Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based BS in Addiction Counseling Specialization in Counseling

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 is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students for impactful service in the field of substance abuse recovery and support services. The curriculum combines rigorous academic inquiry in psychology and sociology with a distinct emphasis on ethical decision-making, servant leadership, and holistic community engagement. Students explore the complexities of addiction through a lens that values the dignity of the person and the importance of compassionate, responsible stewardship in professional practice.

Throughout this four-year program, students engage with foundational theories of human behavior and evidence-informed counseling strategies. The program emphasizes the integration of professional standards with a commitment to integrity and personal character development. Graduates are equipped to serve in various organizational settings, applying their knowledge to foster recovery, promote wellness, and provide supportive interventions within diverse community contexts.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Addiction Counseling combines a robust general education foundation with comprehensive study in the theory of addiction, behavioral science, human development, ethics, research methods, crisis awareness, referral processes, 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 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 Research | 3 | None
• PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• PHI 110 | Introduction to Moral Philosophy | 3 | None
• SOC 105 | Sociology of the Community | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MAT 150 | Statistics for Social Sciences | 4 | None
• COU 120 | Introduction to Counseling Dynamics | 3 | PSY 101
• BIO 120 | Human Biology and Health | 4 | None
• MIN 101 | Principles of Servant Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY 210 | Developmental Psychology | 3 | PSY 101
• COU 230 | Theories of Personality | 3 | PSY 101
• RES 200 | Introduction to Social Research | 3 | MAT 150
• PSY 210 | Psychology of Personal Development | 3 | THE 110
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU 250 | Foundations of Addiction | 4 | PSY 101, BIO 120
• BUS 220 | Nonprofit Management | 3 | None
• SOC 260 | Cultural Diversity and Social Justice | 3 | SOC 105
• COM 250 | Professional Communication | 3 | ENG 101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU 310 | Interventions in Addiction Support | 3 | COU 250
• PSY 330 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 | PSY 210
• EDU 310 | Principles of Adult Learning | 3 | None
• CRJ 320 | Legal and Ethical Issues in Social Work | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU 350 | Group Dynamics in Recovery | 3 | COU 310
• SOC 370 | Sociology of Family Systems | 3 | SOC 105
• HIS 350 | History of Social Service Institutions | 3 | None
• MGT 300 | Personnel Stewardship | 3 | BUS 220
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU 410 | Case Management and Resource Coordination | 4 | COU 310
• PSY 420 | Crisis Intervention and Safety | 3 | COU 310
• RES 400 | Research Seminar | 3 | RES 200
• SOC 450 | Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility | 3 | THE 110, CHR 210
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP 499 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | RES 400
• COU 480 | Professional Ethics and Practice | 3 | CRJ 320
• SOC 440 | Community Organizing and Advocacy | 3 | SOC 260
• MIN 490 | Advanced Leadership and Stewardship | 3 | MIN 101

Career Opportunities

• Recovery Support Specialist
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Residential Facility Case Manager
• Social Services Coordinator
• Addiction Prevention Educator
• Non-profit Program Administrator
• Advocacy Specialist in Behavioral Health

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