Certificate in Faith Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Total program length

18 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Six to nine months

General education

Not required

Professional application courses

3 credit hours

Academic unit

HBIU Training Institute

Total credits

18

Duration

1 years

• Analyze the primary theories and historical developments within the field of cognitive behavioral science.
• Evaluate the impact of cognitive processes on human behavior and decision-making within interpersonal settings.
• Apply ethical principles and biblical standards of stewardship to the design of supportive interventions.
• Demonstrate effective communication techniques used in supportive, faith-informed environments.
• Design an evidence-based intervention plan that addresses specific cognitive challenges in a community context.
• Integrate spiritual formation and ethical reasoning into the development of a professional philosophy of service.
• Communicate complex behavioral concepts to diverse community audiences with clarity and professional composure.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU101
• Foundations of Cognitive Science
• 2
• None
• PSY120
• Human Development and Behavior
• 2
• None
• THE210
• Ethics and Stewardship in Service
• 2
• None
• COM205
• Professional Communication Strategies
• 3
• None
• COU101 — Foundations of Cognitive Science: This course explores the evolution of cognitive science and its relevance to human behavior. Students examine the foundational theories that explain how thoughts influence emotional responses and outcomes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY120 — Human Development and Behavior: This course analyzes the cognitive and behavioral development of individuals across the lifespan. It emphasizes the importance of environmental factors in shaping character and emotional stability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE210 — Ethics and Stewardship in Service: This course provides an examination of ethical frameworks grounded in a Christian worldview, focusing on concepts of stewardship and character. Students evaluate moral dilemmas frequently encountered in community support roles. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM205 — Professional Communication Strategies: This course develops advanced communication skills necessary for effective service delivery, including active listening and empathetic dialogue. Students practice articulating complex information in a clear and professional manner. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU301
• Applied Cognitive Behavioral Techniques
• 3
• COU101
• MIN315
• Leadership in Community Engagement
• 2
• THE210
• SOC350
• Social Systems and Support Structures
• 2
• PSY120
• CAP400
• Integrative Capstone Project
• 2
• COU301
• COU301 — Applied Cognitive Behavioral Techniques: This course focuses on the practical application of cognitive restructuring techniques in a non-clinical setting. Students learn to facilitate group or individual exercises that promote positive behavioral change. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN315 — Leadership in Community Engagement: This course examines the principles of servant leadership and their application to nonprofit organizational structures. Students analyze case studies of successful community initiatives that align with institutional mission goals. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC350 — Social Systems and Support Structures: This course provides an overview of the role of social and community support systems in addressing systemic challenges. It explores how organizations can better serve vulnerable populations through strategic partnerships. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP400 — Integrative Capstone Project: The capstone project requires the application of all course concepts into a professional service initiative. Students demonstrate their mastery of program objectives through the development of a comprehensive intervention proposal. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, with a demonstrated commitment to academic success and community service. Candidates should provide transcripts from any postsecondary work, a statement of purpose outlining their motivations for pursuing the certificate, and one letter of recommendation that speaks to their character, ethical integrity, and capacity for academic engagement. Proficiency in English is required to ensure success in professional writing and research components of the curriculum. Culminating Project The Capstone Project serves as the final, integrative experience for the Certificate in Faith Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, requiring students to synthesize their learning into a substantive service-based initiative. Through this project, students analyze a specific community need and design an evidence-informed supportive program that reflects their mastery of CBT techniques and their dedication to servant leadership. This project bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, challenging students to articulate a coherent philosophy of care that honors the dignity of the individual while adhering to rigorous ethical standards. Deliverables for the project include a comprehensive proposal, a detailed literature review, and an evaluative paper that addresses how spiritual formation and Christian worldview influence their service strategy. Students are expected to demonstrate how their proposed work reflects biblical stewardship and character-informed practice. The project is weighted as 3 credits and is evaluated based on the student's ability to communicate clearly, apply theoretical concepts, and provide a roadmap for faith-informed service within a community nonprofit or organizational setting.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of all 18 credit hours with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0. Students must earn a passing grade in all core courses and receive a satisfactory evaluation on their Capstone Project, demonstrating both academic competence in the discipline and the application of ethical standards in practice. The academic path is designed to mirror the institutional commitment to excellence, ensuring that graduates are prepared to excel in professional and volunteer environments.
• Beyond academic requirements, students are expected to exhibit spiritual maturity and a commitment to communal values through active engagement in service or mentorship opportunities. The institution values the integration of faith and practice, and graduates must demonstrate that they have internalized the program’s core virtues of integrity, service, and stewardship. Readiness for professional engagement is assessed not only through examinations but through the consistent application of faith-informed ethics and character-driven leadership throughout the duration of the program.
• Career Opportunities
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Faith-Based Program Assistant
• Nonprofit Supportive Service Volunteer
• Church Ministry Support Specialist
• Community Case Manager
• Advocacy Specialist
• Youth Mentorship Program Facilitator
• 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.
• Credential abbreviation | Certificate in Faith Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Total program length | 18 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Six to nine months
• General education | Not required
• Foundational faith based cognitive behavioral therapy (cbt) courses | 12 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 3 credit hours
• Final applied project | 3 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU101 | Foundations of Cognitive Science | 2 | None
• PSY120 | Human Development and Behavior | 2 | None
• THE210 | Ethics and Stewardship in Service | 2 | None
• COM205 | Professional Communication Strategies | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU301 | Applied Cognitive Behavioral Techniques | 3 | COU101
• MIN315 | Leadership in Community Engagement | 2 | THE210
• SOC350 | Social Systems and Support Structures | 2 | PSY120
• CAP400 | Integrative Capstone Project | 2 | COU301