Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Addiction Counseling (Substance Use, Recovery) Specialization in Psychology & Nonprofit Strategic Management

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Addiction Counseling

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, research progress, and dissertation completion

Academic unit

HBIU College of Addiction Counseling

Total credits

120

Duration

3 years

• Analyze advanced psychological theories to evaluate models of addiction and recovery in diverse populations.
• Design sophisticated research methodologies that address gaps in contemporary addiction and nonprofit management literature.
• Evaluate the impact of nonprofit organizational structures on the efficacy of community-based addiction recovery services.
• Integrate ethical reasoning and biblical stewardship principles into the management and operation of faith-based nonprofit organizations.
• Demonstrate advanced leadership skills through the application of servant leadership principles in organizational settings.
• Interpret complex social data to develop evidence-based initiatives that support long-term recovery and community resilience.
• Communicate original scholarly research findings to both academic and professional audiences to influence policy and practice.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES701
• Advanced Research Methods in Social Science
• 3
• None
• PSY710
• Neurobiology of Addiction and Recovery
• 3
• None
• MGT720
• Strategic Leadership in Nonprofit Organizations
• 3
• None
• RES701 — Advanced Research Methods in Social Science: This course covers advanced qualitative and quantitative methodologies, emphasizing research design and data collection. Students examine the application of empirical tools within the nonprofit sector. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY710 — Neurobiology of Addiction and Recovery: An in-depth examination of the biological foundations of substance use disorders and the mechanisms of sustained behavioral recovery. Students review current literature on addiction science and physiological healing. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT720 — Strategic Leadership in Nonprofit Organizations: This course focuses on executive-level leadership, organizational behavior, and the governance of nonprofit institutions. Emphasis is placed on servant leadership and the stewardship of organizational resources. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU730
• Psychological Interventions for Substance Use
• 4
• None
• RES702
• Quantitative Data Analysis
• 3
• RES701
• MGT725
• Financial Stewardship and Resource Development
• 3
• MGT720
• THE740
• Ethics and Values in Behavioral Health
• 4
• None
• COU730 — Psychological Interventions for Substance Use: An analysis of evidence-based therapeutic models for supporting individuals through the recovery process. Students evaluate psychological frameworks for long-term behavioral change in community contexts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES702 — Quantitative Data Analysis: Students apply advanced statistical techniques to social science research, focusing on interpreting data to improve program performance. This course covers multivariate analysis and software proficiency. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT725 — Financial Stewardship and Resource Development: A study of fiscal management, fundraising, and the allocation of resources within nonprofit addiction services. Students develop skills in budgeting and long-term financial sustainability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE740 — Ethics and Values in Behavioral Health: This course explores the ethical frameworks governing professional conduct in addiction-related services. Students analyze the impact of Christian worldviews on ethical decision-making in complex environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES703
• Qualitative Research and Phenomenological Inquiry
• 3
• RES701
• PSY750
• Sociological Aspects of Addiction
• 4
• None
• MGT760
• Organizational Change and Systemic Reform
• 4
• MGT720
• COU770
• Recovery Coaching and Peer Support Models
• 3
• COU730
• RES703 — Qualitative Research and Phenomenological Inquiry: A study of qualitative methods including case study research, ethnography, and narrative analysis for understanding the lived experiences of recovery. Emphasis is placed on interpreting social phenomena. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY750 — Sociological Aspects of Addiction: This course examines the environmental, cultural, and structural factors contributing to substance use disorders. Students evaluate community-level interventions and social support systems. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT760 — Organizational Change and Systemic Reform: Analysis of the processes involved in leading organizational change and improving service systems for better recovery outcomes. Students assess the impact of systemic policies on organizational effectiveness. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU770 — Recovery Coaching and Peer Support Models: Evaluation of non-clinical recovery support systems and the efficacy of peer-led initiatives. This course investigates the role of communal support in maintaining long-term recovery. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES801
• Doctoral Research Seminar I: Proposal Design
• 4
• RES703
• MGT820
• Strategic Human Resource Management for Nonprofits
• 3
• MGT720
• PSY830
• Family Dynamics and Recovery
• 4
• PSY750
• COU840
• Crisis Intervention and Prevention
• 3
• COU730
• RES801 — Doctoral Research Seminar I: Proposal Design: Students begin the formal dissertation process by developing a research proposal under faculty mentorship. This stage focuses on problem identification and methodological alignment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT820 — Strategic Human Resource Management for Nonprofits: Focuses on the recruitment, management, and support of staff and volunteers within mission-driven organizations. Students apply management theory to foster professional growth and organizational commitment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY830 — Family Dynamics and Recovery: Examination of the impact of substance use on family systems and strategies for facilitating systemic restoration. Students review theoretical models for holistic support in diverse family structures. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU840 — Crisis Intervention and Prevention: Advanced training in identifying and responding to high-risk situations within the addiction treatment context. Students develop protocols for proactive prevention in community settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES802
• Doctoral Research Seminar II: Data Collection
• 4
• RES801
• MGT850
• Public Policy and Advocacy in Addiction
• 3
• MGT760
• COU860
• Professional Ethics and Clinical Practice in Behavioral Health
• 3
• THE740
• PSY870
• Advanced Topics in Behavioral Science
• 4
• PSY710
• RES802 — Doctoral Research Seminar II: Data Collection: Students execute their approved research design, collecting and organizing empirical data for their dissertation project. Guidance is provided on research ethics and protocol implementation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT850 — Public Policy and Advocacy in Addiction: Evaluation of current public policies and their effect on accessibility to recovery services. Students examine the advocate’s role in shaping community-based health initiatives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU860 — Professional Ethics and Clinical Practice in Behavioral Health: This course examines the ethical frameworks, professional standards, and regulatory requirements governing practice in behavioral health and addiction recovery settings. Students analyze legal mandates, codes of conduct, and the integration of professional identity within clinical environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY870 — Advanced Topics in Behavioral Science: An exploration of emerging research trends in behavioral science, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. Students review recent studies and discuss future directions for the field. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP890
• Doctoral Dissertation
• 4
• RES802
• MGT880
• Organizational Sustainability and Impact
• 3
• MGT760
• RES895
• Academic Publishing and Scholarly Communication
• 3
• RES802
• COU895
• Professional Leadership Seminar
• 4
• All Core Courses
• CAP890 — Doctoral Dissertation: The final stage of the doctoral program, requiring the submission and successful defense of the original dissertation research. Students demonstrate synthesis of their entire educational experience. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT880 — Organizational Sustainability and Impact: Advanced review of strategies for ensuring long-term institutional viability and community impact. Students apply management theory to evaluate organizational effectiveness. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES895 — Academic Publishing and Scholarly Communication: Instruction in preparing and submitting research for publication in peer-reviewed academic journals. Focuses on articulating research findings to broader professional audiences. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU895 — Professional Leadership Seminar: A final seminar focusing on the transition to high-level leadership roles in faith-based and community nonprofit organizations. Students integrate previous learning into a final professional development plan. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission to the PhD program requires the successful completion of a Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a related field such as psychology, counseling, nonprofit management, or social work. Applicants must demonstrate a strong academic record, typically indicated by a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0, and submit professional letters of recommendation alongside a statement of purpose outlining their research interests and alignment with the university’s mission. Candidates are assessed on their capacity for doctoral-level research, professional experience, and commitment to integrating faith-based values with academic inquiry. Dissertation Requirement The Dissertation serves as the culminating academic experience for the PhD candidate, requiring the original investigation of a significant problem within the domains of addiction recovery or nonprofit strategic management. Students must identify a research question, conduct an exhaustive literature review, utilize rigorous methodological procedures, and produce an original contribution to the existing body of knowledge. The scope of the work must demonstrate an advanced capacity for critical thinking, data analysis, and synthesis of interdisciplinary perspectives. This process represents the zenith of the student's doctoral journey, necessitating both technical proficiency and intellectual rigor. Throughout the research process, students are expected to weave their faith-based perspectives into their work, reflecting on how their findings inform the ethical, pastoral, and community-centered imperatives of their discipline. The dissertation must address the moral implications of management decisions and the role of service in mitigating systemic social ills. Through regular faculty mentorship, the project develops the student’s ability to conduct research that is not only academically sound but also deeply rooted in Christian character, demonstrating a commitment to spiritual formation and servant leadership that will guide their professional impact in the field.

• Graduation from the PhD program requires the successful completion of all 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Candidates must fulfill all coursework, participate in required spiritual formation milestones, and successfully defend their original dissertation before a faculty committee. Beyond academic performance, graduates are expected to demonstrate ongoing professional integrity and a clear alignment with the university’s mission of service and stewardship, ensuring they are prepared for roles of responsibility within their communities.
• Spiritual formation is integrated into the doctoral experience through mandatory participation in community service and character development seminars, which emphasize the application of faith in professional practice. Students must demonstrate readiness for faith-informed service, evidencing an ability to pair their academic achievement with spiritual maturity and an ethical commitment to the well-being of the populations they serve. Fulfillment of these requirements confirms the student's readiness to engage in their professional calling with both intellectual depth and ethical conviction.
• Career Opportunities
• Executive Director of Faith-Based Recovery Centers
• Director of Behavioral Health Programs for Nonprofits
• Clinical Research Director for Addiction Studies
• Nonprofit Strategy Consultant for Social Services
• University Professor of Addiction Psychology
• Policy Analyst for Health and Social Services
• Director of Faith-Based Community Outreach
• Strategic Organizational Development Lead
• 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 | Ph.D. in Faith-Based Addiction Counseling
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Maximum approved transfer credit | Up to 40 semester credit hours
• Minimum credits completed through the University after maximum transfer | 80 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, research progress, and dissertation completion
• Advanced faith-based addiction counseling theory and specialization | 30 credit hours
• Research methods, statistics, and scholarly inquiry | 24 credit hours
• Professional leadership and higher-education teaching | 15 credit hours
• Advanced electives and concentration courses | 18 credit hours
• Scholarly writing and publication | 9 credit hours
• Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy | 6 credit hours
• Dissertation research and defense | 18 credit hours
• Total | 120 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES701 | Advanced Research Methods in Social Science | 3 | None
• PSY710 | Neurobiology of Addiction and Recovery | 3 | None
• MGT720 | Strategic Leadership in Nonprofit Organizations | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU730 | Psychological Interventions for Substance Use | 4 | None
• RES702 | Quantitative Data Analysis | 3 | RES701
• MGT725 | Financial Stewardship and Resource Development | 3 | MGT720
• THE740 | Ethics and Values in Behavioral Health | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES703 | Qualitative Research and Phenomenological Inquiry | 3 | RES701
• PSY750 | Sociological Aspects of Addiction | 4 | None
• MGT760 | Organizational Change and Systemic Reform | 4 | MGT720
• COU770 | Recovery Coaching and Peer Support Models | 3 | COU730
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES801 | Doctoral Research Seminar I: Proposal Design | 4 | RES703
• MGT820 | Strategic Human Resource Management for Nonprofits | 3 | MGT720
• PSY830 | Family Dynamics and Recovery | 4 | PSY750
• COU840 | Crisis Intervention and Prevention | 3 | COU730
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES802 | Doctoral Research Seminar II: Data Collection | 4 | RES801
• MGT850 | Public Policy and Advocacy in Addiction | 3 | MGT760
• COU860 | Professional Ethics and Clinical Practice in Behavioral Health | 3 | THE740
• PSY870 | Advanced Topics in Behavioral Science | 4 | PSY710
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP890 | Doctoral Dissertation | 4 | RES802
• MGT880 | Organizational Sustainability and Impact | 3 | MGT760
• RES895 | Academic Publishing and Scholarly Communication | 3 | RES802
• COU895 | Professional Leadership Seminar | 4 | All Core Courses