Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Addiction Counseling, Specialization in Recovery Services

Program Overview

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

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Addiction Counseling, Specialization in Recovery Services, offers a comprehensive curriculum that bridges psychological theory with ethical service delivery. Designed for students seeking to serve in community-based recovery settings, the program emphasizes the integration of human behavioral studies and evidence-informed counseling practices with a rigorous framework of servant leadership and holistic support. Students are equipped to address the complex needs of individuals and families struggling with addiction through a lens of compassion, stewardship, and ethical professional conduct.

Students will engage with foundational concepts in sociology, psychology, and recovery support systems, gaining the practical skills necessary for effective community engagement. By emphasizing the intersection of social scientific inquiry and spiritual formation, the program fosters a commitment to justice and human dignity. Graduates emerge prepared to facilitate support services and contribute to the restoration of community health through faith-informed, evidence-based practices.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Addiction Counseling combines a robust liberal arts foundation with comprehensive study in faith-based addiction counseling theory, behavioral science, human development, professional ethics, research methodology, crisis awareness, clinical referral processes, program development, and community-based support systems.

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

• 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 Rhetoric | 4 | None
• PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• PSY 105 | Foundations of Behavioral Wellness | 3 | None
• SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU 150 | Fundamentals of Counseling | 3 | PSY 101
• MAT 120 | Applied Statistics | 3 | None
• COM 110 | Professional Communication | 3 | ENG 101
• BIO 110 | Biological Basis of Human Behavior | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU 210 | Dynamics of Addiction | 4 | COU 150
• CHR 201 | Ethics in Service | 3 | THE 101
• BUS 220 | Introduction to Nonprofit Management | 3 | None
• PSY 230 | Developmental Psychology | 3 | PSY 101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU 250 | Group Facilitation Skills | 3 | COU 150
• SOC 260 | Social Problems in Contemporary Society | 3 | SOC 101
• HIS 210 | History of Social Reform Movements | 3 | None
• RES 280 | Research Methods | 4 | MAT 120
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU 310 | Recovery Support Systems | 4 | COU 210
• MGT 305 | Leadership in Nonprofits | 3 | BUS 220
• PSY 320 | Counseling and Crisis Intervention | 3 | COU 150
• EDU 310 | Instructional Design for Community Education | 3 | COM 110
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU 350 | Family Systems and Addiction | 3 | COU 210
• MIN 320 | Community Engagement Strategies | 3 | SOC 101
• CRJ 340 | Legal and Ethical Issues in Recovery | 3 | CHR 201
• PSY 360 | Psychology of Motivation | 3 | PSY 101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU 410 | Advanced Topics in Recovery Services | 4 | COU 310
• MGT 420 | Strategic Planning in Nonprofits | 3 | MGT 305
• HUM 400 | Cultural Competency and Global Stewardship | 3 | None
• SOC 430 | Sociology of Community Health | 3 | SOC 260
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP 499 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | RES 280, MGT 420
• COU 450 | Professionalism in Practice | 3 | All Core Courses
• BUS 410 | Grant Writing and Fundraising | 3 | BUS 220
• SOC 450 | Professionalism and Social Responsibility | 3 | THE 101

Career Opportunities

• Recovery Support Specialist
• Nonprofit Program Coordinator
• Community Outreach Manager
• Behavioral Health Case Aide
• Faith-Based Initiative Director
• Addiction Recovery Advocate
• Family Support Liaison

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