Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Specialization in Clinical Chaplaincy Psychotherapy

Degree abbreviation

B.S. in Faith-Based Psychology, Specialization in 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

Specialization / Minor

Clinical Chaplaincy Psychotherapy

• Analyze psychological theories and their application to diverse human experiences and behavioral contexts.
• Evaluate ethical dilemmas within the human services field using a framework of stewardship and character-informed decision-making.
• Demonstrate advanced communication skills for providing empathetic support within various clinical and organizational settings.
• Apply research methodologies to assess the efficacy of community support programs and institutional interventions.
• Design holistic service strategies that integrate psychological wellness with organizational mission goals.
• Interpret human development stages through a lens of spiritual formation and communal engagement.
• Communicate complex behavioral science concepts effectively to diverse stakeholders and community members.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ENG101
• Academic Composition
• 3
• None
• MAT101
• Quantitative Reasoning
• 3
• None
• PSY101
• Introduction to Psychology
• 3
• None
• THE101
• Foundations of Spiritual Formation
• 3
• None
• ENG101 — Academic Composition: This course focuses on developing clear, professional writing skills through research and critical analysis. Students practice structure, grammar, and argument development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MAT101 — Quantitative Reasoning: This course covers foundational mathematics, statistical literacy, and logical reasoning for social science applications. It emphasizes real-world data interpretation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY101 — Introduction to Psychology: An introduction to the science of behavior and mental processes, covering major psychological theories and perspectives. Students explore core principles of psychological research. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE101 — Foundations of Spiritual Formation: This course explores the principles of character development, spiritual practice, and ethical living. Students reflect on the personal integration of faith and service. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ENG102
• Advanced Research Writing
• 3
• ENG101
• PSY150
• Human Development
• 3
• PSY101
• SOC101
• Introduction to Sociology
• 3
• None
• COM120
• Professional Communication
• 3
• None
• ENG102 — Advanced Research Writing: An extension of composition focusing on formal research methodologies and technical documentation. Students produce long-form academic arguments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY150 — Human Development: This course examines the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial changes across the human lifespan. It highlights the various factors influencing individual maturation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC101 — Introduction to Sociology: An introduction to the sociological perspective, analyzing social structures, institutions, and cultural dynamics. Students examine the impact of community systems on human behavior. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM120 — Professional Communication: Focuses on interpersonal communication, public speaking, and digital interaction in professional settings. Emphasizes active listening and conflict management. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• PSY210
• Social Psychology
• 3
• PSY101
• BIO200
• Biology and Human Wellness
• 4
• None
• COU201
• Fundamentals of Counseling
• 3
• PSY101
• HIS210
• History of Social Reform
• 3
• None
• PSY210 — Social Psychology: Explores how individuals are influenced by the social environment, focusing on group dynamics, prejudice, and social cognition. Students evaluate social interactions in diverse groups. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BIO200 — Biology and Human Wellness: An introduction to biological systems, neurobiology, and their relationship to psychological health and physical well-being. Includes laboratory observation and analysis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU201 — Fundamentals of Counseling: Covers basic counseling theories, rapport building, and supportive listening skills. Emphasizes non-directive, empathetic engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS210 — History of Social Reform: A study of social justice movements and the historical development of institutional care and support systems. Students analyze the impact of historical reform efforts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• PSY250
• Personality Theory
• 3
• PSY101
• COU220
• Crisis Intervention Strategies
• 3
• COU201
• BUS250
• Nonprofit Administration
• 3
• None
• CHR200
• Ethics in Service
• 3
• None
• PSY250 — Personality Theory: A survey of classic and contemporary theories of personality, examining individual differences and psychological stability. Students analyze different frameworks for understanding character. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU220 — Crisis Intervention Strategies: Explores methods for providing support during acute stress and traumatic events. Focuses on stabilization techniques and professional boundaries. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS250 — Nonprofit Administration: Provides an overview of organizational structures, financial management, and service delivery in the nonprofit sector. Emphasizes stewardship and resource management. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR200 — Ethics in Service: Examines ethical codes and moral decision-making within the context of helping professions. Students apply ethical principles to real-world dilemmas. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES301
• Research Methods in Social Science
• 4
• MAT101
• PSY310
• Cognitive Psychology
• 3
• PSY101
• COU305
• Theories of Group Support
• 3
• COU201
• MIN310
• Servant Leadership in Community
• 3
• None
• RES301 — Research Methods in Social Science: Covers qualitative and quantitative research design, data collection, and ethical considerations in research. Students propose an original study. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY310 — Cognitive Psychology: Studies the mental processes of memory, language, and problem-solving. Analyzes how cognition impacts decision-making and daily functioning. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU305 — Theories of Group Support: Focuses on the dynamics of group interactions and strategies for facilitating support groups. Discusses leadership styles and group maintenance. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN310 — Servant Leadership in Community: Examines the characteristics and application of servant leadership within professional and community environments. Focuses on fostering collaboration and volunteer engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU350
• Clinical Chaplaincy Foundations
• 3
• COU201
• PSY360
• Abnormal Psychology Concepts
• 3
• PSY101
• EDU320
• Educational Psychology
• 3
• PSY101
• HUM350
• Worldviews and Culture
• 3
• None
• COU350 — Clinical Chaplaincy Foundations: Introduces the role of the chaplain in institutional settings, focusing on spiritual care and professional presence. Covers interdisciplinary collaboration and patient advocacy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY360 — Abnormal Psychology Concepts: A critical overview of behavioral health conditions using standard diagnostic frameworks and conceptual models of impairment. Focuses on supportive intervention frameworks. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU320 — Educational Psychology: Explores how people learn, instructional design, and strategies for providing information in supportive roles. Emphasizes tailoring communication to the audience. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM350 — Worldviews and Culture: Analyzes the impact of belief systems and cultural values on individual and community perceptions of health. Promotes cross-cultural sensitivity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 7 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU410
• Grief and Loss Support
• 3
• COU201
• COU420
• Systems of Family Support
• 3
• COU201
• RES400
• Capstone Proposal Seminar
• 3
• RES301
• MGT410
• Strategic Community Planning
• 4
• BUS250
• COU410 — Grief and Loss Support: Addresses the psychological and spiritual dimensions of loss and bereavement. Students explore supportive communication strategies for individuals in mourning. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU420 — Systems of Family Support: Examines family dynamics and systemic interventions to promote wellness. Focuses on functional communication and relational health. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES400 — Capstone Proposal Seminar: Students refine their research questions and finalize the methodology for their senior capstone projects. Includes peer reviews and faculty feedback. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT410 — Strategic Community Planning: Focuses on needs assessment, program design, and impact evaluation for community organizations. Students create a comprehensive service plan. 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
• RES400
• COU450
• Advanced Chaplaincy Practicum
• 3
• COU350
• PSY450
• Contemporary Issues in Psychology
• 3
• PSY101
• THE450
• Synthesis of Faith and Profession
• 3
• None
• CAP490 — Senior Capstone Project: The final integration of psychological theories, chaplaincy skills, and ethical reasoning through a major community-based research or program project. Culminates in a presentation of findings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU450 — Advanced Chaplaincy Practicum: Provides supervised observation in a clinical or community setting. Emphasizes reflection on professional identity and ethical caregiving. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY450 — Contemporary Issues in Psychology: A senior seminar analyzing current trends, research, and dilemmas in the field of behavioral science. Discusses emerging practices and challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE450 — Synthesis of Faith and Profession: A final synthesis course examining the vocational application of faith, integrity, and social justice in the workplace. Prepares students for professional roles. 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 grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. The admissions process includes a review of academic transcripts, a personal statement reflecting on the applicant's commitment to ethical service, and two letters of recommendation from professional or academic references. Candidates are expected to demonstrate basic competency in English composition and mathematics prior to beginning major-specific coursework. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience for the degree, requiring students to synthesize their learning through the development of a comprehensive project addressing a specific challenge in a community or chaplaincy-oriented context. Students are expected to produce an original research paper or a strategic program proposal that integrates psychological theory, ethical reasoning, and a commitment to servant leadership. This project requires an in-depth analysis of how a faith-informed perspective enhances the efficacy of human service delivery. Graded at 4 credits, the capstone demands rigorous application of research skills and an evaluation of the intersection between clinical care and community stewardship. Students must demonstrate their ability to apply biblical stewardship and ethical integrity to their proposed solutions. The project culminates in a formal presentation that reflects both academic competence and a commitment to faith-informed character development, documenting the student’s readiness to contribute positively to nonprofit and organizational missions.

• To qualify for graduation, students must successfully complete 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. All students must fulfill the core curriculum, major-specific requirements, and achieve a passing grade in the Senior Capstone Project. Beyond academic proficiency, students are expected to engage in consistent spiritual formation through community service hours, weekly chapel participation, and the completion of dedicated courses focused on the integration of faith and ethics.
• Graduation signifies not only the achievement of academic goals but also a dedication to the principles of servant leadership and ethical integrity. Students must demonstrate readiness for faith-informed service by modeling conduct consistent with institutional values, proving they have matured intellectually and spiritually throughout the course of their undergraduate study.
• Career Opportunities
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Nonprofit Program Assistant
• Faith-Based Social Services Specialist
• Chaplaincy Department Support Associate
• Behavioral Health Technician
• Conflict Resolution Specialist
• Pastoral Care Administrative Liaison
• 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 Psychology, Specialization in Clinical Chaplaincy Psychotherapy
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years
• General education | 36 credit hours
• Faith-Based Psychology and Clinical Chaplaincy core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours
• Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG101 | Academic Composition | 3 | None
• MAT101 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | None
• PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• THE101 | Foundations of Spiritual Formation | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG102 | Advanced Research Writing | 3 | ENG101
• PSY150 | Human Development | 3 | PSY101
• SOC101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• COM120 | Professional Communication | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY210 | Social Psychology | 3 | PSY101
• BIO200 | Biology and Human Wellness | 4 | None
• COU201 | Fundamentals of Counseling | 3 | PSY101
• HIS210 | History of Social Reform | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY250 | Personality Theory | 3 | PSY101
• COU220 | Crisis Intervention Strategies | 3 | COU201
• BUS250 | Nonprofit Administration | 3 | None
• CHR200 | Ethics in Service | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES301 | Research Methods in Social Science | 4 | MAT101
• PSY310 | Cognitive Psychology | 3 | PSY101
• COU305 | Theories of Group Support | 3 | COU201
• MIN310 | Servant Leadership in Community | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU350 | Clinical Chaplaincy Foundations | 3 | COU201
• PSY360 | Abnormal Psychology Concepts | 3 | PSY101
• EDU320 | Educational Psychology | 3 | PSY101
• HUM350 | Worldviews and Culture | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU410 | Grief and Loss Support | 3 | COU201
• COU420 | Systems of Family Support | 3 | COU201
• RES400 | Capstone Proposal Seminar | 3 | RES301
• MGT410 | Strategic Community Planning | 4 | BUS250
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | RES400
• COU450 | Advanced Chaplaincy Practicum | 3 | COU350
• PSY450 | Contemporary Issues in Psychology | 3 | PSY101
• THE450 | Synthesis of Faith and Profession | 3 | None