Master of Science in Faith-Based Marriage, Family Therapy with Emphasis in Addiction Counseling

Degree abbreviation

M.S. in Faith-Based Marriage, Family Therapy with Emphasis in Addiction Counseling

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Academic unit

HBIU College of Addiction Counseling

Total credits

60

Duration

2 years

• Analyze complex systemic family dynamics and their relationship to addictive behaviors.
• Evaluate evidence-based intervention strategies for treating substance use disorders within a family context.
• Apply ethical decision-making frameworks to navigate professional dilemmas within clinical and community settings.
• Develop culturally responsive treatment plans that respect the dignity and individual history of diverse clients.
• Integrate principles of servant leadership and stewardship into professional practice to foster community resilience.
• Demonstrate advanced communication skills necessary for effective mediation and therapeutic rapport.
• Synthesize contemporary clinical research with an ethical perspective on human development and healing.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU501
• Foundations of Systemic Family Therapy
• 4
• None
• COU505
• Addiction and Neurobiology
• 4
• None
• RES510
• Research Methods in Social Sciences
• 4
• None
• THE520
• Ethics and Servant Leadership
• 3
• None
• COU501 — Foundations of Systemic Family Therapy: Explores the history and theoretical underpinnings of systemic therapy models. Students analyze family dynamics and the impact of communication patterns on relational healthThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COU505 — Addiction and Neurobiology: Provides an examination of the biological mechanisms of addiction and its impact on cognitive and emotional function. Focuses on the intersection of physical health and psychological wellnessThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES510 — Research Methods in Social Sciences: Introduces quantitative and qualitative research methodologies essential for clinical practice. Students learn to interpret empirical data to support evidence-based decisionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• THE520 — Ethics and Servant Leadership: Examines ethical decision-making frameworks within a service-oriented context. Emphasizes the role of moral integrity and stewardship in professional leadershipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU515
• Family Systems and Addiction Recovery
• 4
• COU501
• COU522
• Crisis Intervention and Management
• 4
• COU501
• SOC530
• Cultural Diversity and Community Engagement
• 4
• None
• COU540
• Lifespan Development and Human Flourishing
• 3
• None
• COU515 — Family Systems and Addiction Recovery: Examines the systemic impact of substance use on family homeostasis. Focuses on recovery-oriented interventions that support the entire family unitThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COU522 — Crisis Intervention and Management: Discusses strategies for navigating acute distress and crisis situations. Emphasizes stabilization techniques and effective communication during times of traumaThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC530 — Cultural Diversity and Community Engagement: Analyzes the importance of cultural context in therapeutic settings. Students explore strategies for effective engagement with diverse community populationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COU540 — Lifespan Development and Human Flourishing: Evaluates psychological growth across the lifespan. Focuses on developmental milestones and factors that contribute to healthy individual identityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU601
• Advanced Therapeutic Techniques
• 4
• COU515
• COU610
• Group Dynamics in Recovery
• 4
• COU515
• RES620
• Advanced Data Analysis
• 4
• RES510
• COU630
• Organizational Stewardship
• 3
• THE520
• COU601 — Advanced Therapeutic Techniques: Explores advanced intervention techniques for complex family and addiction issues. Focuses on refining skills for long-term relational restorationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COU610 — Group Dynamics in Recovery: Studies the influence of group processes on individual and family healing. Discusses leadership strategies for group environmentsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES620 — Advanced Data Analysis: Applies statistical analysis to research problems in behavioral health. Focuses on interpreting trends for professional reporting and program improvementThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COU630 — Organizational Stewardship: Examines the management of non-profit and community resources. Discusses the ethics of resource allocation and effective organizational leadershipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP690
• Master's Thesis Project
• 6
• RES620
• COU650
• Professional Practice and Law
• 4
• THE520
• COU660
• Community-Based Prevention Programs
• 3
• None
• COU670
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Clinical Practice
• 3
• None
• CAP690 — Master's Thesis Project: Culminating research project requiring synthesis of clinical and ethical perspectives. Students produce a comprehensive scholarly work demonstrating program competenciesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COU650 — Professional Practice and Law: Covers legal responsibilities and professional codes of conduct. Emphasizes maintaining integrity and accountability within all professional practicesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COU660 — Community-Based Prevention Programs: Explores the design and implementation of community outreach initiatives. Focuses on proactive measures to strengthen families and minimize risksThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COU670 — Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Clinical Practice: This course examines the theoretical and practical frameworks for coordinating therapeutic services across diverse social service sectors. Students analyze professional boundary management, inter-agency communication strategies, and the legal considerations of working within multi-disciplinary teams. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from a recognized institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Prospective students are required to submit official transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining their professional goals and commitment to ethical service, and two letters of recommendation from professional or academic references. Candidates should demonstrate a foundational understanding of psychology or related behavioral sciences as a prerequisite for success in this graduate-level coursework. Thesis or Capstone Project The Master’s Thesis serves as the culminating academic experience for the program, requiring students to conduct original research or a comprehensive literature review that addresses a critical issue in marriage, family, or addiction studies. This 6-credit project necessitates that students synthesize clinical data with ethical frameworks, demonstrating their capacity for scholarly inquiry and critical analysis. The thesis must culminate in a formal paper and an oral defense before a faculty committee. Beyond demonstrating academic mastery, the project functions as an integration of the student's professional growth and faith-informed character development. Students are expected to articulate how their work reflects principles of biblical stewardship, servant leadership, and the promotion of justice and mercy within the therapeutic process. The project serves as a signature of the student's readiness to engage in professional service that is both clinically rigorous and grounded in a mature, ethical worldview.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of 60 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students must earn a passing grade in all required courses and complete their Master’s Thesis with a successful oral defense. Academic progress is monitored through both faculty evaluations and the successful attainment of core competencies, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for their professional transitions.
• Candidates must also demonstrate a commitment to faith-informed character development through ongoing participation in university-sponsored spiritual formation activities, including community service and mentorship engagement. The conferral of the degree signifies not only academic success but also the development of a professional identity characterized by ethical integrity, compassion, and a dedication to lifelong service, reflecting the institution's commitment to cultivating leaders who are as mature in spirit as they are in mind.
• Career Opportunities
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Family Support Specialist
• Addiction Recovery Program Director
• Crisis Intervention Consultant
• Social Services Administrator
• Non-Profit Agency Director
• Faith-Based Counseling Associate
• 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 | M.S. in Faith-Based Marriage, Family Therapy with Emphasis in Addiction Counseling
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Marriage, Family Therapy with Emphasis in Addiction Counseling core | 27 credit hours
• Research, assessment, and program evaluation | 12 credit hours
• Professional application and field experience | 12 credit hours
• Graduate capstone requirement | 9 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU501 | Foundations of Systemic Family Therapy | 4 | None
• COU505 | Addiction and Neurobiology | 4 | None
• RES510 | Research Methods in Social Sciences | 4 | None
• THE520 | Ethics and Servant Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU515 | Family Systems and Addiction Recovery | 4 | COU501
• COU522 | Crisis Intervention and Management | 4 | COU501
• SOC530 | Cultural Diversity and Community Engagement | 4 | None
• COU540 | Lifespan Development and Human Flourishing | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU601 | Advanced Therapeutic Techniques | 4 | COU515
• COU610 | Group Dynamics in Recovery | 4 | COU515
• RES620 | Advanced Data Analysis | 4 | RES510
• COU630 | Organizational Stewardship | 3 | THE520
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP690 | Master's Thesis Project | 6 | RES620
• COU650 | Professional Practice and Law | 4 | THE520
• COU660 | Community-Based Prevention Programs | 3 | None
• COU670 | Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Clinical Practice | 3 | None