Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Addiction Counseling Foundations

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Ministry of Addiction Counseling

Total program length

135 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Ministry of Addiction Counseling core

78 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Addiction Counseling Foundations equips students with the knowledge and skills to provide effective support to individuals struggling with addiction within the faith community. Students will engage in comprehensive studies covering the psychological, social, and theological aspects of addiction and recovery. The program emphasizes evidence-based practices and integrates Christian principles to guide counseling approaches. Graduates will be prepared to navigate various career paths in addiction treatment and counseling settings, utilizing their understanding of both secular and faith-based methodologies. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, empathy, and ethical decision-making, ensuring that students are well-rounded professionals ready to make a positive impact in their communities. By completing this program, students will not only refine their counseling capabilities but also gain tools to help others on their journey to recovery, making this a valuable degree for those interested in meaningful, service-oriented careers.

The Bachelor of Science in Ministry of Addiction Counseling combines a robust liberal arts general education curriculum with a comprehensive study of addiction theory, behavioral science, human development, and clinical ethics. Students engage in rigorous coursework covering research methodologies, crisis awareness, referral coordination, program development, and the implementation of community-based support systems grounded in faith-based principles.

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: 120
• Duration: 4 years
• Degree Level: Bachelor

General education | 36 credit hours

• Ministry of Addiction Counseling core | 78 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone Project in Addiction Counseling

• 3
• None
• ACN 490 — Research in Addiction Studies: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ACN 495 — Program Evaluation: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ACN 499 — Capstone Project in Addiction Counseling: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ECO 101 | Microeconomics | 3 | None
• ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 | None
• HIS 101 | U.S. History I | 3 | None
• PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• REL 101 | Introduction to Religious Studies | 3 | None
• SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ECO 102 | Macroeconomics | 3 | None
• ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3 | None
• HIS 102 | U.S. History II | 3 | None
• CIS 110 | Information Technology | 3 | None
• MAT 110 | College Algebra | 3 | None
• BIO 120 | Human Biology | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ACN 201 | Introduction to Addiction Counseling | 3 | None
• COM 201 | Public Speaking | 3 | None
• ACN 210 | Substance Use Disorders | 3 | None
• PHI 210 | Ethics | 3 | None
• STA 210 | Statistics for Social Sciences | 3 | None
• ACN 220 | Pharmacology of Addiction | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ACN 230 | Counseling Skills | 3 | None
• ACN 240 | Case Management | 3 | None
• ACN 250 | Ethics in Addiction Counseling | 3 | None
• ACN 260 | Motivational Interviewing | 3 | None
• CCF 301 | Foundations of Christian Counseling | 3 | None
• ACN 310 | Co-Occurring Disorders | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CCF 310 | Pastoral Care | 3 | None
• ACN 320 | Family Systems & Addiction | 3 | None
• CCF 320 | Biblical Perspectives on Healing | 3 | None
• ACN 330 | Group Counseling | 3 | None
• ACN 340 | Crisis Intervention | 3 | None
• ACN 350 | Addiction Assessment | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ACN 360 | Behavioral Addictions | 3 | None
• ACN 410 | Relapse Prevention | 3 | None
• CCF 410 | Ethics in Christian Counseling | 3 | None
• ACN 420 | Treatment Planning | 3 | None
• CCF 420 | Integrative Faith-Based Counseling | 3 | None
• ACN 430 | Community-Based Recovery | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ACN 440 | Trauma & Addiction | 3 | None
• ACN 450 | Legal Issues in Counseling | 3 | None
• ACN 460 | Cultural Competency | 3 | None
• ACN 470 | Recovery Models | 3 | None
• ACN 480 | Supervised Practicum I | 3 | None
• ACN 481 | Supervised Practicum II | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ACN 490 | Research in Addiction Studies | 3 | None
• ACN 495 | Program Evaluation | 3 | None
• ACN 499 | Capstone Project in Addiction Counseling | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

• Addiction Counselor
• Clinical Supervisor
• Substance Abuse Program Director
• Mental Health Counselor
• Family Therapist
• Rehabilitation Specialist

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 Ministry of Addiction Counseling
• Total program length | 135 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years