Master of Science in Faith-Based Social Work Specialization in Clinical, Addiction Practice & Nonprofit Grant Writing

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.S. in Faith-Based Social Work (Clinical, Addiction Practice) Specialization in Nonprofit Grant Writing

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Social Work 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 Social Work (Clinical, Addiction Practice) with a Specialization in Nonprofit Grant Writing is an advanced professional program designed for individuals seeking to integrate compassionate service with rigorous academic inquiry. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based clinical methodologies alongside strategic resource development to equip practitioners with the competencies necessary for leadership in community-based settings. Students are trained to engage with complex systemic challenges through a lens of professional ethics, social justice, and disciplined stewardship. Through a structured blend of theoretical coursework and applied practice, the program facilitates the development of scholars who are committed to the sustainable delivery of essential social services within diverse cultural contexts. By focusing on the intersection of addiction recovery, nonprofit administration, and strategic resource acquisition, the program fosters a holistic approach to human service that addresses both immediate psychosocial needs and long-term organizational viability. The academic framework encourages critical reflection on the intersection of social work practice and organizational integrity, ensuring graduates are prepared for high-level contributions in the nonprofit sector.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in Faith-Based Social Work (Clinical, Addiction Practice) Specialization in Nonprofit Grant Writing theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based social work (clinical, addiction practice) specialization in nonprofit grant writing-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based social work (clinical, addiction practice) specialization in nonprofit grant writing-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

Capstone Project in Social Practice

• 4
• All Core Courses
• COU 640
• Collaborative Care in Addiction Recovery
• 3
• COU 605
• BUS 650
• Grant Management and Compliance
• 3
• BUS 610
• SOC 660
• Global Perspectives on Social Welfare
• 4
• SOC 535
• CAP 690 — Capstone Project in Social Practice: The culminating project where students integrate all program learning into a scholarly proposal and organizational plan. Demonstrates advanced competence and professional ethics. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU 640 — Collaborative Care in Addiction Recovery: Examines the role of multi-disciplinary teams in managing care for individuals with substance use disorders. Focuses on systems navigation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS 650 — Grant Management and Compliance: Addresses the legal and fiduciary responsibilities of managing granted funds, including financial auditing and reporting. Emphasizes organizational accountability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC 660 — Global Perspectives on Social Welfare: Surveys international social welfare models to broaden the student's understanding of diverse service landscapes. Compares systemic approaches to social challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Master’s Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience, requiring students to synthesize clinical theory, addiction practice strategies, and nonprofit grant development into a cohesive body of work. Students identify a pressing social need within a community or organizational setting and design a project that addresses this need through both a programmatic framework and a fully researched funding strategy. The project demands rigorous academic research, integration of ethical reasoning, and evidence of professional character development. By applying concepts of servant leadership and biblical stewardship, students must demonstrate how their proposed solutions reflect an unwavering commitment to integrity and community transformation. The project is weighted at 4 credit hours and requires a formal defense before a faculty committee. This experience ensures that students can articulate a holistic vision for service that unites clinical competence with the sustainable, faith-informed advancement of their host organization's mission, thereby demonstrating both intellectual depth and spiritual maturity.

Career Opportunities

• Nonprofit Program Director
• Addiction Recovery Coordinator
• Grant Development Specialist
• Clinical Case Manager
• Faith-Based Agency Consultant
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Social Services Administrator

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 Social Work (Clinical, Addiction Practice) Specialization in Nonprofit Grant Writing
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Social Work 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
• SOC 501 | Foundations of Social Service Organizations | 4 | None
• COU 505 | Addiction and Psychopathology | 3 | None
• RES 510 | Research Methods in Social Sciences | 4 | None
• BUS 520 | Nonprofit Organizational Management | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU 515 | Clinical Intervention Strategies for Addiction | 4 | COU 505
• BUS 525 | Principles of Grant Writing | 3 | BUS 520
• THE 530 | Ethics and Stewardship in Human Services | 3 | None
• SOC 535 | Community Advocacy and Social Policy | 4 | SOC 501
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU 605 | Advanced Addictive Behavior Models | 4 | COU 515
• BUS 610 | Advanced Fundraising and Capital Campaigns | 3 | BUS 525
• RES 620 | Program Evaluation and Impact Analysis | 4 | RES 510
• MIN 630 | Servant Leadership in Nonprofit Settings | 3 | THE 530
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP 690 | Capstone Project in Social Practice | 4 | All Core Courses
• COU 640 | Collaborative Care in Addiction Recovery | 3 | COU 605
• BUS 650 | Grant Management and Compliance | 3 | BUS 610
• SOC 660 | Global Perspectives on Social Welfare | 4 | SOC 535