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Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Psychology (Addiction Focus) Specialization in Care in Health

Academic unitHBIU College of Addiction CounselingTotal credits135Estimated duration4 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.S. in Faith-Based Psychology (Addiction Focus)

Total program length

135 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Psychology core

78 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Psychology (Addiction Focus) with a Specialization in Care in Health immerses students in the multifaceted study of psychological principles related to addiction prevention, treatment, and recovery, filtered through a robust Christian worldview. This program emphasizes a holistic understanding of the human person created in the image of God, integrating spiritual formation and ethical reasoning into health psychology. Students will develop critical thinking skills through coursework in counseling techniques, addiction theories, and the role of biblical stewardship in mental health and well-being. Graduates are prepared for a life of servant leadership, offering compassionate support that addresses the complex needs of individuals struggling with addiction. With a comprehensive curriculum consisting of 73 courses and 219 credits completed over four years, students will gain valuable knowledge and clinical experience applicable in diverse community settings.

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Psychology (Addiction Focus) program integrates comprehensive general education coursework with foundational studies in the subject theory, behavioral science, human development, and professional ethics. The curriculum further emphasizes essential competencies in research methodology, crisis awareness, clinical referral processes, program development, and the implementation of faith-based community support systems.

Florida's current standard establishes a minimum of 120 semester credits for a bachelor's degree and at least 30 general-education credits for a Bachelor of Science. This curriculum exceeds the general-education minimum.

Program Facts

Program facts

Degree abbreviation
B.S. in Faith-Based Psychology (Addiction Focus)
Total program length
135 semester credit hours
Normal completion time
Four academic years
General education
36 credit hours
Professional application courses
15 credit hours
Capstone requirement
6 credit hours
Academic unit
HBIU College of Addiction Counseling
Total credits
135
Duration
4 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of psychological principles related to addiction.
  • Apply counseling techniques and therapeutic interventions effectively in diverse settings.
  • Integrate concepts of spirituality and holistic health into addiction treatment models.
  • Analyze and evaluate research related to addiction disorders and treatment methodologies.
  • Communicate effectively with individuals and groups about mental health and recovery processes.
  • Develop ethical practices surrounding care for individuals struggling with addiction.
  • Engage in self-reflective practices to enhance personal and professional growth within the field.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • ECO 101
  • Microeconomics
  • 3
  • None
  • ENG 101
  • English Composition I
  • 3
  • None
  • HIS 101
  • U.S. History I
  • 3
  • None
  • PSY 101
  • Introduction to Psychology
  • 3
  • None
  • REL 101
  • Introduction to Religious Studies
  • 3
  • None
  • SOC 101
  • Introduction to Sociology
  • 3
  • None
  • ECO 101 — Microeconomics: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • ENG 101 — English Composition I: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • HIS 101 — U.S. History I: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PSY 101 — Introduction to Psychology: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • REL 101 — Introduction to Religious Studies: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SOC 101 — Introduction to Sociology: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • ECO 102
  • Macroeconomics
  • 3
  • None
  • ENG 102
  • English Composition II
  • 3
  • None
  • HIS 102
  • U.S. History II
  • 3
  • None
  • CIS 110
  • Information Technology
  • 3
  • None
  • MAT 110
  • College Algebra
  • 3
  • None
  • BIO 120
  • Human Biology
  • 3
  • None
  • ECO 102 — Macroeconomics: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • ENG 102 — English Composition II: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • HIS 102 — U.S. History II: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CIS 110 — Information Technology: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MAT 110 — College Algebra: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BIO 120 — Human Biology: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • COM 201
  • Public Speaking
  • 3
  • None
  • PSY 201
  • Research Methods
  • 3
  • None
  • PHI 210
  • Ethics
  • 3
  • None
  • STA 210
  • Statistics for Social Sciences
  • 3
  • None
  • PSY 216
  • Statistics in Psychology
  • 3
  • None
  • PSY 220
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • 3
  • None
  • COM 201 — Public Speaking: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PSY 201 — Research Methods: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PHI 210 — Ethics: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • STA 210 — Statistics for Social Sciences: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PSY 216 — Statistics in Psychology: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PSY 220 — Abnormal Psychology: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • PSY 230
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • 3
  • None
  • PSY 240
  • Personality Theory
  • 3
  • None
  • SCH 301
  • Foundations of Spiritual Care
  • 3
  • None
  • PSY 310
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • 3
  • None
  • SCH 310
  • Health & Spirituality
  • 3
  • None
  • PSY 320
  • Social Psychology
  • 3
  • None
  • PSY 230 — Abnormal Psychology: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PSY 240 — Personality Theory: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SCH 301 — Foundations of Spiritual Care: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PSY 310 — Cognitive Psychology: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SCH 310 — Health & Spirituality: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PSY 320 — Social Psychology: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 5 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • SCH 320
  • Counseling & Spiritual Support
  • 3
  • None
  • PSY 330
  • Behavioral Neuroscience
  • 3
  • None
  • PSY 340
  • Learning & Motivation
  • 3
  • None
  • PSY 350
  • Ethics in Psychology
  • 3
  • None
  • PSY 360
  • Psychological Assessment
  • 3
  • None
  • PSY 410
  • Psychology of Addiction
  • 3
  • None
  • SCH 320 — Counseling & Spiritual Support: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PSY 330 — Behavioral Neuroscience: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PSY 340 — Learning & Motivation: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PSY 350 — Ethics in Psychology: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PSY 360 — Psychological Assessment: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PSY 410 — Psychology of Addiction: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 6 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • SCH 410
  • Ethics in Healthcare Chaplaincy
  • 3
  • None
  • PSY 420
  • Behavioral Addictions
  • 3
  • None
  • SCH 420
  • Applied Spiritual Care
  • 3
  • None
  • PSY 430
  • Treatment Modalities
  • 3
  • None
  • PSY 440
  • Trauma & Recovery
  • 3
  • None
  • PSY 450
  • Group Therapy
  • 3
  • None
  • SCH 410 — Ethics in Healthcare Chaplaincy: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PSY 420 — Behavioral Addictions: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SCH 420 — Applied Spiritual Care: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PSY 430 — Treatment Modalities: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PSY 440 — Trauma & Recovery: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PSY 450 — Group Therapy: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 7 — Year 4
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • PSY 460
  • Cultural Psychology
  • 3
  • None
  • PSY 470
  • Health Psychology
  • 3
  • None
  • PSY 480
  • Practicum I
  • 3
  • None
  • PSY 481
  • Practicum II
  • 3
  • None
  • PSY 490
  • Research Seminar
  • 3
  • None
  • SCH 490
  • Community Outreach and Spiritual Integration
  • 3
  • SCH 410
  • PSY 460 — Cultural Psychology: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PSY 470 — Health Psychology: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PSY 480 — Practicum I: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PSY 481 — Practicum II: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PSY 490 — Research Seminar: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SCH 490 — Community Outreach and Spiritual Integration: This course examines strategies for integrating faith-based care models into diverse community and nonprofit healthcare settings. Students will explore organizational leadership, outreach tactics, and the sustainable management of spiritual care resources. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 8 — Year 4
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • PSY 495
  • Applied Psychology
  • 3
  • None
  • PSY 498
  • Senior Seminar
  • 3
  • None
  • PSY 499
  • Capstone Project
  • 3
  • None
  • PSY 495 — Applied Psychology: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PSY 498 — Senior Seminar: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PSY 499 — Capstone Project: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must have completed secondary education with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Additionally, a personal statement outlining interest and experience in psychology or addiction is required. Senior Capstone Project The capstone project serves as the culmination of the student’s academic journey, requiring the integration of psychological theory and biblical principles into a practical application of care. Students are tasked with developing an original research project or intervention strategy that addresses a real-world addiction scenario through the lens of ethical reasoning and spiritual care. This project emphasizes the student's ability to synthesize psychological research with a Christian theological framework to promote healing and restoration in individuals suffering from addiction. As a mandatory requirement, this project demonstrates the student's capacity to engage in servant leadership, effectively applying professional knowledge and spiritual insight to improve mental health outcomes within a clinical or community-based context.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • To earn the Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Psychology, students must successfully complete all 73 courses, totaling 219 credits, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. In addition to meeting these academic standards, students must demonstrate a commitment to the university’s mission through consistent participation in spiritual formation activities and a documented commitment to ethical standards rooted in a biblical worldview. Candidates for graduation must also fulfill all program-specific competencies, including the successful completion of the capstone project, which evaluates the student's proficiency in integrating psychology with spiritual care. Completion of these requirements signifies that the graduate is prepared to enter their professional field as an agent of healing, guided by the principles of servant leadership and responsible stewardship of resources in service to others.
  • Career Opportunities
  • Substance Abuse Counselor
  • Mental Health Technician
  • Rehabilitation Specialist
  • Community Health Worker
  • Crisis Counselor
  • Spiritual Care Provider in Healthcare Settings
  • Addiction Support Group Facilitator
  • 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 | B.S. in Faith-Based Psychology (Addiction Focus)
  • Total program length | 135 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Four academic years
  • General education | 36 credit hours
  • Faith-Based Psychology core | 78 credit hours
  • Professional application courses | 15 credit hours
  • Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • ECO 101 | Microeconomics | 3 | None
  • ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 | None
  • HIS 101 | U.S. History I | 3 | None
  • PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
  • REL 101 | Introduction to Religious Studies | 3 | None
  • SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • ECO 102 | Macroeconomics | 3 | None
  • ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3 | None
  • HIS 102 | U.S. History II | 3 | None
  • CIS 110 | Information Technology | 3 | None
  • MAT 110 | College Algebra | 3 | None
  • BIO 120 | Human Biology | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • COM 201 | Public Speaking | 3 | None
  • PSY 201 | Research Methods | 3 | None
  • PHI 210 | Ethics | 3 | None
  • STA 210 | Statistics for Social Sciences | 3 | None
  • PSY 216 | Statistics in Psychology | 3 | None
  • PSY 220 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • PSY 230 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 | None
  • PSY 240 | Personality Theory | 3 | None
  • SCH 301 | Foundations of Spiritual Care | 3 | None
  • PSY 310 | Cognitive Psychology | 3 | None
  • SCH 310 | Health & Spirituality | 3 | None
  • PSY 320 | Social Psychology | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • SCH 320 | Counseling & Spiritual Support | 3 | None
  • PSY 330 | Behavioral Neuroscience | 3 | None
  • PSY 340 | Learning & Motivation | 3 | None
  • PSY 350 | Ethics in Psychology | 3 | None
  • PSY 360 | Psychological Assessment | 3 | None
  • PSY 410 | Psychology of Addiction | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • SCH 410 | Ethics in Healthcare Chaplaincy | 3 | None
  • PSY 420 | Behavioral Addictions | 3 | None
  • SCH 420 | Applied Spiritual Care | 3 | None
  • PSY 430 | Treatment Modalities | 3 | None
  • PSY 440 | Trauma & Recovery | 3 | None
  • PSY 450 | Group Therapy | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • PSY 460 | Cultural Psychology | 3 | None
  • PSY 470 | Health Psychology | 3 | None
  • PSY 480 | Practicum I | 3 | None
  • PSY 481 | Practicum II | 3 | None
  • PSY 490 | Research Seminar | 3 | None
  • SCH 490 | Community Outreach and Spiritual Integration | 3 | SCH 410
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • PSY 495 | Applied Psychology | 3 | None
  • PSY 498 | Senior Seminar | 3 | None
  • PSY 499 | Capstone Project | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Substance Abuse Counselor
  • Mental Health Technician
  • Rehabilitation Specialist
  • Community Health Worker
  • Crisis Counselor
  • Spiritual Care Provider in Healthcare Settings
  • Addiction Support Group Facilitator

Additional Official Information

Additional source information

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 | B.S. in Faith-Based Psychology (Addiction Focus)
  • Total program length | 135 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Four academic years