Master of Science in Faith-Based Addiction Counseling Education Minor Interfaith Leadership

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.S. in Faith-Based Addiction Counseling Education

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Addiction Counseling Education 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 Science in Faith-Based Addiction Counseling Education with a minor in Interfaith Leadership is an advanced interdisciplinary degree designed to equip professionals with the theoretical foundations and practical skills necessary to serve diverse populations facing substance use challenges. The program integrates contemporary psychological insights with robust ethical frameworks rooted in servant leadership and stewardship. Students examine the intersections of social, biological, and spiritual dimensions of recovery within a supportive community framework. By engaging with multifaceted perspectives, scholars are prepared to lead with integrity, fostering environments that encourage holistic wellness and social restoration. This curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practices alongside the cultivation of a professional identity defined by compassion, accountability, and a commitment to serving the common good. Graduates will gain a comprehensive understanding of human development, the dynamics of addiction, and the leadership competencies required to navigate complex organizational structures within a pluralistic society.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based addiction counseling education-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

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Master of Science Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience, requiring students to synthesize their learning through the development of a comprehensive intervention or organizational leadership plan. This project mandates that students demonstrate both rigorous academic research skills and the integration of faith-informed character development, such as humility, empathy, and integrity, in addressing real-world challenges in the field of addiction recovery. The scope involves identifying a specific systemic challenge, researching evidence-based solutions, and designing a strategy that upholds the principles of biblical stewardship and servant leadership. Deliverables include a formal scholarly paper and a practical project proposal that addresses the holistic needs of community members. By completing this project, students showcase their readiness to apply ethical reasoning and spiritual maturity to complex professional responsibilities, ensuring that their disciplinary contributions are grounded in a sincere commitment to the service of others. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Career Opportunities

• Addiction Education Program Coordinator
• Nonprofit Community Outreach Director
• Faith-Based Program Development Consultant
• Interfaith Engagement Specialist
• Recovery Advocacy and Policy Analyst
• Social Services Organizational Leader

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.S. in Faith-Based Addiction Counseling Education
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Addiction Counseling Education 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
• COU501 | Foundations of Addiction Counseling | 4 | None
• RES505 | Research Methods in Social Sciences | 3 | None
• THE510 | Ethics and Character Development | 4 | None
• MGT520 | Stewardship in Nonprofit Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU515 | Psychology of Human Development | 4 | COU501
• INT500 | Interfaith Leadership Foundations | 3 | None
• SOC530 | Community Dynamics and Advocacy | 4 | None
• MIN540 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU605 | Educational Strategies in Recovery | 4 | COU501, COU515
• INT610 | Interfaith Conflict Resolution | 4 | INT500
• BUS620 | Organizational Management and Strategy | 4 | MGT520
• RES650 | Advanced Data Analysis | 3 | RES505
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP699 | Master Capstone Project | 4 | RES650, completion of core courses
• COU680 | Public Policy and Addiction Services | 4 | None
• INT690 | Advanced Interfaith Perspectives | 3 | INT610
• MIN695 | Spiritual Formation for Leadership | 3 | None