Master of Arts in Faith-Based Human Services (Addictions Leadership)

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Human Services (Addictions Leadership)

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Human Services (Addictions Leadership) 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 Human Services (Addictions Leadership) provides a comprehensive interdisciplinary foundation for professionals dedicated to social service and community welfare. The program integrates theoretical knowledge in organizational management and human services with practical applications in leadership, ethical decision-making, and organizational stewardship. Students engage in a rigorous academic exploration of complex systemic issues while maintaining a focus on the principles of servant leadership and social responsibility within nonprofit settings. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the administrative and analytical tools necessary to manage organizations that address substance use, behavioral challenges, and community health. By synthesizing leadership theory with an understanding of human service delivery, the program fosters a holistic approach to organizational management that emphasizes capacity building, program development, and long-term community impact. Students are challenged to reflect on their professional practices through the lens of ethical integrity and institutional sustainability. This course of study prepares individuals to operate effectively in diverse social sectors, emphasizing the development of sustainable, mission-driven organizational structures that serve the common good.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in Faith-Based Human Services (Addictions Leadership) theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based human services (addictions leadership)-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based human services (addictions leadership)-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 Thesis Project

• 4
• All Core Courses
• MGT-620 — Organizational Conflict Resolution: This course focuses on managing and resolving conflicts within organizational structures and community partnerships. It teaches mediation strategies that prioritize collaboration and mission focus. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN-625 — Stewardship and Organizational Sustainability: This course explores the concept of institutional stewardship, focusing on the long-term viability of community programs. It emphasizes the balance between immediate service and sustainable growth. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS-630 — Advanced Leadership Seminar: This seminar facilitates deep reflection on leadership practices, professional growth, and the integration of ethics into daily operations. It prepares students for high-level management roles in the sector. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP-699 — Capstone Thesis Project: This culminating project requires students to design and implement a comprehensive strategic plan to address a critical organizational challenge. The project serves as the final integration of leadership theory, ethical reasoning, and professional practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Capstone Project serves as the final, integrative experience for the program, requiring students to demonstrate mastery in addressing a complex leadership or programmatic challenge within a community-based setting. Students are expected to identify a specific, real-world issue, conduct extensive research, and develop a comprehensive strategic solution that aligns with the organization's mission and promotes positive social change. The project carries 4 credit hours and represents the synthesis of academic inquiry and professional practice.
• Central to the Capstone is the integration of faith-informed character development, requiring students to demonstrate how their proposed solutions reflect principles of ethical reasoning, biblical stewardship, and servant leadership. Students must articulate how their work supports the spiritual formation and long-term sustainability of the organization. This culminates in a formal written thesis and an oral presentation, documenting not only technical competence in program administration but also the maturity and discernment necessary to serve effectively as a faith-driven leader.

Career Opportunities

• Nonprofit Program Director
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Human Services Organizational Consultant
• Faith-Based Initiative Manager
• Social Advocacy Strategist
• Grant and Development Officer
• Addictions Recovery Program 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 Human Services (Addictions Leadership)
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Human Services (Addictions Leadership) 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
• RES-501 | Advanced Research Methods in Social Services | 4 | None
• MGT-505 | Organizational Leadership and Ethics | 4 | None
• SOC-510 | Community Systems and Social Advocacy | 4 | None
• MIN-515 | Principles of Servant Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BUS-520 | Nonprofit Financial Stewardship | 4 | None
• COU-525 | Introduction to Addiction Dynamics | 4 | None
• MGT-530 | Strategic Program Development | 4 | None
• ETH-535 | Professional Ethics and Personal Values in Social Services | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BUS-601 | Human Resource Management in Nonprofits | 4 | None
• EDU-605 | Community Education and Prevention Programming | 4 | None
• MGT-610 | Grant Writing and Fundraising Strategies | 4 | None
• COU-615 | Public Policy and Behavioral Health | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT-620 | Organizational Conflict Resolution | 4 | None
• MIN-625 | Stewardship and Organizational Sustainability | 4 | None
• BUS-630 | Advanced Leadership Seminar | 3 | None
• CAP-699 | Capstone Thesis Project | 4 | All Core Courses