← Programs CatalogAuthoritative HBIU program data

degree · Associate · v1

Associate of Arts in Divinity, Major in Chaplaincy, (Specialization in Counseling, Psychology Mental Health)

Academic unitHBIU College of ChaplaincyTotal credits60Estimated duration2 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Faith-Based Divinity, Major in Chaplaincy, Counseling, Psychology

Total program length

60 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years

General education

18 credit hours

Faith-Based Divinity, Chaplaincy, Counseling, and Psychology core

30 credit hours

Professional application courses

9 credit hours

Capstone requirement

3 credit hours

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Divinity with a major in Chaplaincy, Counseling, and Psychology provides a foundational interdisciplinary education designed to equip students for roles in supportive, community-oriented, and chaplaincy-adjacent services. The program balances academic rigor in the behavioral sciences with a strong emphasis on service-oriented ministry, leadership, and ethical stewardship. Students engage with foundational theories of psychology and counseling while integrating these concepts into a framework of servant leadership and compassion. This program prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions. The curriculum is delivered through a lens of holistic human development, ensuring that graduates possess the theoretical knowledge and professional character required to address the diverse needs of individuals and groups within institutional settings. By combining clinical foundations with ethical practice, the program facilitates the growth of individuals committed to fostering community resilience and spiritual well-being.

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Divinity with a major in Chaplaincy, Counseling, and Psychology provides students with a foundational study in chaplaincy and mental health services. The curriculum integrates the study of human development, communication, and ethics with an emphasis on identifying community resources and implementing supportive service practices. Students are prepared to engage in foundational caregiving through a faith-based lens, equipping them to support individuals and communities within diverse pastoral and supportive service settings.

Program Facts

Program facts

Degree abbreviation
A.A. in Faith-Based Divinity, Major in Chaplaincy, Counseling, Psychology
Total program length
60 semester credit hours
Normal completion time
Two academic years
General education
18 credit hours
Professional application courses
9 credit hours
Capstone requirement
3 credit hours
Academic unit
HBIU College of Chaplaincy
Total credits
60
Duration
2 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Analyze the intersection of psychological theory and spiritual care within diverse community settings.
  • Apply ethical decision-making models to complex scenarios involving interpersonal counseling and chaplaincy support.
  • Evaluate the role of servant leadership in managing organizational missions and community outreach initiatives.
  • Communicate complex behavioral and theological concepts effectively to diverse audiences.
  • Integrate biblical stewardship and principles of character development into professional conduct.
  • Develop a personalized model of chaplaincy and counseling that reflects both academic competence and institutional values.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • ENG101
  • Academic Communication and Composition
  • 3
  • None
  • PSY101
  • Introduction to Psychology
  • 3
  • None
  • THE110
  • Foundations of Biblical Stewardship
  • 3
  • None
  • MAT120
  • Applied Statistics for Social Sciences
  • 3
  • None
  • ENG101 — Academic Communication and Composition: This course focuses on the development of clear, persuasive, and analytical writing skills for professional and academic contexts. Students will explore research methodologies and rhetorical strategies effective for organizational discourse. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PSY101 — Introduction to Psychology: This course introduces fundamental theories of human development, behavior, and personality within a social and cultural context. It provides a foundational understanding of mental processes and behavior. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • THE110 — Foundations of Biblical Stewardship: Students examine the theological and ethical principles of stewardship as it relates to organizational resources, time, and community relations. The course emphasizes servant leadership in professional environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MAT120 — Applied Statistics for Social Sciences: This course covers basic statistical methods used to analyze data in social and behavioral science research. Students will learn to interpret descriptive and inferential statistics. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • COU201
  • Foundations of Interpersonal Counseling
  • 4
  • PSY101
  • SOC105
  • Sociology of Community Organizations
  • 3
  • None
  • MIN210
  • Principles of Chaplaincy and Care
  • 3
  • THE110
  • COM220
  • Professional Communication and Mediation
  • 3
  • ENG101
  • COU201 — Foundations of Interpersonal Counseling: This course explores introductory counseling models and communication techniques for active listening, empathy, and crisis support. It stresses the ethical responsibilities of individuals providing supportive roles. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SOC105 — Sociology of Community Organizations: Students investigate how community organizations function, the impact of group dynamics, and the role of social structures in nonprofit effectiveness. The focus is on systemic approaches to social change. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MIN210 — Principles of Chaplaincy and Care: This course introduces the history, scope, and duties of chaplaincy within institutional and community settings. It highlights essential skills for providing spiritual care to diverse populations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COM220 — Professional Communication and Mediation: This course focuses on conflict resolution and the use of effective communication strategies in sensitive or high-pressure organizational settings. It integrates ethical decision-making into interpersonal interaction. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • PSY230
  • Developmental Psychology
  • 3
  • PSY101
  • COU250
  • Ethics in Helping Professions
  • 3
  • COU201
  • MGT200
  • Leadership in Nonprofit Organizations
  • 3
  • None
  • RES280
  • Research Methods for Community Service
  • 3
  • MAT120
  • PSY230 — Developmental Psychology: Students analyze physical, cognitive, and social development across the human lifespan. Emphasis is placed on understanding transitions and challenges during different life stages. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COU250 — Ethics in Helping Professions: This course examines the ethical, legal, and moral dimensions of professional caregiving and organizational service. Students develop an understanding of confidentiality, boundaries, and professional integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT200 — Leadership in Nonprofit Organizations: Students explore leadership models that prioritize service, organizational sustainability, and community impact. The course highlights the importance of servant leadership in nonprofit operations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • RES280 — Research Methods for Community Service: This course prepares students to engage in evidence-based decision-making by evaluating existing research and conducting basic needs assessments for community outreach. It emphasizes ethical data collection. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CAP299
  • Capstone Project
  • 4
  • RES280, COU250
  • PSY260
  • Abnormal Psychology Perspectives
  • 3
  • PSY230
  • CHR240
  • Character Formation and Spiritual Growth
  • 3
  • THE110
  • COU290
  • Advocacy and Community Integration
  • 3
  • SOC105
  • CAP299 — Capstone Project: The capstone project serves as a final integration of program learnings through a research and practical initiative focused on organizational or community support. Students demonstrate mastery of ethical practice and service principles. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PSY260 — Abnormal Psychology Perspectives: This course provides an overview of various forms of mental health disturbances and the importance of recognizing the need for specialized referral in community settings. It focuses on understanding behavioral patterns from a compassionate, informed perspective. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CHR240 — Character Formation and Spiritual Growth: This course emphasizes the personal development of leaders through the study of spiritual formation, ethics, and character-driven service. It relates internal development to external professional practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COU290 — Advocacy and Community Integration: This course examines methods for community outreach, advocacy, and connecting vulnerable populations with vital organizational resources. It highlights the role of the chaplain in facilitating community support networks. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or an equivalent credential with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Additionally, candidates are expected to demonstrate an alignment with the institution’s mission, providing a statement of intent that reflects their commitment to academic inquiry, community service, and personal spiritual formation. Culminating Project The Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience for the Associate of Arts program, requiring students to synthesize their knowledge of psychology, counseling, and faith-based ministry into a cohesive, practice-based initiative. Students are expected to identify a specific community or organizational challenge and propose a project that demonstrates the integration of theoretical learning and ethical application. The scope of the project includes a formal research component and a practical outreach strategy, ensuring that the student demonstrates mastery of the program’s core objectives. The project is weighted at 4 credit hours, reflecting the intensity of the research and the substantive nature of the deliverables, which include a comprehensive written report and a professional presentation. This project serves as a capstone of both academic proficiency and character development, highlighting the student’s ability to apply their faith-informed worldview to real-world scenarios. It ensures that students can articulate how biblical stewardship and servant leadership inform their specific disciplinary work, demonstrating a capacity for professional integrity and meaningful community engagement.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • To qualify for graduation, students must successfully complete 60 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, ensuring that all program components have been navigated with academic diligence. Students must also receive a passing grade in the Capstone Project, demonstrating the successful integration of theory and faith-informed practice. Beyond academic metrics, graduation requires evidence of spiritual formation, including the completion of mandatory community service hours and participation in institutional chapel services. These requirements ensure that graduates exhibit both professional readiness and a commitment to moral integrity, positioning them as servant leaders prepared to influence their communities through a foundation of faith-informed service and ethical excellence.
  • Career Opportunities
  • Community Support Coordinator
  • Nonprofit Outreach Assistant
  • Chaplaincy Department Administrative Aide
  • Church Ministry Coordinator
  • Crisis Support Volunteer Manager
  • Human Services Case Assistant
  • Faith-Based Youth Program Leader
  • 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 | A.A. in Faith-Based Divinity, Major in Chaplaincy, Counseling, Psychology
  • Total program length | 60 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years
  • General education | 18 credit hours
  • Faith-Based Divinity, Chaplaincy, Counseling, and Psychology core | 30 credit hours
  • Professional application courses | 9 credit hours
  • Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • ENG101 | Academic Communication and Composition | 3 | None
  • PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
  • THE110 | Foundations of Biblical Stewardship | 3 | None
  • MAT120 | Applied Statistics for Social Sciences | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • COU201 | Foundations of Interpersonal Counseling | 4 | PSY101
  • SOC105 | Sociology of Community Organizations | 3 | None
  • MIN210 | Principles of Chaplaincy and Care | 3 | THE110
  • COM220 | Professional Communication and Mediation | 3 | ENG101
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • PSY230 | Developmental Psychology | 3 | PSY101
  • COU250 | Ethics in Helping Professions | 3 | COU201
  • MGT200 | Leadership in Nonprofit Organizations | 3 | None
  • RES280 | Research Methods for Community Service | 3 | MAT120
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP299 | Capstone Project | 4 | RES280, COU250
  • PSY260 | Abnormal Psychology Perspectives | 3 | PSY230
  • CHR240 | Character Formation and Spiritual Growth | 3 | THE110
  • COU290 | Advocacy and Community Integration | 3 | SOC105

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Community Support Coordinator
  • Nonprofit Outreach Assistant
  • Chaplaincy Department Administrative Aide
  • Church Ministry Coordinator
  • Crisis Support Volunteer Manager
  • Human Services Case Assistant
  • Faith-Based Youth Program Leader

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 | A.A. in Faith-Based Divinity, Major in Chaplaincy, Counseling, Psychology
  • Total program length | 60 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years