Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based BS in Public Health Substance Use Focus

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Public Health Substance Use Focus

Total program length

135 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Public Health Substance Use Focus core

78 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Public Health with a focus on Substance Use equips students to address the complexities of addiction through the lens of a Christian worldview. By integrating public health theories with biblical stewardship and ethical reasoning, students examine epidemiology, health promotion, and community engagement as mechanisms for fostering healing. This program emphasizes a holistic approach to human flourishing, challenging students to integrate community ministry with scientific practice to build resilience in those suffering from substance use. Graduates are prepared to serve as leaders who manifest the spirit of Christ through public health policy, prevention, and advocacy, viewing every community intervention as a transformative act of servant leadership.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Public Health Substance Use Focus program combines rigorous general education with comprehensive study in public health theory, behavioral science, human development, ethics, research methodology, crisis awareness, referral protocols, program development, and community-based support strategies.

Florida's current standard establishes a minimum of 120 semester credits for a bachelor's degree and at least 30 general-education credits for a Bachelor of Arts. This curriculum exceeds the general-education minimum.

Program Details

• Total Credits: 135
• Duration: 4 years
• Degree Level: Bachelor

General education | 36 credit hours

• Faith-Based Public Health Substance Use Focus core | 78 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone Project in Public Health (Substance Use Focus)

• 3
• Completion of core public health courses, including research methods and health policy
• PH 495 — Professional Practice in Public Health: Professional development and practice in public health careersThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PH 498 — Senior Thesis in Faith-Based Health Promotion: This capstone course requires students to synthesize their learning by proposing an evidence-based solution to a community health challenge. Students will produce a formal scholarly paper and an implementation plan. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PH 499 — Capstone Project in Public Health (Substance Use Focus): Comprehensive capstone project demonstrating mastery of public health competenciesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 | None
• HIS 101 | U.S. History I | 3 | None
• PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3 | English Composition I or equivalent
• BIB 105 | Introduction to Biblical Studies | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MAT 110 | College Algebra | 3 | None
• BIO 120 | Human Biology | 3 | None
• COM 201 | Public Speaking | 3 | None
• PH 201 | Introduction to Public Health | 3 | None
• PH 210 | Epidemiology | 3 | None
• PHI 210 | Christian Ethics and Moral Decision Making | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PH 220 | Biostatistics | 3 | None
• PH 230 | Environmental Health | 3 | None
• PH 240 | Health Systems & Policy | 3 | None
• PH 250 | Health Behavior Theory | 3 | None
• SOC 250 | Sociology of Religion and Community | 3 | SOC 101
• PH 260 | Ethics in Public Health | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES 270 | RES 270 Research Methods /Capstone | 3 | Semester 9
• CMN 301 | Foundations of Community Ministry | 3 | None
• CMN 310 | Community Outreach Strategies | 3 | None
• PH 310 | Substance Use & Population Health | 3 | None
• BUS 315 | Nonprofit Organizational Management | 3 | None
• CMN 320 | Faith-Based Social Justice | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PH 320 | Addiction Prevention & Education | 3 | None
• PH 330 | Community-Based Recovery Programs | 3 | None
• PH 340 | Behavioral Health Interventions | 3 | None
• PSY 340 | Counseling and Pastoral Care Fundamentals | 3 | PSY 101
• PH 350 | Co-Occurring Disorders | 3 | None
• PH 360 | Injury Prevention & Risk Reduction | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PH 370 | Social Determinants of Health | 3 | None
• PH 380 | Health Communication Strategies | 3 | None
• CMN 410 | Community Leadership Development | 3 | None
• PH 410 | Program Planning in Public Health | 3 | None
• CMN 420 | Applied Community Ministry Practicum | 3 | None
• PH 420 | Program Evaluation | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PH 440 | Applied Public Health Research | 3 | None
• PH 450 | Seminar in Substance Use Policy | 3 | None
• PH 460 | Grant Writing for Public Health Initiatives | 3 | PH 410
• PH 480 | Global Health and Missions | 3 | PH 201
• FLD 490 -Field Internship I | FLD 490 Field Internship I | 3 | Semester 9
• FLD 491 Field Internship II | FLD 491 Field Internship II | 3 | FLD 490 Field Internship I
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PH 495 | Professional Practice in Public Health | 3 | None
• PH 498 | Senior Thesis in Faith-Based Health Promotion | 3 | RES 270 and Senior Standing
• PH 499 | Capstone Project in Public Health (Substance Use Focus) | 3 | Completion of core public health courses, including research methods and health policy

Career Opportunities

• Public Health Educator
• Substance Use Counselor
• Community Health Coordinator
• Epidemiologist
• Health Policy Analyst
• Research Associate

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 Public Health Substance Use Focus
• Total program length | 135 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years