Doctor of Philosophy in Chaplaincy, Specialization in Clinical Psychotherapy

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Chaplaincy Specialization in Clinical Psychotherapy

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, research progress, and dissertation completion

Academic unit

HBIU College of Chaplaincy

Total credits

120

Duration

3 years

Specialization / Minor

Clinical Psychotherapy

• Analyze complex psychological theories as they relate to human suffering and spiritual development.
• Evaluate the ethical implications of clinical interventions within diverse institutional chaplaincy environments.
• Apply research-based methodologies to identify and address systemic gaps in institutional care services.
• Demonstrate advanced proficiency in the integration of clinical psychology, crisis intervention, and chaplaincy praxis.
• Communicate scholarly findings effectively to professional and community stakeholders.
• Develop original research that expands the current knowledge base in clinical chaplaincy through a dissertation project.
• Integrate a commitment to servant leadership and ethical stewardship into all professional decision-making.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES800
• Advanced Research Methods
• 3
• None
• COU701
• Theories of Psychotherapy
• 3
• None
• CHR705
• Theology of Leadership and Stewardship
• 3
• None
• RES800 — Advanced Research Methods: This course covers quantitative and qualitative research designs applicable to clinical and pastoral settings. Students formulate research questions and identify appropriate methodologies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU701 — Theories of Psychotherapy: A deep study of foundational and contemporary psychotherapy models and their integration into clinical practice. Students evaluate theoretical frameworks through the lens of ethical care. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR705 — Theology of Leadership and Stewardship: This course explores the principles of servant leadership and stewardship within institutional and clinical settings. Students analyze how faith-based values inform administrative and clinical decision-making. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU710
• Advanced Psychopathology
• 4
• COU701
• RES810
• Statistical Analysis for Behavioral Science
• 3
• RES800
• COU720
• Crisis and Trauma Counseling
• 3
• None
• MIN715
• Spirituality and Human Development
• 3
• None
• COU710 — Advanced Psychopathology: An intensive examination of complex behavioral and emotional disorders. Focus is placed on diagnostic criteria and the ethical application of care models. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES810 — Statistical Analysis for Behavioral Science: Instruction in advanced statistical procedures used in psychological research. Emphasis is placed on data interpretation and academic reporting. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU720 — Crisis and Trauma Counseling: Exploration of clinical techniques for supporting individuals through crisis and traumatic events. Theoretical models are applied to real-world chaplaincy scenarios. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN715 — Spirituality and Human Development: An investigation of lifespan development with a focus on spiritual growth and formation. Students develop methods to support spiritual well-being across the human life cycle. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU805
• Ethics in Clinical Practice
• 3
• COU701
• RES825
• Qualitative Research Inquiry
• 3
• RES800
• COU815
• Family Systems and Relational Therapy
• 3
• None
• MIN830
• Chaplaincy in Diverse Institutional Environments
• 3
• None
• COU805 — Ethics in Clinical Practice: Detailed analysis of ethical standards, legal responsibilities, and professional conduct in a chaplaincy setting. Focuses on the integration of integrity into clinical decisions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES825 — Qualitative Research Inquiry: Exploration of phenomenological and ethnographic research methods. Students gain skills in data collection, coding, and interpretive analysis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU815 — Family Systems and Relational Therapy: Examination of systemic theory and its application to familial and organizational group dynamics. Focuses on reconciliation and healthy relationship management. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN830 — Chaplaincy in Diverse Institutional Environments: Assessment of the role of the chaplain in hospitals, prisons, and corporate settings. Students examine cultural competence and adaptive leadership. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU820
• Neurobiology and Behavioral Health
• 4
• COU710
• RES850
• Dissertation Proposal Development
• 3
• RES825
• COU840
• Group Therapy and Organizational Dynamics
• 3
• COU815
• MIN855
• Public Policy and Advocacy in Chaplaincy
• 3
• None
• COU820 — Neurobiology and Behavioral Health: Study of the physiological underpinnings of behavior and mental health. Connects neurological findings with therapeutic interventions and spiritual well-being. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES850 — Dissertation Proposal Development: Candidates draft the formal dissertation proposal including literature review and methodology. Students receive peer and faculty feedback for project refinement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU840 — Group Therapy and Organizational Dynamics: Analysis of group processes and institutional systems. Focuses on conflict resolution and the creation of healthy professional environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN855 — Public Policy and Advocacy in Chaplaincy: Examination of legislative and systemic influences on institutional care. Focuses on the role of the advocate in improving community outcomes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• DIS900
• Dissertation Research I
• 4
• RES850
• COU860
• Advanced Clinical Practicum
• 3
• COU805
• MIN870
• Organizational Stewardship and Administration
• 3
• CHR705
• RES890
• Doctoral Writing and Scholarly Publication
• 3
• RES800
• DIS900 — Dissertation Research I: Initial phase of dissertation execution involving data collection and preliminary analysis. Guided supervision ensures rigor in data integrity and methodology. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU860 — Advanced Clinical Practicum: Supervised integration of theory and practice within a professional chaplaincy or counseling context. Focuses on refined clinical skill application. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN870 — Organizational Stewardship and Administration: Advanced training in the stewardship of organizational resources and personnel. Focuses on administrative excellence and sustainable community service. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES890 — Doctoral Writing and Scholarly Publication: Focused development of skills required to publish research in peer-reviewed journals. Students refine technical writing and presentation abilities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• DIS901
• Dissertation Research II
• 5
• DIS900
• CAP899
• Capstone: Integrative Professional Practice
• 3
• DIS900
• COU880
• Advanced Multicultural Psychotherapy
• 3
• None
• MIN895
• Leadership in Faith-Based Nonprofits
• 3
• None
• DIS901 — Dissertation Research II: Final phase of the dissertation, focusing on writing, analysis, and preparation for the oral defense. Candidates synthesize original research with existing academic literature. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP899 — Capstone: Integrative Professional Practice: The final integration of scholarly research, clinical competency, and faith-informed character development. Candidates present a final portfolio of their professional growth. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU880 — Advanced Multicultural Psychotherapy: Analysis of diverse cultural contexts and their impact on clinical and pastoral care. Focuses on inclusivity and responsive engagement strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN895 — Leadership in Faith-Based Nonprofits: Exploration of strategies for leading and managing nonprofit organizations within the community. Emphasizes sustainability, ethics, and mission fulfillment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission to the PhD program requires a completed Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a related field such as psychology, counseling, divinity, or social work. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the graduate level. Prospective students are required to submit a formal statement of purpose, three letters of professional recommendation, and a writing sample that demonstrates graduate-level research and analytical capability. Admission decisions are based on a holistic review of academic records, professional experience, and the candidate's alignment with the university’s mission of faith-informed service and ethical excellence. Dissertation Requirement The dissertation serves as the culminating academic experience for the Doctor of Philosophy, requiring the candidate to conduct original research that contributes significantly to the field of clinical chaplaincy. Candidates must identify a gap in existing literature, design a rigorous methodology, and present findings that reflect an intersection of clinical practice and faith-informed ethical reasoning. This project represents the student's ability to engage in independent, high-level inquiry while upholding the principles of academic rigor and intellectual honesty. The dissertation is weighted at 9 credit hours and serves as the final proof of the candidate's readiness to contribute to the discipline as a scholar-practitioner. Throughout the research process, students are expected to demonstrate how their work advances the values of biblical stewardship and servant leadership. By addressing real-world challenges faced by institutional organizations, the dissertation serves as an instrument for community transformation. Candidates must reflect on the interplay between their clinical findings and their Christian worldview, ensuring that their scholarly work is both professionally competent and consistent with a character marked by spiritual maturity and compassionate engagement.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, including the 35 credits awarded through transfer of prior graduate coursework. Students must fulfill all core and elective requirements and achieve a successful defense of their doctoral dissertation. Beyond academic requirements, students must demonstrate a commitment to spiritual formation and ethical integrity, evidenced by participation in departmental community-building activities and the ongoing practice of servant leadership. Academic success is paired with the expectation that students embody the university's values in their research, professional interactions, and service to the community. Readiness for professional practice is determined through both the mastery of technical content and the demonstration of the moral character necessary for faith-informed service. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Career Opportunities
• Clinical Chaplain in Hospital Settings
• Director of Pastoral Care Services
• Clinical Supervisor for Nonprofit Counseling Agencies
• Professor of Chaplaincy and Psychology
• Mental Health Program Administrator
• Crisis Response Consultant for Faith-Based Organizations
• Researcher in Psycho-Spiritual Care
• 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 | Ph.D. in Faith-Based Chaplaincy Specialization in Clinical Psychotherapy
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Maximum approved transfer credit | Up to 40 semester credit hours
• Minimum credits completed through the University after maximum transfer | 80 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, research progress, and dissertation completion
• Advanced faith-based chaplaincy and clinical psychotherapy theory | 30 credit hours
• Research methods, statistics, and scholarly inquiry | 24 credit hours
• Professional leadership and higher-education teaching | 15 credit hours
• Advanced electives and concentration courses | 18 credit hours
• Scholarly writing and publication | 9 credit hours
• Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy | 6 credit hours
• Dissertation research and defense | 18 credit hours
• Total | 120 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES800 | Advanced Research Methods | 3 | None
• COU701 | Theories of Psychotherapy | 3 | None
• CHR705 | Theology of Leadership and Stewardship | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU710 | Advanced Psychopathology | 4 | COU701
• RES810 | Statistical Analysis for Behavioral Science | 3 | RES800
• COU720 | Crisis and Trauma Counseling | 3 | None
• MIN715 | Spirituality and Human Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU805 | Ethics in Clinical Practice | 3 | COU701
• RES825 | Qualitative Research Inquiry | 3 | RES800
• COU815 | Family Systems and Relational Therapy | 3 | None
• MIN830 | Chaplaincy in Diverse Institutional Environments | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU820 | Neurobiology and Behavioral Health | 4 | COU710
• RES850 | Dissertation Proposal Development | 3 | RES825
• COU840 | Group Therapy and Organizational Dynamics | 3 | COU815
• MIN855 | Public Policy and Advocacy in Chaplaincy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS900 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES850
• COU860 | Advanced Clinical Practicum | 3 | COU805
• MIN870 | Organizational Stewardship and Administration | 3 | CHR705
• RES890 | Doctoral Writing and Scholarly Publication | 3 | RES800
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS901 | Dissertation Research II | 5 | DIS900
• CAP899 | Capstone: Integrative Professional Practice | 3 | DIS900
• COU880 | Advanced Multicultural Psychotherapy | 3 | None
• MIN895 | Leadership in Faith-Based Nonprofits | 3 | None