Master of Science in Faith-Based Clinical Pastoral Education

Degree abbreviation

M.S. in Faith-Based Clinical Pastoral Education

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Academic unit

HBIU College of Education and Human Development

Total credits

60

Duration

2 years

• Analyze the intersection of psychosocial development and theological paradigms in diverse care settings.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies within crisis and institutional care environments.
• Design comprehensive care initiatives that align with the mission and ethical standards of faith-based organizations.
• Demonstrate advanced competency in servant leadership through reflective practice and group facilitation.
• Integrate spiritual formation and ethical reasoning into professional decision-making frameworks.
• Communicate complex pastoral care concepts to multidisciplinary teams within diverse organizations.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU501
• Foundations of Human Development
• 4
• None
• RES505
• Research Methods in Human Services
• 4
• None
• THE510
• Theology of Human Stewardship
• 4
• None
• COU515
• Professional Ethics and Law
• 4
• None
• COU501 — Foundations of Human Development: This course examines lifespan development through a psychological and theological lens, focusing on emotional and social growth. It emphasizes how individuals navigate transitions within community contexts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES505 — Research Methods in Human Services: Students explore qualitative and quantitative research designs relevant to clinical and community settings. The course highlights ethical data collection and analysis procedures. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE510 — Theology of Human Stewardship: This course evaluates biblical stewardship in the context of professional service and administrative leadership. It focuses on how spiritual values shape organizational culture. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU515 — Professional Ethics and Law: This course covers legal and ethical standards for practitioners in clinical and pastoral roles. It focuses on boundaries, confidentiality, and institutional accountability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU520
• Interpersonal Communication and Conflict Resolution
• 4
• COU501
• MIN525
• Servant Leadership in Practice
• 4
• None
• COU530
• Crisis Intervention Strategies
• 4
• COU501
• EDU535
• Curriculum Design for Community Education
• 4
• None
• COU520 — Interpersonal Communication and Conflict Resolution: Students develop advanced communication skills to facilitate dialogue and mediation in challenging organizational environments. The curriculum emphasizes active listening and empathetic engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN525 — Servant Leadership in Practice: This course analyzes models of leadership that prioritize service, humility, and the development of others. It challenges students to apply these models within their specific institutional contexts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU530 — Crisis Intervention Strategies: Students learn to identify and respond to situational crises using evidence-based supportive techniques. The course stresses the importance of stability and immediate care. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU535 — Curriculum Design for Community Education: This course explores how to develop educational programs that promote spiritual and psychosocial health. It focuses on adult learning principles and accessible programming. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU601
• Group Facilitation and Dynamics
• 4
• COU520
• RES605
• Advanced Analytical Writing
• 4
• RES505
• MIN610
• Spiritual Formation and Mentorship
• 4
• THE510
• COU615
• Systems Thinking and Community Health
• 4
• None
• COU601 — Group Facilitation and Dynamics: This course focuses on managing group processes to enhance community support and cohesion. It covers leadership strategies for therapeutic or support groups. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES605 — Advanced Analytical Writing: Students refine their ability to articulate complex concepts through formal academic and professional writing. This includes grant proposal writing and project reporting. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN610 — Spiritual Formation and Mentorship: This course examines the role of personal spiritual growth in professional efficacy and longevity. It explores various mentorship models for developing leaders. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU615 — Systems Thinking and Community Health: Students investigate how organizational systems impact the well-being of individuals and the success of community services. It emphasizes holistic institutional approaches. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP699
• Master's Thesis Project
• 4
• RES605
• COU650
• Advanced Clinical Pastoral Consultation
• 2
• COU601
• BUS655
• Nonprofit Administration and Operations
• 2
• None
• COU660
• Cultural Humility in Practice
• 2
• None
• CAP699 — Master's Thesis Project: The capstone project serves as the final integration of research and application, requiring the development of a comprehensive project addressing a critical community need. It mandates an oral defense and final scholarly manuscript. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU650 — Advanced Clinical Pastoral Consultation: This course involves the analysis of complex case studies in pastoral care. Students refine their diagnostic and advisory skills in a collaborative setting. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS655 — Nonprofit Administration and Operations: This course provides an overview of the operational, financial, and regulatory aspects of managing nonprofit entities. It focuses on sustainability and resource stewardship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU660 — Cultural Humility in Practice: This course explores the importance of cultural humility in diverse caregiving environments. It encourages self-reflection on bias and inclusive service delivery. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. A strong foundation in social sciences or theology is preferred, and applicants must demonstrate alignment with the university's mission through a personal statement and two professional or ministerial letters of recommendation. Thesis or Capstone Project The Master’s Thesis serves as the culminating scholarly endeavor, requiring students to conduct original research or develop a specialized project addressing a significant issue within faith-based clinical care. This project necessitates the synthesis of academic research, clinical observation, and theological reflection, demonstrating the student's ability to apply advanced theory to real-world community needs. Students must produce a rigorous document and a formal oral defense that reflects their mastery of the field and their capacity for sustained scholarly contribution. Beyond technical proficiency, the thesis acts as a vehicle for demonstrating faith-informed character development, requiring students to articulate how their work embodies principles of biblical stewardship, servant leadership, and ethical integrity. By integrating spiritual reflection with professional practice, the project illustrates the student's readiness to serve as a bridge between academic excellence and community flourishing, ensuring their professional legacy is marked by both intellectual rigor and personal spiritual depth.

• Graduation necessitates the successful completion of 60 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, ensuring that students have maintained a standard of excellence throughout their graduate tenure. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in all core competencies, including successful completion of the thesis requirement, which serves as a benchmark for academic maturation and clinical readiness. Each student must also complete all designated spiritual formation benchmarks, reflecting a life of integrity, character growth, and commitment to the university’s values.
• Furthermore, students must complete required hours of community-engaged service, demonstrating that their academic journey has fostered not only professional readiness but also a sincere heart for servant leadership. Final institutional endorsement is contingent upon the candidate’s demonstration of ethical maturity, professional responsibility, and a clear vision for how their work will advance the missions of faith-based and nonprofit organizations in their respective communities.
• Career Opportunities
• Institutional Chaplain
• Nonprofit Program Director
• Faith-Based Community Liaison
• Pastoral Care Coordinator
• Organizational Ethics Consultant
• Crisis Support Manager
• Ministry Development Specialist
• 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 Pastoral Education
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Clinical Pastoral Education 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 Human Development | 4 | None
• RES505 | Research Methods in Human Services | 4 | None
• THE510 | Theology of Human Stewardship | 4 | None
• COU515 | Professional Ethics and Law | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU520 | Interpersonal Communication and Conflict Resolution | 4 | COU501
• MIN525 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 4 | None
• COU530 | Crisis Intervention Strategies | 4 | COU501
• EDU535 | Curriculum Design for Community Education | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU601 | Group Facilitation and Dynamics | 4 | COU520
• RES605 | Advanced Analytical Writing | 4 | RES505
• MIN610 | Spiritual Formation and Mentorship | 4 | THE510
• COU615 | Systems Thinking and Community Health | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP699 | Master's Thesis Project | 4 | RES605
• COU650 | Advanced Clinical Pastoral Consultation | 2 | COU601
• BUS655 | Nonprofit Administration and Operations | 2 | None
• COU660 | Cultural Humility in Practice | 2 | None