Associate of Science in Faith-Based Addiction Counseling (Specialization in Addiction Counseling, Recovery Services)

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Faith-Based Addiction Counseling

Total program length

60 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years

General education

18 credit hours

Faith-Based Addiction Counseling core

30 credit hours

Professional application courses

9 credit hours

Capstone requirement

3 credit hours

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Addiction Counseling provides a comprehensive foundation for individuals pursuing roles in recovery support, community advocacy, and social service ministry. This interdisciplinary program integrates foundational knowledge in behavioral sciences with a focus on ethical decision-making, servant leadership, and holistic wellness. Students engage in rigorous academic study centered on the dynamics of addiction and the restorative practices necessary to support individuals and families navigating recovery trajectories within communal settings. Throughout the curriculum, students explore the intersection of behavioral health principles and faith-based community engagement. By analyzing social, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of human experience, learners develop the professional capacity to provide compassionate support that honors individual dignity and fosters community resilience. The program emphasizes the application of evidence-informed practices alongside character-driven service to address the multifaceted needs of diverse populations.

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Addiction Counseling provides a comprehensive foundational study in addiction counseling, human development, and effective communication. Students explore essential ethical frameworks, community resource navigation, and evidence-based supportive service practices, preparing them to integrate theological principles with clinical recovery models to assist individuals within diverse community and ministry contexts.

Program Details

• Total Credits: 60
• Duration: 2 years
• Degree Level: Associate

General education | 18 credit hours

• Faith-Based Addiction Counseling core | 30 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 9 credit hours

Capstone Project

• 4
• RES260, COU250
• COU270
• Family Dynamics and Recovery Support
• 3
• COU201
• SOC280
• Community Advocacy and Policy
• 3
• SOC120
• EDU290
• Health Education and Prevention
• 3
• PSY110
• CAP299 — Capstone Project: The capstone project serves as the final integration of academic theory, ethical practice, and service-oriented leadership. Students design and document a project that addresses a specific need within a community-based recovery context. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU270 — Family Dynamics and Recovery Support: This course investigates the impact of substance use on family systems and explores strategies for providing support to affected families. It emphasizes collaborative, systemic approaches to resilience. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC280 — Community Advocacy and Policy: This course examines the role of advocacy in supporting underserved populations. Students evaluate how community policies influence access to recovery and social resources. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU290 — Health Education and Prevention: This course introduces the principles of public health education and substance misuse prevention. Students develop strategies for communicating health information within community settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG101 | Academic Communication and Research | 4 | None
• PSY110 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• PHI105 | Foundations of Applied Ethics | 3 | None
• SOC120 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU201 | Introduction to Addiction Recovery | 4 | PSY110
• MIN210 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 3 | None
• COM220 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | ENG101
• MAT150 | Quantitative Reasoning for Social Services | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU250 | Crisis Intervention and Support | 4 | COU201
• PSY230 | Psychology of Holistic Well-Being | 3 | THE105
• BUS240 | Nonprofit Administration | 3 | None
• RES260 | Evidence-Based Community Research | 3 | ENG101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP299 | Capstone Project | 4 | RES260, COU250
• COU270 | Family Dynamics and Recovery Support | 3 | COU201
• SOC280 | Community Advocacy and Policy | 3 | SOC120
• EDU290 | Health Education and Prevention | 3 | PSY110

Career Opportunities

• Recovery Ministry Coordinator
• Community Outreach Specialist
• Nonprofit Case Aide
• Faith-Based Support Group Facilitator
• Social Service Intake Coordinator
• Residential Recovery House Resident Manager
• Volunteer Program 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 | A.A. in Faith-Based Addiction Counseling
• Total program length | 60 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years