Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based BS in Public Health Substance Use Focus

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.S. in Faith-Based Public Health Substance Use Focus

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Public Health Substance Use Focus core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a focus on Substance Use provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors that influence community health outcomes. Students engage with rigorous academic coursework in epidemiology, public policy, and health promotion, specifically tailored to address the complex challenges of substance use disorders and their impact on diverse populations. The curriculum emphasizes a systems-based approach to community wellness, focusing on data-driven interventions and strategic health programming.

Rooted in an academic environment that values the intersection of professional competence and moral inquiry, the program encourages students to view public health through the lens of stewardship and compassionate service. By integrating scientific inquiry with ethical reasoning, the program prepares graduates to operate effectively within both secular and faith-based community health environments, fostering long-term resilience and health equity in at-risk populations.

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Public Health Substance Use Focus combines a robust general education foundation with comprehensive study in the subject theory, behavioral science, human development, ethics, research, crisis awareness, referral, program development, and community-based support. This program is designed to provide students with the theoretical knowledge and practical tools necessary to address complex substance use challenges within faith-based and public health frameworks.

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 Public Health Substance Use Focus core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Research | 3 | None
• BIO105 | Biological Basis of Health | 4 | None
• PSY110 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• THE101 | Foundations of Christian Ethics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MAT120 | Introductory Statistics | 3 | None
• SOC150 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• COM105 | Professional Communication | 3 | ENG101
• MIN110 | Principles of Servant Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PUB201 | Introduction to Public Health | 3 | BIO105
• COU210 | Addiction and Society | 3 | PSY110
• BIO220 | Human Anatomy and Physiology | 4 | BIO105
• BUS200 | Nonprofit Administration | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PUB250 | Epidemiology Fundamentals | 3 | MAT120
• COU255 | Substance Use Prevention Models | 3 | COU210
• RES280 | Research Methods in Social Science | 3 | MAT120
• HIS250 | History of Social Reform | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PUB300 | Environmental and Community Health | 3 | PUB201
• COU310 | Neurobiology of Addiction | 4 | BIO220
• MGT320 | Organizational Leadership | 3 | MIN110
• SOC350 | Social Stratification and Health | 3 | SOC150
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PUB350 | Health Policy and Advocacy | 3 | PUB300
• COU380 | Community-Based Intervention Design | 3 | RES280
• EDU350 | Community Education and Outreach | 3 | COM105
• HUM310 | Humanity and Stewardship | 3 | THE101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PUB400 | Advanced Epidemiological Analysis | 3 | PUB250
• COU420 | Ethics in Substance Use Recovery | 3 | THE101
• MGT450 | Financial Stewardship for Nonprofits | 3 | BUS200
• RES450 | Data-Driven Decision Making | 3 | RES280
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | RES450
• PUB450 | Public Health Sustainability | 3 | PUB350
• COU480 | Integrated Community Care Systems | 3 | COU380
• MIN495 | Faith and Vocation | 3 | MIN110

Career Opportunities

• Community Health Coordinator
• Substance Use Prevention Specialist
• Public Health Program Manager
• Nonprofit Outreach Coordinator
• Health Education Specialist
• Human Services Case Liaison
• Grant Writer for Health Initiatives

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 Public Health Substance Use Focus
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years