Doctor of Philosophy in Divinity, Major in Chaplaincy, Counseling, Psychology

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Divinity, Chaplaincy, Counseling, and Psychology

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

• Analyze complex psychological and sociological frameworks through the lens of faith-based ethical standards.
• Evaluate diverse research methodologies to contribute original knowledge to the fields of chaplaincy and counseling.
• Design comprehensive strategies for community engagement that demonstrate servant leadership and biblical stewardship.
• Apply advanced psychological theories to support the emotional and spiritual growth of individuals within diverse organizations.
• Communicate scholarly findings effectively through professional academic writing and oral defense.
• Integrate Christian worldview perspectives into the assessment and support processes for nonprofit and community organizational development.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES700
• Advanced Research Methodology
• 3
• None
• COU710
• Counseling Theory and Application
• 3
• None
• THE720
• Ethics in Pastoral Care
• 3
• None
• RES700 — Advanced Research Methodology: This course explores advanced quantitative and qualitative research designs applicable to social sciences. It emphasizes rigorous inquiry and the synthesis of complex data. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU710 — Counseling Theory and Application: An examination of contemporary counseling frameworks and their application in diverse settings. Students analyze various approaches to individual development and emotional wellness. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE720 — Ethics in Pastoral Care: This course investigates the intersection of theological ethics and professional standards in caregiving. Students evaluate moral decision-making processes in high-stakes environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• PSY730
• Human Development and Growth
• 3
• None
• MIN740
• Leadership and Servant Organizational Design
• 3
• None
• RES750
• Statistical Analysis for Social Science
• 4
• RES700
• COU760
• Crisis Intervention and Pastoral Response
• 3
• COU710
• PSY730 — Human Development and Growth: A comprehensive analysis of biological, psychological, and social development across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on the integration of growth theories in service contexts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN740 — Leadership and Servant Organizational Design: Students examine leadership models grounded in servant leadership and biblical stewardship principles. The course explores strategies for organizational health and development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES750 — Statistical Analysis for Social Science: Advanced study of statistical tools used to evaluate programmatic and social outcomes. Students practice interpreting complex datasets to inform policy and practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU760 — Crisis Intervention and Pastoral Response: Advanced study of crisis management and the role of the chaplain in sudden-onset trauma. Focus is on psychological stabilization and spiritual support. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• PSY770
• Social Psychology of Community Life
• 3
• PSY730
• RES800
• Qualitative Research and Ethnography
• 3
• RES700
• MIN810
• Community Outreach and Engagement
• 4
• MIN740
• THE820
• Theology of Human Suffering
• 3
• THE720
• PSY770 — Social Psychology of Community Life: Examination of group dynamics, social influence, and conflict resolution within community organizations. Students analyze systemic social factors affecting human behavior. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES800 — Qualitative Research and Ethnography: Exploration of qualitative methodology, focusing on field observations and narrative analysis. Students develop skills in conducting deep-dive academic case studies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN810 — Community Outreach and Engagement: Development of strategies for engaging marginalized communities through holistic advocacy and resource stewardship. Students design collaborative outreach programs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE820 — Theology of Human Suffering: An interdisciplinary inquiry into the nature of suffering and its impact on the human experience. Students evaluate theological and psychological interventions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU830
• Group Counseling Processes
• 3
• COU710
• PSY840
• Psychopathology and Behavioral Health
• 3
• PSY730
• RES850
• Dissertation Proposal Development
• 4
• RES750
• MIN860
• Spiritual Formation and Character Development
• 3
• None
• COU830 — Group Counseling Processes: Analysis of group dynamics and facilitation techniques for therapeutic environments. Emphasis is placed on structural design for group support services. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY840 — Psychopathology and Behavioral Health: A comprehensive study of behavioral patterns and emotional distress through an interdisciplinary lens. This course explores systemic supports for institutional populations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES850 — Dissertation Proposal Development: Students conceptualize and outline their formal dissertation research. This course focuses on narrowing the scope and refining methodological rigor. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN860 — Spiritual Formation and Character Development: Examination of internal spiritual development and its outward manifestation in professional character. Students study the integration of personal values and leadership. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES870
• Dissertation Research Phase I
• 4
• RES850
• COU880
• Advanced Counseling Practicum
• 3
• COU830
• MIN890
• Strategic Planning for Nonprofits
• 3
• MIN740
• THE900
• Global Perspectives on Service
• 3
• None
• RES870 — Dissertation Research Phase I: Execution of research, data collection, and initial analysis for the dissertation project. Regular consultation with faculty advisors is required. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU880 — Advanced Counseling Practicum: Applied professional experience in a specialized setting under expert supervision. Focuses on integrating learned theories with practical implementation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN890 — Strategic Planning for Nonprofits: A study in administrative excellence, focusing on resource allocation and long-term sustainability for mission-driven entities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE900 — Global Perspectives on Service: A critical examination of how different cultural and institutional contexts impact service-oriented work globally. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES910
• Dissertation Defense and Finalization
• 5
• RES870
• COU920
• Interdisciplinary Professional Practice
• 3
• None
• MIN930
• Executive Stewardship and Ethics
• 3
• MIN890
• RES940
• Advanced Qualitative and Quantitative Synthesis
• 3
• RES870
• RES910 — Dissertation Defense and Finalization: The concluding phase of the doctoral dissertation involving final writing, peer review, and formal oral defense. Successful completion is required for graduation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU920 — Interdisciplinary Professional Practice: Synthesis of chaplaincy, psychology, and counseling practices into a unified professional philosophy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN930 — Executive Stewardship and Ethics: Advanced study of ethical leadership and the fiduciary responsibilities of organizational heads. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES940 — Advanced Qualitative and Quantitative Synthesis: Capstone seminar reflecting on the integration of research findings and the application of interdisciplinary knowledge. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission to the PhD program requires a completed master's degree from an accredited or recognized institution in a field related to psychology, counseling, theology, or human services. Prospective students must submit official transcripts demonstrating a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0, three letters of academic or professional reference, a statement of purpose outlining research interests and service goals, and evidence of a commitment to ethical integrity and leadership. Final selection may involve an interview process to ensure alignment with the university’s mission and academic rigor. Dissertation Requirement The Dissertation serves as the culminating academic experience for the Doctor of Philosophy degree, representing an original contribution to the field of chaplaincy, counseling, and psychology. Students are expected to identify a significant research problem, apply rigorous qualitative or quantitative methodologies, and produce a high-quality scholarly document that synthesizes interdisciplinary insights. The dissertation project is weighted at 9 credit hours, reflecting the extensive academic inquiry, data analysis, and iterative writing required for successful completion. Beyond demonstrating academic competence, the dissertation must explicitly integrate the student's faith-based identity with their research. This includes addressing how their findings promote ethical reasoning, emphasize the principles of biblical stewardship, and offer practical applications for servant leadership within a community or organizational context. The dissertation process documents the student's mastery of their discipline while simultaneously evidencing their development in spiritual formation and ethical decision-making, ensuring that their work serves as a testimony to both intellectual rigor and professional character.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours, including all core doctoral coursework and the successful defense of the dissertation, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students must demonstrate proficiency in integrating academic disciplines with the university’s commitment to faith-informed service, exhibiting both professional competence and ongoing character development throughout their tenure in the program.
• Candidates must also satisfy institutional requirements for spiritual formation, which include active participation in departmental community life, engagement in university-approved service initiatives, and the completion of assessments related to their ongoing commitment to ethical and pastoral leadership. This comprehensive approach ensures that graduates are not only academically distinguished but also spiritually mature, prepared to serve with integrity and moral courage within the various community and nonprofit sectors.
• Career Opportunities
• Institutional Chaplain
• Counseling Center Director
• Nonprofit Organizational Consultant
• Human Services Program Manager
• Community Development Specialist
• Higher Education Faculty member
• Executive Director of Faith-Based Organizations
• 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 Divinity, Chaplaincy, Counseling, and Psychology
• 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 chaplaincy, counseling, and 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 Research Methodology | 3 | None
• COU710 | Counseling Theory and Application | 3 | None
• THE720 | Ethics in Pastoral Care | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY730 | Human Development and Growth | 3 | None
• MIN740 | Leadership and Servant Organizational Design | 3 | None
• RES750 | Statistical Analysis for Social Science | 4 | RES700
• COU760 | Crisis Intervention and Pastoral Response | 3 | COU710
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY770 | Social Psychology of Community Life | 3 | PSY730
• RES800 | Qualitative Research and Ethnography | 3 | RES700
• MIN810 | Community Outreach and Engagement | 4 | MIN740
• THE820 | Theology of Human Suffering | 3 | THE720
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU830 | Group Counseling Processes | 3 | COU710
• PSY840 | Psychopathology and Behavioral Health | 3 | PSY730
• RES850 | Dissertation Proposal Development | 4 | RES750
• MIN860 | Spiritual Formation and Character Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES870 | Dissertation Research Phase I | 4 | RES850
• COU880 | Advanced Counseling Practicum | 3 | COU830
• MIN890 | Strategic Planning for Nonprofits | 3 | MIN740
• THE900 | Global Perspectives on Service | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES910 | Dissertation Defense and Finalization | 5 | RES870
• COU920 | Interdisciplinary Professional Practice | 3 | None
• MIN930 | Executive Stewardship and Ethics | 3 | MIN890
• RES940 | Advanced Qualitative and Quantitative Synthesis | 3 | RES870