Master of Science in Faith-Based Public Health in Substance Use Prevention Recovery Specialization in Nonprofit Public Health Management

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.S. in Faith-Based Public Health in Substance Use Prevention Recovery Specialization in Nonprofit Public Health Management

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced faith-based public health in substance use prevention 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 Faith-Based Public Health in Substance Use Prevention Recovery Specialization in Nonprofit Public Health Management is a comprehensive graduate program designed for professionals seeking to lead public health initiatives within faith-centered nonprofit sectors. This curriculum balances rigorous epidemiological analysis, evidence-based prevention strategies, and organizational leadership principles, grounded in the ethical frameworks of servant leadership and stewardship. Students engage in multidisciplinary study that addresses the complexities of substance use recovery at the community level. The program emphasizes a holistic approach to public health, integrating organizational management with a commitment to social justice and the dignity of the person. Through collaborative learning and intensive research, participants cultivate the skills necessary to develop, manage, and scale health-related programs within charitable and faith-based organizational environments. The curriculum facilitates an academic exploration of how nonprofit management practices can be effectively utilized to advance community well-being while upholding organizational mission integrity.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based public health in substance use prevention 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 or Capstone Project

• The Master’s Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience, requiring students to execute a comprehensive research or programmatic initiative that addresses a real-world public health challenge in substance use recovery. Students identify a specific need within a faith-based nonprofit organization, develop a research-informed strategy, and propose a sustainable management plan. This process requires the synthesis of all prior coursework, demonstrating the student’s ability to apply advanced analytics, ethical reasoning, and organizational management theories in a practical setting.
• Beyond technical academic competency, the project serves as an expression of the student’s faith-informed character, requiring a formal reflection on how servant leadership and biblical stewardship guide their strategic decision-making. Students must demonstrate how their proposed initiatives honor the dignity of the vulnerable and uphold the ethical mandates of their host organization. The project is assessed on its rigorous methodology, analytical depth, and its alignment with the principles of Christian ethical formation, ensuring graduates enter the field equipped with both high-level professional skills and a commitment to virtuous practice.

Career Opportunities

• Nonprofit Health Program Administrator
• Faith-Based Community Health Outreach Coordinator
• Substance Use Prevention Program Manager
• Nonprofit Grant Writer and Development Specialist
• Public Health Policy Analyst
• Organizational Development Consultant for Health Nonprofits

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 Public Health in Substance Use Prevention Recovery Specialization in Nonprofit Public Health Management
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced faith-based public health in substance use prevention 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
• MPH 501 | Foundations of Public Health and Epidemiology | 4 | None
• MGT 510 | Nonprofit Organizational Governance | 4 | None
• COU 520 | Substance Use and Community Wellness | 4 | None
• THE 505 | Ethical Leadership and Stewardship | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES 601 | Research Methods in Public Health | 4 | MPH 501
• MGT 615 | Financial Management for Nonprofits | 4 | MGT 510
• SOC 625 | Social Determinants of Recovery | 4 | COU 520
• BUS 630 | Strategic Communication for Nonprofits | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MPH 650 | Program Planning and Evaluation | 4 | RES 601
• MGT 660 | Human Resource Management in Nonprofits | 4 | MGT 510
• COU 670 | Advocacy and Policy in Public Health | 4 | SOC 625
• MIN 680 | Integration of Faith and Public Health Service | 3 | THE 505
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP 700 | Master's Capstone Project | 4 | MPH 650, RES 601
• MGT 710 | Advanced Leadership and Scaling | 4 | MGT 660
• MPH 720 | Public Health Emergency Management | 3 | MPH 501
• BUS 730 | Nonprofit Resource Development | 4 | MGT 615