← Programs CatalogAuthoritative HBIU program data

degree · Associate · v1

Associate of Arts in Pastoral Counseling (Specialization in Psychology & Mental Health Counseling)

Academic unitHBIU College of Addiction CounselingTotal credits60Estimated duration2 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Psychology

Total program length

60 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years

General education

18 credit hours

Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Psychology core

30 credit hours

Professional application courses

9 credit hours

Capstone requirement

3 credit hours

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Christian Counseling and Psychology provides a foundational academic exploration of human behavior through the lens of psychological theory integrated with ethical stewardship and servant leadership. Students engage in a rigorous study of developmental psychology, interpersonal communication, and foundational counseling theories, all designed to foster professional growth within a supportive learning community. The curriculum emphasizes the application of psychological principles in non-clinical settings, encouraging students to consider how personal character, ethical decision-making, and community-centered values contribute to effective service and leadership.

Throughout the program, students analyze the intersection of psychological inquiry and Christian worldview perspectives, cultivating an understanding of how to serve diverse populations with empathy and integrity. By examining human development, social dynamics, and the complexities of human motivation, graduates develop a robust framework for navigating the challenges of modern helping professions. The program balances theoretical depth with practical skill-building, ensuring that graduates are prepared to contribute thoughtfully to community-based organizations and faith-informed initiatives.

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Psychology provides a comprehensive foundational study in the subject, emphasizing human development, communication, ethics, community resources, and supportive service practices. Through an integration of psychological principles and faith-based perspectives, students are prepared to understand the complexities of human behavior and the delivery of supportive care in a variety of institutional and community environments.

Program Facts

Program facts

Degree abbreviation
A.A. in Faith-Based Christian 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 Addiction Counseling
Total credits
60
Duration
2 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Analyze foundational psychological theories and their application to diverse human experiences.
  • Evaluate the ethical dimensions of interpersonal relationships and helping roles within community settings.
  • Apply principles of servant leadership and stewardship to resolve interpersonal and organizational challenges.
  • Communicate effectively using professional psychological terminology in various social service contexts.
  • Integrate a Christian worldview with contemporary psychological concepts to foster holistic community development.
  • Design a service-oriented project that addresses specific needs within a community or nonprofit environment.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • PSY 101
  • Foundations of Psychology
  • 3
  • None
  • ENG 101
  • Academic Writing and Composition
  • 3
  • None
  • CHR 101
  • Spiritual Formation and Ethics
  • 3
  • None
  • COM 101
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • 3
  • None
  • PSY 101 — Foundations of Psychology: An introduction to the major perspectives of psychological science and the scientific method as applied to human behavior. Students examine cognitive, emotional, and social development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • ENG 101 — Academic Writing and Composition: Exploration of effective writing techniques, rhetorical strategies, and the development of coherent academic arguments. Focus is placed on clarity, research, and documentation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CHR 101 — Spiritual Formation and Ethics: An investigation into the disciplines of personal spiritual growth and the formation of professional ethical standards. Emphasis is placed on servant leadership and integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COM 101 — Interpersonal Communication: Analysis of the dynamics of human communication in individual and group settings. Focus includes active listening, empathy, and conflict resolution techniques. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • PSY 105
  • Human Development
  • 4
  • PSY 101
  • SOC 101
  • Introduction to Sociology
  • 3
  • None
  • MAT 120
  • Applied Statistics
  • 3
  • None
  • COU 201
  • Foundational Counseling Concepts
  • 3
  • PSY 101
  • PSY 105 — Human Development: A comprehensive study of physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on the influence of environment and values on development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SOC 101 — Introduction to Sociology: Examination of human society, cultural structures, and the impact of community dynamics on individuals. Students analyze the role of social institutions in public life. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MAT 120 — Applied Statistics: An introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics used in social science research. Practical applications for interpreting data in community service settings are explored. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COU 201 — Foundational Counseling Concepts: An overview of theories and skills in non-clinical counseling, emphasizing rapport building and active empathy. Students practice communication techniques applicable to helping relationships. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • PSY 210
  • Social Psychology
  • 3
  • PSY 101
  • MGT 201
  • Nonprofit Organizational Stewardship
  • 3
  • None
  • RES 201
  • Introduction to Social Research
  • 4
  • MAT 120
  • COU 215
  • Crisis Intervention Strategies
  • 3
  • COU 201
  • PSY 210 — Social Psychology: Investigation of how individuals are influenced by the social environment and group dynamics. Topics include perception, attitudes, and prosocial behavior. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT 201 — Nonprofit Organizational Stewardship: Principles of management and responsible stewardship within faith-based and community nonprofit organizations. Focus on resource allocation and ethical leadership. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • RES 201 — Introduction to Social Research: Examination of research design, data collection, and ethical considerations in the social sciences. Students learn to evaluate information for evidence-based decision-making. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COU 215 — Crisis Intervention Strategies: An introduction to supportive responses in crisis situations using established non-clinical models. Emphasis is placed on stabilization, assessment of needs, and resource referral. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • PSY 250
  • Personality and Character Formation
  • 3
  • PSY 105
  • COU 250
  • Ethical Issues in Helping Professions
  • 3
  • COU 201
  • CAP 299
  • Applied Service Capstone
  • 4
  • RES 201, COU 215
  • MIN 250
  • Community Leadership and Service
  • 3
  • None
  • PSY 250 — Personality and Character Formation: Exploration of major personality theories and their implications for human behavior. Students examine the interplay of nature, nurture, and spiritual formation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COU 250 — Ethical Issues in Helping Professions: An in-depth study of legal and moral responsibilities in community and nonprofit helping roles. Focus on boundary maintenance and professional stewardship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CAP 299 — Applied Service Capstone: The culminating project where students implement a practical, community-based intervention using psychological and ethical frameworks. Students produce a comprehensive project report and reflection paper. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MIN 250 — Community Leadership and Service: A seminar focusing on the integration of leadership theory and practical service experience within community-based organizations. Students analyze institutional culture and impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Prospective students must provide evidence of a high school diploma or equivalent (GED). Applicants are expected to demonstrate academic readiness through a personal statement reflecting their commitment to personal growth and service, as well as official transcripts from all previously attended secondary or postsecondary institutions. HBI University seeks individuals who demonstrate potential for scholarly achievement and a desire to align their academic pursuits with the institution's core mission of service and integrity. Culminating Project The Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience for the Associate of Arts program, requiring students to synthesize their learning through the completion of an applied project in a community or nonprofit setting. The project mandates that students identify a specific organizational challenge or social need and propose a practical, research-informed intervention that aligns with principles of stewardship, ethical reasoning, and servant leadership. Students are expected to produce a formal written report and a reflective presentation detailing the integration of psychological concepts and faith-informed values in their chosen context. Weighted at 4 credit hours, this project serves as a demonstration of both academic competence and spiritual maturity. Students must articulate how their work reflects their personal spiritual formation and how they have navigated ethical dilemmas using a Christian worldview. By successfully completing this project, students validate their readiness to apply their education toward meaningful service, demonstrating the capacity to function as principled leaders committed to the ongoing development of faith-based community organizations.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • To qualify for graduation, students must complete a minimum of 60 credit hours with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher. All required courses must be passed, and students must demonstrate consistent adherence to the institutional code of conduct, which emphasizes ethical integrity, respect for others, and a commitment to personal growth. The completion of the Capstone Project is a mandatory requirement, signifying the student's mastery of the program's core concepts and their ability to bridge theory with practice.
  • Beyond academic attainment, students are expected to engage in consistent spiritual formation through participation in community service, chapel attendance, and reflection on their evolving sense of calling. Graduation acknowledges not only the acquisition of technical knowledge but also the development of a character prepared for service, reflecting the institution's commitment to cultivating graduates who carry their education into the world with integrity and faith-informed purpose.
  • Career Opportunities
  • Community Outreach Coordinator
  • Nonprofit Administrative Assistant
  • Youth Ministry Support Specialist
  • Crisis Support Navigator
  • Case Management Liaison
  • Volunteer Services Manager
  • Peer Mentoring 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.
  • Degree abbreviation | A.A. in Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Psychology
  • Total program length | 60 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years
  • General education | 18 credit hours
  • Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Psychology core | 30 credit hours
  • Professional application courses | 9 credit hours
  • Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • PSY 101 | Foundations of Psychology | 3 | None
  • ENG 101 | Academic Writing and Composition | 3 | None
  • CHR 101 | Spiritual Formation and Ethics | 3 | None
  • COM 101 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • PSY 105 | Human Development | 4 | PSY 101
  • SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
  • MAT 120 | Applied Statistics | 3 | None
  • COU 201 | Foundational Counseling Concepts | 3 | PSY 101
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • PSY 210 | Social Psychology | 3 | PSY 101
  • MGT 201 | Nonprofit Organizational Stewardship | 3 | None
  • RES 201 | Introduction to Social Research | 4 | MAT 120
  • COU 215 | Crisis Intervention Strategies | 3 | COU 201
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • PSY 250 | Personality and Character Formation | 3 | PSY 105
  • COU 250 | Ethical Issues in Helping Professions | 3 | COU 201
  • CAP 299 | Applied Service Capstone | 4 | RES 201, COU 215
  • MIN 250 | Community Leadership and Service | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Community Outreach Coordinator
  • Nonprofit Administrative Assistant
  • Youth Ministry Support Specialist
  • Crisis Support Navigator
  • Case Management Liaison
  • Volunteer Services Manager
  • Peer Mentoring Coordinator

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 Christian Counseling, Psychology
  • Total program length | 60 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years