HBS Course Catalog
Courses Offered for Master of Divinity Program (M.Div.)
M.Div. Course Requirements 30 (30 X 3=90 Credits)
I. Biblical Studies:
Old Testament
- BSOT 501 Introduction to the Old Testament (R) 3 Credits
- BSOT 502 Elementary Biblical Hebrew (E) 3 Credits
- BSOT 503 An Introduction to the Biblical History of Israel (R) 3 Credits
- BSOT 504 Pentateuch (R) 3 Credits
- BSOT 510 Understanding Poetical Books with special Emphasis to the Book of Psalms (E) 3 Credits
- BSOT 511 Understanding Wisdom Literature with special Emphasis to the Book of Proverbs (E) 3 Credits
- BSOT 514 Prophetical Movement (R) 3 Credits
Total (Required 4 Courses: 12 Credits; Elective 3 Courses: 9 Credits) 21 credits.
New Testament
- BSNT 501 Introduction to New Testament (R) 3 Credits
- BSNT 502 Elementary Biblical Greek (E) 3 Credits
- BSNT 503 Synoptic Gospels (R) 3 Credits
- BSNT 507 Johannine Thought (R) 3 Credits
- BSNT 512 Pauline Thoughts with special Reference to the Letter of Romans (R) 3 Credits
- BSNT 517 General Epistles with special reference to Letters of Peter (E) 3 Credits
- BS 500 Writings and Apocalyptic Literature (with special emphasis to Daniel and Revelation) (E) 3 Credits
Total (Required 4 Courses: 12 Credits; Elective 3 Courses: Credits= 9) 21 credits
II. Theology and Ethics
- TE 501 Basic Christian Doctrines (R) 3 Credits
- TE 504 Person and Work of Jesus Christ (E) 3 Credits
- TE 510 Introduction to Christian Ethics (R) 3 Credits
- TE 512 Biblical Hermeneutics (E) 3 Credits
Total (Required 2 Courses: 6 Credits; Elective 2 Courses: 6 Credits) 12 credits.
III. History of Christianity
- HC 501 Introduction to History of Christianity (R) 3 Credits
- HC 502 History of Modern Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements. (R) 3 Credits
- HC 511 History of Christianity in America and Europe (E) 3 Credits
- HC 512 History of Christianity in Asia and Africa (E) 3 credits
Total (Required 2 Courses: 6 Credits; Elective 2 Courses: 6 Credits) 12 credits.
IV. World Religions and Missions
- RM 501 Theology of Christian Mission (E) 3 Credits
- RM 502 Understanding Major World Religions (R) 3 Credits
- RM 504 Introduction to Evangelism and Church Growth (R) 3 Credits
- RM 505 Acts of the Apostles: A Mission Perspective (E) 3 Credits
- RM 511 Multicultural Competence in Christian Mission (E) 3 Credits
- RM.513 Understanding Christology from a Missional Perspective to Islam (E) 3 Credits
Total (Required 2 Courses: 6 Credits; Elective 4 Courses: 12 Credits) 18 credits.
V. Christian Ministry
- CM 501 Introduction to Preaching (R) 3 Credits
- CM 502 Advanced Homiletics with special Emphasis to Expository Preaching (E) 3 Credits
- CM 503 Spiritual Formation in Christian Leadership (E) 3 Credits
- CM 505 Foundation to Christian Education (E) 3 Credits
- CM 509 Introduction to Communication & Technology in Christian Ministry (R) 3 Credits
- CM 510 Ethical Issues in Christian ministry/Counseling (E) 3 Credits
Total (Required 3 Courses: 9 Credits; Elective 3 Courses: 9 Credits) 18 credits
VI. Christian Counseling
- COUN 501 Biblical and Theological Foundation of Counseling (R) 3 Credits
- COUN 506 Counseling Skills (R) 3 Credits
- COUN 508 Understanding Counseling through stages of Human Growth (E) – 3 Credits
- COUN 511 Abnormal Human Behavior-Understanding Mental Health Disorders(E)- 3 Credits
- COUN 513 Marriage and Family Counseling – Biblical Perspective (E) 3 Credits
- COUN 514 Organizational Leadership in Ministry / Counseling (E) – 3 Credits
Total (Required 2 Courses: 6 Credits; Elective 4 Courses: 12 Credits) 18 credits.
Vll. General Studies
- GS 501 Writing Skills & Research Methodology (R) 3 Credits
- Ministry Practicum I (R) – 3 Credits.
- Ministry Practicum II (R) – 3 Credits.
- Students are required to review the practicum document to complete Practicum I & II.
- Students are required to submit a final reflection project which will be graded. The final grade will reflect students’ weekly meetings, discussions, and the final project paper.
- Students can choose to do their ministry practicum in respective churches, counseling centers, or Christian community service agencies in your locality.
- In addition to the HBS Practicum coordinator, students must select a local ministry supervisor to supervise their practicum activities.
- Students are required to complete Practicum I & II to graduate from the program they are enrolled in.
- Thesis (6 Credits – Optional). Students may choose two elective courses in place of thesis.
Total (Required 1 Course: Credits; Thesis 6 Credits) 9 credits
_______________________________________________________________________________
Number of Required Courses: 20 (60 Credits) + Ministry Practicum I & II (6 Credits).
Number of Elective courses: 21 (63 Credits)
Thesis (Optional) 6 Credits
Note: To complete the MDiv program, a student must complete 30 courses (30 X 3 = 90 Credits, including the electives). The Thesis is equivalent to two elective courses.
Thesis: (6 Credits – Optional)
Students interested in doing a thesis should submit a thesis topic and obtain approval from the concerned professor/mentor before they begin with the project. The Professor will discuss the topic with the Dean of Academics to receive the institutional approval. The concerned professor/mentor will inform the student about the approval. The student is required to submit the thesis proposal that includes a brief introduction/background, statement of problem, purpose statement, and minimum of five available resources/references. The student must submit the proposal to the Professor a minimum of three months prior to the start of the project.
You can find a Mentor either from your locality or a faculty from HBS. The Mentor should hold a terminal degree (Doctorate) or M. Th with minimum two years of teaching experiences. Students will be responsible for all expenses incurred for the project including the mentor’s fee and the HBS Course Fees. The word limit of a thesis is between 10,000 words to 15,000 words.
Department of Biblical Studies
Old Testament Department
BSOT 510 Introduction to Poetical Books (with spl. Emphasis to any one book: Psalms /Proverbs/ Song of Songs / Lamentations, etc…) (E) 3 credits
OR
Department Total (Required 3 courses: Credits= 9; Elective 2 courses : Credits= 6) 15 credits
New Testament Department
Department Total (Required 3 courses: Credits= 9; Elective 1 course : Credits= 3) 12 credits
II. Department of Theology and Ethics
Department Total (Required 3 courses: Credits= 9) 9 credits
III. Department of History of Christianity
HC 501 Introduction to History of Christianity (R) 3 Credits
HC 502 History of Modern Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements. (R) 3 Credits
OR
Department Total (Required 2 courses: Credits= 6; Elective 1 course: Credits= 3) 9 credits
IV. Department of World Religions and Missions
RM 503 Modern Religious and Secular Movements – (R) 3 Credits
RM 501 History and Theology of Christian Mission (R) 3 Credits
OR
Department Total (Required 3 courses: Credits= 9; Elective 1 course: Credits= 3) 12 credits
V. Department of Christian Ministry
CM 509 Media & Communication in Christian Ministry (E) 3 Credits
Department Total (Required 1 course: Credits= 3; Elective 1 course: Credits= 3) 6 credits
VI. Department of Christian Counseling
Department Total (Required 1 course: Credits= 3) 3 credits
Program Requirements:
Required subjects 17 X 3 = 51 Credits
Elective subjects 3 X 3 = 9 Credits.
M.Div Upgrading: Total courses: 20; Total Credits: 60
Elective courses are optional.
B.Th. Course Requirements (108 Credits)
Department of Biblical Studies
MASTER OF ARTS IN CHRISTIAN COUNSELING (MACC) 60
Units
Qualification for Admission: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline Program Duration: 18–36 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.
MASTER OF ARTS IN CHRISTIAN COUNSELING (MACC) COURSE CATALOG
PART ONE: REQUIRED COURSES (40 units)
Course | Title | Units |
CC501 |
Theological Foundations of Counseling |
4 |
CC502 |
Christian Counselor Identity and Practice |
4 |
CC503 |
Social and Cultural Foundations of Counseling |
4 |
CC504 |
Counseling Skills |
4 |
CC505 |
Counseling and Ministry Through Stages of Human Growth |
4 |
CC506 |
Psychopathology and Diagnostic Practices |
4 |
CC507 |
Ethical Issues in Counseling |
4 |
CC508 |
Counseling Theories and Techniques |
4 |
CC509 |
Counseling Practicum |
4 |
CC510 |
Counseling Internship |
4 |
Required Courses Total: 10 courses × 4 units = 40 units
MASTER OF ARTS IN THEOLOGICAL STUDIES (MATS) – 60
Units
Qualification for Admission: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline Program Duration: 18–36 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
- 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.
MASTER OF ARTS IN THEOLOGICAL STUDIES COURSE CATALOG
Program Requirements: 60 units
PART ONE: REQUIRED COURSES (60 units)
Biblical Studies – Language Requirement (12 units)
Select one language track:
Hebrew Track
Course | Title | Units |
BH 501 | Biblical Hebrew 1 | 4 |
BH 502 | Biblical Hebrew 2 | 4 |
BH 503 | Introduction to Old Testament Exegesis | 4 |
OR Greek Track
Course | Title | Units |
BG 501 | Biblical Greek 1 | 4 |
BG 502 | Biblical Greek 2 | 4 |
BG 503 | Introduction to New Testament Exegesis | 4 |
Biblical Studies – Core Courses (16 units)
Course | Title | Units |
OT 501 | Introduction to the Old Testament | 4 |
OT 502 | Pentateuch | 4 |
NT 501 | Introduction to the New Testament | 4 |
NT 502 | Gospels and Acts | 4 |
Church History (8 units)
Course | Title | Units |
CH 501 | Global and Ancient Church History | 4 |
CH 502 | Reformation to the Great Awakening | 4 |
Systematic Theology (12 units)
Course | Title | Units |
ST 502 | Doctrine of God and Humanity | 4 |
ST 503 | Doctrine of Christ and Salvation | 4 |
ST 504 | Doctrine of the Holy Spirit, Church, and Last Things | 4 |
Ethical Theology (4 units)
Course | Title | Units |
ET 510 | Christian Ethics and Social Problems | 4 |
General Studies (8 units)
Course | Title | Units |
RM 501 | Writing Skills and Research Methodology | 4 |
MP 501 | Ministry Practicum (6 months of practical ministry) | 4 |
Christian Counseling Program
Certificate in Christian Counseling
- BSOT 501 Introduction to Old Testament 3 Credits
- BSNT 501 Introduction to New Testament 3 Credits
- COUN 501 Biblical and Theological Foundation of Counselling 3 Credits
- COUN 502 Abnormal Human Behaviors 3 Credits
- COUN 503 Counselling Methods and Techniques 3 Credits
- COUN 511 Abnormal Human Behavior-Understanding Mental Health Disorders 3 Credits
- COUN 512 Counseling Children & Adolescents 3 Credits
- COUN 600 Marriage and Family Counseling (élective)3 Crédits
- COUN 601 Addiction and Compulsive Behaviors 3 Crédits
Total (R = 24 Crédits ; E = 3) 27 Crédits
Students are requièred to take only 24 credits to reeceive the certificate .
DOCTOR OF INTERCULTURAL STUDIES (40 units)
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
- 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 Status | Courses per Quarter | Weekly Hours |
Part-time | 1 course | ~20 hours/week |
Full-time | 2 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)
Course | Title | Focus |
DR701 | Introduction to Doctoral Research | Draft Chapter 1: Research Design |
DR702 | Literature Review for Doctoral Research | Draft Chapter 2: Literature Review |
DR703 | Qualitative Doctoral Research Methodology | Draft Chapter 4: Research Methodology; draft IRB application |
DR704 | Foundations for Doctoral Research | Draft 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
- During the defense, students answer questions and defend their research
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.
Course | Focus |
DISS1 | Data collection; write Chapter 5 (Findings) and Chapter 6 (Analysis of Findings) |
DISS2 | Write 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
- After the defense, students make any required
- By the end of the quarter, students submit a completed manuscript to the Dean of Doctoral Studies.
- The Dean gives final approval for
Degree Summary
Component | Units |
Elective courses | 10 |
Doctoral research courses | 20 |
Dissertation (DISS1 + DISS2) | 10 |
Total | 40 |