Master of Science in Faith-Based Marriage & Family Therapy with Emphasis in Addiction Counseling

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Ministry of Marriage & Family Therapy with Emphasis in Addiction Counseling

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Ministry of Marriage & Family Therapy with Emphasis in Addiction Counseling 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 Marriage & Family Therapy with Emphasis in Addiction Counseling is designed to equip students with a robust clinical framework, firmly rooted in a Christian worldview, to address the complex dynamics of relationships and the transformative impact of grace on the family system. Students explore evidence-based therapeutic techniques alongside the cultivation of spiritual formation and ethical reasoning, ensuring that clinical interventions are guided by biblical stewardship. This comprehensive 60-credit, two-year program emphasizes the application of servant leadership within the therapeutic setting, preparing graduates to offer compassionate support to individuals, couples, and families navigating the challenges of addiction. By integrating theoretical knowledge with a commitment to human dignity as defined by the Creator, graduates are uniquely prepared to facilitate healing and restorative recovery in those they serve.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in Ministry of Marriage & Family Therapy with Emphasis in Addiction Counseling theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and ministry of marriage & family therapy with emphasis in addiction counseling-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A ministry of marriage & family therapy with emphasis in addiction counseling-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 capstone requirement for the M.S. in Marriage & Family Therapy with Emphasis in Addiction Counseling involves a rigorous cumulative assessment that integrates theological reflection with clinical practice. Students must demonstrate their ability to synthesize empirical counseling methodologies with a Christian ethical framework, showcasing how faith-informed principles guide their decision-making in complex familial and addictive contexts. This final evaluation requires candidates to articulate a personal philosophy of practice that centers on servant leadership and the redemptive potential of the counseling relationship. Through a scholarly presentation or comprehensive project, students reflect on their growth in spiritual formation and their readiness to act as faithful stewards of the healing process in diverse clinical environments.

Career Opportunities

• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
• Addiction Counselor
• Clinical Supervisor
• Substance Abuse Therapist
• Mental Health Counselor
• Crisis Intervention Specialist
• Family Support 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 Marriage & Family Therapy with Emphasis in Addiction Counseling
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Ministry of Marriage & Family Therapy with Emphasis in Addiction Counseling 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
• MFT 501 | Foundations of Professional Counseling | 3 | None
• MFT 502 | Ethics & Legal Issues in Counseling | 3 | None
• MFT 503 | Multicultural Counseling & Social Justice | 3 | None
• MFT 504 | Human Growth & Lifespan Development | 3 | None
• MFT 505 | Counseling Theories & Techniques | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MFT 506 | Research Methods in Counseling | 3 | None
• MFT 507 | Assessment & Diagnosis in Mental Health | 3 | None
• MFT 601 | Foundations of Marriage & Family Therapy | 3 | None
• MFT 602 | Family Systems Theory | 3 | None
• MFT 603 | Couples Therapy Models | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MFT 604 | Family Therapy Interventions | 3 | None
• MFT 605 | Sexuality, Intimacy & Relationships | 3 | None
• MFT 606 | MFT Ethics, Law & Professional Practice | 3 | None
• ACN 611 | Substance Use Disorders & Addictive Behaviors | 3 | None
• ACN 612 | Addiction Assessment & Treatment Planning | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ACN 613 | Co-Occurring Disorders & Family Addiction Dynamics | 3 | None
• MFT 681 | Clinical Practicum in Marriage & Family Therapy | 3 | None
• MFT 682 | Internship I in MFT & Addiction Counseling | 3 | Completion of foundational coursework in MFT and Addiction Counseling
• MFT 683 | Internship II in MFT & Addiction Counseling | 3 | Completion of Internship I in MFT & Addiction Counseling
• Psy 808 | Psychopathology & DSM Diagnosis | 3 | Semester 4