← Programs CatalogAuthoritative HBIU program data

degree · Bachelor · v1

Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Social Work, Specialization in Addictions and Nonprofit Program Planning

Academic unitHBIU College of Addiction CounselingTotal credits120Estimated duration4 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Social Work

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Social Work core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work with a concentration in Addictions and a specialization in Nonprofit Program Planning provides a rigorous academic foundation for students seeking to serve vulnerable populations through organizational leadership and supportive services. The curriculum integrates the structural principles of human services with specialized study in substance use dynamics and the strategic management of nonprofit entities. Students engage with complex social issues through an interdisciplinary lens, balancing the theoretical demands of human behavior with the practical realities of organizational stewardship.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Social Work integrates a robust general education foundation with comprehensive study in social work theory, behavioral science, human development, professional ethics, and empirical research. The curriculum emphasizes the development of practical competencies in crisis awareness, community-based referral systems, strategic nonprofit program development, and specialized support for addictions, enabling graduates to serve diverse populations through an informed, faith-centered perspective.

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 Arts. This curriculum exceeds the general-education minimum.

Program Facts

Program facts

Degree abbreviation
B.A. in Faith-Based Social Work
Total program length
120 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
120
Duration
4 years
Specialization / Minor
Addictions and Nonprofit Program Planning

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Analyze the bio-psycho-social factors contributing to substance use disorders within diverse population groups.
  • Evaluate the operational and fiscal requirements necessary for the successful design and sustainability of nonprofit social service programs.
  • Apply ethical decision-making frameworks to navigate the complex organizational challenges found in social service administration.
  • Integrate a stewardship-based approach to resource management within public and private social service contexts.
  • Develop evidence-based outreach strategies to address community needs through collaborative program planning.
  • Demonstrate professional communication skills appropriate for cross-sector engagement and stakeholder advocacy.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • ENG101
  • College Composition
  • 3
  • None
  • SOC110
  • Introduction to Sociology
  • 3
  • None
  • MIN105
  • Foundations of Servant Leadership
  • 3
  • None
  • MAT120
  • Introduction to Statistics
  • 3
  • None
  • ENG101 — College Composition: Focuses on the development of critical writing and research skills. Students examine rhetorical strategies and academic argumentationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • SOC110 — Introduction to Sociology: Explores the fundamental structures of human society and social interaction. Examines the impact of cultural and institutional factors on individualsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • MIN105 — Foundations of Servant Leadership: Introduces the theoretical and practical framework of leadership defined by service to others. Emphasizes character development and ethical influenceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • MAT120 — Introduction to Statistics: Provides an overview of basic statistical methods used in social research. Covers data analysis, probability, and descriptive statisticsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • PSY120
  • General Psychology
  • 3
  • None
  • CHR115
  • Foundations of Ethical Reasoning
  • 3
  • None
  • COM210
  • Professional Communication
  • 3
  • ENG101
  • BIO150
  • Human Biology
  • 3
  • None
  • PSY120 — General Psychology: Provides an introduction to the study of human behavior and mental processes. Covers core topics including development, personality, and cognitionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • CHR115 — Foundations of Ethical Reasoning: Examines traditional and contemporary ethical theories. Focuses on the application of moral frameworks to personal and professional dilemmasThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • COM210 — Professional Communication: Develops effective oral and written communication skills for professional settings. Focuses on clarity, persuasion, and interpersonal interactionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • BIO150 — Human Biology: Covers the fundamental biological systems of the human body. Focuses on health and physiological functions in the context of wellnessThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • SOC220
  • Social Welfare Systems
  • 3
  • SOC110
  • COU201
  • Principles of Addiction Studies
  • 3
  • PSY120
  • BUS210
  • Foundations of Nonprofit Management
  • 3
  • None
  • HIS250
  • World History and Culture
  • 3
  • None
  • SOC220 — Social Welfare Systems: Analyzes the historical and contemporary development of social welfare in society. Reviews the role of public and private institutionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • COU201 — Principles of Addiction Studies: Introduces the history, theory, and models of addiction. Examines the impact of substance use on individuals and social structuresThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • BUS210 — Foundations of Nonprofit Management: Provides an overview of the nonprofit sector. Covers mission development, organizational structure, and basic governanceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • HIS250 — World History and Culture: Examines significant historical developments and their influence on contemporary global cultures. Focuses on social patterns and cultural exchangeThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • SOC240
  • Research Methods in Social Work
  • 4
  • MAT120
  • COU250
  • Dynamics of Addiction and Recovery
  • 3
  • COU201
  • MGT305
  • Resource Development and Stewardship
  • 3
  • BUS210
  • HUM300
  • Humanities Elective
  • 3
  • None
  • SOC240 — Research Methods in Social Work: Covers quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. Students design a small-scale study to address a specific social research questionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • COU250 — Dynamics of Addiction and Recovery: Focuses on the physiological and psychological aspects of recovery. Examines various community-based support systems and wellness strategiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • MGT305 — Resource Development and Stewardship: Explores fundraising, donor relations, and grant writing for nonprofits. Emphasizes the ethical management of financial resourcesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • HUM300 — Humanities Elective: Examines cultural, literary, or philosophical works to deepen understanding of the human condition. Focuses on analytical interpretationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 5 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • SOC310
  • Social Policy Analysis
  • 3
  • SOC220
  • COU320
  • Community-Based Addiction Programming
  • 3
  • COU250
  • BUS350
  • Strategic Planning for Nonprofits
  • 3
  • BUS210
  • RES301
  • Academic Writing and Research
  • 3
  • ENG101
  • SOC310 — Social Policy Analysis: Evaluates the impact of social policies on vulnerable populations. Students learn to critique legislative initiatives and program outcomesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • COU320 — Community-Based Addiction Programming: Explores how nonprofits design services for substance-impacted populations. Focuses on outreach, prevention, and support servicesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • BUS350 — Strategic Planning for Nonprofits: Teaches the process of long-term planning for nonprofit organizations. Focuses on goal setting, mission alignment, and impact measurementThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • RES301 — Academic Writing and Research: Refines advanced research and writing skills. Students develop skills for scholarly inquiry and professional reportingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 6 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • SOC380
  • Social Justice and Advocacy
  • 3
  • SOC220
  • MGT410
  • Nonprofit Financial Management
  • 3
  • MGT305
  • COU415
  • Prevention Strategies
  • 3
  • COU320
  • SOC400
  • Social Work Ethics and Values
  • 3
  • SOC220
  • SOC380 — Social Justice and Advocacy: Examines the principles of social advocacy and community empowerment. Focuses on mobilizing resources for effective changeThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • MGT410 — Nonprofit Financial Management: Introduces budgeting, accounting practices, and financial accountability in nonprofit settings. Emphasizes transparency and stewardshipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • COU415 — Prevention Strategies: Analyzes proactive approaches to preventing social and substance-related issues. Focuses on educational and community-wide intervention tacticsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • SOC400 — Social Work Ethics and Values: Deepens understanding of professional integrity and ethical responsibility in human services. Explores complex dilemmas and service frameworksThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 7 — Year 4
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • MGT450
  • Program Evaluation and Metrics
  • 4
  • SOC240, BUS350
  • COU450
  • Addiction and Community Health
  • 3
  • COU415
  • BUS420
  • Organizational Behavior in Nonprofits
  • 3
  • BUS210
  • SOC401
  • Professional Identity and Career Development
  • 3
  • CHR115
  • MGT450 — Program Evaluation and Metrics: Provides tools to assess the effectiveness and impact of nonprofit social programs. Focuses on data collection, KPIs, and outcome assessmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • COU450 — Addiction and Community Health: Examines the intersection of addiction and public health policy. Discusses strategies for building healthier, resilient communitiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • BUS420 — Organizational Behavior in Nonprofits: Focuses on human resources, volunteer coordination, and team dynamics. Emphasizes leadership and cultural health within organizationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • SOC401 — Professional Identity and Career Development: This course examines the intersection of professional ethics, personal values, and long-term career planning within the social work and nonprofit sectors. Students analyze industry standards, workplace culture, and strategies for maintaining professional commitment in challenging environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 8 — Year 4
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CAP490
  • Senior Capstone Project
  • 4
  • Final semester standing
  • SOC495
  • Current Issues in Social Services
  • 3
  • Senior standing
  • MGT490
  • Nonprofit Leadership Practicum Seminar
  • 3
  • Senior standing
  • HUM480
  • Humanities Elective II
  • 3
  • None
  • CAP490 — Senior Capstone Project: A culminating project requiring the design of a nonprofit program. Includes a final proposal, impact analysis, and reflection on vocational stewardshipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • SOC495 — Current Issues in Social Services: Examines contemporary challenges in the social work and nonprofit sectors. Focuses on current trends and future directions in service deliveryThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • MGT490 — Nonprofit Leadership Practicum Seminar: Provides a reflective space for students to connect their academic learning to real-world nonprofit organizational challenges and leadership stylesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • HUM480 — Humanities Elective II: Further examines a specialized topic within the humanities to broaden critical and cultural perspectives in service-oriented contextsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must possess a high school diploma or equivalent with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Prospective students are required to submit an official transcript, a personal statement detailing their commitment to community service, and two letters of recommendation from professional or academic references. Candidates demonstrating a clear orientation toward the values of stewardship and humanitarian service will be given priority in the admission review process. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience, requiring students to synthesize their learning across the Social Work, Addictions, and Nonprofit Management disciplines. The project scope involves the development of a comprehensive, feasibility-ready proposal for a new community-based social service initiative addressing a specific local addiction-related need. Students are expected to produce a detailed program design, including impact goals, operational workflows, budget projections, and ethical impact assessments. This project is worth 4 credit hours and is evaluated on the rigor of its research and the viability of its organizational structure. The project integrates faith-based perspectives by requiring students to articulate a philosophy of service rooted in biblical stewardship and ethical integrity. Students must demonstrate how their proposed program upholds the dignity of individuals while serving the community as a reflection of Christian vocation, effectively translating academic competence into a concrete manifestation of their commitment to social welfare.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. All core requirements, including the Senior Capstone Project, must be completed with a passing grade. Beyond academic excellence, students are expected to demonstrate spiritual and professional maturity through active participation in institutional community life, including established spiritual formation requirements and documented service hours that reflect a heart for servant leadership. Graduates are expected to embody the intersection of rigorous intellectual inquiry and moral consistency, demonstrating a readiness to apply their skills as stewards of community health and welfare with integrity and purpose.
  • Career Opportunities
  • Nonprofit Program Coordinator
  • Community Outreach Specialist
  • Addiction Services Administrator
  • Grant Writer for Human Service Agencies
  • Volunteer Services Manager
  • Social Service Case Liaison
  • Community Development Consultant
  • 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.A. in Faith-Based Social Work
  • Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Four academic years
  • General education | 36 credit hours
  • Faith-Based Social Work core | 63 credit hours
  • Professional application courses | 15 credit hours
  • Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • ENG101 | College Composition | 3 | None
  • SOC110 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
  • MIN105 | Foundations of Servant Leadership | 3 | None
  • MAT120 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • PSY120 | General Psychology | 3 | None
  • CHR115 | Foundations of Ethical Reasoning | 3 | None
  • COM210 | Professional Communication | 3 | ENG101
  • BIO150 | Human Biology | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • SOC220 | Social Welfare Systems | 3 | SOC110
  • COU201 | Principles of Addiction Studies | 3 | PSY120
  • BUS210 | Foundations of Nonprofit Management | 3 | None
  • HIS250 | World History and Culture | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • SOC240 | Research Methods in Social Work | 4 | MAT120
  • COU250 | Dynamics of Addiction and Recovery | 3 | COU201
  • MGT305 | Resource Development and Stewardship | 3 | BUS210
  • HUM300 | Humanities Elective | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • SOC310 | Social Policy Analysis | 3 | SOC220
  • COU320 | Community-Based Addiction Programming | 3 | COU250
  • BUS350 | Strategic Planning for Nonprofits | 3 | BUS210
  • RES301 | Academic Writing and Research | 3 | ENG101
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • SOC380 | Social Justice and Advocacy | 3 | SOC220
  • MGT410 | Nonprofit Financial Management | 3 | MGT305
  • COU415 | Prevention Strategies | 3 | COU320
  • SOC400 | Social Work Ethics and Values | 3 | SOC220
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MGT450 | Program Evaluation and Metrics | 4 | SOC240, BUS350
  • COU450 | Addiction and Community Health | 3 | COU415
  • BUS420 | Organizational Behavior in Nonprofits | 3 | BUS210
  • SOC401 | Professional Identity and Career Development | 3 | CHR115
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | Final semester standing
  • SOC495 | Current Issues in Social Services | 3 | Senior standing
  • MGT490 | Nonprofit Leadership Practicum Seminar | 3 | Senior standing
  • HUM480 | Humanities Elective II | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Nonprofit Program Coordinator
  • Community Outreach Specialist
  • Addiction Services Administrator
  • Grant Writer for Human Service Agencies
  • Volunteer Services Manager
  • Social Service Case Liaison
  • Community Development Consultant

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.A. in Faith-Based Social Work
  • Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Four academic years