Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology, Specialization in Clinical Chaplaincy Psychotherapy

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Psychology, Specialization in Clinical Chaplaincy Psychotherapy

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, research progress, and dissertation completion

Academic unit

HBIU College of Chaplaincy

Total credits

120

Duration

3 years

Specialization / Minor

Clinical Chaplaincy Psychotherapy

• Analyze complex psychological theories to inform research and practice in chaplaincy settings.
• Evaluate the intersection of behavioral sciences and ethical leadership within community organizations.
• Design rigorous original research that addresses contemporary challenges in clinical chaplaincy.
• Demonstrate advanced competency in applying evidence-based methodologies to institutional support systems.
• Integrate spiritual formation and ethical reasoning into the practice of servant leadership.
• Communicate scholarly findings effectively to diverse stakeholders within professional and academic settings.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES700
• Advanced Quantitative Research Methods
• 3
• Graduate Research Methods
• PSY705
• Theoretical Foundations of Chaplaincy
• 3
• None
• COU710
• Ethical Leadership in Institutional Care
• 3
• None
• RES700 — Advanced Quantitative Research Methods: This course covers advanced statistical analysis and empirical research design used in behavioral sciences. Students evaluate data collection methods for institutional applications. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY705 — Theoretical Foundations of Chaplaincy: This course explores historical and modern psychological theories relevant to clinical chaplaincy. It provides a framework for analyzing the human experience in distress. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU710 — Ethical Leadership in Institutional Care: Students examine the role of ethics in organizational leadership and service delivery. Emphasis is placed on servant leadership and stewardship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES715
• Qualitative Inquiry in Psychology
• 3
• RES700
• PSY720
• Psychology of Resilience and Trauma
• 3
• None
• COU725
• Advanced Pastoral Psychology
• 3
• PSY705
• MGT730
• Stewardship of Nonprofit Organizations
• 3
• None
• RES715 — Qualitative Inquiry in Psychology: This course focuses on narrative analysis and ethnographic study within clinical settings. Students develop skills in qualitative research design. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY720 — Psychology of Resilience and Trauma: This course evaluates psychological resilience and the impact of trauma in institutional contexts. It explores evidence-based interventions for institutional settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU725 — Advanced Pastoral Psychology: This course examines the synthesis of psychological counseling and clinical chaplaincy. Students integrate mental health awareness with spiritual support. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT730 — Stewardship of Nonprofit Organizations: This course analyzes effective resource management and organizational sustainability. It emphasizes ethical stewardship of community assets. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES800
• Advanced Dissertation Seminar
• 4
• RES715
• PSY805
• Organizational Behavior and Dynamics
• 3
• None
• COU810
• Conflict Resolution and Mediation
• 3
• None
• CHR815
• Spirituality and Professional Practice
• 3
• None
• RES800 — Advanced Dissertation Seminar: This seminar guides students through the dissertation prospectus and research design. It emphasizes academic rigor and methodological coherence. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY805 — Organizational Behavior and Dynamics: This course analyzes group dynamics and institutional culture. Students apply psychological frameworks to improve communication and cooperation within organizations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU810 — Conflict Resolution and Mediation: This course provides strategies for resolving institutional conflict. It integrates psychological principles with reconciliation models. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR815 — Spirituality and Professional Practice: This course examines the role of spiritual formation in professional identity. It explores the connection between personal integrity and professional service. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES820
• Data Analysis for Doctoral Research
• 4
• RES800
• PSY825
• Psychology of Human Development and Aging
• 3
• None
• COU830
• Community-Based Intervention Strategies
• 3
• None
• THE835
• Theology of Human Wellness
• 3
• None
• RES820 — Data Analysis for Doctoral Research: Students utilize advanced software to analyze research data for their dissertation projects. Emphasis is placed on interpreting results within the context of clinical chaplaincy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY825 — Psychology of Human Development and Aging: This course covers developmental psychology through the lifespan. It highlights specific needs of individuals in various clinical settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU830 — Community-Based Intervention Strategies: This course examines evidence-based interventions for community wellness. Students evaluate the impact of outreach programs within faith-informed structures. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE835 — Theology of Human Wellness: This course analyzes the intersection of theological anthropology and wellness models. It provides a lens for understanding holistic human care. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES840
• Dissertation Research I
• 4
• RES820
• PSY845
• Leadership in Clinical Settings
• 3
• None
• COU850
• Advanced Clinical Psychotherapy Skills
• 3
• COU725
• BUS855
• Nonprofit Sustainability and Grants
• 3
• MGT730
• RES840 — Dissertation Research I: Students engage in independent data collection and preliminary analysis. This phase requires regular consultation with the dissertation advisor. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY845 — Leadership in Clinical Settings: This course explores administrative and clinical leadership skills. It emphasizes managing staff and programs within diverse institutional settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU850 — Advanced Clinical Psychotherapy Skills: This course reviews advanced evidence-based psychotherapeutic techniques for clinical chaplaincy. It focuses on the practical application of care models. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS855 — Nonprofit Sustainability and Grants: This course covers strategies for funding and sustaining community programs. It emphasizes transparent communication and ethical grant procurement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP860
• Dissertation Defense and Completion
• 4
• RES840
• PSY865
• Applied Ethics for the Professional Researcher
• 3
• None
• COU870
• Integrative Seminar in Chaplaincy
• 3
• All Core Courses
• EDU875
• Teaching and Mentorship in Community Settings
• 3
• None
• CAP860 — Dissertation Defense and Completion: This final phase involves completing the written dissertation and defending findings before a faculty committee. The process verifies all scholarly objectives have been met. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY865 — Applied Ethics for the Professional Researcher: Students integrate personal ethical frameworks with professional research standards. The course emphasizes moral responsibility in community engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU870 — Integrative Seminar in Chaplaincy: This capstone seminar reviews key themes from the program. Students synthesize theory and practice to refine their professional vision. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU875 — Teaching and Mentorship in Community Settings: This course prepares students for their roles as educators and mentors. It focuses on effective communication of psychological and ethical principles. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must possess an earned Master’s degree from an accredited institution in psychology, counseling, theology, or a closely related behavioral health field. Admission is competitive and requires the submission of official academic transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining research interests, three professional letters of recommendation, and evidence of successful completion of graduate-level research methodology courses. Prospective students must demonstrate the capacity for doctoral-level critical inquiry and a commitment to professional excellence. Dissertation Requirement The Dissertation serves as the culminating academic achievement of the PhD program, representing an original contribution to the field of clinical chaplaincy psychotherapy. Candidates are expected to conduct primary research that identifies and addresses a significant gap in existing literature, employing rigorous methodological standards to produce actionable insights for institutional care. The scope of the project must demonstrate high-level scholarly proficiency, encompassing a comprehensive literature review, systematic data collection, and sophisticated empirical analysis. Integrating the program’s faith-based mission, the dissertation requires students to reflect upon the ethical implications of their findings through the lenses of servant leadership and biblical stewardship. Students must demonstrate how their research upholds the dignity of those served and fosters organizational health within their chosen community settings. Successful completion culminates in a formal oral defense, showcasing the candidate’s ability to articulate complex concepts, uphold the highest academic integrity, and model professional character development. This project prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

• Graduation from the PhD program requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours, including the fulfillment of all core, elective, and dissertation requirements. Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 throughout the duration of their doctoral study. Beyond academic excellence, students are expected to demonstrate consistent evidence of spiritual maturity, ethical integrity, and a commitment to community-focused service that reflects the values of the institution.
• Institutional expectations include active participation in community engagement, service-oriented projects, and ongoing spiritual formation activities designed to foster character development. Candidates must finalize their dissertation to the satisfaction of their faculty committee, demonstrating that they have achieved the requisite level of academic rigor and professional readiness. These requirements ensure that graduates emerge as leaders who are both intellectually capable and morally grounded, prepared to serve their communities with excellence and integrity. This process prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Career Opportunities
• Clinical Chaplaincy Director
• Organizational Wellness Consultant
• Faith-Based Research Coordinator
• Academic Administrator for Ministry Programs
• Institutional Care Strategy Lead
• Nonprofit Behavioral Services Executive
• Professional Counselor-Educator
• 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 | Ph.D. in Faith-Based Psychology, Specialization in Clinical Chaplaincy Psychotherapy
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Maximum approved transfer credit | Up to 40 semester credit hours
• Minimum credits completed through the University after maximum transfer | 80 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, research progress, and dissertation completion
• Advanced faith-based psychology theory and specialization | 30 credit hours
• Research methods, statistics, and scholarly inquiry | 24 credit hours
• Professional leadership and higher-education teaching | 15 credit hours
• Advanced electives and concentration courses | 18 credit hours
• Scholarly writing and publication | 9 credit hours
• Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy | 6 credit hours
• Dissertation research and defense | 18 credit hours
• Total | 120 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES700 | Advanced Quantitative Research Methods | 3 | Graduate Research Methods
• PSY705 | Theoretical Foundations of Chaplaincy | 3 | None
• COU710 | Ethical Leadership in Institutional Care | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES715 | Qualitative Inquiry in Psychology | 3 | RES700
• PSY720 | Psychology of Resilience and Trauma | 3 | None
• COU725 | Advanced Pastoral Psychology | 3 | PSY705
• MGT730 | Stewardship of Nonprofit Organizations | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES800 | Advanced Dissertation Seminar | 4 | RES715
• PSY805 | Organizational Behavior and Dynamics | 3 | None
• COU810 | Conflict Resolution and Mediation | 3 | None
• CHR815 | Spirituality and Professional Practice | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES820 | Data Analysis for Doctoral Research | 4 | RES800
• PSY825 | Psychology of Human Development and Aging | 3 | None
• COU830 | Community-Based Intervention Strategies | 3 | None
• THE835 | Theology of Human Wellness | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES840 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES820
• PSY845 | Leadership in Clinical Settings | 3 | None
• COU850 | Advanced Clinical Psychotherapy Skills | 3 | COU725
• BUS855 | Nonprofit Sustainability and Grants | 3 | MGT730
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP860 | Dissertation Defense and Completion | 4 | RES840
• PSY865 | Applied Ethics for the Professional Researcher | 3 | None
• COU870 | Integrative Seminar in Chaplaincy | 3 | All Core Courses
• EDU875 | Teaching and Mentorship in Community Settings | 3 | None