Master of Science in Faith-Based Psychology Addiction, Recovery

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.S. in Faith-Based Psychology Addiction, Recovery

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Psychology Addiction, Recovery 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 Addiction and Recovery is a comprehensive graduate program designed to provide students with a sophisticated understanding of the psychological, social, and physiological dimensions of substance use and behavioral addictions. By grounding academic inquiry in empirical research and ethical frameworks, the curriculum addresses the complexities of recovery within diverse community contexts, emphasizing the role of the practitioner as a steward of human flourishing and social well-being. The program offers a multidisciplinary approach, bridging advanced behavioral science with the principles of service and restorative community engagement. Students are challenged to synthesize theoretical knowledge with practical application, cultivating the intellectual agility and character necessary to serve in professional, non-clinical capacities. By prioritizing academic rigor and ethical stewardship, the program equips graduates to operate as principled professionals in the field of addiction recovery, dedicated to the holistic support of individuals and families navigate the complexities of life transitions.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based psychology addiction, recovery-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 Proposal and Design

• 4
• RES 625
• PSY 700 — Trauma-Informed Support Systems: Examines the impact of trauma on individuals navigating recovery and the design of systems that provide safe support. Focuses on resilience and the psychological conditions for renewalThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC 710 — Public Policy and Behavioral Health: Analyzes the development and influence of public policy on recovery initiatives. Students engage in discussions about justice, advocacy, and the equitable distribution of community resourcesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COU 720 — Applied Behavioral Ethics and Values: This course explores the intersection of professional behavioral ethics, decision-making frameworks, and the influence of cultural values on clinical practice. Students evaluate complex ethical dilemmas encountered in human services and develop advanced strategies for maintaining professional integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP 750 — Thesis Proposal and Design: Guided instruction on the development of the thesis research project. Students finalize their research question, methodology, and literature review under faculty mentorshipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Capstone Integration Seminar

• 3
• None
• COU 800 — Cultural Competency in Practice: Examines the importance of cultural context in service delivery. Students learn to develop programming that is respectful of diversity and responsive to the needs of different communitiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES 850 — Advanced Topics in Addiction Research: A seminar course addressing current debates and emerging trends in the field of addiction. Encourages critical analysis of shifting paradigms in recovery supportThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CAP 890 — Master's Thesis Project: The culmination of the program where students execute their original research project and present their findings. The project must demonstrate professional mastery and integration of ethical, faith-based, and academic perspectivesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MIN 820 — Capstone Integration Seminar: An integrative seminar requiring students to articulate their personal professional philosophy, linking their academic work, character development, and future commitment to serviceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Master’s Thesis serves as the culminating academic experience for the program, requiring students to engage in original research or a comprehensive literature review that addresses a specific, critical issue in the field of addiction and recovery. This project demands that students synthesize the empirical knowledge gained during their course of study with an ethical analysis grounded in a Christian worldview, demonstrating their ability to contribute meaningfully to the academic discourse. The thesis must reflect a high degree of intellectual rigor, clear logical structure, and a deep commitment to the values of servant leadership and stewardship. Students will produce a manuscript of professional standard that demonstrates their capacity to investigate complex problems, analyze data or scholarly texts, and propose solutions that respect the dignity of the human person. This six-credit requirement is overseen by a faculty supervisor who guides the student in integrating theoretical frameworks with the practical realities of community care. The final deliverable serves as both a demonstration of academic mastery and a testament to the student's personal and professional maturity. Through the thesis process, students articulate how their research supports the advancement of healing, reconciliation, and restoration within their chosen sphere of influence, ensuring that their scholarly work is aligned with the institution’s mission of faith-informed excellence.

Career Opportunities

• Community Recovery Program Coordinator
• Addiction Education Specialist
• Non-Profit Program Administrator
• Recovery Advocacy Consultant
• Faith-Based Social Services Manager
• Public Health Policy Analyst
• Community Outreach Director

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 Psychology Addiction, Recovery
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Psychology Addiction, Recovery 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
• PSY 501 | Advanced Psychology of Addiction | 4 | None
• RES 510 | Research Design and Methodology | 3 | None
• PSY 520 | Psychology of Human Development and Well-Being | 3 | None
• COU 530 | Professional Ethics and Stewardship | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY 605 | Sociology of Recovery Communities | 4 | PSY 501
• COU 615 | Models of Holistic Support | 3 | PSY 501
• RES 625 | Advanced Data Analysis | 3 | RES 510
• MGT 630 | Non-Profit Leadership and Servanthood | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY 700 | Trauma-Informed Support Systems | 4 | PSY 501
• SOC 710 | Public Policy and Behavioral Health | 3 | None
• COU 720 | Applied Behavioral Ethics and Values | 3 | THE 520
• CAP 750 | Thesis Proposal and Design | 4 | RES 625
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU 800 | Cultural Competency in Practice | 4 | None
• RES 850 | Advanced Topics in Addiction Research | 3 | RES 510
• CAP 890 | Master's Thesis Project | 6 | CAP 750
• MIN 820 | Capstone Integration Seminar | 3 | None