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

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.S. in Faith-Based 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 Faith-Based 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 Marriage, Family Therapy with Emphasis in Addiction Counseling provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the complexities of human relationships and substance use disorders. Students engage with advanced theories of systemic family therapy and evidence-based addiction treatment, exploring how clinical practices intersect with ethical stewardship and the promotion of human flourishing within diverse communities.

The curriculum is designed to foster a deep integration of psychological principles and faith-informed ethical practice. Through an emphasis on servant leadership and community-centered care, learners are prepared to address the multifaceted challenges facing families today, ensuring that their professional service is guided by integrity and a commitment to the holistic well-being of those they serve.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in faith-based marriage, family therapy with emphasis in addiction counseling theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based marriage, family therapy with emphasis in addiction counseling-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based 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 Master’s Thesis serves as the culminating academic experience for the program, requiring students to conduct original research or a comprehensive literature review that addresses a critical issue in marriage, family, or addiction studies. This 6-credit project necessitates that students synthesize clinical data with ethical frameworks, demonstrating their capacity for scholarly inquiry and critical analysis. The thesis must culminate in a formal paper and an oral defense before a faculty committee.
• Beyond demonstrating academic mastery, the project functions as an integration of the student's professional growth and faith-informed character development. Students are expected to articulate how their work reflects principles of biblical stewardship, servant leadership, and the promotion of justice and mercy within the therapeutic process. The project serves as a signature of the student's readiness to engage in professional service that is both clinically rigorous and grounded in a mature, ethical worldview.

Career Opportunities

• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Family Support Specialist
• Addiction Recovery Program Director
• Crisis Intervention Consultant
• Social Services Administrator
• Non-Profit Agency Director
• Faith-Based Counseling Associate

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 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 Faith-Based 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
• COU501 | Foundations of Systemic Family Therapy | 4 | None
• COU505 | Addiction and Neurobiology | 4 | None
• RES510 | Research Methods in Social Sciences | 4 | None
• THE520 | Ethics and Servant Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU515 | Family Systems and Addiction Recovery | 4 | COU501
• COU522 | Crisis Intervention and Management | 4 | COU501
• SOC530 | Cultural Diversity and Community Engagement | 4 | None
• COU540 | Lifespan Development and Human Flourishing | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU601 | Advanced Therapeutic Techniques | 4 | COU515
• COU610 | Group Dynamics in Recovery | 4 | COU515
• RES620 | Advanced Data Analysis | 4 | RES510
• COU630 | Organizational Stewardship | 3 | THE520
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP690 | Master's Thesis Project | 6 | RES620
• COU650 | Professional Practice and Law | 4 | THE520
• COU660 | Community-Based Prevention Programs | 3 | None
• COU670 | Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Clinical Practice | 3 | None