Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Addiction Science Specialization in Psychology

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Addiction Science

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 foundational and contemporary psychological theories as they pertain to the science of addiction and human behavior.
• Evaluate complex qualitative and quantitative research designs to synthesize empirical data for evidence-informed academic inquiry.
• Integrate Christian worldview perspectives and ethical reasoning into the development of sustainable models for community engagement.
• Demonstrate advanced competency in academic communication and scholarly dissemination through the successful defense of a doctoral dissertation.
• Design comprehensive strategies for servant leadership that address systemic issues in addiction recovery through organizational stewardship.
• Interpret cultural and spiritual variables in addiction science to foster inclusive, supportive environments within community organizations.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• PSY701
• Advanced Psychological Theory
• 4
• None
• RES702
• Quantitative Research Methods
• 4
• None
• PSY703
• Professional Ethics in Psychological Practice
• 4
• None
• PSY701 — Advanced Psychological Theory: An in-depth analysis of contemporary psychological frameworks and their application to human behavior and addiction. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES702 — Quantitative Research Methods: Study of advanced statistical analysis and research design methodologies for social science inquiry. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY703 — Professional Ethics in Psychological Practice: This course examines the foundational legal and ethical standards governing psychological research and clinical practice, focusing on regulatory compliance and professional conduct. Students analyze case studies to resolve complex moral dilemmas encountered in diverse therapeutic settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• PSY710
• Neurobiology of Addiction
• 4
• PSY701
• RES711
• Qualitative Research Methods
• 4
• RES702
• MGT712
• Stewardship in Nonprofit Leadership
• 4
• None
• PSY713
• Social Determinants of Recovery
• 4
• None
• PSY710 — Neurobiology of Addiction: Examination of the neurological, biochemical, and psychological processes involved in addiction patterns. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES711 — Qualitative Research Methods: Advanced study of phenomenological research, case studies, and observational methodologies in psychology. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT712 — Stewardship in Nonprofit Leadership: Analysis of organizational management principles rooted in servant leadership and resource stewardship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY713 — Social Determinants of Recovery: Investigating how socio-economic and cultural factors impact addiction recovery outcomes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• PSY801
• Psychopathology and Resilience
• 4
• PSY710
• RES802
• Mixed-Methods Research Design
• 4
• RES711
• COM803
• Communication and Advocacy
• 4
• None
• PSY804
• Developmental Psychology of Addiction
• 4
• None
• PSY801 — Psychopathology and Resilience: Study of behavioral health symptoms and the psychological mechanisms of resilience. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES802 — Mixed-Methods Research Design: Integration of qualitative and quantitative data to address complex research questions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM803 — Communication and Advocacy: Strategies for scholarly communication and public engagement in behavioral health policy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY804 — Developmental Psychology of Addiction: Examination of lifespan development and its role in the etiology and maintenance of addiction. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES810
• Advanced Statistical Modeling
• 4
• RES802
• PSY811
• Community-Based Interventions
• 4
• PSY801
• EDU812
• Pedagogy in Behavioral Science
• 4
• None
• RES813
• Dissertation Proposal Development
• 4
• RES810
• RES810 — Advanced Statistical Modeling: Utilization of advanced software for predictive modeling in psychological datasets. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY811 — Community-Based Interventions: Evaluation of evidence-informed interventions within various social settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU812 — Pedagogy in Behavioral Science: Principles of teaching and curriculum design within academic and training contexts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES813 — Dissertation Proposal Development: Guidance on formulating research topics, literature reviews, and methodology for the dissertation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• DIS900
• Dissertation Research I
• 6
• RES813
• PSY901
• Advanced Seminar in Recovery Systems
• 3
• None
• MGT902
• Ethical Leadership in Crisis
• 3
• MGT712
• RES903
• Independent Research Inquiry
• 3
• None
• DIS900 — Dissertation Research I: Initial stage of original data collection and analysis under faculty supervision. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY901 — Advanced Seminar in Recovery Systems: Reviewing organizational structures that support long-term recovery and well-being. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT902 — Ethical Leadership in Crisis: Managing organizational response to community crises with integrity and wisdom. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES903 — Independent Research Inquiry: Independent focus on a selected area of addiction specialization outside the dissertation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• DIS910
• Dissertation Research II
• 6
• DIS900
• DIS911
• Dissertation Defense
• 6
• DIS910
• THE912
• Character Formation and Scholarship
• 3
• None
• PSY913
• Advanced Topics in Addiction Science
• 3
• None
• DIS910 — Dissertation Research II: Final synthesis of data and preparation of the dissertation manuscript. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS911 — Dissertation Defense: Formal oral defense of the doctoral dissertation before a committee. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE912 — Character Formation and Scholarship: Reflective practice on the integration of personal faith and professional scholarly commitment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY913 — Advanced Topics in Addiction Science: Capstone synthesis of current trends and future directions in the field. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission to the PhD program requires a completed master's degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or a closely related field from an accredited institution. Applicants must demonstrate academic proficiency with a minimum graduate-level GPA of 3.0, submit a current curriculum vitae, provide three professional or academic letters of recommendation, and compose a statement of intent outlining their research interests and alignment with the university’s commitment to faith-based service. Select applicants will be invited for an interview to assess their readiness for doctoral-level research and their potential for contribution to the program’s collaborative learning community. Dissertation Requirement The Dissertation serves as the culminating academic experience of the PhD program, representing a significant original contribution to the body of knowledge in addiction science. Students are required to conduct independent, empirical research that addresses a critical gap in current understanding, demonstrating both technical expertise in research methodology and a profound ability to synthesize psychological theory with ethical, faith-informed inquiry. The dissertation process spans multiple semesters, culminating in a formal defense before a faculty committee. This project is weighted at 12 credit hours, signifying its central role in the doctoral journey. Beyond technical proficiency, the dissertation requires students to reflect on the implications of their research for servant leadership and biblical stewardship. Students must articulate how their work promotes the dignity of the human person and contributes to the long-term sustainability of community-based organizations. By integrating their faith-informed values with academic rigor, students demonstrate that they are prepared to serve as ethical, transformative leaders who utilize their scholarly findings to advocate for holistic recovery and social well-being. This project ensures the student achieves the highest level of academic competence while modeling the integrity required for lifelong service.

• Graduation from the PhD program requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours, including 35 transferred credits and 85 doctoral-level credits, with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. Candidates must successfully defend their dissertation, demonstrating mastery of the subject matter and an ability to conduct high-level independent research. Students are also expected to demonstrate a commitment to the university’s mission through consistent participation in professional development, community service, and intentional character development activities that reinforce the intersection of academic excellence and spiritual maturity.
• Candidates must satisfy all institutional requirements regarding institutional stewardship and ethical integrity, which reflect their readiness to serve in faith-based and nonprofit contexts. Successful completion of the program signals that the graduate possesses the intellectual maturity, spiritual grounding, and professional skills necessary to engage in complex problem-solving. Through this holistic preparation, graduates emerge as leaders who are capable of integrating rigorous scientific inquiry with a servant-hearted commitment to their neighbors and communities.
• Career Opportunities
• Academic Faculty and Researcher
• Nonprofit Research Consultant
• Director of Community Wellness Programs
• Policy Analyst for Behavioral Health Organizations
• Organizational Leadership Strategist
• Faith-Based Social Service Administrator
• Program Evaluator for Addiction Recovery Initiatives
• 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 Addiction Science
• 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 addiction science 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
• PSY701 | Advanced Psychological Theory | 4 | None
• RES702 | Quantitative Research Methods | 4 | None
• PSY703 | Professional Ethics in Psychological Practice | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY710 | Neurobiology of Addiction | 4 | PSY701
• RES711 | Qualitative Research Methods | 4 | RES702
• MGT712 | Stewardship in Nonprofit Leadership | 4 | None
• PSY713 | Social Determinants of Recovery | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY801 | Psychopathology and Resilience | 4 | PSY710
• RES802 | Mixed-Methods Research Design | 4 | RES711
• COM803 | Communication and Advocacy | 4 | None
• PSY804 | Developmental Psychology of Addiction | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES810 | Advanced Statistical Modeling | 4 | RES802
• PSY811 | Community-Based Interventions | 4 | PSY801
• EDU812 | Pedagogy in Behavioral Science | 4 | None
• RES813 | Dissertation Proposal Development | 4 | RES810
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS900 | Dissertation Research I | 6 | RES813
• PSY901 | Advanced Seminar in Recovery Systems | 3 | None
• MGT902 | Ethical Leadership in Crisis | 3 | MGT712
• RES903 | Independent Research Inquiry | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS910 | Dissertation Research II | 6 | DIS900
• DIS911 | Dissertation Defense | 6 | DIS910
• THE912 | Character Formation and Scholarship | 3 | None
• PSY913 | Advanced Topics in Addiction Science | 3 | None