Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Marriage, Family Therapy with Specialization in Addiction Counseling

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Marriage, Family Therapy with Specialization in Addiction Counseling

Total program length

60 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 marriage, family therapy and addiction counseling theory and specialization

30 credit hours

Research methods, statistics, and scholarly inquiry

6 credit hours

Professional leadership and higher-education teaching

6 credit hours

Advanced electives and concentration courses

6 credit hours

Scholarly writing and publication

6 credit hours

Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy

0 credit hours

Program Details

• Total Credits: 60
• Duration: 2 years
• Degree Level: PhD

Dissertation research and defense

• 6 credit hours
• Total
• 60 semester credit hours
• The PhD in Faith-Based Marriage and Family Therapy with a Specialization in Addiction Counseling is a rigorous, 60-credit doctoral program designed to equip scholars with the advanced knowledge and research skills necessary to address the intersection of family dynamics and substance-related challenges. Rooted in a Christian worldview, the curriculum integrates evidence-based therapeutic techniques and family systems theory with the profound responsibilities of biblical stewardship and spiritual formation. Over the course of four years, students are prepared for influential roles in higher education, research, policy development, and organizational leadership, emphasizing the servant-leadership model as they contribute to the field. By examining the interplay of systemic dysfunction and human suffering through the lens of faith-based ethical reasoning, graduates are prepared to design intervention programs that honor the inherent dignity of the person and the family unit. This program underscores the importance of cultural competence and collaborative care, fostering an academic environment where rigorous inquiry meets a commitment to Christ-centered service and moral integrity.
• The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Marriage, Family Therapy with Specialization in Addiction Counseling is a research-intensive doctoral program emphasizing advanced faith-based marriage, family therapy and addiction counseling theory, original research, quantitative and qualitative methodology, scholarly publication, higher-education teaching, ethical leadership, and the development and evaluation of faith-based marriage, family therapy and addiction counseling-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 60-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 Research I

• 3
• None
• DIS 902

Dissertation Research II

• 3
• DIS 901 or equivalent introductory research methods course
• DIS 903

Dissertation Research III

• 3
• DIS 902: Dissertation Research II
• RES 725 — Scholarly Writing & Publication Strategies: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS 901 — Dissertation Research I: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS 902 — Dissertation Research II: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS 903 — Dissertation Research III: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The capstone of this program is the completion of an original doctoral dissertation, representing the culmination of the candidate’s intellectual and spiritual formation. Candidates must demonstrate an advanced capacity for independent research, contributing to the academic discourse in marriage, family therapy, and addiction counseling through the lens of biblical truth and ethical practice. The dissertation process requires students to apply rigorous research methodologies to address complex societal issues, ensuring their scholarly output reflects both academic excellence and a dedicated commitment to advancing the welfare of families and communities. As an expression of servant leadership, the finished project serves as a testament to the candidate’s ability to offer professional, research-based solutions that are consistent with a Christian worldview and the principles of stewardship over the gifts of knowledge and human care.

Dissertation research and defense | 6 credit hours

• Total | 60 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MFTD 701 | Advanced Marriage & Family Systems Theory | 3 | Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy or related field
• MFTD 702 | Contemporary Issues in Marriage & Family Therapy | 3 | None
• MFTD 703 | Ethics, Law & Professional Issues in MFT | 3 | None
• MFTD 704 | Advanced Multicultural & Diversity Issues in Family Systems | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MFTD 705 | Philosophy of Science & Counseling Inquiry | 3 | None
• MFTD 706 | Leadership & Administration in Behavioral Health Systems | 3 | None
• ACD 711 | Advanced Addiction Theory & Research | 3 | None
• ACD 712 | Family Systems & Addiction Dynamics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ACD 713 | Co-Occurring Disorders & Integrated Care Models | 3 | None
• ACD 714 | Addiction Policy, Prevention & Public Health | 3 | None
• ACD 715 | Evidence-Based Interventions in Addiction Treatment | 3 | None
• ACD 716 | Ethics & Policy in Addiction Counseling | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES 721 | Quantitative Research Methods in Behavioral Sciences | 3 | None
• RES 722 | Qualitative Research Methods in Family Studies | 3 | None
• RES 723 | Advanced Statistics & Data Analysis | 3 | Statistical Methods or Equivalent Course
• RES 724 | Program Evaluation & Outcomes Research | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES 725 | Scholarly Writing & Publication Strategies | 3 | None
• DIS 901 | Dissertation Research I | 3 | None
• DIS 902 | Dissertation Research II | 3 | DIS 901 or equivalent introductory research methods course
• DIS 903 | Dissertation Research III | 3 | DIS 902: Dissertation Research II

Career Opportunities

• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
• Addiction Counselor
• Clinical Supervisor
• Researcher in Family Therapy
• Policy Advocate for Behavioral Health
• University Faculty in Counseling Programs
• Consultant for Family and Addiction Programs

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 Marriage, Family Therapy with Specialization in Addiction Counseling
• Total program length | 60 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 marriage, family therapy and addiction counseling theory and specialization | 30 credit hours
• Research methods, statistics, and scholarly inquiry | 6 credit hours
• Professional leadership and higher-education teaching | 6 credit hours
• Advanced electives and concentration courses | 6 credit hours
• Scholarly writing and publication | 6 credit hours
• Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy | 0 credit hours