Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Human Services Leadership (Addiction Focus)

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Human Services Leadership (Addiction Focus)

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

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

Academic unit

HBIU College of Addiction Counseling

Total credits

120

Duration

3 years

• Analyze advanced psychosocial theories related to addiction and recovery to inform organizational policy.
• Evaluate the impact of leadership strategies on the effectiveness of faith-based community human service organizations.
• Design rigorous research studies to address systemic gaps in addiction recovery service delivery.
• Integrate ethical and faith-based frameworks into the management of complex, multi-stakeholder social service systems.
• Communicate findings from original scholarly research to diverse academic and professional audiences.
• Develop sustainable models for community engagement that reflect stewardship and servant-leadership principles.
• Demonstrate advanced competency in applying social research methodology to resolve real-world human services challenges.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES700
• Advanced Research Methodology
• 4
• None
• COU710
• Addiction Science and Policy
• 3
• None
• MGT720
• Leadership and Organizational Ethics
• 3
• None
• RES700 — Advanced Research Methodology: An examination of quantitative and qualitative research designs applicable to human services. Students develop research questions and survey instruments suitable for doctoral-level inquiry. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU710 — Addiction Science and Policy: Analysis of the neurobiological and societal aspects of addiction and the policies that regulate recovery support services. Students explore how evidence-based frameworks interface with organizational mandates. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT720 — Leadership and Organizational Ethics: A study of servant-leadership theories within the context of ethical decision-making in non-profit environments. Emphasis is placed on the moral responsibilities of leaders in high-stakes human service settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES750
• Applied Statistical Analysis
• 4
• RES700
• COU760
• Recovery Support Systems
• 3
• COU710
• MGT780
• Financial Stewardship in Nonprofits
• 3
• MGT720
• SOC790
• Sociology of Community Health
• 3
• None
• RES750 — Applied Statistical Analysis: Application of advanced statistical methods to complex data sets relevant to addiction and public health outcomes. Students utilize software to interpret findings and inform administrative decision-making. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU760 — Recovery Support Systems: Evaluation of institutional and community-based support structures for those navigating addiction recovery. Students analyze the scalability and efficacy of various intervention models. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT780 — Financial Stewardship in Nonprofits: Exploration of fiscal management, budgeting, and resource allocation in human service organizations. Focus is placed on ethical stewardship and accountability in donor-funded institutions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC790 — Sociology of Community Health: Examination of the social determinants of health and the role of community institutions in providing stability and care. Students investigate how social structures influence recovery outcomes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES810
• Qualitative Inquiry
• 4
• RES750
• COU820
• Systemic Perspectives on Addiction
• 3
• COU760
• MGT830
• Strategy and Institutional Change
• 3
• MGT780
• HUM840
• Global Perspectives on Social Service
• 3
• None
• RES810 — Qualitative Inquiry: Advanced exploration of phenomenological and ethnographical research methods for capturing the experiences of individuals in recovery. Emphasis is placed on the ethical collection and interpretation of sensitive data. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU820 — Systemic Perspectives on Addiction: Analysis of ecological and systemic theories as they apply to substance use, family dynamics, and community interventions. Students identify systemic barriers to effective recovery support. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT830 — Strategy and Institutional Change: Focuses on strategic planning and managing organizational change within human service settings. Students learn to align organizational goals with the mission of community restoration. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM840 — Global Perspectives on Social Service: Comparison of international models for addressing human service needs. Students evaluate how different cultural and legal frameworks impact service efficacy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES850
• Program Evaluation and Design
• 4
• RES810
• COU860
• Intervention Advocacy
• 3
• COU820
• MGT870
• Human Resource and Team Development
• 3
• MGT830
• SOC880
• Foundations of Organizational Culture
• 3
• None
• RES850 — Program Evaluation and Design: Critical evaluation of existing addiction treatment and recovery programs. Students design evidence-based models to enhance program performance and outreach. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU860 — Intervention Advocacy: Training in public advocacy and policy influence regarding addiction and human services. Students develop strategies to champion institutional support for marginalized community members. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT870 — Human Resource and Team Development: Development of leadership strategies for managing multidisciplinary teams in nonprofit settings. Focus includes conflict resolution, mentorship, and team cohesion. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC880 — Foundations of Organizational Culture: This course examines the behavioral theories and values-based frameworks that define organizational identity and group cohesion. Students will analyze how cultural dynamics influence operational effectiveness and leadership efficacy within the human services sector. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES910
• Advanced Doctoral Seminar
• 4
• RES850
• COU920
• Advanced Issues in Addiction Recovery
• 3
• COU860
• MGT930
• Advanced Leadership and Service Design
• 3
• MGT870
• CAP950
• Dissertation Proposal Development
• 3
• RES910
• RES910 — Advanced Doctoral Seminar: A forum for the refinement of research and communication skills prior to the final dissertation phase. Candidates present and defend sections of their developing research. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU920 — Advanced Issues in Addiction Recovery: Critical analysis of current and emerging challenges in the field of addiction. Focuses on the role of leadership in addressing crisis and societal shift. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT930 — Advanced Leadership and Service Design: Synthesis of leadership theory to create organizational models of service that emphasize stewardship. Students evaluate the longevity and ethical impact of their proposed projects. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP950 — Dissertation Proposal Development: Completion of the doctoral dissertation proposal and submission for committee approval. Focuses on rigorous methodology and clear articulation of the research problem. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP990
• Dissertation Research and Analysis
• 4
• CAP950
• CAP995
• Dissertation Final Defense
• 4
• CAP990
• RES998
• Directed Scholarly Publication
• 3
• RES910
• MIN999
• Integrative Leadership Colloquium
• 3
• None
• CAP990 — Dissertation Research and Analysis: Primary research phase involving data collection, comprehensive synthesis of evidence, and initial drafting of the dissertation. Ongoing collaboration with faculty mentors is required. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP995 — Dissertation Final Defense: The final stage of the doctoral program, involving the completion of the dissertation manuscript and a successful oral defense before the doctoral committee. Focus is on original contributions to the field. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES998 — Directed Scholarly Publication: Guidance on preparing dissertation findings for publication in academic and practitioner-focused journals. Emphasis on ethical dissemination of knowledge to professional communities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN999 — Integrative Leadership Colloquium: Synthesis of academic coursework, ethical philosophy, and professional development as a capstone experience. Candidates reflect on their role as servant leaders in the community. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission to the PhD program requires an earned Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field such as Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Sociology, or Organizational Leadership. Applicants must submit official transcripts documenting a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in graduate studies, a detailed statement of purpose outlining their research interests, three letters of professional or academic recommendation, and a writing sample demonstrating doctoral-level analytical proficiency. All applicants are evaluated based on their professional experience in human services, the alignment of their research interests with the program's focus on addiction and leadership, and their expressed commitment to the university’s mission of service and ethical leadership. Dissertation Requirement The Dissertation serves as the culminating academic achievement for the PhD candidate, requiring the original contribution of new knowledge to the field of human services leadership. Candidates are tasked with identifying a critical gap in the existing literature regarding addiction recovery or community service organizational leadership. The process includes a formal proposal defense, comprehensive data collection and analysis, and a final oral defense before a committee of faculty members, demonstrating the ability to conduct independent, ethical, and rigorous scholarly inquiry. Integration of faith-based perspectives is central to the dissertation, requiring students to articulate how their research addresses the needs of vulnerable populations through the lens of biblical stewardship, ethical integrity, and servant leadership. The project must reflect both technical academic proficiency and a dedication to the moral dimensions of leadership. Students are expected to demonstrate how their proposed solutions reflect a commitment to the holistic restoration and development of individuals and communities, ensuring the research outcome is grounded in academic excellence and spiritual maturity.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours, including the transfer of up to 35 credits from a previous Master's program and 85 credit hours of doctoral-level coursework. Candidates must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 throughout the program and achieve a passing grade on the final dissertation defense. Academic progress is paired with expectations for professional and spiritual development, including regular participation in departmental colloquia and academic workshops that emphasize the importance of maintaining an ethical and service-oriented character.
• Beyond academic requirements, students must demonstrate ongoing commitment to community engagement and ethical conduct as part of their preparation for leadership. The university emphasizes that graduate success is marked by both the ability to conduct high-level research and the cultivation of a servant-leader mindset. Upon completion, graduates are expected to be fully prepared for roles that demand intellectual rigor, fiscal and moral stewardship, and a dedicated spirit of community service to faith-informed organizational missions.
• Career Opportunities
• Director of Addiction Recovery Services
• Nonprofit Executive Leadership
• Academic Researcher in Social Services
• Community Health Program Director
• Policy Advisor for Faith-Based Initiatives
• Organizational Consultant for Addiction Services
• Director of Spiritual and Social Formation
• Important Notices
• The program educates ethical professionals who demonstrate technical excellence, servant leadership, professional integrity, and a commitment to apply sound principles to advance faith-based organizations, strengthen communities, and contribute responsibly.
• HBIU is a lawfully operating nonpublic faith-based postsecondary institution that maintains its status under section 1005.06(1)(f), Florida Statutes. The University annually affirms its compliance with the requirements applicable to faith-based institutions in Florida through Commission for Independent Education.
• HBIU accreditation from QAHE (for quality assurance in pre-tertiary and higher education mechanisms). QAHE offers globally recognized accreditation and quality assurance for higher education, training providers, and professional institutions worldwide. Students should consider the nature and scope of this recognition in relation to their individual certification and professional goals.
• Transfer credit is evaluated individually based on course content, credit hours, grades, institutional documentation, program requirements, and applicable university policies. Although HBIU provides academically structured programs, no institution can guarantee that another college, university, employer, licensing board, or credential-evaluation service will accept its credits or credentials. Students are encouraged to obtain advance written confirmation from the intended receiving organization.
• The program develops academic knowledge and applied competencies for service in faith-based organizations, nonprofit institutions, community programs, and related professional environments. Some occupations associated with the subject area may be regulated by governmental or professional authorities. A degree from HBIU demonstrates completion of the University's academic requirements but does not, by itself, confer professional licensure or legal authority to perform regulated services.
• Where a program is related to an external certification, eligibility is determined exclusively by the applicable certifying organization. Certification bodies may establish additional requirements involving education, examinations, experience, background screening, continuing education, or membership. HBIU does not guarantee certification eligibility or examination approval unless a formal written agreement expressly provides otherwise.
• Career and occupational information is provided to help students make informed educational decisions. Employment outcomes depend on factors such as the graduate's experience, geographic location, professional qualifications, employer requirements, economic conditions, interviewing ability, and any applicable licensure or certification requirements. Completion of a program does not constitute a promise of employment, promotion, job placement, or a particular occupational title.
• This program is delivered through online instruction. Students must have access to the technology, equipment, internet service, software, and learning resources identified in the University's technology requirements.
• Internship or field-experience participation is subject to academic eligibility, site availability, supervisor approval, and the requirements of the participating organization. The University assists students with the placement process but cannot guarantee placement with a particular organization, supervisor, location, or schedule.
• Students are responsible for reviewing the catalog, understanding program requirements, providing accurate information, meeting academic and financial obligations, and verifying whether the program supports their intended educational or professional goals.
• Completion of a University program does not authorize a graduate to use a professional title that is protected or restricted by law. Graduates must use titles that accurately reflect their education, credentials, employment role, and current licensure or certification status.
• Degree abbreviation | Ph.D. in Faith-Based Human Services Leadership (Addiction Focus)
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Maximum approved transfer credit | Up to 40 semester credit hours
• Minimum credits completed through the University after maximum transfer | 80 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, research progress, and dissertation completion
• Advanced faith-based human services leadership theory and specialization | 30 credit hours
• Research methods, statistics, and scholarly inquiry | 24 credit hours
• Professional leadership and higher-education teaching | 15 credit hours
• Advanced electives and concentration courses | 18 credit hours
• Scholarly writing and publication | 9 credit hours
• Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy | 6 credit hours
• Dissertation research and defense | 18 credit hours
• Total | 120 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES700 | Advanced Research Methodology | 4 | None
• COU710 | Addiction Science and Policy | 3 | None
• MGT720 | Leadership and Organizational Ethics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES750 | Applied Statistical Analysis | 4 | RES700
• COU760 | Recovery Support Systems | 3 | COU710
• MGT780 | Financial Stewardship in Nonprofits | 3 | MGT720
• SOC790 | Sociology of Community Health | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES810 | Qualitative Inquiry | 4 | RES750
• COU820 | Systemic Perspectives on Addiction | 3 | COU760
• MGT830 | Strategy and Institutional Change | 3 | MGT780
• HUM840 | Global Perspectives on Social Service | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES850 | Program Evaluation and Design | 4 | RES810
• COU860 | Intervention Advocacy | 3 | COU820
• MGT870 | Human Resource and Team Development | 3 | MGT830
• SOC880 | Foundations of Organizational Culture | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES910 | Advanced Doctoral Seminar | 4 | RES850
• COU920 | Advanced Issues in Addiction Recovery | 3 | COU860
• MGT930 | Advanced Leadership and Service Design | 3 | MGT870
• CAP950 | Dissertation Proposal Development | 3 | RES910
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP990 | Dissertation Research and Analysis | 4 | CAP950
• CAP995 | Dissertation Final Defense | 4 | CAP990
• RES998 | Directed Scholarly Publication | 3 | RES910
• MIN999 | Integrative Leadership Colloquium | 3 | None