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

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.S. in Ministry of Behavioral Science

Total program length

135 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Ministry of Behavioral Science core

78 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Behavioral Science in Faith-Based with a focus on Addiction Studies provides students with a thorough grounding in the psychological, social, and biological aspects of addiction. Students will explore key concepts, theories, and practices related to Faith-Based addiction recovery, prevention, and treatment. This interdisciplinary program equips students with the skills necessary to work effectively in various environments, including healthcare, counseling, and community services. The program also includes a minor in Interfaith Helping Professions, enriching students' understanding of diverse cultural and religious perspectives that influence individuals facing addiction. Graduates will be adept at applying ethical principles, conducting assessments, and implementing effective interventions. The comprehensive nature of this program not only prepares students for a rewarding career in the faith community but also fosters a compassionate understanding of those in need, making it a valuable asset in today’s job market.

The Bachelor of Science in Ministry of Behavioral Science (Addiction Studies) program combines a foundational general education curriculum with a comprehensive study in behavioral science theory, human development, and the integration of faith-based principles. Students engage in rigorous coursework addressing ethics, research methodologies, crisis awareness, professional referral practices, program development, and the implementation of 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: 135
• Duration: 4 years
• Degree Level: Bachelor

General education | 36 credit hours

• Ministry of Behavioral Science core | 78 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone Project in Behavioral Science

• 3
• Completion of foundational courses in Behavioral Science and Addiction Studies
• BHS 490 — Research Seminar: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BHS 495 — Applied Behavioral Science: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BHS 499 — Capstone Project in Behavioral Science: 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 | English Composition I or equivalent
• 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
• BHS 201 | Foundations of Behavioral Science | 3 | None
• COM 201 | Public Speaking | 3 | None
• BHS 210 | Research Methods in Behavioral Science | 3 | None
• PHI 210 | Ethics | 3 | None
• STA 210 | Statistics for Social Sciences | 3 | None
• BHS 220 | Behavioral Statistics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BHS 230 | Social Behavior | 3 | None
• BHS 240 | Human Development Across the Lifespan | 3 | None
• BHS 250 | Ethics in Behavioral Science | 3 | None
• BHS 260 | Cultural & Diversity Issues | 3 | None
• IHP 301 | Foundations of Interfaith Helping | 3 | None
• BHS 310 | Addictive Behaviors | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• IHP 310 | Counseling Across Cultures | 3 | None
• BHS 320 | Psychology of Addiction | 3 | None
• IHP 320 | Ethics in Helping Professions | 3 | None
• BHS 330 | Behavioral Interventions | 3 | None
• BHS 340 | Motivation & Learning | 3 | None
• BHS 350 | Behavioral Neuroscience | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BHS 360 | Trauma & Behavioral Health | 3 | None
• BHS 410 | Substance Use Disorders | 3 | None
• IHP 410 | Community Care & Support Systems | 3 | None
• BHS 420 | Group Dynamics & Facilitation | 3 | None
• IHP 420 | Interfaith Practicum | 3 | None
• BHS 430 | Family Systems & Addiction | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BHS 440 | Community Behavioral Health | 3 | None
• BHS 450 | Prevention & Early Intervention | 3 | None
• BHS 460 | Case Management & Documentation | 3 | Undergraduate Foundation
• BHS 470 | Program Planning & Evaluation | 3 | None
• BHS 480 | Supervised Practicum I | 3 | None
• BHS 481 | Supervised Practicum II | 3 | Supervised Practicum I or equivalent experience
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BHS 490 | Research Seminar | 3 | None
• BHS 495 | Applied Behavioral Science | 3 | None
• BHS 499 | Capstone Project in Behavioral Science | 3 | Completion of foundational courses in Behavioral Science and Addiction Studies

Career Opportunities

• Substance Abuse Counselor
• Behavioral Health Technician
• Addiction Recovery Specialist
• Family Support Specialist
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Mental Health Advocate

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