Master of Science in Faith-Based Behavioral Health (Substance Use Focus)

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.S. in Faith-Based Behavioral Health

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Behavioral Health 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 Behavioral Health with a focus on Substance Use is a rigorous graduate program designed to equip professionals with advanced knowledge in behavioral science and addiction recovery frameworks. Integrating foundational psychological theories with a commitment to stewardship and servant leadership, the program provides a comprehensive analysis of substance use patterns, public health trends, and systemic community support mechanisms. Students engage in critical inquiry to understand the intersection of human behavior and moral responsibility in diverse societal contexts. Through a multidisciplinary approach, the curriculum emphasizes the importance of ethical decision-making, compassionate care, and the promotion of holistic wellness. Scholars will explore evidence-based strategies to assist individuals navigating complex behavioral challenges, ensuring they are prepared to lead with integrity in faith-informed environments. This program provides the necessary intellectual tools to serve community members effectively through sustainable, mission-driven practices.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based behavioral health-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

• 4
• RES535, COU605
• COU655
• Advanced Case Management
• 4
• COU600
• COU660
• Public Health Policy
• 3
• SOC515
• COU665
• Contemporary Issues in Behavioral Health
• 3
• None
• CAP650 — Capstone Project: The culminating project where students integrate all program learning through an original research or programmatic initiative. Students demonstrate their commitment to ethical practice and organizational leadership. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU655 — Advanced Case Management: Refining skills for navigating complex behavioral health systems and providing comprehensive support. Emphasis is on coordination of care and advocacy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU660 — Public Health Policy: A critical look at current trends in public policy regarding substance use and social welfare. Students learn how to engage in constructive policy dialogue. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU665 — Contemporary Issues in Behavioral Health: Investigation of emerging challenges in the field, including digital health and global wellness trends. Students develop forward-thinking solutions for organizational success. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Capstone Project serves as the final academic demonstration of the student’s mastery in the field of faith-based behavioral health. Spanning 4 credits, this project requires students to design and implement an original research study or a programmatic intervention that addresses a specific substance use challenge within a real-world community setting. The scope of the project must demonstrate an intersection between advanced behavioral theory and the practical application of Christian stewardship, requiring students to articulate how their work aligns with mission-driven organizational goals and ethical integrity. Deliverables include a formal research paper and a comprehensive project presentation, both of which serve to showcase the student's ability to synthesize research, data analysis, and reflective practice. Throughout the project, students must evaluate their development as leaders, demonstrating how their research reflects a commitment to spiritual formation and the cultivation of character within the behavioral health profession. This process ensures that graduates are prepared to contribute meaningful solutions to the organizations they serve, grounding their academic proficiency in a framework of faith-informed service.

Career Opportunities

• Nonprofit Behavioral Health Administrator
• Community Recovery Program Director
• Faith-Based Human Services Consultant
• Behavioral Health Policy Advocate
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Mission-Driven Program Developer

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 Behavioral Health
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Behavioral Health 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 Behavioral Health | 4 | None
• RES505 | Research Methods in Social Science | 3 | None
• THE510 | Ethics in Behavioral Health | 4 | None
• SOC515 | Social Determinants of Health | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU520 | Addiction and Recovery Dynamics | 4 | COU500
• MGT525 | Nonprofit Organizational Leadership | 3 | None
• COU530 | Trauma-Informed Care | 4 | COU500
• RES535 | Advanced Data Analysis | 3 | RES505
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU600 | Family Systems and Addiction | 4 | COU520
• COU605 | Community-Based Interventions | 4 | COU530
• PSY610 | Psychosocial Development and Wellness | 3 | None
• BUS615 | Grant Writing and Stewardship | 3 | MGT525
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP650 | Capstone Project | 4 | RES535, COU605
• COU655 | Advanced Case Management | 4 | COU600
• COU660 | Public Health Policy | 3 | SOC515
• COU665 | Contemporary Issues in Behavioral Health | 3 | None