Admission Requirements
Admission and entry requirements
To be considered for admission, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and submit GRE scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement outlining their interest in mental health counseling and the integration of Christian psychotherapy. Career Opportunities Licensed Professional Counselor Mental Health Consultant Trauma Care Specialist Christian Counselor Clinical Supervisor Substance Abuse Counselor School Counselor 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 Clinical Mental Health Counseling Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study Advanced Clinical Mental Health 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 CMHC 501 | Counseling Theories & Models | 3 | None CMHC 502 | Helping Skills & Techniques | 3 | None CMHC 503 | Professional Orientation, Ethics, & Law | 3 | None CMHC 504 | Human Growth & Development | 3 | None CPT 510 | Christian Psychotherapy Integration (Minor) | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites CMHC 511 | Multicultural Counseling & Advocacy | 3 | None CMHC 512 | Group Counseling | 3 | None CMHC 513 | Assessment & Appraisal | 3 | None CPT 520 | Christian Trauma Care Foundations (Minor) | 3 | None CMHC 521 | Psychopathology & Diagnosis | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites CMHC 522 | Research & Program Evaluation | 3 | None CMHC 523 | Career Counseling | 3 | None CPT 530 | Spiritual Assessment & Treatment Planning (Minor) | 3 | None CMHC 531 | Crisis Intervention & Suicide Assessment | 3 | None CMHC 532 | Addictions & Co-Occurring Disorders | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites CMHC 533 | Practicum | 3 | CMHC core courses completed CPT 540 | Christian Ethics in Clinical Practice (Minor) | 3 | None CMHC 541 | Internship I | 3 | Successful completion of core counseling courses CMHC 542 | Internship II | 3 | Completion of Internship I (CMHC 541) and relevant coursework in clinical mental health counseling. CMHC 543 | Advanced Clinical Skills Seminar | 3 | CMHC 500 or equivalent foundational course in counseling