Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Human Services Leadership (Addiction Focus)

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Human Services Leadership (Addiction Focus)

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 human services leadership theory and specialization

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 PhD in Faith-Based Human Services Leadership (Addiction Focus) at HBI University provides a rigorous academic environment for advanced study in the intersection of behavioral health, organizational leadership, and ethical service. Students engage with advanced theories of addiction, program development, and leadership ethics within the context of faith-informed service delivery. The curriculum is designed to cultivate experts who can navigate the complexities of community health issues while maintaining a focus on stewardship and servant-leadership principles. Through a combination of research-heavy coursework and practical application, candidates analyze the structural challenges facing addiction recovery programs and develop robust models for sustainable community interventions. The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach that integrates sociological data, management theory, and a commitment to humanitarian service, ensuring graduates are prepared to address the nuanced needs of diverse populations. By bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and applied community practice, the program equips scholars to contribute meaningfully to the field of human services.
• The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Human Services Leadership (Addiction Focus) is a research-intensive doctoral program emphasizing advanced faith-based human services leadership (addiction focus) theory, original research, quantitative and qualitative methodology, scholarly publication, higher-education teaching, ethical leadership, and the development and evaluation of faith-based human services leadership (addiction focus)-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 Proposal Development

• 3
• RES910
• RES910 — Advanced Doctoral Seminar: A forum for the refinement of research and communication skills prior to the final dissertation phase. Candidates present and defend sections of their developing research. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU920 — Advanced Issues in Addiction Recovery: Critical analysis of current and emerging challenges in the field of addiction. Focuses on the role of leadership in addressing crisis and societal shift. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT930 — Advanced Leadership and Service Design: Synthesis of leadership theory to create organizational models of service that emphasize stewardship. Students evaluate the longevity and ethical impact of their proposed projects. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP950 — Dissertation Proposal Development: Completion of the doctoral dissertation proposal and submission for committee approval. Focuses on rigorous methodology and clear articulation of the research problem. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research and Analysis

• 4
• CAP950
• CAP995

Dissertation Final Defense

• 4
• CAP990
• RES998
• Directed Scholarly Publication
• 3
• RES910
• MIN999
• Integrative Leadership Colloquium
• 3
• None
• CAP990 — Dissertation Research and Analysis: Primary research phase involving data collection, comprehensive synthesis of evidence, and initial drafting of the dissertation. Ongoing collaboration with faculty mentors is required. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP995 — Dissertation Final Defense: The final stage of the doctoral program, involving the completion of the dissertation manuscript and a successful oral defense before the doctoral committee. Focus is on original contributions to the field. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES998 — Directed Scholarly Publication: Guidance on preparing dissertation findings for publication in academic and practitioner-focused journals. Emphasis on ethical dissemination of knowledge to professional communities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN999 — Integrative Leadership Colloquium: Synthesis of academic coursework, ethical philosophy, and professional development as a capstone experience. Candidates reflect on their role as servant leaders in the community. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation serves as the culminating academic achievement for the PhD candidate, requiring the original contribution of new knowledge to the field of human services leadership. Candidates are tasked with identifying a critical gap in the existing literature regarding addiction recovery or community service organizational leadership. The process includes a formal proposal defense, comprehensive data collection and analysis, and a final oral defense before a committee of faculty members, demonstrating the ability to conduct independent, ethical, and rigorous scholarly inquiry.
• Integration of faith-based perspectives is central to the dissertation, requiring students to articulate how their research addresses the needs of vulnerable populations through the lens of biblical stewardship, ethical integrity, and servant leadership. The project must reflect both technical academic proficiency and a dedication to the moral dimensions of leadership. Students are expected to demonstrate how their proposed solutions reflect a commitment to the holistic restoration and development of individuals and communities, ensuring the research outcome is grounded in academic excellence and spiritual maturity.

Dissertation research and defense | 18 credit hours

• Total | 120 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES700 | Advanced Research Methodology | 4 | None
• COU710 | Addiction Science and Policy | 3 | None
• MGT720 | Leadership and Organizational Ethics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES750 | Applied Statistical Analysis | 4 | RES700
• COU760 | Recovery Support Systems | 3 | COU710
• MGT780 | Financial Stewardship in Nonprofits | 3 | MGT720
• SOC790 | Sociology of Community Health | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES810 | Qualitative Inquiry | 4 | RES750
• COU820 | Systemic Perspectives on Addiction | 3 | COU760
• MGT830 | Strategy and Institutional Change | 3 | MGT780
• HUM840 | Global Perspectives on Social Service | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES850 | Program Evaluation and Design | 4 | RES810
• COU860 | Intervention Advocacy | 3 | COU820
• MGT870 | Human Resource and Team Development | 3 | MGT830
• SOC880 | Foundations of Organizational Culture | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES910 | Advanced Doctoral Seminar | 4 | RES850
• COU920 | Advanced Issues in Addiction Recovery | 3 | COU860
• MGT930 | Advanced Leadership and Service Design | 3 | MGT870
• CAP950 | Dissertation Proposal Development | 3 | RES910
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP990 | Dissertation Research and Analysis | 4 | CAP950
• CAP995 | Dissertation Final Defense | 4 | CAP990
• RES998 | Directed Scholarly Publication | 3 | RES910
• MIN999 | Integrative Leadership Colloquium | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

• Director of Addiction Recovery Services
• Nonprofit Executive Leadership
• Academic Researcher in Social Services
• Community Health Program Director
• Policy Advisor for Faith-Based Initiatives
• Organizational Consultant for Addiction Services
• Director of Spiritual and Social Formation

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 Human Services Leadership (Addiction Focus)
• 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 human services leadership theory and specialization | 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