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Bachelor of Science in Christian Counseling, Specialization in Psychology

Academic unitHBIU College of Behavioral Social ScienceTotal credits120Estimated duration4 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.S. in Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Psychology

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Christian Counseling and Psychology core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Science in Christian Counseling & Psychology equips students with a solid understanding of psychological principles intertwined with Christian teachings. Over four years, students will develop skills in counseling, conflict resolution, and ethical decision-making, preparing them for roles that require a blend of psychological insight and spiritual sensitivity. The program emphasizes practical experience through internships and community service, enhancing students' readiness for the workforce. Graduates will gain a comprehensive view of human behavior through a Christian framework, valued by both secular and faith-based organizations.

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Psychology combines foundational general education with a comprehensive study of counseling theory, behavioral science, human development, professional ethics, research methodology, crisis awareness, referral protocols, program development, and community-based support structures.

Florida's current standard establishes a minimum of 120 semester credits for a bachelor's degree and at least 30 general-education credits for a Bachelor of Science. This curriculum exceeds the general-education minimum.

Program Facts

Program facts

Degree abbreviation
B.S. in Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Psychology
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 Behavioral Social Science
Total credits
120
Duration
4 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate understanding of psychological theories and their application in Christian counseling.
  • Apply effective counseling techniques in a diverse range of contexts.
  • Integrate biblical principles with psychological practices in counseling scenarios.
  • Critically evaluate mental health issues through a Christian lens.
  • Conduct research on psychological topics related to Christian counseling.
  • Exhibit ethical decision-making in counseling practices.
  • Communicate effectively and compassionately with clients from various backgrounds.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • PSYC 101
  • Introduction to Psychology
  • 3
  • None
  • COUC 102
  • An Introduction to Counseling
  • 3
  • None
  • PSYC 102
  • Human Learning Principles
  • 3
  • None
  • SOCI 102
  • Introduction to Sociology
  • 3
  • None
  • COUC 103
  • Counseling Techniques
  • 3
  • None
  • PSYC 101 — Introduction to Psychology: Comprehensive introduction to psychological concepts and theoriesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • COUC 102 — An Introduction to Counseling: Foundational course introducing counseling principles and practicesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • PSYC 102 — Human Learning Principles: Study of how humans learn and retain informationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • SOCI 102 — Introduction to Sociology: Fundamental concepts in sociologyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • COUC 103 — Counseling Techniques: Practical counseling methods and approachesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • PSYC 103
  • Human Growth & Development
  • 3
  • None
  • COUC 104
  • Christian Counseling
  • 3
  • None
  • PSYC 105
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • 3
  • None
  • COUC 106
  • Effective Counseling Techniques & Skills
  • 3
  • None
  • GEN 106
  • Introduction to College Research
  • 3
  • None
  • PSYC 103 — Human Growth & Development: Study of human development across the lifespanThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • COUC 104 — Christian Counseling: Integration of faith and counseling practiceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • PSYC 105 — Abnormal Psychology: Study of psychological disorders and mental illnessThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • COUC 106 — Effective Counseling Techniques & Skills: Advanced counseling skills developmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • GEN 106 — Introduction to College Research: Research skills for academic successThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • PSYC 106
  • Developmental Psychology
  • 3
  • None
  • PSYC 107
  • Psychology of Human Relationships
  • 3
  • None
  • GEN 108
  • Ethics & Moral Reasoning
  • 3
  • None
  • PSYC 108
  • Cultural Psychology
  • 3
  • None
  • PSYC 109
  • Research Methods I
  • 3
  • None
  • PSYC 106 — Developmental Psychology: Psychological development through life stagesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • PSYC 107 — Psychology of Human Relationships: Interpersonal relationships and social dynamicsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • GEN 108 — Ethics & Moral Reasoning: Ethical theory and moral decision-makingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • PSYC 108 — Cultural Psychology: Cultural influences on psychological processesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • PSYC 109 — Research Methods I: Introduction to psychological research methodologyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • PSYC 110
  • Physiology of Psychology
  • 3
  • None
  • MGIS 120
  • Introduction to Microcomputers
  • 3
  • None
  • COUC 201
  • Goal Setting in Psychotherapy & Counseling
  • 3
  • None
  • PSYC 201
  • Health Psychology
  • 3
  • None
  • COUC 202
  • Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy
  • 3
  • None
  • PSYC 110 — Physiology of Psychology: Biological foundations of behaviorThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • MGIS 120 — Introduction to Microcomputers: Basic computer literacy and applicationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • COUC 201 — Goal Setting in Psychotherapy & Counseling: Establishing and achieving therapeutic goalsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • PSYC 201 — Health Psychology: Psychological factors in physical healthThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • COUC 202 — Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy: Major theoretical approaches to counselingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 5 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • PSYC 202
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • 3
  • None
  • COUC 203
  • Applied Behavior Analysis
  • 3
  • None
  • PSYC 203
  • Parenting Psychology
  • 3
  • None
  • COUC 204
  • Addictions & Substance Abuse Counseling
  • 3
  • None
  • COUC 205
  • Vocational & Career Counseling
  • 3
  • None
  • PSYC 202 — Cognitive Psychology: Study of mental processes and cognitionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • COUC 203 — Applied Behavior Analysis: Behavioral modification techniques and applicationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • PSYC 203 — Parenting Psychology: Psychological aspects of parenting and familyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • COUC 204 — Addictions & Substance Abuse Counseling: Treatment of addiction and substance abuseThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • COUC 205 — Vocational & Career Counseling: Career development and vocational guidanceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 6 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • COUC 206
  • Counseling the Aging
  • 3
  • None
  • COUC 207
  • Clinical Assessment & Diagnosis
  • 3
  • None
  • PSYC 207
  • Community Psychology
  • 3
  • None
  • COUC 208
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • 3
  • None
  • PSYC 208
  • Social Psychology
  • 3
  • None
  • COUC 206 — Counseling the Aging: Counseling approaches for elderly populationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • COUC 207 — Clinical Assessment & Diagnosis: Assessment tools and diagnostic proceduresThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • PSYC 207 — Community Psychology: Psychology in community contextsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • COUC 208 — Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Theory and practice of CBTThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • PSYC 208 — Social Psychology: Social influences on behavior and thoughtThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 7 — Year 4
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • COUC 209
  • Group Counseling & Facilitation
  • 3
  • None
  • PSYC 209
  • Statistics for Psychology
  • 3
  • None
  • PSYC 210
  • Ethics & Professionalism in Psychotherapy
  • 3
  • None
  • SOCI 210
  • Foundations of Gerontology
  • 3
  • None
  • COUC 211
  • Crisis Intervention & Trauma Healing
  • 3
  • None
  • COUC 209 — Group Counseling & Facilitation: Group therapy techniques and leadershipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • PSYC 209 — Statistics for Psychology: Statistical methods in psychological researchThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • PSYC 210 — Ethics & Professionalism in Psychotherapy: Ethical standards and professional conductThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • SOCI 210 — Foundations of Gerontology: Study of aging and elderly populationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • COUC 211 — Crisis Intervention & Trauma Healing: Emergency counseling and trauma treatmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 8 — Year 4
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • COUC 213
  • Integrating Theology & Counseling
  • 3
  • None
  • COUC 214
  • Neuropsychology & Spiritual Healing
  • 3
  • None
  • COUC 215
  • Child & Adolescent Christian Counseling
  • 3
  • None
  • GEN 309
  • Biology of Clinical Counseling
  • 3
  • None
  • GEN 310
  • Cross-Cultural Communication in Counseling
  • 3
  • None
  • COUC 213 — Integrating Theology & Counseling: Integration of faith and therapeutic practiceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • COUC 214 — Neuropsychology & Spiritual Healing: Brain-behavior relationships and spiritual approachesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • COUC 215 — Child & Adolescent Christian Counseling: Counseling youth from a faith perspectiveThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • GEN 309 — Biology of Clinical Counseling: Biological bases of mental healthThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • GEN 310 — Cross-Cultural Communication in Counseling: Multicultural counseling competenciesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Prospective students must have a high school diploma or equivalent, with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Additionally, applicants may be required to submit letters of recommendation and a personal statement reflecting their interest in counseling and psychology. Career Opportunities Christian counselor School counselor Marriage and family therapist Mental health coordinator in faith-based organizations Substance abuse counselor Life coach Community service manager Psychological 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 | B.S. in Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Psychology Total program length | 120 semester credit hours Normal completion time | Four academic years General education | 36 credit hours Faith-Based Christian Counseling and Psychology core | 63 credit hours Professional application courses | 15 credit hours Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites PSYC 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None COUC 102 | An Introduction to Counseling | 3 | None PSYC 102 | Human Learning Principles | 3 | None SOCI 102 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None COUC 103 | Counseling Techniques | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites PSYC 103 | Human Growth & Development | 3 | None COUC 104 | Christian Counseling | 3 | None PSYC 105 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 | None COUC 106 | Effective Counseling Techniques & Skills | 3 | None GEN 106 | Introduction to College Research | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites PSYC 106 | Developmental Psychology | 3 | None PSYC 107 | Psychology of Human Relationships | 3 | None GEN 108 | Ethics & Moral Reasoning | 3 | None PSYC 108 | Cultural Psychology | 3 | None PSYC 109 | Research Methods I | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites PSYC 110 | Physiology of Psychology | 3 | None MGIS 120 | Introduction to Microcomputers | 3 | None COUC 201 | Goal Setting in Psychotherapy & Counseling | 3 | None PSYC 201 | Health Psychology | 3 | None COUC 202 | Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites PSYC 202 | Cognitive Psychology | 3 | None COUC 203 | Applied Behavior Analysis | 3 | None PSYC 203 | Parenting Psychology | 3 | None COUC 204 | Addictions & Substance Abuse Counseling | 3 | None COUC 205 | Vocational & Career Counseling | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites COUC 206 | Counseling the Aging | 3 | None COUC 207 | Clinical Assessment & Diagnosis | 3 | None PSYC 207 | Community Psychology | 3 | None COUC 208 | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) | 3 | None PSYC 208 | Social Psychology | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites COUC 209 | Group Counseling & Facilitation | 3 | None PSYC 209 | Statistics for Psychology | 3 | None PSYC 210 | Ethics & Professionalism in Psychotherapy | 3 | None SOCI 210 | Foundations of Gerontology | 3 | None COUC 211 | Crisis Intervention & Trauma Healing | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites COUC 213 | Integrating Theology & Counseling | 3 | None COUC 214 | Neuropsychology & Spiritual Healing | 3 | None COUC 215 | Child & Adolescent Christian Counseling | 3 | None GEN 309 | Biology of Clinical Counseling | 3 | None GEN 310 | Cross-Cultural Communication in Counseling | 3 | None

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Christian counselor
  • School counselor
  • Marriage and family therapist
  • Mental health coordinator in faith-based organizations
  • Substance abuse counselor
  • Life coach
  • Community service manager
  • Psychological researcher

Additional Official Information

Additional source information

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 Christian Counseling, Psychology
  • Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Four academic years