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Master of Science in Clinical Chaplaincy Psychotherapy

Academic unitHBIU College of ChaplaincyTotal credits60Estimated duration2 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.S. in Faith-Based Clinical Chaplaincy Psychotherapy

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Clinical Chaplaincy Psychotherapy core

27 credit hours

Research, assessment, and program evaluation

12 credit hours

Professional application and field experience

12 credit hours

Graduate capstone requirement

9 credit hours

The Master of Science in Faith-Based Clinical Chaplaincy Psychotherapy provides a rigorous academic framework for students seeking to integrate advanced psychological theory with the practice of pastoral care and chaplaincy. The curriculum is designed to equip practitioners with the competencies necessary for providing empathetic, informed, and ethically grounded support within diverse clinical and community environments. By combining evidence-based psychotherapeutic techniques with the principles of spiritual formation, students are prepared to address the complex emotional and spiritual needs of individuals in crisis. The program emphasizes the development of clinical competence through a lens of servant leadership and holistic human flourishing, ensuring that graduates are prepared to serve with excellence and integrity in a variety of institutional settings.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in Faith-Based Clinical Chaplaincy Psychotherapy theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based clinical chaplaincy psychotherapy-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based clinical chaplaincy psychotherapy-support program; A professional training manual; A program-development and evaluation project; Another faculty-approved scholarly project.

The program is designed for completion within two academic years by students maintaining the University's prescribed full-time course load. Part-time students may require additional time.

Florida establishes a minimum of 24 semester credits beyond the bachelor's degree for a master's program. The University's 60-credit requirement is an institutional academic standard that exceeds that minimum.

Program Facts

Program facts

Degree abbreviation
M.S. in Faith-Based Clinical Chaplaincy Psychotherapy
Total program length
60 graduate semester credit hours
Normal completion time
Two academic years of full-time study
Academic unit
HBIU College of Chaplaincy
Total credits
60
Duration
2 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Analyze psychological theories and their application in contemporary chaplaincy settings.
  • Evaluate the impact of spiritual formation on individual well-being and clinical outcomes.
  • Apply ethical decision-making frameworks that align with professional standards and organizational values.
  • Demonstrate advanced communication skills required for effective pastoral care and crisis intervention.
  • Design comprehensive care models that integrate spiritual support with psychological interventions.
  • Interpret the role of the chaplain as a leader within institutional and community contexts.
  • Integrate a Christian worldview into the systematic analysis of human suffering and hope.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • COU501
  • Foundations of Clinical Psychotherapy
  • 4
  • None
  • THE510
  • Theological Anthropology and Spiritual Formation
  • 4
  • None
  • RES505
  • Research Methods in Social Science
  • 4
  • None
  • COU520
  • Ethics and Professional Standards
  • 3
  • None
  • COU501 — Foundations of Clinical Psychotherapy: An introduction to the primary theories of psychotherapy and their application to the clinical process. Emphasis is placed on the practitioner's role in creating a safe and therapeutic environment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • THE510 — Theological Anthropology and Spiritual Formation: An examination of the human condition through a theological lens, focusing on spiritual growth and maturation. Students will explore concepts of human dignity and the role of reflection in service. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • RES505 — Research Methods in Social Science: An exploration of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies essential for evidence-based practice. Topics include data collection, statistical analysis, and the critical interpretation of research literature. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COU520 — Ethics and Professional Standards: A comprehensive review of professional ethical codes, legal requirements, and moral decision-making models. Students analyze dilemmas common to chaplaincy and clinical practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • COU530
  • Crisis Intervention and Trauma Care
  • 4
  • COU501
  • COU540
  • Systems Theory and Family Dynamics
  • 4
  • COU501
  • THE550
  • Ethics of Care and Stewardship
  • 3
  • THE510
  • COM600
  • Advanced Pastoral Communication
  • 3
  • None
  • COU530 — Crisis Intervention and Trauma Care: Examination of psychological responses to trauma and effective crisis intervention strategies. Focus is placed on providing immediate support within high-stress institutional environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COU540 — Systems Theory and Family Dynamics: Analysis of family and organizational systems as they relate to human development and psychological health. Strategies for supporting individuals within their social and interpersonal contexts are emphasized. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • THE550 — Ethics of Care and Stewardship: Application of ethical theories to resource management and servant leadership in nonprofit settings. Focuses on the responsible use of time, talent, and organizational resources. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COM600 — Advanced Pastoral Communication: Development of advanced active listening, empathy, and narrative skills for use in pastoral care. Addresses how to communicate effectively with diverse populations in various stages of life. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • COU610
  • Grief, Loss, and Bereavement Counseling
  • 4
  • COU530
  • COU620
  • Clinical Assessment in Chaplaincy
  • 4
  • COU501
  • MGT630
  • Organizational Leadership for Nonprofits
  • 4
  • None
  • RES690
  • Thesis Development Seminar
  • 3
  • RES505
  • COU610 — Grief, Loss, and Bereavement Counseling: Study of the human experience of loss and the processes of grief recovery. Techniques for accompanying individuals through transitional stages of life are examined. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COU620 — Clinical Assessment in Chaplaincy: Training in the evaluation of spiritual and psychological distress to inform appropriate care pathways. Emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary collaboration and referral protocols. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT630 — Organizational Leadership for Nonprofits: Examination of leadership dynamics and the operational structure of mission-driven organizations. Focuses on strategic planning, team building, and long-term viability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • RES690 — Thesis Development Seminar: Support for the early stages of thesis development, including topic selection and research design. Regular peer review and faculty consultation facilitate the project timeline. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • COU650
  • Clinical Integration and Supervision
  • 4
  • All Core Courses
  • CAP699
  • Master's Thesis Project
  • 3
  • RES690
  • COU660
  • Community Engagement and Outreach
  • 3
  • None
  • THE670
  • Integrative Seminar in Faith and Practice
  • 3
  • None
  • COU650 — Clinical Integration and Supervision: Evaluation of clinical experiences through the lens of supervision and reflective practice. Students synthesize theory and practice under professional guidance. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CAP699 — Master's Thesis Project: Completion of a significant research project or clinical intervention study demonstrating mastery of the program's objectives. Final defense and submission of the project are required for graduation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COU660 — Community Engagement and Outreach: Strategies for establishing partnerships and managing outreach programs within diverse communities. Focuses on building sustainable community relationships. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • THE670 — Integrative Seminar in Faith and Practice: Synthesis of the program’s core themes, focusing on the lifelong commitment to ethical, spiritual, and clinical integration. Discussion of current trends and future directions in the field. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. A foundational background in psychology, theology, or related social sciences is preferred. Candidates are required to submit a personal statement outlining their commitment to professional chaplaincy, two letters of professional or academic recommendation, and official transcripts from all previously attended postsecondary institutions to demonstrate readiness for graduate-level study. Thesis or Capstone Project The Master’s Thesis serves as the culminating academic experience, requiring students to engage in original research or a significant clinical project that addresses a pertinent issue within the field of chaplaincy. The scope of this project involves identifying a specific challenge in care delivery, conducting a thorough literature review, and proposing an intervention or analysis that is grounded in both psychological research and faith-informed ethical practice. This process encourages students to apply critical thinking and theological reflection to their area of specialization. Students are expected to produce a formal thesis document that demonstrates mastery of their discipline, clear academic writing, and a sophisticated integration of theory and practice. The final deliverable must reflect the student's capacity for servant leadership and responsible stewardship, showcasing their readiness to contribute meaningful solutions to their organizations. Through this project, students demonstrate not only academic competence but also a commitment to the ongoing integration of faith-informed character development, personal integrity, and professional excellence.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • Graduation requires the successful completion of 60 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Candidates must also demonstrate satisfactory completion of the Master's Thesis, which serves as a final assessment of their professional readiness. Beyond academic performance, students are expected to engage in consistent spiritual formation activities, including documented community service and participation in campus-led integrative workshops, ensuring a well-rounded transition into their field.
  • Students must also demonstrate evidence of professional ethical integrity throughout their tenure in the program. Final clearance for graduation involves a holistic review of the student's academic progress, their commitment to the institutional values of servant leadership, and their capability to provide care that is spiritually mature, ethically sound, and aligned with the mission of faith-based service organizations.
  • Career Opportunities
  • Hospital Chaplain
  • Hospice Spiritual Care Coordinator
  • Nonprofit Behavioral Health Consultant
  • Institutional Pastoral Counselor
  • Community Outreach Program Director
  • Correctional Facility Chaplain
  • Organizational Ethics 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 | M.S. in Faith-Based Clinical Chaplaincy Psychotherapy
  • Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
  • Advanced Faith-Based Clinical Chaplaincy Psychotherapy core | 27 credit hours
  • Research, assessment, and program evaluation | 12 credit hours
  • Professional application and field experience | 12 credit hours
  • Graduate capstone requirement | 9 credit hours
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • COU501 | Foundations of Clinical Psychotherapy | 4 | None
  • THE510 | Theological Anthropology and Spiritual Formation | 4 | None
  • RES505 | Research Methods in Social Science | 4 | None
  • COU520 | Ethics and Professional Standards | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • COU530 | Crisis Intervention and Trauma Care | 4 | COU501
  • COU540 | Systems Theory and Family Dynamics | 4 | COU501
  • THE550 | Ethics of Care and Stewardship | 3 | THE510
  • COM600 | Advanced Pastoral Communication | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • COU610 | Grief, Loss, and Bereavement Counseling | 4 | COU530
  • COU620 | Clinical Assessment in Chaplaincy | 4 | COU501
  • MGT630 | Organizational Leadership for Nonprofits | 4 | None
  • RES690 | Thesis Development Seminar | 3 | RES505
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • COU650 | Clinical Integration and Supervision | 4 | All Core Courses
  • CAP699 | Master's Thesis Project | 3 | RES690
  • COU660 | Community Engagement and Outreach | 3 | None
  • THE670 | Integrative Seminar in Faith and Practice | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Hospital Chaplain
  • Hospice Spiritual Care Coordinator
  • Nonprofit Behavioral Health Consultant
  • Institutional Pastoral Counselor
  • Community Outreach Program Director
  • Correctional Facility Chaplain
  • Organizational Ethics 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 | M.S. in Faith-Based Clinical Chaplaincy Psychotherapy
  • Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
  • Advanced Faith-Based Clinical Chaplaincy Psychotherapy core | 27 credit hours
  • Research, assessment, and program evaluation | 12 credit hours
  • Professional application and field experience | 12 credit hours
  • Graduate capstone requirement | 9 credit hours
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • COU501 | Foundations of Clinical Psychotherapy | 4 | None
  • THE510 | Theological Anthropology and Spiritual Formation | 4 | None
  • RES505 | Research Methods in Social Science | 4 | None
  • COU520 | Ethics and Professional Standards | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • COU530 | Crisis Intervention and Trauma Care | 4 | COU501
  • COU540 | Systems Theory and Family Dynamics | 4 | COU501
  • THE550 | Ethics of Care and Stewardship | 3 | THE510
  • COM600 | Advanced Pastoral Communication | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • COU610 | Grief, Loss, and Bereavement Counseling | 4 | COU530
  • COU620 | Clinical Assessment in Chaplaincy | 4 | COU501
  • MGT630 | Organizational Leadership for Nonprofits | 4 | None
  • RES690 | Thesis Development Seminar | 3 | RES505
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • COU650 | Clinical Integration and Supervision | 4 | All Core Courses
  • CAP699 | Master's Thesis Project | 3 | RES690
  • COU660 | Community Engagement and Outreach | 3 | None
  • THE670 | Integrative Seminar in Faith and Practice | 3 | None