degree · Master · v1
Program Overview
Degree abbreviation
M.A. in Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Life Coaching
Total program length
96 graduate semester credit hours
Normal completion time
Two academic years of full-time study
Advanced Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Life Coaching 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
Program Facts
Program Description
Learning Outcomes
Admission Requirements
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and submit official transcripts. Additionally, a personal statement detailing their interest in Christian counseling and relevant experience is required, along with two letters of recommendation. Career Opportunities Christian Counselor Life Coach Church Program Director Family Therapist Crisis Intervention Specialist Community Outreach Coordinator Behavioral Health Consultant 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.A. in Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Life Coaching Total program length | 96 graduate semester credit hours Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study Advanced Faith-Based Christian Counseling, Life Coaching 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 Elective concentrations and supplemental coursework | 36 credit hours Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites ENGL 105 | English Composition II | 3 | None ENGL 105-PWF | English Composition II (Professional Writing Focus) | 3 | English Composition I or equivalent CPPC 210 | Professional Life Coaching | 3 | None CPPC 215 | Health and Wellness Coaching | 3 | None MADC 500 | Principles of Spiritual Formation | 3 | None MADC 500-ADV | Principles of Spiritual Formation (Advanced Integration) | 3 | None GRAS 501 | Introduction to Graduate Academic Studies | 3 | None MALC 501 | Introduction to Life Coaching | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites COUC 502 | Human Growth and Development | 3 | None MALC 502 | Business and Organization Coaching | 3 | None MALC 502-ADV | Business and Organization Coaching (Advanced Applications) | 3 | None MALC 503 | Executive Coaching | 3 | None MALC 503-ADV | Executive Coaching (Advanced Applications) | 3 | None MALC 504 | Life Balance Coaching | 3 | None MALC 504-ADV | Life Balance Coaching (Advanced Applications) | 3 | None COUC 506 | Integration of Spirituality & Counseling | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites MALC 506 | Integrating Prayer and Spiritual Growth in Coaching | 3 | None MALC 506-ADV | Integrating Prayer & Spiritual Growth (Advanced Practice) | 3 | Completion of foundational courses in Christian Counseling and Life Coaching. MALC 507 | Marketing & Branding Faith-Based Coaching Practice | 3 | None MALC 507-CAP | Marketing & Branding Faith-Based Coaching Practice (Capstone Integration) | 3 | None PSYC 570 | Contemporary Psychology | 3 | None PSYC 590 | Social & Cultural Psychology | 3 | None PSYC 590-GD | Group Dynamics | 3 | None GRST 601 | Applied Research Processes | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites GRST 601-PRJ | Applied Research Processes (Project Focus) | 3 | None LFC 6105 | Advanced Counseling Strategies in Faith-Based Coaching | 3 | None LFC 6105-CLI | Advanced Counseling Strategies in Faith-Based Coaching (Clinical Integration) | 3 | None LFC 6107 | Supervised Practicum in Life Coaching | 3 | None LFC 6107-EXT | Supervised Practicum in Life Coaching (Extended) | 3 | None LFC 6108 | Capstone Project: Life Coaching & Mentorship | 3 | None FBC 6201 | Biblical Counseling and Coaching Principles | 3 | None FBC 6201-APP | Biblical Counseling and Coaching Principles (Applied) | 3 | None
Protected Curriculum
Program titles, descriptions, outcomes, admissions information, and career opportunities remain available publicly. The official semester-by-semester course sequence, credits, prerequisites, and internal curriculum requirements are available to verified applicants, enrolled students, and authorized university personnel.
Career Opportunities
Additional Official Information