Master of Arts in Faith-Based Public Health in Substance Use Prevention Recovery Specialization in Nonprofit Public Health Management

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Public Health in Substance Use Prevention

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Public Health in Substance Use Prevention 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 Public Health in Substance Use Prevention and Recovery is a rigorous graduate program designed to equip leaders with the theoretical frameworks and practical skills necessary to address complex public health challenges within the context of addiction and recovery. The curriculum integrates evidence-based prevention strategies with a strong foundation in nonprofit management, ensuring graduates are prepared to address the intersection of social health and organizational stewardship. Through interdisciplinary study, students explore the systemic factors influencing substance use while developing the managerial acumen to lead sustainable, community-oriented initiatives.

Rooted in an ethos of servant leadership, this program emphasizes the ethical responsibilities inherent in managing public health interventions. By combining advanced academic research with a commitment to compassionate, faith-informed service, the program prepares students to navigate the nuanced landscape of nonprofit operations. Graduates emerge as reflective practitioners capable of managing resources effectively, fostering organizational resilience, and advancing the health and well-being of the communities they serve.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in faith-based public health in substance use prevention theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based public health in substance use prevention-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based public health in substance use prevention-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

• 6
• Completion of all other core coursework
• MGT660
• Nonprofit Legal and Regulatory Environment
• 4
• MGT510
• PUB670
• Program Evaluation and Quality Improvement
• 4
• RES550
• SOC690
• Professional Ethics and Community Engagement
• 2
• None
• CAP800 — Capstone Project: The capstone provides a comprehensive synthesis of the program through a formal project addressing a specific public health or management challenge. Students demonstrate professional competency, academic research, and the application of faith-informed ethical reasoning. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT660 — Nonprofit Legal and Regulatory Environment: This course covers the legal landscape of nonprofit entities, including tax-exempt status, compliance, and employment law. It stresses the importance of lawful operations in maintaining community trust. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PUB670 — Program Evaluation and Quality Improvement: Students learn to conduct ongoing assessments of program effectiveness and implement quality improvement cycles. It emphasizes a data-driven approach to enhancing service quality within nonprofit organizations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC690 — Professional Ethics and Community Engagement: This course examines the ethical frameworks and professional standards necessary for effective leadership in social service sectors. Students analyze the integration of community advocacy, personal integrity, and professional accountability within public health settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Master’s Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic and professional endeavor for the program. Students are required to design and propose a sustainable public health program or organizational improvement plan that addresses a specific substance use prevention or recovery need within a nonprofit setting. This project allows students to synthesize their knowledge of public health methodologies with their expertise in nonprofit management, resulting in a comprehensive strategic framework that is both academically rigorous and operationally feasible.
• Beyond technical proficiency, the Capstone integrates faith-based perspectives by requiring students to articulate the ethical underpinnings and stewardship implications of their work. Students must demonstrate how their project serves the community through the lens of servant leadership and biblical stewardship, ensuring that the proposed interventions reflect integrity and excellence. The final deliverable consists of a 6-credit thesis-style manuscript and a formal presentation, serving as a testament to the student’s ability to merge academic scholarship with a commitment to transformative, faith-informed social impact.

Career Opportunities

• Substance Use Prevention Program Director
• Faith-Based Nonprofit Executive Administrator
• Public Health Community Outreach Manager
• Recovery Center Development Consultant
• Nonprofit Grant Strategist and Health Advocate
• Addiction Services Organizational Specialist

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 Public Health in Substance Use Prevention
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Public Health in Substance Use Prevention 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
• PUB500 | Foundations of Public Health | 4 | None
• MGT510 | Nonprofit Organizational Leadership | 4 | None
• SOC520 | Social Determinants of Substance Use | 4 | None
• THE505 | Ethical Reasoning in Social Services | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES550 | Research Methods for Public Health | 4 | PUB500
• MGT560 | Financial Management for Nonprofits | 4 | MGT510
• PUB570 | Prevention Strategies in Substance Use | 4 | SOC520
• COM600 | Strategic Communication and Advocacy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT610 | Nonprofit Human Resources and Development | 4 | MGT510
• PUB620 | Recovery Support Systems and Design | 4 | PUB570
• MGT630 | Grant Writing and Donor Engagement | 4 | MGT560
• EDU650 | Community Health Education and Training | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP800 | Capstone Project | 6 | Completion of all other core coursework
• MGT660 | Nonprofit Legal and Regulatory Environment | 4 | MGT510
• PUB670 | Program Evaluation and Quality Improvement | 4 | RES550
• SOC690 | Professional Ethics and Community Engagement | 2 | None