Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Addiction Counselor Education, Supervision Specialization in Clinical Leadership

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Addiction Counselor Education, Supervision Specialization in Clinical Leadership

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Maximum approved transfer credit

Up to 40 semester credit hours

Minimum credits completed through the University after maximum transfer

80 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, research progress, and dissertation completion

Advanced faith-based addiction counselor education and supervision theory

30 credit hours

Research methods, statistics, and scholarly inquiry

24 credit hours

Professional leadership and higher-education teaching

15 credit hours

Advanced electives and concentration courses

18 credit hours

Scholarly writing and publication

9 credit hours

Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy

6 credit hours

Program Details

• Total Credits: 120
• Duration: 3 years
• Degree Level: PhD

Dissertation research and defense

• 18 credit hours
• Total
• 120 semester credit hours
• The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Addiction Counselor Education, Supervision Specialization in Clinical Leadership is designed to prepare advanced scholars and practitioners for roles in higher education, clinical supervision, and organizational leadership. The program provides a rigorous academic foundation in counseling theory, pedagogical methodology, and ethical management within the context of community-based and faith-centered organizations. Students engage in deep inquiry into the intersection of clinical practice and the leadership needs of mission-driven institutions.
• Throughout the doctoral journey, scholars are challenged to integrate advanced behavioral health theories with the practical realities of service-oriented leadership. The curriculum emphasizes the development of original research, supervisory competence, and the capacity to mentor the next generation of addiction counselors. By fostering a culture of academic excellence, this program equips graduates to influence social service landscapes through informed decision-making and ethical stewardship.
• The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Addiction Counselor Education, Supervision Specialization in Clinical Leadership is a research-intensive doctoral program emphasizing advanced faith-based addiction counselor education and supervision theory, original research, quantitative and qualitative methodology, scholarly publication, higher-education teaching, ethical leadership, and the development and evaluation of faith-based addiction counselor education and supervision-support programs.
• Students may receive up to 40 semester credit hours of approved graduate or doctoral transfer credit. Accepted transfer credits are applied toward the 120-credit graduation requirement and may reduce the student's remaining coursework and anticipated completion time. A student receiving the maximum transfer-credit award must complete at least 80 semester credit hours through the University.
• The Ph.D. requires successful completion of all required coursework, comprehensive examinations, admission to doctoral candidacy, approval of a dissertation proposal, original scholarly research, submission of an approved written dissertation, and a successful oral defense.
• DOCTORAL TRANSFER-CREDIT POLICY: The Doctor of Education and Doctor of Philosophy programs each require 120 semester credit hours. Students may transfer up to 40 semester credit hours of eligible graduate or doctoral coursework toward either degree. Transfer credit is not automatically awarded. Each request is evaluated individually according to: The academic level of the previous coursework; The relevance of the coursework to the doctoral curriculum; Course content and learning outcomes; Credit-hour equivalency; Grades earned; The age of the coursework; Official institutional documentation; The University's residency and transfer-credit policies. Accepted transfer credit may reduce the number of courses and the amount of time required to complete the degree. Students awarded the maximum 40 transfer credits will have 80 semester credit hours remaining in the 120-credit doctoral program. Comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidacy, doctoral residency, the applied doctoral project, dissertation research, and the final oral defense must ordinarily be completed through the University. These requirements may not be satisfied through transfer credit unless expressly permitted under a published University policy.

Dissertation Seminar

• 4
• RES800
• RES810 — Data Analysis and Interpretation: This course focuses on analyzing findings gathered for research projects. Students interpret quantitative and qualitative data in professional contexts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU840 — Advanced Counseling Theory: Students perform a comparative analysis of major behavioral health theories. Discussions highlight the application of theory in diverse community settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU850 — Mentorship and Academic Development: This course investigates the role of mentorship in professional and academic settings. Students develop strategies for supporting emerging professionals. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP890 — Dissertation Seminar: Students refine their dissertation proposals and prepare for the defense of the work. Regular feedback from faculty and peers is required. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research I

• 4
• CAP890
• COU860
• Systemic Leadership Perspectives
• 3
• MGT750
• EDU870
• Higher Education Administration
• 3
• None
• COU880
• Community-Based Counseling Systems
• 3
• THE730
• RES891 — Dissertation Research I: Students begin the formal data collection and writing phase of the dissertation project. Regular meetings with the doctoral chair are required. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU860 — Systemic Leadership Perspectives: This course examines how leadership impacts agency culture and service quality. Emphasis is placed on organizational change management principles. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU870 — Higher Education Administration: Students explore the landscape of higher education, focusing on accreditation, policy, and student services. The course highlights administrative responsibility. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU880 — Community-Based Counseling Systems: This course explores the implementation of counseling programs within diverse community settings and non-governmental social service agencies. It focuses on the strategic alignment of clinical services with broader organizational and community wellness goals. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research II

• 4
• RES891
• CAP899
• Final Dissertation Defense
• 4
• RES892
• EDU895
• Contemporary Trends in Counseling Education
• 3
• None
• MGT895
• Organizational Leadership Seminar
• 3
• MGT750
• RES892 — Dissertation Research II: Students finalize their dissertation, completing the final write-up and preparing for the oral defense. This represents the synthesis of their academic program. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP899 — Final Dissertation Defense: The candidate defends their completed dissertation before a faculty committee, demonstrating mastery of the research topic and methodology. This serves as the terminal requirement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU895 — Contemporary Trends in Counseling Education: This capstone elective explores the evolving future of addiction counseling education and supervision. Students debate emerging trends in the profession. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT895 — Organizational Leadership Seminar: This final seminar reviews effective strategies for leading community-based human services organizations. Focus is on long-term sustainability and mission fulfillment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation serves as the culminating scholarly endeavor for the PhD program, requiring students to execute an original, independent research study that contributes substantive new knowledge to the field of addiction counseling and clinical supervision. Students work under the guidance of a faculty committee to design, conduct, and defend a comprehensive project that addresses complex challenges within the human services sector. The scope requires the rigorous application of statistical or qualitative research methodology paired with a deep reflection on the ethical and spiritual implications of the findings.
• Integration of faith-based perspectives is central to the dissertation process, as students must analyze how their research reflects principles of biblical stewardship, servant leadership, and social justice. Scholars are required to articulate how their findings serve community-based organizations and contribute to the flourishing of individuals in recovery. This project demonstrates not only academic mastery of the discipline but also the candidate's character development, integrity, and commitment to serving others through informed, scholarly, and faith-informed contributions.

Dissertation research and defense | 18 credit hours

• Total | 120 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES701 | Advanced Qualitative Research Methods | 3 | Graduate Research Course
• COU710 | Advanced Clinical Supervision Theory | 3 | Master's Degree
• EDU720 | Pedagogy for Adult Learners | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES702 | Advanced Quantitative Research Methods | 3 | RES701
• MGT750 | Ethical Leadership and Governance | 3 | None
• COU715 | Advanced Issues in Addiction Recovery | 3 | COU710
• ETH730 | Professional Ethics and Clinical Governance | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES800 | Applied Research Design | 3 | RES702
• COU810 | Clinical Supervision Internship | 4 | COU710
• EDU820 | Assessment and Curriculum Development | 3 | EDU720
• BUS830 | Nonprofit Resource Stewardship | 3 | MGT750
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES810 | Data Analysis and Interpretation | 3 | RES800
• COU840 | Advanced Counseling Theory | 3 | None
• EDU850 | Mentorship and Academic Development | 3 | None
• CAP890 | Dissertation Seminar | 4 | RES800
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES891 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | CAP890
• COU860 | Systemic Leadership Perspectives | 3 | MGT750
• EDU870 | Higher Education Administration | 3 | None
• COU880 | Community-Based Counseling Systems | 3 | THE730
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES892 | Dissertation Research II | 4 | RES891
• CAP899 | Final Dissertation Defense | 4 | RES892
• EDU895 | Contemporary Trends in Counseling Education | 3 | None
• MGT895 | Organizational Leadership Seminar | 3 | MGT750

Career Opportunities

• Academic Faculty in Addiction Counseling programs
• Director of Behavioral Health Education
• Clinical Supervision Consultant
• Nonprofit Executive Leadership
• Organizational Program Evaluator
• Faith-Based Community Program Director
• Curriculum Designer for Behavioral Health Agencies

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 | Ph.D. in Faith-Based Addiction Counselor Education, Supervision Specialization in Clinical Leadership
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Maximum approved transfer credit | Up to 40 semester credit hours
• Minimum credits completed through the University after maximum transfer | 80 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, research progress, and dissertation completion
• Advanced faith-based addiction counselor education and supervision theory | 30 credit hours
• Research methods, statistics, and scholarly inquiry | 24 credit hours
• Professional leadership and higher-education teaching | 15 credit hours
• Advanced electives and concentration courses | 18 credit hours
• Scholarly writing and publication | 9 credit hours
• Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy | 6 credit hours