutics: Methods of interpreting texts through historical and literary lenses. Focuses on applying findings to modern practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT200 — Organizational Leadership: Analysis of leadership models in non-profit and community environments. Emphasizes stewardship and collaborative decision-making. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS201 — History of Christian Thought: Surveys the development of theological concepts from the early church to modernity. Examines historical shifts in practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU220
• Human Development Across the Lifespan
• 3
• PSY101
• MIN205
• Introduction to Chaplaincy
• 4
• None
• SOC215
• Community Outreach and Social Advocacy
• 3
• SOC101
• HUM250
• Cultural Diversity and Ethics
• 3
• None
• COU220 — Human Development Across the Lifespan: Examines physical, cognitive, and social development from birth to later life. Identifies key developmental milestones. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN205 — Introduction to Chaplaincy: Overview of the role of chaplains in institutional settings like hospitals and community centers. Explores the ethics of presence. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC215 — Community Outreach and Social Advocacy: Studies the dynamics of community organizing and social service provision. Focuses on identifying needs and mobilizing resources. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM250 — Cultural Diversity and Ethics: Explores how to operate ethically in diverse, multicultural environments. Focuses on respect and cross-cultural competence. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU305
• Crisis Intervention and Support
• 3
• COU201
• MIN310
• Pastoral Care and Leadership
• 3
• MIN205
• BUS315
• Non-profit Management
• 3
• MGT200
• RES300
• Applied Research Methodologies
• 4
• MAT110
• COU305 — Crisis Intervention and Support: Equips students with tools for providing support during times of crisis. Focuses on stabilizing environments and connecting to resources. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN310 — Pastoral Care and Leadership: Focuses on providing care and guidance in institutional settings. Emphasizes ethical decision-making in interpersonal relationships. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS315 — Non-profit Management: Explores the operational, financial, and legal aspects of running non-profit entities. Focuses on fiscal responsibility and stewardship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES300 — Applied Research Methodologies: Advanced course in designing research projects for social and community analysis. Focuses on gathering data for organizational improvement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU350
• Family Systems and Dynamics
• 3
• COU201
• THE320
• Ethics and Moral Theology
• 3
• THE101
• EDU305
• Facilitation and Curriculum Design
• 3
• None
• SOC350
• Urban Sociology and Social Needs
• 3
• SOC101
• COU350 — Family Systems and Dynamics: Examines family structures and their impact on individual behavior. Focuses on providing holistic support in community programs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE320 — Ethics and Moral Theology: Addresses complex ethical questions through theological and philosophical frameworks. Emphasizes professional integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU305 — Facilitation and Curriculum Design: Techniques for teaching and group facilitation in educational settings. Emphasizes accessible learning design. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC350 — Urban Sociology and Social Needs: Analysis of societal issues in urban contexts. Focuses on understanding poverty, migration, and infrastructure. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 7 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU410
• Advanced Counseling Theory
• 3
• COU201, COU305
• MIN420
• Advanced Chaplaincy and Advocacy
• 3
• MIN310
• MGT450
• Strategic Planning for Service Organizations
• 3
• BUS315
• SOC405
• Global Issues and Community Response
• 3
• SOC101
• COU410 — Advanced Counseling Theory: Critical evaluation of contemporary counseling models. Students apply these models to case studies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN420 — Advanced Chaplaincy and Advocacy: In-depth look at advocating for individuals within institutional structures. Focuses on policy and procedural navigation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT450 — Strategic Planning for Service Organizations: Focuses on long-term strategy, vision-casting, and mission alignment in professional settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC405 — Global Issues and Community Response: Examination of global trends and their local impacts. Analyzes how community organizations address large-scale challenges. 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
• RES300, Senior Standing
• COU480
• Professional Ethics in Practice
• 3
• THE320, COU410
• MIN495
• Faith and Public Policy
• 3
• None
• CHR499
• Integrative Seminar in Professional Identity
• 3
• Senior Standing
• CAP490 — Senior Capstone Project: Culminating experience involving an original, integrative research project addressing a community need through professional practice. Emphasizes character development and ethical application. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU480 — Professional Ethics in Practice: Integration of legal, moral, and institutional standards for practitioners. Focuses on ethical problem-solving in real-world scenarios. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN495 — Faith and Public Policy: Explores the role of service organizations in the context of public life and policy. Emphasizes stewardship and dialogue. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR499 — Integrative Seminar in Professional Identity: Synthesis of spiritual formation and professional preparation. Students reflect on their future roles as servants and leaders. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants for the Bachelor of Science in Divinity, Chaplaincy, and Christian Counseling must hold a high school diploma or its equivalent with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Candidates are expected to submit an essay detailing their commitment to academic excellence, service, and professional integrity. Proficiency in written and oral communication is essential, and applicants may be required to complete an interview with the admissions committee to assess alignment with the institution’s educational mission and expectations for professional formation. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience for the Bachelor of Science, requiring students to integrate their learning across divinity, counseling, and organizational management. Students are expected to identify a specific community-related challenge and develop a comprehensive, evidence-based solution that demonstrates both academic proficiency and an unwavering commitment to servant leadership. This project requires the synthesis of research findings, ethical deliberation, and practical application, resulting in a final written report and a formal presentation that reflects the student's mastery of the curriculum. The project is weighted at 4 credit hours and is evaluated based on the student's ability to articulate a coherent vision for community engagement that is informed by spiritual formation and a commitment to biblical stewardship. Students must demonstrate how their proposed solutions reflect a Christian worldview, emphasizing ethical integrity, social responsibility, and the capacity to foster human flourishing within their identified area of service. This experience ultimately serves as a bridge between undergraduate studies and the student's future contributions to professional and community life.

• Graduation from the Bachelor of Science program requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. In addition to academic coursework, students must demonstrate progress in personal and professional character development through participation in designated spiritual formation activities, community service requirements, and consistent attendance at institutional assemblies. These non-academic requirements are designed to ensure that students graduate with a balanced development of intellectual capacity and spiritual maturity.
• Students must complete all core, elective, and capstone requirements, ensuring that every credit hour contributes to a holistic understanding of their field. The faculty reviews the final Capstone Project to verify that the student has synthesized the core values of the institution into their professional framework. Upon final review of academic standing and commitment to the institution’s principles of integrity and service, the university confers the degree, signifying the graduate’s readiness for faith-informed service and ethical contributions to their community.
• Career Opportunities
• Non-profit Program Coordinator
• Community Outreach Manager
• Chaplaincy Assistant in Healthcare Settings
• Christian Counseling Support Specialist
• Church Educational Administrator
• Social Advocacy Strategist
• Volunteer Services Director
• 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 Divinity, Chaplaincy, Christian Counseling
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years
• General education | 36 credit hours
• Divinity, Chaplaincy, and Christian Counseling core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours
• Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Rhetoric | 3 | None
• THE101 | Foundations of Theology | 3 | None
• PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• SOC101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG102 | Research and Critical Thinking | 3 | ENG101
• CHR105 | Spiritual Formation and Character | 3 | None
• MAT110 | Statistical Methods in Social Sciences | 3 | None
• COM101 | Principles of Communication | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU201 | Foundations of Counseling | 3 | PSY101
• THE210 | Biblical Studies and Hermeneutics | 3 | THE101
• MGT200 | Organizational Leadership | 3 | None
• HIS201 | History of Christian Thought | 3 | THE101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU220 | Human Development Across the Lifespan | 3 | PSY101
• MIN205 | Introduction to Chaplaincy | 4 | None
• SOC215 | Community Outreach and Social Advocacy | 3 | SOC101
• HUM250 | Cultural Diversity and Ethics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU305 | Crisis Intervention and Support | 3 | COU201
• MIN310 | Pastoral Care and Leadership | 3 | MIN205
• BUS315 | Non-profit Management | 3 | MGT200
• RES300 | Applied Research Methodologies | 4 | MAT110
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU350 | Family Systems and Dynamics | 3 | COU201
• THE320 | Ethics and Moral Theology | 3 | THE101
• EDU305 | Facilitation and Curriculum Design | 3 | None
• SOC350 | Urban Sociology and Social Needs | 3 | SOC101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU410 | Advanced Counseling Theory | 3 | COU201, COU305
• MIN420 | Advanced Chaplaincy and Advocacy | 3 | MIN310
• MGT450 | Strategic Planning for Service Organizations | 3 | BUS315
• SOC405 | Global Issues and Community Response | 3 | SOC101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | RES300, Senior Standing
• COU480 | Professional Ethics in Practice | 3 | THE320, COU410
• MIN495 | Faith and Public Policy | 3 | None
• CHR499 | Integrative Seminar in Professional Identity | 3 | Senior Standing