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

Academic unitHBIU College of Addiction CounselingTotal credits135Estimated duration4 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

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 Facts

Program facts

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
Professional application courses: 15 credit hours
Capstone requirement: 6 credit hours
Academic unit: HBIU College of Addiction Counseling
Total credits: 135
Duration: 4 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

Demonstrate an understanding of the epidemiology of substance use disorders.
Design and implement community-based health promotion strategies.
Evaluate public health policies affecting substance use and addiction.
Cultivate effective communication skills for diverse audiences.
Apply research methodologies to assess public health interventions.
Collaborate with stakeholders for comprehensive community health initiatives.
Course Outline
Semester 1 — Year 1
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
ENG 101 — English Composition I: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
HIS 101 — U.S. History I: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
PSY 101 — Introduction to Psychology: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
SOC 101 — Introduction to Sociology: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
ENG 102 — English Composition II: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
BIB 105 — Introduction to Biblical Studies: This course provides a comprehensive overview of the major narratives and themes within the Old and New Testaments. Students will examine the historical and theological context of biblical texts to inform their professional practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
Semester 2 — Year 1
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
MAT 110 — College Algebra: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
BIO 120 — Human Biology: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
COM 201 — Public Speaking: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
PH 201 — Introduction to Public Health: Overview of public health principles, history, and core functionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
PH 210 — Epidemiology: Study of disease patterns and health determinants in populationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
PHI 210 — Christian Ethics and Moral Decision Making: Students explore classical and contemporary ethical frameworks through a Christian lens. Emphasis is placed on addressing complex social dilemmas within community settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
Semester 3 — Year 2
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
PH 220 — Biostatistics: Statistical methods applied to public health and biological dataThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
PH 230 — Environmental Health: Assessment of environmental factors affecting public healthThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
PH 240 — Health Systems & Policy: Examination of healthcare systems, policy development, and reformThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
PH 250 — Health Behavior Theory: Theories and models of health behavior changeThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
SOC 250 — Sociology of Religion and Community: This course investigates the role of religious institutions in shaping social structures and community health outcomes. Students will analyze data regarding religious participation and its impact on public welfare. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
PH 260 — Ethics in Public Health: Ethical principles and decision-making in public health practiceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
Semester 4 — Year 2
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
RES 270 — RES 270 Research Methods /Capstone: Research design, data collection, and analysis in public healthThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
CMN 301 — Foundations of Community Ministry: Introduction to principles and practices of community ministryThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
CMN 310 — Community Outreach Strategies: Effective strategies for community engagement and outreachThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
PH 310 — Substance Use & Population Health: Impact of substance use on population health outcomesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
BUS 315 — Nonprofit Organizational Management: This course examines administrative strategies essential for the effective operation of public-facing, faith-based non-profit organizations. Students explore governance, operational oversight, and financial stewardship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
CMN 320 — Faith-Based Social Justice: Faith perspectives on social justice and advocacyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
Semester 5 — Year 3
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
PH 320 — Addiction Prevention & Education: Strategies for preventing substance use and addiction through educationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
PH 330 — Community-Based Recovery Programs: Development and implementation of community recovery initiativesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
PH 340 — Behavioral Health Interventions: Evidence-based interventions for behavioral health conditionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
PSY 340 — Counseling and Pastoral Care Fundamentals: Students learn the foundational principles of active listening and providing supportive care within a faith-based context. The course addresses the integration of spiritual guidance with empathetic professional interaction. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
PH 350 — Co-Occurring Disorders: Assessment and treatment of co-occurring mental health and substance use disordersThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
PH 360 — Injury Prevention & Risk Reduction: Strategies for preventing injuries and reducing health risksThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
Semester 6 — Year 3
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
PH 370 — Social Determinants of Health: Examination of social, economic, and environmental factors affecting healthThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
PH 380 — Health Communication Strategies: Effective communication methods for public health promotionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
CMN 410 — Community Leadership Development: Developing leadership skills for community ministryThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
PH 410 — Program Planning in Public Health: Design and planning of public health programs and interventionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
CMN 420 — Applied Community Ministry Practicum: Supervised practical experience in community ministry settingsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
PH 420 — Program Evaluation: Methods for evaluating public health program effectivenessThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
Semester 7 — Year 4
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
PH 440 — Applied Public Health Research: Conducting applied research in public health contextsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
PH 450 — Seminar in Substance Use Policy: Current issues and policy debates in substance useThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
PH 460 — Grant Writing for Public Health Initiatives: This course offers technical instruction in the development and submission of grant proposals for community health programs. Students will learn to articulate organizational goals and fiscal needs to prospective donors. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
PH 480 — Global Health and Missions: This course evaluates public health challenges in international settings and the impact of faith-driven global service efforts. Students study cultural competency and sustainable health delivery models abroad. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
FLD 490 -Field Internship I — FLD 490 Field Internship I: Supervised fieldwork in the communityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
FLD 491 Field Internship II — FLD 491 Field Internship II: Advanced supervised fieldworkThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
Semester 8 — Year 4
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
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..

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) may also be required, along with a personal statement outlining interest in public health and substance use issues. Senior Capstone Project The capstone project serves as a culmination of the student’s spiritual formation and academic development. Students must design and implement an evidence-based community intervention that addresses a specific substance use concern through the principles of biblical stewardship and ethical engagement. This project requires students to demonstrate their ability to apply professional public health strategies while articulating how their work serves as an extension of their Christian calling. Evaluation focuses on the student's ability to integrate rigorous research with a compassionate, faith-informed strategy that honors the dignity of individuals created in the image of God.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

The complete HBIU curriculum is protected.

Program titles, descriptions, outcomes, admissions information, and career opportunities remain available publicly. The official semester-by-semester course sequence, credits, prerequisites, and internal curriculum requirements are available to verified applicants, enrolled students, and authorized university personnel.

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Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

To earn the Bachelor of Science in Public Health, students must successfully complete 120 credit hours, maintaining a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0. The curriculum requires the completion of all core public health courses and the substance use focus track, alongside a commitment to ongoing spiritual formation throughout the duration of study. Candidates must demonstrate an understanding of how to ethically navigate public health challenges by consistently applying the values of servant leadership and social justice. Final approval for graduation is contingent upon the successful completion of the capstone project, which must reflect both professional competency and alignment with the institution’s faith-based mission.
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
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
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

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

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

Additional Official Information

Additional source information

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