Bachelor of Arts in Chaplaincy

Academic unitHBIU College of ChaplaincyTotal credits120Estimated duration3 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Chaplaincy

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-based chaplaincy core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Chaplaincy is intentionally designed to equip students with the theological knowledge and practical skills necessary to provide effective spiritual care through a robust Christian worldview. Over this two-year program, students engage in rigorous coursework centered on pastoral counseling, ethical reasoning, and the theology of servant leadership, enabling them to minister with compassion to diverse populations. Through field placement opportunities, students integrate their academic training with hands-on ministry, developing cultural competency while grounding their practice in spiritual formation and a commitment to biblical stewardship. This program prepares graduates to serve as ministers of presence in community, hospital, or military environments, instilling a profound commitment to faithful service and leadership within an increasingly complex society.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Chaplaincy combines foundational general education with a comprehensive study of chaplaincy theory, behavioral science, human development, ethics, research, crisis awareness, referral, program development, and community-based support.

Florida's current standard establishes a minimum of 120 semester credits for a bachelor's degree and at least 30 general-education credits for a Bachelor of Arts. This curriculum exceeds the general-education minimum.

Program Facts

Program facts

Degree abbreviation: B.A. in Faith-Based Chaplaincy
Total program length: 120 semester credit hours
Normal completion time: Four academic years
General education: 36 credit hours
Professional application courses: 15 credit hours
Capstone requirement: 6 credit hours
Academic unit: HBIU College of Chaplaincy
Total credits: 120
Duration: 3 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

Demonstrate proficiency in theological and spiritual principles applicable in chaplaincy.
Conduct effective pastoral counseling sessions with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Understand and apply ethical frameworks relevant to spiritual care.
Develop programs that address the spiritual needs of various communities.
Foster collaboration with healthcare and community organizations for holistic care.
Reflect critically on personal beliefs and their impact on professional practice.
Utilize effective communication skills in providing spiritual support.
Course Outline
Semester 1 — Year 1
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
CHPN 100
Chaplain Disaster Relief Training
3
None
COUC 102-BA
An Introduction to Counselling
3
None
GEN 103
Introduction to Academic Writing
3
None
CHPN 105
Your Vocation & Chaplaincy
3
None
CHPN 106
Introduction to Chaplaincy & Ministry
3
None
CHPN 100 — Chaplain Disaster Relief Training: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
COUC 102-BA — An Introduction to Counselling: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
GEN 103 — Introduction to Academic Writing: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
CHPN 105 — Your Vocation & Chaplaincy: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
CHPN 106 — Introduction to Chaplaincy & Ministry: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
Semester 2 — Year 1
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
COUC 106
Effective Counseling Techniques & Skills
3
None
GEN 106
Introduction to College Research
3
None
CHPN 107
Hospital Chaplaincy
3
None
GEN 107
Research Methods in Social Sciences
3
None
PHIL 108-BA
Philosophy of Religion
3
None
COUC 106 — Effective Counseling Techniques & Skills: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
GEN 106 — Introduction to College Research: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
CHPN 107 — Hospital Chaplaincy: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
GEN 107 — Research Methods in Social Sciences: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
PHIL 108-BA — Philosophy of Religion: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
Semester 3 — Year 2
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
CHPN 201-BA
Christian Chaplaincy and Pluralistic Contexts
3
None
MNLT 201-BA
Mental Health Disorders
3
None
CHPN 202-BA
Chaplaincy in the Workplace
3
None
THEO 202-BA
Basic Bible Survey: Old Testament
3
None
CHPN 203-BA
Law Enforcement Chaplaincy
3
None
CHPN 201-BA — Christian Chaplaincy and Pluralistic Contexts: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
MNLT 201-BA — Mental Health Disorders: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
CHPN 202-BA — Chaplaincy in the Workplace: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
THEO 202-BA — Basic Bible Survey: Old Testament: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
CHPN 203-BA — Law Enforcement Chaplaincy: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
Semester 4 — Year 2
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
THEO 203-BA
Basic Bible Survey: New Testament
3
None
BDIV 204
Introduction to Systematic Theology
3
None
CHPN 204
Introduction to World Religions
3
None
CHPN 205-BA
Prison Chaplaincy
3
None
CHPN 206
Introduction to Christian Ethics
3
None
THEO 203-BA — Basic Bible Survey: New Testament: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
BDIV 204 — Introduction to Systematic Theology: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
CHPN 204 — Introduction to World Religions: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
CHPN 205-BA — Prison Chaplaincy: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
CHPN 206 — Introduction to Christian Ethics: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
Semester 5 — Year 3
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
CHPN 207
Mindfulness for Spiritual Care
3
None
CHPN 208
Spiritual Care in Hospice Settings
3
None
CHPN 209
Family Therapy and Pastoral Care
3
None
COUC 209
Group Counseling and Facilitation
3
None
CHPN 210
Clinical Supervision & Ethics in Chaplaincy
3
None
CHPN 207 — Mindfulness for Spiritual Care: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
CHPN 208 — Spiritual Care in Hospice Settings: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
CHPN 209 — Family Therapy and Pastoral Care: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
COUC 209 — Group Counseling and Facilitation: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
CHPN 210 — Clinical Supervision & Ethics in Chaplaincy: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
Semester 6 — Year 3
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
CHPN 301
Advanced Chaplaincy Communication
3
CHPN 106
THEO 301
Theology of Suffering and Hope
3
BDIV 204
CHPN 302
Grief and Bereavement Counseling
3
COUC 102-BA
CHPN 303
Trauma-Informed Spiritual Care
3
MNLT 201-BA
CHPN 304
Chaplaincy and Conflict Resolution
3
COUC 106
CHPN 301 — Advanced Chaplaincy Communication: Students examine the nuances of therapeutic communication in diverse settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
THEO 301 — Theology of Suffering and Hope: This course examines historical and modern theological responses to human suffering and the role of hope in care. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
CHPN 302 — Grief and Bereavement Counseling: This course explores psychological frameworks for understanding loss and mourning processes within spiritual contexts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
CHPN 303 — Trauma-Informed Spiritual Care: Learners explore the intersection of clinical trauma theory and pastoral intervention. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
CHPN 304 — Chaplaincy and Conflict Resolution: This course teaches mediation strategies for navigating interpersonal conflicts within organizational and community structures. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
Semester 7 — Year 4
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
CHPN 305
Interfaith Engagement and Collaboration
3
CHPN 204
CHPN 306
Spiritual Leadership in Organizations
3
CHPN 105
CHPN 307
Crisis Intervention Strategies
3
CHPN 100
CHPN 401
Chaplaincy Field Practicum I
3
CHPN 210
CHPN 402
Chaplaincy Field Practicum II
3
CHPN 401
CHPN 305 — Interfaith Engagement and Collaboration: Students analyze protocols for maintaining religious identity while working within pluralistic public spaces. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
CHPN 306 — Spiritual Leadership in Organizations: This course covers administrative leadership principles for managing chaplaincy programs and institutional spiritual life. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
CHPN 307 — Crisis Intervention Strategies: Students gain practical knowledge on responding to acute community crises and emergency situations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
CHPN 401 — Chaplaincy Field Practicum I: This supervised fieldwork experience provides exposure to daily chaplaincy tasks in a local community setting. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
CHPN 402 — Chaplaincy Field Practicum II: This advanced practicum continues the integration of theory and practice through direct service and peer reflection. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
Semester 8 — Year 4
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
CHPN 403
Spiritual Assessment and Documentation
3
GEN 107
CHPN 404
Compassion Fatigue and Self-Care
3
CHPN 210
CHPN 405
Community Advocacy and Policy
3
GEN 106
BIBC 450
Bibliology & Hermeneutics
3
None
CHPN 499
Chaplaincy Senior Capstone
3
GEN 107
CHPN 403 — Spiritual Assessment and Documentation: Students learn to conduct thorough spiritual assessments and maintain professional, confidential records in clinical environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
CHPN 404 — Compassion Fatigue and Self-Care: This course focuses on sustaining professional longevity through healthy boundaries and regular self-care practices. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
CHPN 405 — Community Advocacy and Policy: Students research the intersection of chaplaincy work and local social policies that affect vulnerable populations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
BIBC 450 — Bibliology & Hermeneutics: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
CHPN 499 — Chaplaincy Senior Capstone: Students synthesize their learning by developing an integrated research project addressing a specific challenge in modern chaplaincy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent. A personal statement and letters of recommendation are also required to assess the candidate's suitability for pastoral work and chaplaincy. Senior Capstone Project The capstone project serves as the culmination of the student’s spiritual formation and academic development, requiring the synthesis of biblical stewardship, ethical reasoning, and practical chaplaincy skills. Students are tasked with completing a comprehensive research project or an advanced field-based initiative that demonstrates their ability to address complex emotional and spiritual needs through a Christian framework. This project must reflect the student's mastery of servant leadership principles and their capacity to articulate a cohesive theology of presence as they prepare to transition into formal ministry roles.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

The complete HBIU curriculum is protected.

Program titles, descriptions, outcomes, admissions information, and career opportunities remain available publicly. The official semester-by-semester course sequence, credits, prerequisites, and internal curriculum requirements are available to verified applicants, enrolled students, and authorized university personnel.

Apply to HBIU →

Request program information →

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

To qualify for the Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Chaplaincy, candidates must successfully complete a total of 60 program-specific credits with a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher. Students must fulfill all core theological and practical ministry coursework, maintain high standards of ethical conduct in alignment with the institution’s mission, and demonstrate consistent growth in spiritual formation. Additionally, students are required to complete all assigned field placement hours and successfully present their final capstone project as a testament to their readiness for professional service.
Career Opportunities
Hospital Chaplain
Military Chaplain
Prison Chaplain
Religious Coordinator in Community Services
Crisis Intervention Specialist
Life Coach
Spiritual Director
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 | B.A. in Faith-Based Chaplaincy
Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
Normal completion time | Four academic years
General education | 36 credit hours
Faith-based chaplaincy core | 63 credit hours
Professional application courses | 15 credit hours
Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
CHPN 100 | Chaplain Disaster Relief Training | 3 | None
COUC 102-BA | An Introduction to Counselling | 3 | None
GEN 103 | Introduction to Academic Writing | 3 | None
CHPN 105 | Your Vocation & Chaplaincy | 3 | None
CHPN 106 | Introduction to Chaplaincy & Ministry | 3 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
COUC 106 | Effective Counseling Techniques & Skills | 3 | None
GEN 106 | Introduction to College Research | 3 | None
CHPN 107 | Hospital Chaplaincy | 3 | None
GEN 107 | Research Methods in Social Sciences | 3 | None
PHIL 108-BA | Philosophy of Religion | 3 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
CHPN 201-BA | Christian Chaplaincy and Pluralistic Contexts | 3 | None
MNLT 201-BA | Mental Health Disorders | 3 | None
CHPN 202-BA | Chaplaincy in the Workplace | 3 | None
THEO 202-BA | Basic Bible Survey: Old Testament | 3 | None
CHPN 203-BA | Law Enforcement Chaplaincy | 3 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
THEO 203-BA | Basic Bible Survey: New Testament | 3 | None
BDIV 204 | Introduction to Systematic Theology | 3 | None
CHPN 204 | Introduction to World Religions | 3 | None
CHPN 205-BA | Prison Chaplaincy | 3 | None
CHPN 206 | Introduction to Christian Ethics | 3 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
CHPN 207 | Mindfulness for Spiritual Care | 3 | None
CHPN 208 | Spiritual Care in Hospice Settings | 3 | None
CHPN 209 | Family Therapy and Pastoral Care | 3 | None
COUC 209 | Group Counseling and Facilitation | 3 | None
CHPN 210 | Clinical Supervision & Ethics in Chaplaincy | 3 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
CHPN 301 | Advanced Chaplaincy Communication | 3 | CHPN 106
THEO 301 | Theology of Suffering and Hope | 3 | BDIV 204
CHPN 302 | Grief and Bereavement Counseling | 3 | COUC 102-BA
CHPN 303 | Trauma-Informed Spiritual Care | 3 | MNLT 201-BA
CHPN 304 | Chaplaincy and Conflict Resolution | 3 | COUC 106
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
CHPN 305 | Interfaith Engagement and Collaboration | 3 | CHPN 204
CHPN 306 | Spiritual Leadership in Organizations | 3 | CHPN 105
CHPN 307 | Crisis Intervention Strategies | 3 | CHPN 100
CHPN 401 | Chaplaincy Field Practicum I | 3 | CHPN 210
CHPN 402 | Chaplaincy Field Practicum II | 3 | CHPN 401
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
CHPN 403 | Spiritual Assessment and Documentation | 3 | GEN 107
CHPN 404 | Compassion Fatigue and Self-Care | 3 | CHPN 210
CHPN 405 | Community Advocacy and Policy | 3 | GEN 106
BIBC 450 | Bibliology & Hermeneutics | 3 | None
CHPN 499 | Chaplaincy Senior Capstone | 3 | GEN 107

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

Hospital Chaplain
Military Chaplain
Prison Chaplain
Religious Coordinator in Community Services
Crisis Intervention Specialist
Life Coach
Spiritual Director

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 | B.A. in Faith-Based Chaplaincy
Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
Normal completion time | Four academic years