Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Behavioral Science (Addiction Studies) Helping Professions

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.S. in Faith-Based Behavioral Science (Addiction Studies) Helping Professions

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Behavioral Science (Addiction Studies) Helping Professions core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Behavioral Science with a concentration in Addiction Studies is an interdisciplinary program designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of human behavior, social systems, and the complexities of addictive processes. The curriculum integrates core psychological theories and sociological frameworks with the principles of ethical stewardship and compassionate community engagement, preparing graduates to support individuals in diverse helping professions. Through a blend of rigorous theoretical study and practical application, the program emphasizes a holistic approach to human wellness that honors individual dignity while addressing behavioral challenges. Students will examine the intersections of social dynamics, neurological influences, and behavioral patterns within the context of systemic care. The program fosters a commitment to servant leadership, encouraging students to apply evidence-informed strategies and ethical decision-making to serve their communities with integrity and professional excellence.

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Behavioral Science (Addiction Studies) Helping Professions combines a robust general education curriculum with comprehensive study in behavioral science, human development, and the integration of faith-based principles within professional counseling. The program equips students with foundational knowledge in addiction theory, ethical standards, research methodology, crisis awareness, effective referral practices, 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 Science. 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 Behavioral Science (Addiction Studies) Helping Professions core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Rhetoric | 3 | None
• PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• SOC101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• THE101 | Foundations of Ethical Living | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MAT150 | Applied Statistics | 4 | None
• PSY105 | Developmental Psychology | 3 | PSY101
• COM101 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | None
• SOC110 | Foundations of Social Integration and Community Engagement | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU201 | Foundations of Addiction Studies | 3 | PSY101
• BIO210 | Human Biology and Neuroscience | 4 | None
• SOC205 | Social Problems in Contemporary Society | 3 | SOC101
• HIS200 | History of Social Service and Charity | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU250 | Counseling Theories and Techniques | 3 | COU201
• PSY220 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 | PSY101
• BUS210 | Non-profit Management and Stewardship | 3 | None
• RES200 | Research Methods in Social Sciences | 4 | MAT150
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU310 | Group Dynamics and Facilitation | 3 | COU250
• SOC305 | Family Systems and Social Structures | 3 | SOC101
• EDU320 | Community Education and Prevention | 3 | None
• MIN305 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 3 | CHR110
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU350 | Addiction Recovery Modalities | 3 | COU201
• PSY330 | Cognitive and Behavioral Psychology | 3 | PSY101
• CRJ300 | Justice, Ethics, and Law | 3 | None
• RES350 | Data Analysis and Policy Evaluation | 4 | RES200
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU410 | Case Management and Referral Systems | 3 | COU250
• SOC400 | Sociology of Addiction and Recovery | 3 | SOC101
• HUM405 | Global Perspectives on Human Welfare | 3 | None
• MGT400 | Organizational Stewardship | 3 | BUS210
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | RES350
• COU450 | Ethics in Behavioral Health | 3 | CRJ300
• PSY480 | Professionalism and Career Development | 3 | None
• COU495 | Professional Identity and Ethical Practice in Social Services | 3 | CHR110

Career Opportunities

• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Addiction Support Specialist
• Case Management Professional
• Non-profit Program Administrator
• Behavioral Health Technician
• Public Policy 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.S. in Faith-Based Behavioral Science (Addiction Studies) Helping Professions
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years