HBS

HBS Course Catalog

DOCTOR OF MINISTRY (DMIN) – 45 Units

Admission Requirement: Know More

DESCRIPTION

The Doctor of Ministry (DMIN) is a two- to three-year professional doctoral program focused on integrating academic resources with practical ministry. The degree is designed to foster both the ministerial skills and personal qualities essential to excellence in pastoral leadership. The program is open to ministers and Christian workers from all denominations.

PROGRAM GOALS

As the highest professional degree for those in full-time pastoral ministry, the DMin program aims to:

  • Equip pastors and ministers with advanced ministry skills to achieve a higher level of professional competence.
  • Foster the spiritual maturity necessary for effective, sustained ministry.
PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Integrate sound biblical and theological foundations, social science insights, and contemporary ministry strategies into the practice of ministry.
  • Demonstrate advanced scholarship through rigorous research and writing.
  • Apply ministry skills that are relevant and adaptable to contemporary cultural contexts.
  • Demonstrate a renewed awareness of personal calling and vocational identity through critical reflection.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS

DMin courses are normally five-unit courses. All 700-level courses are open to DMin students but must be selected carefully in consultation with the academic advisor to ensure alignment with the student’s research interests.

Each five-unit course requires a total of 200 hours of student work (including lectures, discussions, reading, and assignments) spread over 10 weeks of content plus one final exam week (11 weeks total). Accordingly:

  • One course per quarter: Approximately 20 hours/week (part-time study)
  • Two courses per quarter: Approximately 40 hours/week (full-time study)
PROGRAM DESIGN
Years One and Two: Coursework (20 units)
  • 4 courses (focused on the student’s research/ministry interest) — 15 units
  • 4 Doctoral Research (DR) courses — 20 units
  • Dissertation — 10 units
CourseTitleFocus
DR701Introduction to Doctoral ResearchDraft Chapter 1: Research Design
DR702Literature Review for Doctoral ResearchDraft Chapter 2: Literature Review
DR703Qualitative Doctoral Research MethodologyDraft Chapter 4: Research Methodology; draft IRB application
DR704Foundations for Doctoral ResearchDraft Chapter 4: Historical, Biblical, or Theological Foundations
Decision Point: Proposal Defense

After completing the three electives and four DR courses, students prepare for the Proposal Defense before their Dissertation Committee (Mentor + two Readers).

Process
  • Submit finalized Chapters 1–4 to the committee two weeks prior to the defense.
  • During the defense, students answer questions and defend their research choices.
Possible Outcomes
  • Passed — No revisions required.
  • Passed with revisions — Required changes must be completed.
  • Not passed.

Following the defense, the Dissertation Committee will determine whether a full Institutional Review Board (IRB) review is needed. If required, the student must submit an IRB application to the Dean of Doctoral Studies before data collection may begin.

Final Year: Dissertation Completion and Final Defense (10 units)

Two course periods are dedicated to completing the dissertation (DISS1 and DISS2), each worth 5 units.

DISS1

Students collect data and write:

  • Chapter 5: Findings
  • Chapter 6: Analysis of Findings
DISS2

Students write:

  • Chapter 7: Conclusions and Recommendations
  • Edit the full dissertation and prepare for the Final Defense (held three-fourths of the way into the quarter).

After the Final Defense, students make any required edits and submit a completed manuscript to the Dean of Doctoral Studies by the end of the quarter. The Dean then gives final approval for graduation.

 

DOCTOR OF INTERCULTURAL STUDIES (40 Units)

 

Admission Requirement: Know More

DESCRIPTION

The Doctor of Intercultural Studies (DICS) is a two-to-three-year professional doctoral program designed to prepare individuals for positive, influential leadership in intercultural contexts. The program serves those serving within denominational or interdenominational structures, equipping them for relationships of trust and biblical ministry across cultures.

Through study and applied learning in the sociocultural and theological disciplines of missiology, intercultural communication, contextualization, mission theology, missional trends, and cultural analysis, students gain:

  • Expertise in intercultural issues and missiological strategies
  • Effective paradigms for missional ministry
  • Cultural intelligence for relevant problem-solving in receptor cultures
PROGRAM GOALS

The purpose of the DICS online program is to equip leaders engaged in a wide variety of missional, cross-cultural, and educational ministries. The program accomplishes this by integrating theory with practice appropriate to the twenty-first-century context of globalization. The DICS aims to educate mission leaders through in-depth study, enabling them to become expert practitioners of cross-cultural ministry in Christian missions.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES (PLOs)

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Understand the theories, disciplines, and major issues relevant to their research and/or ministry context.
  • Engage in both academic discourse and contextual theology within a specific context.
  • Evaluate problems within their ministry context and develop new strategic plans for resolution.
  • Conduct research using standard methods and tools, and communicate results effectively within the concrete conditions of their ministry.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS

DICS courses are normally five-unit courses. All missiologically oriented 700-level courses are open to DICS students but must be selected carefully in consultation with the academic advisor to ensure alignment with the student’s research interests.

Each five-unit course requires a total of 200 hours of student work (including lectures, discussions, reading, and assignments) spread over 10 weeks of content plus one final exam week (11 weeks total). Accordingly:

Enrollment StatusCourses per QuarterWeekly Hours
Part-time1 course~20 hours/week
Full-time2 courses~40 hours/week
PROGRAM DESIGN
Years One and Two: Coursework (30 units)
Elective Courses (10 units)

2 elective courses focused on the student’s research/ministry interest.

Doctoral Research (DR) Courses (20 units)
CourseTitleFocus
DR701Introduction to Doctoral ResearchDraft Chapter 1: Research Design
DR702Literature Review for Doctoral ResearchDraft Chapter 2: Literature Review
DR703Qualitative Doctoral Research MethodologyDraft Chapter 4: Research Methodology; draft IRB application
DR704Foundations for Doctoral ResearchDraft Chapter 3: Missiological Foundations
Decision Point: Proposal Defense

After completing the two electives and four DR courses, students prepare for the Proposal Defense before their Dissertation Committee (Mentor + two Readers).

Process
  • Submit finalized Chapters 1–4 to the committee two weeks prior to the defense.
  • During the defense, students answer questions and defend their research choices.
Possible Outcomes
  • Passed — No revisions required.
  • Passed with revisions — Required changes must be completed.
  • Not passed.
IRB Review

Following the defense, the Dissertation Committee will determine whether a full Institutional Review Board (IRB) review is needed. If required, the student must submit an IRB application to the Dean of Doctoral Studies before data collection may begin.

Final Year: Dissertation Completion and Final Defense (10 units)

Two course periods are dedicated to completing the dissertation (DISS1 and DISS2), each worth 5 units.

CourseFocus
DISS1Data collection; write Chapter 5 (Findings) and Chapter 6 (Analysis of Findings)
DISS2Write Chapter 7 (Conclusions and Recommendations); edit full dissertation; prepare for Final Defense
Final Defense Timeline
  • The Final Defense should be held three-fourths of the way into the DISS2 course period.
  • After the defense, students make any required edits.
  • By the end of the quarter, students submit a completed manuscript to the Dean of Doctoral Studies.
  • The Dean gives final approval for graduation.
Degree Summary
ComponentUnits
Elective courses10
Doctoral research courses20
Dissertation (DISS1 + DISS2)10
Total40

 

MASTER OF DIVINITY (M.DIV.)

 

Admission Requirement: Know More

DESCRIPTION

The Master of Divinity (M.Div.) is a three-five year professional degree program designed for students preparing for ordained ministry and other forms of Christian leadership. The program integrates a classical Reformed theological curriculum with practical ministerial skills. Graduates are expected to serve as pastors or function as leaders within the Christian community.

The curriculum emphasizes competency in biblical languages, exegesis, historical studies, and theological perspectives.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES (PLOs)
  • Demonstrate an introductory graduate-level understanding of the Bible, including the ability to accurately exegete and communicate Scripture.
  • Articulate Reformed theology and identify its distinctive teachings.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the historical impact of the Reformed faith within the church.
  • Develop a Christian worldview, recognize the particularities of cultural contexts, and apply biblical principles to a changing world, community, and individuals.
  • Exhibit growth in Christian maturity as evidenced by:
    • A deeper knowledge of self and God’s goodness.
    • A deeper love for God, His Word, His church, and all people.
    • A lifestyle that reflects the fruit of the Spirit.
  • Apply biblical perspectives on church leadership and administration to the student’s specific cultural ministry context.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of transformational teaching principles and biblical teaching skills.
  • Promote church health through missions, evangelism, discipleship, education, and church growth.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Total Units Required: 108 Units

PART ONE: REQUIRED COURSES (60 UNITS)
BIBLICAL STUDIES – LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT (12 UNITS)
Hebrew Track
CourseTitleUnits
BH 501Biblical Hebrew 14
BH 502Biblical Hebrew 24
BH 504Introduction to Old Testament Exegesis4
Greek Track
CourseTitleUnits
BG 501Biblical Greek 14
BG 502Biblical Greek 24
BG 504Introduction to New Testament Exegesis4
BIBLICAL STUDIES – CORE COURSES (16 UNITS)
CourseTitleUnits
OT 501Introduction to the Old Testament4
OT 502Pentateuch4
NT 501Introduction to the New Testament4
NT 502Gospels and Acts4
CHURCH HISTORY (8 UNITS)
CourseTitleUnits
CH 501Global and Ancient Church History4
CH 502Reformation to the Great Awakening4
SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY (12 UNITS)
CourseTitleUnits
ST 502Doctrine of God and Humanity4
ST 503Doctrine of Christ and Salvation4
ST 504Doctrine of the Holy Spirit, Church, and Last Things4
ETHICAL THEOLOGY (4 UNITS)
CourseTitleUnits
ET 510Christian Ethics and Social Problems4
GENERAL STUDIES (8 UNITS)
CourseTitleUnits
RM 501Writing Skills and Research Methodology4
MP 501Ministry Practicum (6 months of practical ministry)4
PART TWO: ELECTIVE COURSES (48 UNITS)
BIBLICAL STUDIES ELECTIVES
CourseTitleUnits
OT 504Introduction to the Biblical History of Israel4
OT 504Poetical Books with Special Emphasis on the Psalms4
OT 505Wisdom Literature with Special Emphasis on Proverbs4
OT 506The Prophetical Movement4
NT 504General Epistles with Special Reference to the Letters of Peter4
NT 504Writings and Apocalyptic Literature (Daniel and Revelation)4
NT 505Johannine Thought4
NT 506Pauline Thought with Special Emphasis on Romans4
MISSIONS AND EVANGELISM
CourseTitleUnits
ME 501Introduction to Evangelism and Church Growth4
ME 502Theology of Christian Mission4
ME 504Understanding Major World Religions4
ME 504Multicultural Competence in Christian Mission4
ME 505Christology from a Missional Perspective: Engaging Islam4
ME 506Acts of the Apostles: A Missionary Perspective4
CHURCH HISTORY ELECTIVES
CourseTitleUnits
CH 504Modern Revival Movements4
PASTORAL MINISTRY
CourseTitleUnits
PM 501Introduction to Homiletics4
PM 502Expository Preaching4
CM 504Pastoral Administration and Stewardship4
PM 504Pastoral Care and Counseling4
PM 505Pastoral and Organizational Leadership in Ministry4
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
CourseTitleUnits
CM 506Communication and Technology in Christian Ministry4
CM 507Foundations of Christian Education4
THESIS (OPTIONAL)
CourseTitleUnits
TH 501Thesis8
SUMMARY OF DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
SectionUnits
Part One: Required Courses60
Part Two: Elective Courses48
Total108
MASTER OF ARTS IN THEOLOGICAL STUDIES (MATS) – 60 Units

Admission Requirement: Know More

Program Duration: 18–46 months

Course Unit Value: 4 units per course

DESCRIPTION

The Master of Arts in Theological Studies (MATS) is a graduate-level program designed for students who desire to engage deeply with the theological disciplines without the primary emphasis on ordained ministry. The program provides a comprehensive foundation in biblical languages, exegesis, church history, systematic theology, and ethical theology, preparing graduates for teaching, further academic study, or enriched service in churches and parachurch organizations.

While the Master of Divinity focuses on professional ministry leadership, the MATS degree emphasizes theological knowledge and academic rigor. Students gain proficiency in either Biblical Hebrew or Biblical Greek, enabling them to interpret Scripture in its original languages. The curriculum also includes a practical ministry component, allowing students to integrate theological learning with real-world Christian service.

Graduates of the MATS program are well-prepared for roles such as Christian educators, Bible teachers, curriculum writers, ministry support staff, or for continued doctoral studies in theology and religion.

PROGRAM GOALS

The goals of the Master of Arts in Theological Studies program are to:

  • Develop proficiency in biblical languages (Hebrew or Greek) and exegetical methods for accurate interpretation of Scripture.
  • Provide a comprehensive understanding of the Old and New Testaments, including their historical backgrounds, literary forms, and theological messages.
  • Cultivate knowledge of church history from the ancient period through the Great Awakening, with attention to global Christianity and the development of the Reformed tradition.
  • Establish a firm foundation in systematic theology, including the doctrines of God, humanity, Christ, salvation, the Holy Spirit, the church, and eschatology.
  • Equip students to analyze and address contemporary social and ethical issues from a biblically grounded, theologically informed perspective.
  • Integrate academic theological study with practical ministry experience through a supervised ministry practicum.
  • Prepare students for advanced academic study or for teaching and leadership roles in Christian educational contexts.
PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES (PLOs)

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate reading and exegetical competence in either Biblical Hebrew or Biblical Greek sufficient for original language interpretation of Scripture.
  • Articulate the major theological themes, historical backgrounds, and literary structures of the Old and New Testaments.
  • Explain the development of the Christian church from the global ancient period through the Reformation and the Great Awakening.
  • Articulate the core doctrines of Reformed systematic theology and identify their distinctive contributions to Christian thought.
  • Apply biblical and theological principles to contemporary ethical and social problems with clarity and compassion.
  • Conduct graduate-level theological research and communicate findings effectively through academic writing.
  • Integrate theological knowledge with practical ministry experience in a supervised church or parachurch setting.
  • Demonstrate spiritual and intellectual maturity suitable for teaching, further study, or enriched Christian service.
COURSE CATALOG

Program Requirements: 60 units

PART ONE: REQUIRED COURSES (60 units)
Biblical Studies – Language Requirement (12 units)

Select one language track:

Hebrew Track
CourseTitleUnits
BH 501Biblical Hebrew 14
BH 502Biblical Hebrew 24
BH 504Introduction to Old Testament Exegesis4

 

Greek Track
CourseTitleUnits
BG 501Biblical Greek 14
BG 502Biblical Greek 24
BG 504Introduction to New Testament Exegesis4
Biblical Studies – Core Courses (16 units)
CourseTitleUnits
OT 501Introduction to the Old Testament4
OT 502Pentateuch4
NT 501Introduction to the New Testament4
NT 502Gospels and Acts4
Church History (8 units)
CourseTitleUnits
CH 501Global and Ancient Church History4
CH 502Reformation to the Great Awakening4
Systematic Theology (12 units)
CourseTitleUnits
ST 502Doctrine of God and Humanity4
ST 504Doctrine of Christ and Salvation4
ST 504Doctrine of the Holy Spirit, Church, and Last Things4
Ethical Theology (4 units)
CourseTitleUnits
ET 510Christian Ethics and Social Problems4
General Studies (8 units)
CourseTitleUnits
RM 501Writing Skills and Research Methodology4
MP 501Ministry Practicum (6 months of practical ministry)4

 

MASTER OF ARTS IN CHRISTIAN COUNSELING (60 Units)

 

Admission Requirement: Know More

Qualification for Admission: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline

Program Duration: 18–46 months

Course Unit Value: 4 units per course

DESCRIPTION

The Master of Arts in Christian Counseling is a graduate-level program designed to equip students with the theological foundation, clinical knowledge, and practical skills necessary for effective, biblically grounded counseling ministry. The program integrates sound psychological principles with a distinctly Christian worldview, preparing graduates to serve in churches, parachurch organizations, Christian counseling centers, and other ministry contexts.

The curriculum emphasizes the development of empathetic listening, assessment, diagnostic, and intervention skills while fostering spiritual maturity and self-awareness in the counselor. Students receive training in a range of counseling specializations, including family therapy, play therapy, couples counseling, trauma intervention, and adolescent counseling, all framed within a biblical understanding of human nature, suffering, and redemption.

Graduates of the program are expected to demonstrate both clinical competence and pastoral sensitivity, enabling them to care for individuals, couples, and families across various stages of life and cultural contexts.

PROGRAM GOALS

The goals of the Master of Arts in Christian Counseling program are to:

  • Integrate biblical and theological foundations with contemporary counseling theories, techniques, and diagnostic practices.
  • Develop students’ professional counseling skills, including assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and evidence-based intervention.
  • Foster spiritual formation and personal maturity in students as a foundation for effective Christian counseling and leadership.
  • Prepare graduates to address ethical, cultural, developmental, and psychopathological issues competently and compassionately.
  • Equip students for biblically informed practice in specialized areas such as family counseling, play therapy, couples counseling, trauma intervention, and adolescent counseling.
  • Provide supervised practical experience through practicum and internship placements that integrate theory with real-world ministry contexts.
PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES (PLOs)

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

  • Articulate a biblically informed, theologically sound understanding of human nature, suffering, healing, and the counseling relationship.
  • Apply major counseling theories and techniques within a Christian ethical framework, demonstrating cultural and contextual sensitivity.
  • Demonstrate effective counseling skills, including active listening, empathy, assessment, diagnosis, and evidence-based intervention.
  • Recognize and respond appropriately to developmental, cultural, and systemic factors across the human lifespan.
  • Identify and address common mental health disorders using sound psychopathological and diagnostic practices consistent with a Christian worldview.
  • Apply professional ethical standards in counseling practice while integrating biblical principles of care and integrity.
  • Integrate spiritual formation practices that promote personal maturity, self-awareness, and professional effectiveness as a Christian counselor.
  • Demonstrate competence in at least one specialized area of counseling, such as family therapy, play therapy, couples counseling, trauma intervention, or adolescent counseling.
  • Integrate theory and practice through supervised counseling experiences in real-world ministry or clinical settings.
COURSE CATALOG
PART ONE: REQUIRED COURSES (40 UNITS)
CourseTitleUnits
CC501Theological Foundations of Counseling4
CC502Christian Counselor Identity and Practice4
CC503Social and Cultural Foundations of Counseling4
CC504Counseling Skills4
CC505Counseling and Ministry Through Stages of Human Growth4
CC506Psychopathology and Diagnostic Practices4
CC507Ethical Issues in Counseling4
CC508Counseling Theories and Techniques4
CC509Counseling Practicum4
CC510Counseling Internship4

Required Courses Total: 10 courses × 4 units = 40 units

PART TWO: ELECTIVE COURSES (20 UNITS)

Select 5 courses from the following (each 4 units):

CourseTitleUnits
CC511Foundations in Play Therapy4
CC512Human Sexuality4
CC513Counseling Adolescents4
CC514Global Mental Health4
CC515Spiritual Formation in Counseling and Leadership4
CC516Lifestyle and Career Development4
CC517Marriage and Family Counseling: A Biblical Perspective4
CC518Crisis and Trauma Interventions4
CC519Organizational Leadership in Counseling4

Elective Courses Total: 5 courses × 4 units = 20 units

PROGRAM SUMMARY
CategoryNumber of CoursesTotal Units
Required Courses1040
Elective Courses520
Total1560
PRACTICAL TRAINING COMPONENT

The program includes a supervised practical training sequence:

CourseDescription
CC509Counseling Practicum – Introductory supervised counseling experience focusing on basic skill development.
CC510Counseling Internship – Extended field placement integrating theory, practice, and professional identity formation.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE AT A GLANCE
ComponentCoursesUnits
Theological and Professional FoundationsCC501–CC50416
Clinical Skills, Ethics, and DiagnosisCC505–CC50816
Supervised PracticeCC509–CC5108
Electives (5 courses)CC511–CC51920
Total15 courses60 units

 

CERTIFICATE IN CHRISTIAN COUNSELING (C.C.C.)

Total Units: 24

 

Admission Requirement: Know More

Program Duration: One to Three Years

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Houston Bible Seminary Certificate in Christian Counseling program is designed for students seeking to integrate sound biblical theology with professional/pastoral counseling principles for effective ministry in church and community settings. This program equips students with foundational counseling skills, ethical awareness, and theological depth to care for individuals, couples, and families from a distinctly Christian worldview.

Graduates are prepared to serve in a variety of roles, including:

  • Lay counseling in local churches
  • Parachurch ministry organizations
  • Pastoral care teams
  • Faith-based nonprofit agencies
  • Missions and community development work

The program emphasizes the integration of Scripture, psychological insight, and cultural awareness, enabling graduates to offer compassionate, competent, and biblically grounded care to those in need.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES (PLOs)

Upon completion of this program, the student will:

  • Demonstrate a biblically and theologically grounded understanding of human nature, suffering, and redemption as foundational to Christian counseling.
  • Apply core counseling skills—including active listening, assessment, intervention, and referral—in diverse ministry contexts.
  • Articulate a personal and professional identity as a Christian counselor, guided by ethical standards and a commitment to spiritual formation.
  • Analyze social and cultural factors affecting mental health and caregiving, responding with cultural humility and contextual sensitivity.
  • Utilize specialized counseling approaches—such as play therapy, trauma intervention, marriage and family counseling, or adolescent care—to address specific populations and needs.
CURRICULUM OVERVIEW
Course CategoryUnits
Required Courses16
Elective Courses8
Total24
REQUIRED COURSES — 16 UNITS
Course IDCourse TitleUnits
CC 501Theological Foundations of Counseling4
CC 502Christian Counselor Identity and Practice4
CC 503Social and Cultural Foundations of Counseling4
CC 504Counseling Skills4
ELECTIVE COURSES — 8 UNITS (CHOOSE 2)
Course IDCourse TitleUnits
CC 511Foundations of Play Therapy4
CC 512Human Sexuality4
CC 513Counseling Adolescents4
CC 514Global Mental Health4
CC 515Spiritual Formation in Counseling and Leadership4
CC 516Lifestyle and Career Development4
CC 517Marriage and Family Counseling: A Biblical Perspective4
CC 518Crisis and Trauma Interventions4
CC 519Organizational Leadership in Counseling4
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