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Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Behavioral Science (Addiction Studies) Specialization in Interfaith Helping Professions

Academic unitHBIU College of Addiction CounselingTotal credits135Estimated duration4 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.S. in Ministry of Behavioral Science

Total program length

135 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Ministry of Behavioral Science core

78 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Behavioral Science in Faith-Based with a focus on Addiction Studies provides students with a thorough grounding in the psychological, social, and biological aspects of addiction. Students will explore key concepts, theories, and practices related to Faith-Based addiction recovery, prevention, and treatment. This interdisciplinary program equips students with the skills necessary to work effectively in various environments, including healthcare, counseling, and community services. The program also includes a minor in Interfaith Helping Professions, enriching students' understanding of diverse cultural and religious perspectives that influence individuals facing addiction. Graduates will be adept at applying ethical principles, conducting assessments, and implementing effective interventions. The comprehensive nature of this program not only prepares students for a rewarding career in the faith community but also fosters a compassionate understanding of those in need, making it a valuable asset in today’s job market.

The Bachelor of Science in Ministry of Behavioral Science (Addiction Studies) program combines a foundational general education curriculum with a comprehensive study in behavioral science theory, human development, and the integration of faith-based principles. Students engage in rigorous coursework addressing ethics, research methodologies, crisis awareness, professional referral practices, program development, and the implementation of community-based 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 Ministry of Behavioral Science
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

  • Understand the psychological theories related to addiction behavior.
  • Assess and analyze individual cases of addiction using evidence-based practices.
  • Implement effective intervention strategies in diverse settings.
  • Demonstrate ethical decision-making in working with clients.
  • Develop culturally competent approaches to addiction counseling.
  • Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to support client recovery.
  • 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
  • English Composition I or equivalent
  • 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
  • BHS 201
  • Foundations of Behavioral Science
  • 3
  • None
  • COM 201
  • Public Speaking
  • 3
  • None
  • BHS 210
  • Research Methods in Behavioral Science
  • 3
  • None
  • PHI 210
  • Ethics
  • 3
  • None
  • STA 210
  • Statistics for Social Sciences
  • 3
  • None
  • BHS 220
  • Behavioral Statistics
  • 3
  • None
  • BHS 201 — Foundations of Behavioral Science: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COM 201 — Public Speaking: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BHS 210 — Research Methods in Behavioral Science: 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.
  • BHS 220 — Behavioral Statistics: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • BHS 230
  • Social Behavior
  • 3
  • None
  • BHS 240
  • Human Development Across the Lifespan
  • 3
  • None
  • BHS 250
  • Ethics in Behavioral Science
  • 3
  • None
  • BHS 260
  • Cultural & Diversity Issues
  • 3
  • None
  • IHP 301
  • Foundations of Interfaith Helping
  • 3
  • None
  • BHS 310
  • Addictive Behaviors
  • 3
  • None
  • BHS 230 — Social Behavior: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BHS 240 — Human Development Across the Lifespan: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BHS 250 — Ethics in Behavioral Science: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BHS 260 — Cultural & Diversity Issues: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • IHP 301 — Foundations of Interfaith Helping: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BHS 310 — Addictive Behaviors: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 5 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • IHP 310
  • Counseling Across Cultures
  • 3
  • None
  • BHS 320
  • Psychology of Addiction
  • 3
  • None
  • IHP 320
  • Ethics in Helping Professions
  • 3
  • None
  • BHS 330
  • Behavioral Interventions
  • 3
  • None
  • BHS 340
  • Motivation & Learning
  • 3
  • None
  • BHS 350
  • Behavioral Neuroscience
  • 3
  • None
  • IHP 310 — Counseling Across Cultures: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BHS 320 — Psychology of Addiction: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • IHP 320 — Ethics in Helping Professions: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BHS 330 — Behavioral Interventions: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BHS 340 — Motivation & Learning: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BHS 350 — Behavioral Neuroscience: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 6 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • BHS 360
  • Trauma & Behavioral Health
  • 3
  • None
  • BHS 410
  • Substance Use Disorders
  • 3
  • None
  • IHP 410
  • Community Care & Support Systems
  • 3
  • None
  • BHS 420
  • Group Dynamics & Facilitation
  • 3
  • None
  • IHP 420
  • Interfaith Practicum
  • 3
  • None
  • BHS 430
  • Family Systems & Addiction
  • 3
  • None
  • BHS 360 — Trauma & Behavioral Health: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BHS 410 — Substance Use Disorders: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • IHP 410 — Community Care & Support Systems: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BHS 420 — Group Dynamics & Facilitation: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • IHP 420 — Interfaith Practicum: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BHS 430 — Family Systems & Addiction: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 7 — Year 4
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • BHS 440
  • Community Behavioral Health
  • 3
  • None
  • BHS 450
  • Prevention & Early Intervention
  • 3
  • None
  • BHS 460
  • Case Management & Documentation
  • 3
  • Undergraduate Foundation
  • BHS 470
  • Program Planning & Evaluation
  • 3
  • None
  • BHS 480
  • Supervised Practicum I
  • 3
  • None
  • BHS 481
  • Supervised Practicum II
  • 3
  • Supervised Practicum I or equivalent experience
  • BHS 440 — Community Behavioral Health: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BHS 450 — Prevention & Early Intervention: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BHS 460 — Case Management & Documentation: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BHS 470 — Program Planning & Evaluation: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BHS 480 — Supervised Practicum I: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BHS 481 — Supervised Practicum II: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 8 — Year 4
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • BHS 490
  • Research Seminar
  • 3
  • None
  • BHS 495
  • Applied Behavioral Science
  • 3
  • None
  • BHS 499
  • Capstone Project in Behavioral Science
  • 3
  • Completion of foundational courses in Behavioral Science and Addiction Studies
  • BHS 490 — Research Seminar: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BHS 495 — Applied Behavioral Science: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BHS 499 — Capstone Project in Behavioral Science: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants should have a high school diploma or equivalent with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Submission of standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) is encouraged but not mandatory, along with a personal statement outlining the candidate's interest in behavioral science and addiction studies. Career Opportunities Substance Abuse Counselor Behavioral Health Technician Addiction Recovery Specialist Family Support Specialist Community Outreach Coordinator Mental Health Advocate 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 Ministry of Behavioral Science Total program length | 135 semester credit hours Normal completion time | Four academic years General education | 36 credit hours Ministry of Behavioral Science 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 | English Composition I or equivalent 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 BHS 201 | Foundations of Behavioral Science | 3 | None COM 201 | Public Speaking | 3 | None BHS 210 | Research Methods in Behavioral Science | 3 | None PHI 210 | Ethics | 3 | None STA 210 | Statistics for Social Sciences | 3 | None BHS 220 | Behavioral Statistics | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites BHS 230 | Social Behavior | 3 | None BHS 240 | Human Development Across the Lifespan | 3 | None BHS 250 | Ethics in Behavioral Science | 3 | None BHS 260 | Cultural & Diversity Issues | 3 | None IHP 301 | Foundations of Interfaith Helping | 3 | None BHS 310 | Addictive Behaviors | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites IHP 310 | Counseling Across Cultures | 3 | None BHS 320 | Psychology of Addiction | 3 | None IHP 320 | Ethics in Helping Professions | 3 | None BHS 330 | Behavioral Interventions | 3 | None BHS 340 | Motivation & Learning | 3 | None BHS 350 | Behavioral Neuroscience | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites BHS 360 | Trauma & Behavioral Health | 3 | None BHS 410 | Substance Use Disorders | 3 | None IHP 410 | Community Care & Support Systems | 3 | None BHS 420 | Group Dynamics & Facilitation | 3 | None IHP 420 | Interfaith Practicum | 3 | None BHS 430 | Family Systems & Addiction | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites BHS 440 | Community Behavioral Health | 3 | None BHS 450 | Prevention & Early Intervention | 3 | None BHS 460 | Case Management & Documentation | 3 | Undergraduate Foundation BHS 470 | Program Planning & Evaluation | 3 | None BHS 480 | Supervised Practicum I | 3 | None BHS 481 | Supervised Practicum II | 3 | Supervised Practicum I or equivalent experience Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites BHS 490 | Research Seminar | 3 | None BHS 495 | Applied Behavioral Science | 3 | None BHS 499 | Capstone Project in Behavioral Science | 3 | Completion of foundational courses in Behavioral Science and Addiction Studies

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Substance Abuse Counselor
  • Behavioral Health Technician
  • Addiction Recovery Specialist
  • Family Support Specialist
  • Community Outreach Coordinator
  • Mental Health Advocate

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 Ministry of Behavioral Science
  • Total program length | 135 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Four academic years