Certificate in Faith Based Grief, Bereavement Counseling

Total program length

18 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Six to nine months

General education

Not required

Professional application courses

3 credit hours

Academic unit

HBIU Training Institute

Total credits

18

Duration

1 years

• Analyze the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of the grief process using established theoretical models.
• Evaluate the impact of diverse cultural and theological perspectives on an individual's experience of loss.
• Demonstrate active listening and empathetic communication techniques suitable for pastoral and community-based support environments.
• Apply ethical principles and boundaries when engaging in supportive roles within faith-based and community organizations.
• Integrate spiritual formation practices into the framework of support to address the existential needs of the bereaved.
• Design a comprehensive, community-focused initiative that addresses bereavement support needs through a servant-leadership model.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU101
• Foundations of Human Development
• 2
• None
• PSY105
• Psychology of Resilience and Human Service
• 2
• None
• PSY210
• Principles of Grief and Loss
• 2
• None
• COM220
• Empathetic Communication
• 3
• None
• COU101 — Foundations of Human Development: This course explores the lifespan stages of human development with a focus on cognitive and emotional maturation. Students examine how life transitions influence psychological health and relational dynamics. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY105 — Psychology of Resilience and Human Service: This course examines the psychological mechanisms of resilience and the cognitive processing of personal adversity. Students analyze service-oriented behaviors through the lens of positive psychology and social responsibility. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY210 — Principles of Grief and Loss: This course examines the psychological and physical manifestations of bereavement across different developmental stages. Students learn to distinguish between healthy adaptation to loss and more complex psychological needs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM220 — Empathetic Communication: This course focuses on the development of active listening, non-verbal cues, and supportive dialogue within interpersonal settings. Students practice skills designed to foster trust and relational stability during crisis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• SOC305
• Cultural Diversity and Social Support
• 2
• None
• COU315
• Ethics in Community Support
• 2
• None
• SOC402
• Organizational Leadership and Community Engagement
• 2
• None
• CAP490
• Capstone: Bereavement Program Design
• 3
• COU315, MIN402
• SOC305 — Cultural Diversity and Social Support: This course investigates the influence of cultural backgrounds on how communities express and navigate loss. Students analyze social dynamics to provide culturally sensitive and inclusive support systems. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU315 — Ethics in Community Support: This course explores the ethical frameworks governing professional conduct and boundary setting in helper roles. Students analyze case studies involving moral dilemmas and decision-making within nonprofit environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC402 — Organizational Leadership and Community Engagement: This course explores strategies for effective leadership and the management of community-based social support networks. It covers organizational development, volunteer coordination, and the administrative challenges of managing group dynamics within human service sectors. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP490 — Capstone: Bereavement Program Design: In this final course, students synthesize their knowledge to design a community-focused bereavement support program that incorporates ethical practices and servant leadership. The project reflects a comprehensive integration of theoretical research and applied service strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent. Preference is given to individuals with prior collegiate coursework in the social sciences, humanities, or ministry. Prospective students are required to submit a personal statement outlining their commitment to ethical service, personal character development, and their professional motivations for pursuing education in bereavement support. Culminating Project The Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience for the Certificate in Faith-Based Grief and Bereavement Counseling. Worth 3 credit hours, this project requires students to synthesize their learning by designing and proposing a bereavement outreach program for a specific community or organization. The scope includes an assessment of local needs, the development of a structured intervention plan, and an academic reflection on the role of ethical stewardship in community healing. Integration of faith-based perspectives is a mandatory component, as students must demonstrate how their project aligns with principles of servant leadership and Christian ethics. The project deliverables include a formal written proposal, a simulated community implementation plan, and an analysis of how spiritual formation influences professional decision-making. This capstone ensures that students not only exhibit academic proficiency in grief studies but also demonstrate the character-driven wisdom necessary for navigating the complexities of human suffering with integrity and vocational purpose.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of all 18 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. In addition to academic coursework, students must demonstrate satisfactory completion of the Capstone Project, confirming their ability to synthesize disciplinary knowledge with ethical, faith-informed reasoning. Students are evaluated not only on academic output but also on their adherence to institutional standards of integrity and character development.
• Beyond academic requirements, students are encouraged to engage in regular spiritual formation and community service activities throughout the program. This holistic approach ensures that graduates leave the program prepared to contribute to their communities with both technical skill and spiritual maturity, reflecting a commitment to lifelong stewardship, professional ethics, and meaningful, service-oriented engagement.
• Career Opportunities
• Ministry-based bereavement program coordinator
• Nonprofit support group facilitator
• Community outreach worker
• Parish care volunteer leader
• Hospice spiritual care assistant
• Faith-based youth grief support coordinator
• Community service volunteer coordinator
• 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.
• Credential abbreviation | Certificate in Faith Based Grief, Bereavement Counseling
• Total program length | 18 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Six to nine months
• General education | Not required
• Foundational faith based grief, bereavement counseling courses | 12 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 3 credit hours
• Final applied project | 3 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU101 | Foundations of Human Development | 2 | None
• PSY105 | Psychology of Resilience and Human Service | 2 | None
• PSY210 | Principles of Grief and Loss | 2 | None
• COM220 | Empathetic Communication | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC305 | Cultural Diversity and Social Support | 2 | None
• COU315 | Ethics in Community Support | 2 | None
• SOC402 | Organizational Leadership and Community Engagement | 2 | None
• CAP490 | Capstone: Bereavement Program Design | 3 | COU315, MIN402