Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based BS in Addiction Counseling Specialization in Counseling

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Addiction Counseling

Total program length

120 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 Addiction Counseling

Total credits

120

Duration

4 years

• Analyze the bio-psychosocial factors contributing to addiction through a comprehensive interdisciplinary lens.
• Apply evidence-informed counseling theories to support individuals in recovery-oriented settings.
• Evaluate the impact of ethical reasoning and servant leadership in professional decision-making.
• Design collaborative outreach strategies that promote community health and social support systems.
• Demonstrate the capacity to integrate personal character development and biblical stewardship into professional conduct.
• Communicate complex behavioral health concepts effectively to diverse stakeholders and professional audiences.
• Interpret research data to inform best practices in addiction support and resource management.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ENG 101
• Academic Writing and Research
• 3
• None
• PSY 101
• Introduction to Psychology
• 3
• None
• PHI 110
• Introduction to Moral Philosophy
• 3
• None
• SOC 105
• Sociology of the Community
• 3
• None
• ENG 101 — Academic Writing and Research: Explores the fundamentals of academic composition, critical reading, and the research process. Emphasizes clear expression and the effective communication of ideasThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PSY 101 — Introduction to Psychology: Provides an overview of the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. Covers major theories and the historical development of psychological thoughtThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PHI 110 — Introduction to Moral Philosophy: This course examines the foundational theories of ethics and their application to professional decision-making in human services. Students analyze various philosophical frameworks to address contemporary moral dilemmas in the public sector. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC 105 — Sociology of the Community: Studies the structure and dynamics of human societies and community organizations. Discusses the role of institutions in social stabilityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MAT 150
• Statistics for Social Sciences
• 4
• None
• COU 120
• Introduction to Counseling Dynamics
• 3
• PSY 101
• BIO 120
• Human Biology and Health
• 4
• None
• MIN 101
• Principles of Servant Leadership
• 3
• None
• MAT 150 — Statistics for Social Sciences: Covers basic statistical concepts and their application in analyzing behavioral data. Includes descriptive and inferential statisticsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COU 120 — Introduction to Counseling Dynamics: Introduces the foundational concepts of the helping relationship and interpersonal communication. Focuses on empathetic listening and professional boundariesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• BIO 120 — Human Biology and Health: Explores the biological basis of human life, including systems and physiological factors related to health and wellness. Provides a foundation for understanding addiction pathwaysThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MIN 101 — Principles of Servant Leadership: Examines leadership styles that emphasize service to others and community stewardship. Analyzes biblical and contemporary models of leadershipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• PSY 210
• Developmental Psychology
• 3
• PSY 101
• COU 230
• Theories of Personality
• 3
• PSY 101
• RES 200
• Introduction to Social Research
• 3
• MAT 150
• PSY 210
• Psychology of Personal Development
• 3
• THE 110
• PSY 210 — Developmental Psychology: Examines human development throughout the lifespan, from infancy to late adulthood. Identifies biological, social, and emotional milestonesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COU 230 — Theories of Personality: Provides a critical survey of major personality theories and their implications for understanding human behavior. Encourages comparative analysisThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES 200 — Introduction to Social Research: Focuses on research methodologies used in social and behavioral science. Covers ethics, data collection, and qualitative versus quantitative analysisThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PSY 210 — Psychology of Personal Development: This course investigates the psychological mechanisms behind self-regulation, emotional intelligence, and character growth throughout the lifespan. Students explore evidence-based strategies for developing professional resilience and interpersonal competence. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU 250
• Foundations of Addiction
• 4
• PSY 101, BIO 120
• BUS 220
• Nonprofit Management
• 3
• None
• SOC 260
• Cultural Diversity and Social Justice
• 3
• SOC 105
• COM 250
• Professional Communication
• 3
• ENG 101
• COU 250 — Foundations of Addiction: Introduces the neurobiological and psychological components of substance use. Examines current research on dependency and the nature of addictionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• BUS 220 — Nonprofit Management: Discusses the administration of mission-driven organizations. Focuses on stewardship of resources and community engagementThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC 260 — Cultural Diversity and Social Justice: Analyzes the impact of culture, socioeconomic status, and systemic factors on social health. Emphasizes equitable approaches to serviceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COM 250 — Professional Communication: Develops essential communication skills for professional settings, including documentation, public presentation, and interpersonal conflict resolutionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU 310
• Interventions in Addiction Support
• 3
• COU 250
• PSY 330
• Abnormal Psychology
• 3
• PSY 210
• EDU 310
• Principles of Adult Learning
• 3
• None
• CRJ 320
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Social Work
• 3
• None
• COU 310 — Interventions in Addiction Support: Examines evidence-based intervention strategies for working with individuals in recovery. Focuses on practical support techniquesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PSY 330 — Abnormal Psychology: Explores the classification, causes, and behavioral patterns associated with various psychological disorders. Emphasizes a supportive and ethical perspectiveThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU 310 — Principles of Adult Learning: Examines how adults learn and the methods used to facilitate learning in community settings. Includes strategies for education on health and wellnessThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CRJ 320 — Legal and Ethical Issues in Social Work: Covers legal requirements, professional ethics, and public policy in the field of addiction support and social servicesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU 350
• Group Dynamics in Recovery
• 3
• COU 310
• SOC 370
• Sociology of Family Systems
• 3
• SOC 105
• HIS 350
• History of Social Service Institutions
• 3
• None
• MGT 300
• Personnel Stewardship
• 3
• BUS 220
• COU 350 — Group Dynamics in Recovery: Studies the mechanics of group interactions and their effectiveness in support environments. Emphasizes facilitation and peer support structuresThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC 370 — Sociology of Family Systems: Analyzes the family as a foundational social unit and the dynamics of family relationships in the context of addictionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• HIS 350 — History of Social Service Institutions: Traces the evolution of social welfare and charitable organizations. Examines how faith-based movements shaped modern social support systemsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MGT 300 — Personnel Stewardship: Focuses on the ethical management of personnel and volunteers in mission-oriented organizationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 7 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU 410
• Case Management and Resource Coordination
• 4
• COU 310
• PSY 420
• Crisis Intervention and Safety
• 3
• COU 310
• RES 400
• Research Seminar
• 3
• RES 200
• SOC 450
• Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility
• 3
• THE 110, CHR 210
• COU 410 — Case Management and Resource Coordination: Focuses on the practical aspects of coordinating support resources for clients. Includes planning, resource mapping, and follow-up strategiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PSY 420 — Crisis Intervention and Safety: Provides strategies for identifying and responding to acute crises in a respectful, safe, and professional mannerThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES 400 — Research Seminar: Assists students in preparing their capstone project proposals through literature review and methodological designThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC 450 — Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility: This course explores the sociological dimensions of community service, volunteerism, and the role of social advocacy in public life. Students study the impact of collaborative service models on social welfare and community health outcomes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 8 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP 499
• Senior Capstone Project
• 4
• RES 400
• COU 480
• Professional Ethics and Practice
• 3
• CRJ 320
• SOC 440
• Community Organizing and Advocacy
• 3
• SOC 260
• MIN 490
• Advanced Leadership and Stewardship
• 3
• MIN 101
• CAP 499 — Senior Capstone Project: Synthesizes disciplinary knowledge and faith-informed principles through a formal research and service-learning project. Culminates in a presentation to facultyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COU 480 — Professional Ethics and Practice: Analyzes contemporary ethical dilemmas in social services and the practical application of professional standards in the workplaceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC 440 — Community Organizing and Advocacy: Examines strategies for community development, public education, and advocacy for marginalized populationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MIN 490 — Advanced Leadership and Stewardship: Focuses on long-term professional development, maintaining personal wellness, and navigating leadership transitionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Admission to the program requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Prospective students must submit a personal statement outlining their commitment to ethical service, academic goals, and their understanding of the role of faith-based principles in professional practice. Applicants may be invited for an interview to discuss their readiness for the academic and character-based requirements of the institution. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience, requiring students to integrate their disciplinary knowledge with their commitment to faith-informed service. Through this project, students analyze a specific challenge in the addiction counseling field and design a service-oriented intervention that reflects principles of stewardship, ethical reasoning, and servant leadership. The project necessitates the synthesis of empirical research and spiritual formation, demonstrating the student’s ability to apply a coherent, faith-based worldview to professional problem-solving. The project deliverables include a substantive research paper and a practical service portfolio, weighted at 4 credit hours. Students are required to document how their proposed solution serves the community, promotes human dignity, and aligns with professional ethical standards. The capstone serves as a platform to demonstrate that the student possesses both the intellectual competence and the moral character necessary to lead with integrity in their professional endeavors.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of all 120 credit hours within the curriculum, maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. In addition to academic rigor, students must satisfy all institutional requirements for faith-based formation, including regular participation in communal service and spiritual growth activities. These components are designed to ensure that graduates exhibit both academic excellence and the spiritual maturity required for servant leadership in their respective fields.
• Candidates must also present their completed Senior Capstone Project to a faculty committee, reflecting the integration of their professional training and character development. This process ensures that graduates are prepared to serve as individuals of integrity who remain committed to ethical stewardship and the well-being of those they encounter in their professional careers. Readiness for graduation is marked by a demonstrated balance of cognitive proficiency, professional readiness, and a life orientation rooted in faith-based values.
• Career Opportunities
• Recovery Support Specialist
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Residential Facility Case Manager
• Social Services Coordinator
• Addiction Prevention Educator
• Non-profit Program Administrator
• Advocacy Specialist in Behavioral Health
• 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 Addiction Counseling
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years
• General education | 36 credit hours
• Faith-Based Addiction Counseling core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours
• Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG 101 | Academic Writing and Research | 3 | None
• PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• PHI 110 | Introduction to Moral Philosophy | 3 | None
• SOC 105 | Sociology of the Community | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MAT 150 | Statistics for Social Sciences | 4 | None
• COU 120 | Introduction to Counseling Dynamics | 3 | PSY 101
• BIO 120 | Human Biology and Health | 4 | None
• MIN 101 | Principles of Servant Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY 210 | Developmental Psychology | 3 | PSY 101
• COU 230 | Theories of Personality | 3 | PSY 101
• RES 200 | Introduction to Social Research | 3 | MAT 150
• PSY 210 | Psychology of Personal Development | 3 | THE 110
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU 250 | Foundations of Addiction | 4 | PSY 101, BIO 120
• BUS 220 | Nonprofit Management | 3 | None
• SOC 260 | Cultural Diversity and Social Justice | 3 | SOC 105
• COM 250 | Professional Communication | 3 | ENG 101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU 310 | Interventions in Addiction Support | 3 | COU 250
• PSY 330 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 | PSY 210
• EDU 310 | Principles of Adult Learning | 3 | None
• CRJ 320 | Legal and Ethical Issues in Social Work | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU 350 | Group Dynamics in Recovery | 3 | COU 310
• SOC 370 | Sociology of Family Systems | 3 | SOC 105
• HIS 350 | History of Social Service Institutions | 3 | None
• MGT 300 | Personnel Stewardship | 3 | BUS 220
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU 410 | Case Management and Resource Coordination | 4 | COU 310
• PSY 420 | Crisis Intervention and Safety | 3 | COU 310
• RES 400 | Research Seminar | 3 | RES 200
• SOC 450 | Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility | 3 | THE 110, CHR 210
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP 499 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | RES 400
• COU 480 | Professional Ethics and Practice | 3 | CRJ 320
• SOC 440 | Community Organizing and Advocacy | 3 | SOC 260
• MIN 490 | Advanced Leadership and Stewardship | 3 | MIN 101