Master of Arts in Faith-Based Addiction Counseling, Specialization in Recovery Services

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Addiction Counseling

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Addiction Counseling core

27 credit hours

Research, assessment, and program evaluation

12 credit hours

Professional application and field experience

12 credit hours

Graduate capstone requirement

9 credit hours

The Master of Arts in Faith-Based Addiction Counseling, Specialization in Recovery Services, provides advanced academic and professional development for individuals dedicated to supporting those navigating addictive behaviors and systemic recovery challenges. This program integrates evidence-based behavioral health strategies with ethical frameworks grounded in stewardship, servant leadership, and the holistic care of the individual within their community context. Students engage in rigorous scholarship that bridges the gap between academic theory and the practical requirements of recovery service administration and support. By exploring the sociological, psychological, and organizational aspects of recovery, the program equips graduates to foster environments of dignity and restoration. The curriculum is designed for those seeking to lead in non-clinical, supportive roles, emphasizing the importance of sustainable community engagement and the application of ethical integrity in professional settings.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in Faith-Based Addiction Counseling theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based addiction counseling-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based addiction counseling-support program; A professional training manual; A program-development and evaluation project; Another faculty-approved scholarly project.

The program is designed for completion within two academic years by students maintaining the University's prescribed full-time course load. Part-time students may require additional time.

Florida establishes a minimum of 24 semester credits beyond the bachelor's degree for a master's program. The University's 60-credit requirement is an institutional academic standard that exceeds that minimum.

Program Details

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

Capstone Project: Program Synthesis

• 4
• ALL CORE COURSES
• COU655
• Crisis Intervention and Response
• 4
• COU600
• COU660
• Family Dynamics in Recovery
• 4
• SOC520
• HIS665
• History of Social Welfare and Mission
• 4
• THE510
• CAP650 — Capstone Project: Program Synthesis: The culminating project where students design an actionable recovery service plan. This project requires evidence of academic rigor, faith-based integration, and leadership potential. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU655 — Crisis Intervention and Response: Training in the development of emergency response protocols for community organizations serving vulnerable populations. Students apply risk assessment and management techniques. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU660 — Family Dynamics in Recovery: An analysis of the role of family systems in the recovery process and the support services necessary to stabilize family units. Students explore systemic approaches to communal health. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS665 — History of Social Welfare and Mission: Examination of the historical roots of faith-based charity and its evolving role in contemporary social services. Students reflect on their own vocational trajectory. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Master’s Capstone Project serves as the final academic experience, requiring students to synthesize their learning by designing a comprehensive recovery support model for a community-based organization. This project focuses on the intersection of professional discipline and ethical responsibility, challenging students to address real-world challenges through research-driven interventions that reflect the mission of their chosen institution. Students must demonstrate proficiency in organizational analysis, resource allocation, and program design, ensuring all outputs align with principles of biblical stewardship and ethical integrity.
• Beyond technical competence, the capstone provides an opportunity for students to articulate their personal development as servant leaders. Participants are required to reflect on how their spiritual formation and academic growth converge to inform their professional practice and commitment to justice. This culminating project represents both a mastery of the discipline and a commitment to serving others with character, excellence, and a deep-rooted sense of vocational calling.

Career Opportunities

• Recovery Program Coordinator
• Faith-Based Non-Profit Director
• Community Outreach Liaison
• Addiction Resource Specialist
• Case Management Supervisor
• Organizational Development Strategist
• Ministry Services Administrator

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 | M.A. in Faith-Based Addiction Counseling
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Addiction Counseling core | 27 credit hours
• Research, assessment, and program evaluation | 12 credit hours
• Professional application and field experience | 12 credit hours
• Graduate capstone requirement | 9 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU500 | Foundations of Addiction Studies | 4 | None
• RES505 | Research Methods in Social Services | 4 | None
• THE510 | Ethics in Professional Practice | 4 | None
• MGT515 | Organizational Leadership Principles | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC520 | Sociology of Addiction and Recovery | 4 | COU500
• COU525 | Models of Recovery Services | 4 | COU500
• COM530 | Communicating for Organizational Change | 4 | MGT515
• BUS535 | Nonprofit Resource Stewardship | 4 | MGT515
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU600 | Trauma-Informed Community Care | 3 | SOC520
• COU605 | Relapse Prevention and Aftercare | 3 | COU525
• EDU610 | Community Education and Advocacy | 3 | COM530
• MGT615 | Volunteer Management and Mobilization | 3 | MGT515
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP650 | Capstone Project: Program Synthesis | 4 | ALL CORE COURSES
• COU655 | Crisis Intervention and Response | 4 | COU600
• COU660 | Family Dynamics in Recovery | 4 | SOC520
• HIS665 | History of Social Welfare and Mission | 4 | THE510