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Bachelor of Arts in Chaplaincy, Specialization in Applied Chaplaincy Ministry

Academic unitHBIU College of ChaplaincyTotal credits60Estimated duration2 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Chaplaincy

Total program length

60 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Chaplaincy core

3 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Chaplaincy prepares students for effective spiritual care and guidance in various settings, including hospitals, military, correctional facilities, and community organizations. Through a comprehensive curriculum comprising 14 courses and totaling 42 credits over four years, students will explore foundational theological concepts, counseling techniques, and ethical practices through the lens of a Christian worldview. The program emphasizes both academic knowledge and practical experience, equipping students with the tools of biblical stewardship and spiritual formation to support individuals and communities in times of crisis and transition. Graduates are prepared to practice servant leadership in diverse chaplaincy roles, fostering personal and spiritual maturity while addressing the profound spiritual needs of those they serve.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Chaplaincy combines foundational general education with a comprehensive study in faith-based 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
60 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
60
Duration
2 years
Specialization / Minor
Applied Chaplaincy Ministry

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of doctrinal beliefs and theological principles relevant to chaplaincy.
  • Apply counseling techniques to provide spiritual support in various contexts.
  • Engage in ethical decision-making and conflict resolution within diverse environments.
  • Develop effective communication skills for providing spiritual care to individuals and groups.
  • Demonstrate cultural competency in addressing the needs of diverse populations.
  • Evaluate and reflect on personal spirituality and its impact on chaplaincy practice.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CHDT 101
  • Chaplain Disaster Relief Training
  • 3
  • None
  • CHPN 101
  • Introduction to Chaplaincy
  • 3
  • None
  • COUC 102
  • An Introduction to Counselling
  • 3
  • None
  • CHPM 105
  • Your Vocation & Chaplaincy
  • 3
  • None
  • CHDT 101 — Chaplain Disaster Relief Training: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CHPN 101 — Introduction to Chaplaincy: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COUC 102 — An Introduction to Counselling: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CHPM 105 — Your Vocation & Chaplaincy: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CHPM 106
  • Introduction to Chaplaincy & Ministry
  • 3
  • None
  • CHPM 107
  • Hospital Chaplaincy
  • 3
  • None
  • PHIL 108
  • Philosophy of Religion
  • 3
  • None
  • CHPM 201
  • Christian Chaplaincy and Pluralistic Contexts
  • 3
  • None
  • CHPM 106 — Introduction to Chaplaincy & Ministry: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CHPM 107 — Hospital Chaplaincy: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PHIL 108 — Philosophy of Religion: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CHPM 201 — Christian Chaplaincy and Pluralistic Contexts: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • MNLT 201
  • Mental Health Disorders
  • 3
  • None
  • CHPN 202
  • Chaplaincy in the Workplace
  • 3
  • None
  • THEO 202
  • Basic Bible Survey: Old Testament
  • 3
  • None
  • CHPN 203
  • Law Enforcement Chaplaincy
  • 3
  • None
  • MNLT 201 — Mental Health Disorders: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CHPN 202 — Chaplaincy in the Workplace: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • THEO 202 — Basic Bible Survey: Old Testament: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CHPN 203 — 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
  • Basic Bible Survey: New Testament
  • 3
  • None
  • CHPN 205
  • Prison Chaplaincy
  • 3
  • None
  • CHPN 301
  • Ethics in Spiritual Care
  • 3
  • CHPN 101
  • CHPN 305
  • Grief, Loss, and Trauma Recovery
  • 3
  • MNLT 201
  • THEO 203 — Basic Bible Survey: New Testament: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CHPN 205 — Prison Chaplaincy: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CHPN 301 — Ethics in Spiritual Care: This course examines ethical dilemmas encountered in chaplaincy and the application of moral frameworks within diverse institutional settings. Students engage in case studies to develop sound decision-making practices. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CHPN 305 — Grief, Loss, and Trauma Recovery: This course provides a theological and psychological overview of the grief process and effective trauma-informed care interventions. Participants explore strategies for providing compassionate support to individuals experiencing profound loss. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 5 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CHPN 310
  • Interfaith Engagement and Dialogue
  • 3
  • PHIL 108
  • CHPN 402
  • Administration in Ministry
  • 3
  • CHPM 105
  • CHPN 405
  • Advanced Chaplaincy Practicum
  • 3
  • CHPM 107
  • CHPN 499
  • Senior Chaplaincy Capstone Project
  • 3
  • Completion of all other program courses
  • CHPN 310 — Interfaith Engagement and Dialogue: Students investigate the theoretical and practical dimensions of engaging with individuals from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds. The curriculum emphasizes bridge-building and mutual respect while maintaining a commitment to personal theological convictions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CHPN 402 — Administration in Ministry: This course covers the logistical and operational aspects of leading chaplaincy departments or faith-based initiatives. Topics include volunteer coordination, grant awareness, and organizational communication strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CHPN 405 — Advanced Chaplaincy Practicum: Students participate in supervised fieldwork to observe and implement chaplaincy practices in a chosen professional environment. This experiential learning opportunity allows for the integration of theoretical knowledge with real-world pastoral responsibilities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CHPN 499 — Senior Chaplaincy Capstone Project: The capstone project serves as the culmination of the program, requiring students to research and present a comprehensive study or specialized project related to their specific area of interest. This course facilitates the transition from student to practitioner by refining analytical and presentation skills. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or equivalent. A personal statement outlining the applicant's interest in chaplaincy and any relevant experience is also required. Senior Capstone Project The senior capstone project serves as the summative demonstration of a student's commitment to ethical reasoning and vocational excellence. Students must synthesize their academic training by developing a comprehensive pastoral care model that integrates theological integrity with compassionate, real-world application. This project requires students to articulate their personal philosophy of ministry, demonstrating how they will apply their Christian worldview to navigate complex moral dilemmas and provide restorative care in diverse environments.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • To qualify for the Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Chaplaincy, candidates must complete 42 credits across the 14-course curriculum with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. In addition to academic proficiency, students must demonstrate a consistent commitment to spiritual formation and moral integrity throughout their matriculation. Successful candidates will exhibit the competencies required for servant leadership and must verify the completion of all required supervised ministry hours, confirming their readiness to act as faithful stewards of the Gospel in their future professional chaplaincy endeavors.
  • Career Opportunities
  • Hospice Chaplain
  • Military Chaplain
  • Healthcare Chaplain
  • Prison Chaplain
  • Community Spiritual Caregiver
  • Religious Education 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 | B.A. in Faith-Based Chaplaincy
  • Total program length | 60 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Four academic years
  • General education | 36 credit hours
  • Faith-Based Chaplaincy core | 3 credit hours
  • Professional application courses | 15 credit hours
  • Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CHDT 101 | Chaplain Disaster Relief Training | 3 | None
  • CHPN 101 | Introduction to Chaplaincy | 3 | None
  • COUC 102 | An Introduction to Counselling | 3 | None
  • CHPM 105 | Your Vocation & Chaplaincy | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CHPM 106 | Introduction to Chaplaincy & Ministry | 3 | None
  • CHPM 107 | Hospital Chaplaincy | 3 | None
  • PHIL 108 | Philosophy of Religion | 3 | None
  • CHPM 201 | Christian Chaplaincy and Pluralistic Contexts | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MNLT 201 | Mental Health Disorders | 3 | None
  • CHPN 202 | Chaplaincy in the Workplace | 3 | None
  • THEO 202 | Basic Bible Survey: Old Testament | 3 | None
  • CHPN 203 | Law Enforcement Chaplaincy | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • THEO 203 | Basic Bible Survey: New Testament | 3 | None
  • CHPN 205 | Prison Chaplaincy | 3 | None
  • CHPN 301 | Ethics in Spiritual Care | 3 | CHPN 101
  • CHPN 305 | Grief, Loss, and Trauma Recovery | 3 | MNLT 201
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CHPN 310 | Interfaith Engagement and Dialogue | 3 | PHIL 108
  • CHPN 402 | Administration in Ministry | 3 | CHPM 105
  • CHPN 405 | Advanced Chaplaincy Practicum | 3 | CHPM 107
  • CHPN 499 | Senior Chaplaincy Capstone Project | 3 | Completion of all other program courses

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Hospice Chaplain
  • Military Chaplain
  • Healthcare Chaplain
  • Prison Chaplain
  • Community Spiritual Caregiver
  • Religious Education 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 | B.A. in Faith-Based Chaplaincy
  • Total program length | 60 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Four academic years