Bachelor of Science in Pastoral Counseling, Specialization in Mental Health Training

A professionally oriented undergraduate program integrating rigorous training in counseling theory, mental health assessment, and evidence-based interventions with theological reflection and faith-community application. The program prepares graduates to provide pastoral care and mental health support in congregational and community settings, to collaborate with mental health professionals, and to design and implement prevention and training programs focused on emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Emphasis is placed on clinical skill development, ethics, cultural competence, research literacy, and supervised practicum and internship experiences consistent with professional standards.

Academic unit

HBIU College of Behavioral Social Science

Total credits

120

Duration

10 academic terms (approximately 3 years and 4 months; 3 terms per year)

Specialization / Minor

Specialization in Mental Health Training

• Integrate biblical/theological perspectives with psychological theories to inform pastoral counseling practice.
• Conduct biopsychosocial-spiritual assessments and formulate evidence-based case conceptualizations.
• Apply core counseling theories and evidence-based interventions (e.g., CBT, trauma-informed care) in individual, group, and family contexts.
• Demonstrate ethical, legal, and professional decision-making including confidentiality, mandated reporting, and scope of practice.
• Design, implement, and evaluate mental health programs and trainings for faith communities and related organizations.
• Demonstrate culturally responsive practice and competence with diverse populations across the lifespan.
• Interpret and apply basic psychopharmacology knowledge and collaborate effectively with medical and mental health professionals.
• Complete supervised practicum and internship requirements and produce a substantive capstone project that demonstrates applied competence and scholarly engagement.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent, along with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Submission of standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) and a personal statement is also required. Career Opportunities Counselor in Christian settings Pastoral care advisor Mental health counselor Crisis intervention specialist Youth ministry director Community outreach coordinator Marriage and family therapist 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.