Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Social Work (with Addictions Track) — Minor: Nonprofit Program Planning

Academic unitHBIU College of Addiction CounselingTotal credits135Estimated duration4 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Ministry of Social Work (with Addictions Track)

Total program length

135 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Ministry of Social Work core

78 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Social Work (with Addictions Track) is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to serve marginalized populations through a lens of Christian compassion and servant leadership. This program provides a comprehensive understanding of social work principles, integrating ethical reasoning and a biblical worldview into addiction counseling techniques, intervention strategies, and the development of nonprofit programs. Through a commitment to spiritual formation, students engage in hands-on experiences that reflect God’s grace, preparing them for impactful ministries of presence and advocacy. Graduates are trained to approach public health through the framework of biblical stewardship, ensuring they are prepared to address the suffering of individuals with addiction while promoting social justice and community restoration.

This program combines a robust general education foundation with comprehensive study in ministry of social work theory, behavioral science, human development, ethics, research, crisis awareness, referral, program development, and community-based support, while integrating a focused minor in nonprofit program planning.

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 Ministry of Social Work (with Addictions Track)
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 knowledge of addiction theories and their application in social work practice.
Assess individual and community needs regarding addiction services and resources.
Develop effective intervention plans tailored to individuals facing substance use disorders.
Engage in ethical decision-making within diverse and vulnerable populations.
Analyze and evaluate the impact of social policies on addiction and recovery services.
Facilitate group support sessions for individuals in recovery from addiction.
Plan and implement nonprofit initiatives that address community needs related to substance use.
Course Outline
Semester 1 — Year 1
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
ENG 101
English Composition I
3
None
PSY 101
Introduction to Psychology
3
None
SOC 101
Introduction to Sociology
3
None
ENG 102
English Composition II
3
None
ENG 102
English Composition II
3
None
MAT 110
College Algebra
3
None
ENG 101 — English Composition 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.
SOC 101 — Introduction to Sociology: 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.
ENG 102 — English Composition II: 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.
Semester 2 — Year 1
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
BIO 120
Human Biology
3
None
COM 201
Public Speaking
3
None
SWK 201
Introduction to Social Work
3
None
STA 210
Statistics for Social Sciences
3
None
SWK 210
Social Welfare Policy
3
None
SWK 220
Human Behavior & the Social Environment I
3
None
BIO 120 — Human Biology: 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.
SWK 201 — Introduction to Social Work: Overview of social work professionThis 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.
SWK 210 — Social Welfare Policy: Social welfare policy analysisThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
SWK 220 — Human Behavior & the Social Environment I: Human behavior in social context - Part IThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
Semester 3 — Year 2
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
SWK 230
Human Behavior & the Social Environment II
3
None
SWK 240
Social Work Practice I
3
None
SWK 250
Social Work Practice II
3
None
SWK 260
Social Work Ethics & Professional Standards
3
None
SWK 270
Diversity, Equity & Social Justice
3
None
NPP 301
Introduction to Nonprofit Organizations
3
None
SWK 230 — Human Behavior & the Social Environment II: Human behavior in social context - Part IIThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
SWK 240 — Social Work Practice I: Introduction to social work practiceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
SWK 250 — Social Work Practice II: Advanced social work practiceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
SWK 260 — Social Work Ethics & Professional Standards: Ethical standards in social workThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
SWK 270 — Diversity, Equity & Social Justice: Diversity and social justice in social workThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
NPP 301 — Introduction to Nonprofit Organizations: Overview of nonprofit organizationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
Semester 4 — Year 2
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
NPP 301
Introduction to Nonprofit Organizations
3
None
NPP 310
Nonprofit Budgeting & Financial Management
3
None
NPP 310
Nonprofit Budgeting & Financial Management
3
None
SWK 310
Substance Use Disorders
3
None
NPP 320
Grant Writing & Fund Development
3
None
SWK 320
Addiction & Family Systems
3
None
NPP 301 — Introduction to Nonprofit Organizations: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
NPP 310 — Nonprofit Budgeting & Financial Management: Financial management for nonprofitsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
NPP 310 — Nonprofit Budgeting & Financial Management: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
SWK 310 — Substance Use Disorders: Understanding substance use disordersThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
NPP 320 — Grant Writing & Fund Development: Grant writing and fundraisingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
SWK 320 — Addiction & Family Systems: Family systems in addiction treatmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
Semester 5 — Year 3
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
SWK 330
Trauma-Informed Social Work
3
None
SWK 340
Co-Occurring Disorders
3
None
SWK 350
Assessment & Intervention in Addictions
3
None
SWK 360
Group Work in Addiction Services
3
None
SWK 370
Community-Based Addiction Treatment
3
None
SWK 380
Case Management & Documentation
3
None
SWK 330 — Trauma-Informed Social Work: Trauma-informed approaches in social workThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
SWK 340 — Co-Occurring Disorders: Co-occurring mental health and substance use disordersThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
SWK 350 — Assessment & Intervention in Addictions: Assessment and intervention strategiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
SWK 360 — Group Work in Addiction Services: Group work with addiction populationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
SWK 370 — Community-Based Addiction Treatment: Community-based treatment approachesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
SWK 380 — Case Management & Documentation: Case management and documentation standardsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
Semester 6 — Year 3
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
NPP 410
Program Design & Implementation
3
None
SWK 410
Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care
3
None
NPP 420
Strategic Planning & Evaluation
3
None
SWK 420
Prevention & Early Intervention
3
None
SWK 430
Social Work Research Methods
3
None
SWK 440
Program Evaluation
3
None
NPP 410 — Program Design & Implementation: Nonprofit program design and implementationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
SWK 410 — Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care: Recovery-oriented care systemsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
NPP 420 — Strategic Planning & Evaluation: Strategic planning and program evaluationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
SWK 420 — Prevention & Early Intervention: Prevention and early intervention strategiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
SWK 430 — Social Work Research Methods: Research methods in social workThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
SWK 440 — Program Evaluation: Program evaluation methodsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
Semester 7 — Year 4
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
SWK 450
Field Practicum I
3
None
SWK 451
Field Practicum II
3
None
SWK 460
Seminar in Social Work Practice
3
None
ACN 480
Supervised Practicum I
3
None
SWK 495
Applied Social Work Practice
3
None
SWK 495
Applied Social Work Practice
3
SWK 200 - Introduction to Social Work
SWK 450 — Field Practicum I: First supervised field practicumThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
SWK 451 — Field Practicum II: Advanced supervised field practicumThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
SWK 460 — Seminar in Social Work Practice: Advanced seminar in social workThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
ACN 480 — Supervised Practicum I: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
SWK 495 — Applied Social Work Practice: Application of social work practiceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
SWK 495 — Applied Social Work Practice: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
Semester 8 — Year 4
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
PSY 499
Capstone Project
3
None
SWK 499
Capstone Project in Social Work (Addictions)
3
None
SWK 499
Capstone Project in Social Work (Addictions)
3
Completion of foundational social work courses and prior coursework in addictions
PSY 499 — Capstone Project: Capstone project in psychologyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
SWK 499 — Capstone Project in Social Work (Addictions): Capstone project integrating program learningThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
SWK 499 — Capstone Project in Social Work (Addictions): This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent, along with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Additionally, a personal statement outlining the applicant's interest in social work and a commitment to community service is required. Senior Capstone Project The capstone requirement consists of a cumulative senior project that serves as a bridge between theological reflection and professional social work practice. Students are required to design a comprehensive intervention or nonprofit initiative that demonstrates their ability to apply Christian ethical reasoning to complex, real-world addiction crises. This project must include an extensive analysis of community needs through a lens of biblical justice, requiring the student to document the integration of their spiritual formation with empirical evidence-based practices. The capstone concludes with an oral defense, where students articulate their personal philosophy of servant leadership and demonstrate how their professional strategies align with their commitment to honoring the dignity of every individual created in the image of God.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

The complete HBIU curriculum is protected.

Program titles, descriptions, outcomes, admissions information, and career opportunities remain available publicly. The official semester-by-semester course sequence, credits, prerequisites, and internal curriculum requirements are available to verified applicants, enrolled students, and authorized university personnel.

Apply to HBIU →

Request program information →

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

To qualify for graduation, students must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours, maintaining a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher, with no grade lower than a 'C' in core social work and theology coursework. Students must successfully complete all requirements of the Addictions Track and the Minor in Nonprofit Program Planning, fulfilling all laboratory and supervised practicum hours. Furthermore, students must demonstrate ongoing commitment to their spiritual formation by participating in designated institutional ministry opportunities and maintaining the ethical standards of conduct consistent with a faith-based institution. Candidates must also receive a passing faculty assessment on their capstone project, which serves as a final testament to their academic growth and their readiness to engage in their chosen field as faithful stewards of their gifts and professional talents.
Career Opportunities
Substance Abuse Counselor
Social Work Case Manager
Nonprofit Program Coordinator
Clinical Social Worker
Addiction Prevention Specialist
Community Outreach Worker
Policy Analyst for Addiction Services
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 Ministry of Social Work (with Addictions Track)
Total program length | 135 semester credit hours
Normal completion time | Four academic years
General education | 36 credit hours
Ministry of Social Work core | 78 credit hours
Professional application courses | 15 credit hours
Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 | None
PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3 | None
ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3 | None
MAT 110 | College Algebra | 3 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
BIO 120 | Human Biology | 3 | None
COM 201 | Public Speaking | 3 | None
SWK 201 | Introduction to Social Work | 3 | None
STA 210 | Statistics for Social Sciences | 3 | None
SWK 210 | Social Welfare Policy | 3 | None
SWK 220 | Human Behavior & the Social Environment I | 3 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
SWK 230 | Human Behavior & the Social Environment II | 3 | None
SWK 240 | Social Work Practice I | 3 | None
SWK 250 | Social Work Practice II | 3 | None
SWK 260 | Social Work Ethics & Professional Standards | 3 | None
SWK 270 | Diversity, Equity & Social Justice | 3 | None
NPP 301 | Introduction to Nonprofit Organizations | 3 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
NPP 301 | Introduction to Nonprofit Organizations | 3 | None
NPP 310 | Nonprofit Budgeting & Financial Management | 3 | None
NPP 310 | Nonprofit Budgeting & Financial Management | 3 | None
SWK 310 | Substance Use Disorders | 3 | None
NPP 320 | Grant Writing & Fund Development | 3 | None
SWK 320 | Addiction & Family Systems | 3 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
SWK 330 | Trauma-Informed Social Work | 3 | None
SWK 340 | Co-Occurring Disorders | 3 | None
SWK 350 | Assessment & Intervention in Addictions | 3 | None
SWK 360 | Group Work in Addiction Services | 3 | None
SWK 370 | Community-Based Addiction Treatment | 3 | None
SWK 380 | Case Management & Documentation | 3 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
NPP 410 | Program Design & Implementation | 3 | None
SWK 410 | Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care | 3 | None
NPP 420 | Strategic Planning & Evaluation | 3 | None
SWK 420 | Prevention & Early Intervention | 3 | None
SWK 430 | Social Work Research Methods | 3 | None
SWK 440 | Program Evaluation | 3 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
SWK 450 | Field Practicum I | 3 | None
SWK 451 | Field Practicum II | 3 | None
SWK 460 | Seminar in Social Work Practice | 3 | None
ACN 480 | Supervised Practicum I | 3 | None
SWK 495 | Applied Social Work Practice | 3 | None
SWK 495 | Applied Social Work Practice | 3 | SWK 200 - Introduction to Social Work
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
PSY 499 | Capstone Project | 3 | None
SWK 499 | Capstone Project in Social Work (Addictions) | 3 | None
SWK 499 | Capstone Project in Social Work (Addictions) | 3 | Completion of foundational social work courses and prior coursework in addictions

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

Substance Abuse Counselor
Social Work Case Manager
Nonprofit Program Coordinator
Clinical Social Worker
Addiction Prevention Specialist
Community Outreach Worker
Policy Analyst for Addiction Services

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 Ministry of Social Work (with Addictions Track)
Total program length | 135 semester credit hours
Normal completion time | Four academic years