Doctor of Philosophy in Major: Chaplaincy, Counseling, Psychology

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Chaplaincy, 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 Seminary

Total credits

120

Duration

3 years

• Demonstrate advanced understanding of psychological principles and their application in a chaplaincy context.
• Develop skills in pastoral counseling and spiritual care for individuals and communities.
• Integrate theological perspectives with psychological practices to address mental health issues.
• Effectively conduct crisis interventions while providing compassionate care.
• Conduct research in the fields of counseling, psychology, and chaplaincy.
• Engage in ethical decision-making consistent with professional counseling and ministerial standards.
• Practice culturally competent care in diverse spiritual and psychological environments.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ADM 701
• Leadership & Administration in Chaplaincy and Care Systems
• 3
• None
• CAP 701
• Teaching, Training, & Curriculum Design for Ministry Clinicians
• 3
• Master's degree in Theology, Counseling, or related field
• DDV 701
• Advanced Biblical Theology & Interpretation
• 3
• None
• DOC 701
• Doctoral Project/Dissertation I: Proposal & IRB
• 3
• None
• EBP 701
• Evidence-Based Practice & Outcome-Informed Care
• 3
• None
• ADM 701 — Leadership & Administration in Chaplaincy and Care Systems: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP 701 — Teaching, Training, & Curriculum Design for Ministry Clinicians: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DDV 701 — Advanced Biblical Theology & Interpretation: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DOC 701 — Doctoral Project/Dissertation I: Proposal & IRB: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EBP 701 — Evidence-Based Practice & Outcome-Informed Care: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• INT 701
• Doctoral Internship I: Chaplaincy/Counseling Residency
• 3
• None
• LAW 701
• Ethics, Law, Risk Management & Mandated Reporting
• 3
• None
• POL 701
• Policy, Advocacy & Public Theology in Mental Health Systems
• 3
• None
• PRC 701
• Clinical Practicum I: Supervised Chaplaincy/Counseling Practice
• 3
• None
• PUB 701
• Publication, Presentation, & Professional Credentialing Seminar
• 3
• None
• INT 701 — Doctoral Internship I: Chaplaincy/Counseling Residency: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LAW 701 — Ethics, Law, Risk Management & Mandated Reporting: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• POL 701 — Policy, Advocacy & Public Theology in Mental Health Systems: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PRC 701 — Clinical Practicum I: Supervised Chaplaincy/Counseling Practice: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PUB 701 — Publication, Presentation, & Professional Credentialing Seminar: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES 701
• Research Methods & Scholarly Writing for Ministry Clinicians
• 3
• None
• SUP 701
• Supervision, Consultation, & Reflective Practice
• 3
• None
• DDV 702
• Systematic Theology for Advanced Ministry Practice
• 3
• None
• DOC 702
• Doctoral Project/Dissertation II: Data, Results, & Defense
• 3
• Completion of Doctoral Project/Dissertation I
• INT 702
• Doctoral Internship II: Professional Portfolio & Competencies
• 3
• Completion of INT 701 or equivalent coursework
• RES 701 — Research Methods & Scholarly Writing for Ministry Clinicians: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SUP 701 — Supervision, Consultation, & Reflective Practice: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DDV 702 — Systematic Theology for Advanced Ministry Practice: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DOC 702 — Doctoral Project/Dissertation II: Data, Results, & Defense: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• INT 702 — Doctoral Internship II: Professional Portfolio & Competencies: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• PRC 702
• Clinical Practicum II: Advanced Case Management & Documentation
• 3
• Clinical Practicum I or equivalent
• CHP 710
• Advanced Chaplaincy Foundations & Professional Identity
• 3
• None
• ETH 710
• Advanced Professional Boundaries & Dual-Relationship Ethics
• 3
• None
• DDV 711
• Historical Theology & Global Christian Traditions
• 3
• None
• RES 711
• Program Evaluation & Applied Research in Care Settings
• 3
• None
• PRC 702 — Clinical Practicum II: Advanced Case Management & Documentation: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHP 710 — Advanced Chaplaincy Foundations & Professional Identity: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ETH 710 — Advanced Professional Boundaries & Dual-Relationship Ethics: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DDV 711 — Historical Theology & Global Christian Traditions: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES 711 — Program Evaluation & Applied Research in Care Settings: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• DDV 712
• Advanced Christian Ethics, Moral Injury & Public Life
• 3
• None
• CHP 720
• Pastoral Theology & Clinical Pastoral Care Methods
• 3
• None
• CPS 720
• Advanced Counseling Theories & Integrative Psychotherapy
• 3
• None
• CPS 721
• Clinical Interviewing, Intake, & Treatment Planning
• 3
• None
• PSY 721
• Human Development & Personality Across the Lifespan
• 3
• None
• DDV 712 — Advanced Christian Ethics, Moral Injury & Public Life: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHP 720 — Pastoral Theology & Clinical Pastoral Care Methods: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CPS 720 — Advanced Counseling Theories & Integrative Psychotherapy: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CPS 721 — Clinical Interviewing, Intake, & Treatment Planning: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY 721 — Human Development & Personality Across the Lifespan: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CHP 730
• Healthcare Chaplaincy: Hospital, Hospice, & Behavioral Health
• 3
• None
• CPS 730
• Trauma, Crisis, & Grief Counseling
• 3
• None
• PSY 730
• Psychopathology & Differential Case Formulation
• 3
• None
• CHP 740
• Interfaith & Multi-Spiritual Chaplaincy Practice
• 3
• None
• CPS 740
• Multicultural Counseling & Cultural Humility
• 3
• None
• CHP 730 — Healthcare Chaplaincy: Hospital, Hospice, & Behavioral Health: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CPS 730 — Trauma, Crisis, & Grief Counseling: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY 730 — Psychopathology & Differential Case Formulation: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHP 740 — Interfaith & Multi-Spiritual Chaplaincy Practice: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CPS 740 — Multicultural Counseling & Cultural Humility: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 7 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CPS 741
• Group Counseling & Therapeutic Process
• 3
• None
• PSY 741
• Psychological Assessment Foundations: Screening & Referral
• 3
• None
• CHP 750
• Chaplaincy in Crisis: Disaster, Violence, & Community Trauma
• 3
• None
• CPS 750
• Marriage, Couples, & Family Systems
• 3
• None
• CPS 751
• Addictions, Recovery, & Co-Occurring Disorders
• 3
• None
• CPS 741 — Group Counseling & Therapeutic Process: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY 741 — Psychological Assessment Foundations: Screening & Referral: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHP 750 — Chaplaincy in Crisis: Disaster, Violence, & Community Trauma: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CPS 750 — Marriage, Couples, & Family Systems: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CPS 751 — Addictions, Recovery, & Co-Occurring Disorders: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 8 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CHP 760
• Advanced Spiritual Assessment, Moral Injury & Ethical Dilemmas
• 3
• None
• PSY 760
• Health Psychology, Stress, & Behavioral Medicine
• 3
• None
• CHP 770
• Chaplaincy in Corrections, Military, and Forensic Settings
• 3
• None
• CPS 770
• CBT/DBT Skills for Clinical Ministry Settings
• 3
• None
• PSY 771
• Neuropsychology & Brain–Behavior Foundations
• 3
• None
• CHP 760 — Advanced Spiritual Assessment, Moral Injury & Ethical Dilemmas: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY 760 — Health Psychology, Stress, & Behavioral Medicine: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHP 770 — Chaplaincy in Corrections, Military, and Forensic Settings: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CPS 770 — CBT/DBT Skills for Clinical Ministry Settings: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY 771 — Neuropsychology & Brain–Behavior Foundations: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, preferably in a related field. Additionally, submission of a personal statement and letters of recommendation is required to assess readiness for graduate-level work. Career Opportunities Hospital Chaplain Mental Health Counselor Religious Organization Leader Crisis Intervention Specialist Spiritual Care Coordinator Counseling Educator Psychological Consultant 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.A. in Chaplaincy, Counseling, Psychology Total program length | 120 semester credit hours Normal completion time | Four academic years General education | 36 credit hours Chaplaincy, Counseling, and Psychology core | 63 credit hours Professional application courses | 15 credit hours Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites ADM 701 | Leadership & Administration in Chaplaincy and Care Systems | 3 | None CAP 701 | Teaching, Training, & Curriculum Design for Ministry Clinicians | 3 | Master's degree in Theology, Counseling, or related field DDV 701 | Advanced Biblical Theology & Interpretation | 3 | None DOC 701 | Doctoral Project/Dissertation I: Proposal & IRB | 3 | None EBP 701 | Evidence-Based Practice & Outcome-Informed Care | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites INT 701 | Doctoral Internship I: Chaplaincy/Counseling Residency | 3 | None LAW 701 | Ethics, Law, Risk Management & Mandated Reporting | 3 | None POL 701 | Policy, Advocacy & Public Theology in Mental Health Systems | 3 | None PRC 701 | Clinical Practicum I: Supervised Chaplaincy/Counseling Practice | 3 | None PUB 701 | Publication, Presentation, & Professional Credentialing Seminar | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites RES 701 | Research Methods & Scholarly Writing for Ministry Clinicians | 3 | None SUP 701 | Supervision, Consultation, & Reflective Practice | 3 | None DDV 702 | Systematic Theology for Advanced Ministry Practice | 3 | None DOC 702 | Doctoral Project/Dissertation II: Data, Results, & Defense | 3 | Completion of Doctoral Project/Dissertation I INT 702 | Doctoral Internship II: Professional Portfolio & Competencies | 3 | Completion of INT 701 or equivalent coursework Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites PRC 702 | Clinical Practicum II: Advanced Case Management & Documentation | 3 | Clinical Practicum I or equivalent CHP 710 | Advanced Chaplaincy Foundations & Professional Identity | 3 | None ETH 710 | Advanced Professional Boundaries & Dual-Relationship Ethics | 3 | None DDV 711 | Historical Theology & Global Christian Traditions | 3 | None RES 711 | Program Evaluation & Applied Research in Care Settings | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites DDV 712 | Advanced Christian Ethics, Moral Injury & Public Life | 3 | None CHP 720 | Pastoral Theology & Clinical Pastoral Care Methods | 3 | None CPS 720 | Advanced Counseling Theories & Integrative Psychotherapy | 3 | None CPS 721 | Clinical Interviewing, Intake, & Treatment Planning | 3 | None PSY 721 | Human Development & Personality Across the Lifespan | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites CHP 730 | Healthcare Chaplaincy: Hospital, Hospice, & Behavioral Health | 3 | None CPS 730 | Trauma, Crisis, & Grief Counseling | 3 | None PSY 730 | Psychopathology & Differential Case Formulation | 3 | None CHP 740 | Interfaith & Multi-Spiritual Chaplaincy Practice | 3 | None CPS 740 | Multicultural Counseling & Cultural Humility | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites CPS 741 | Group Counseling & Therapeutic Process | 3 | None PSY 741 | Psychological Assessment Foundations: Screening & Referral | 3 | None CHP 750 | Chaplaincy in Crisis: Disaster, Violence, & Community Trauma | 3 | None CPS 750 | Marriage, Couples, & Family Systems | 3 | None CPS 751 | Addictions, Recovery, & Co-Occurring Disorders | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites CHP 760 | Advanced Spiritual Assessment, Moral Injury & Ethical Dilemmas | 3 | None PSY 760 | Health Psychology, Stress, & Behavioral Medicine | 3 | None CHP 770 | Chaplaincy in Corrections, Military, and Forensic Settings | 3 | None CPS 770 | CBT/DBT Skills for Clinical Ministry Settings | 3 | None PSY 771 | Neuropsychology & Brain–Behavior Foundations | 3 | None