Master of Science in Faith-Based Behavioral Health (Substance Use Focus) Specialization in Interfaith Spiritual Care

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Ministry of Behavioral Health

Total program length

90 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Ministry of 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

Interfaith Spiritual Care minor requirements

30 credit hours

The Master of Science in Faith-Based Behavioral Health with a focus on substance use, specialization in interfaith spiritual care equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the complexities of substance use disorders and their intersection with spiritual care. This program emphasizes a holistic approach to behavioral health, integrating evidence-based practices and interfaith perspectives to support individuals in recovery. Students will gain expertise in assessment, intervention strategies, and counseling techniques, preparing them for a range of therapeutic settings. Graduates will emerge as compassionate professionals capable of addressing the behavioral and spiritual aspects of health, making them invaluable in diverse community and healthcare environments.

The 90-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in Ministry of Behavioral Health theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and ministry of behavioral health-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A ministry of 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 90-credit requirement is an institutional academic standard that exceeds that minimum.

Program Details

• Total Credits: 90
• Duration: 2 years
• Degree Level: Master

Career Opportunities

• Substance Use Counselor
• Behavioral Health Specialist
• Interfaith Chaplain
• Addiction Recovery Coach
• Mental Health Therapist
• Program Director for Substance Use Treatment Programs
• Community Outreach Coordinator

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 Ministry of Behavioral Health
• Total program length | 90 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Ministry of 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
• Interfaith Spiritual Care minor requirements | 30 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SPCH 500 | Introduction to Speech | 3 | Semester 4
• CLN 501 | Clinical Interviewing Skills | 3 | Foundation Courses SPCh 500, GEN 502, GRAD 501 and MADC 500
• GRAD 501 | Graduate Academic Writing | 3 | None
• LC 501 | Foundations of Professional Life Coaching | 3 | Foundation Courses SPCh 500, GEN 502, GRAD 501 and MADC 500
• LC 503 | Communication Skills for Professional Coaches | 3 | None
• BHL 600 | Foundations of Behavioral Health | 3 | None
• LAW 610-BH | Legal Issues in Behavioral Health | 3 | None
• ORG 610-BH | Leadership in Human Services | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL 610-BH | Behavioral Health Policy and Advocacy | 3 | None
• RES 620-BH | Program Evaluation in Behavioral Health | 3 | None
• RES 630-BH | Applied Research Seminar | 3 | None
• SUB 630 | Pharmacology of Psychoactive Substances | 3 | None
• BHL 640 | Psychosocial Interventions | 3 | None
• ISC 640 | Human Growth and Development | 3 | Foundation Courses SPCh 500, GEN 502, GRAD 501 and MADC 500
• PSY 640-BH | Trauma and Stress-Related Disorders | 3 | None
• PSY 650-BH | Group Counseling Dynamics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SUB 650 | Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders | 3 | None
• BHL 660 | Community Behavioral Health | 3 | None
• PSY 660-BH | Behavioral Modification and Treatment Planning | 3 | None
• SUB 660 | Relapse Prevention and Recovery Models | 3 | None
• BHL 670 | Behavioral Health Program Development | 3 | None
• PSY 670-BH | Health Psychology | 3 | None
• SUB 670 | Prevention Science in Substance Use | 3 | None
• BHL 680 | Ethical Decision-Making in Behavioral Health | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY 680-BH | Crisis Intervention | 3 | None
• SUB 680 | Group Work in Substance Use Recovery | 3 | None
• BHL 690 | Practicum in Behavioral Health | 3 | None
• SUB 690 | Advanced Topics in Substance Use Treatment | 3 | None
• BHL 700 | Internship in Behavioral Health | 6 | None
• BHL 710 | Behavioral Health Capstone | 3 | None