Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Behavioral Health Science (Addiction Research) — Minor: Nonprofit Policy, Advocacy

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Behavioral Health Science (Addiction Research)

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 complex behavioral patterns related to addiction using advanced quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
• Evaluate existing public policy frameworks to identify systemic barriers to effective addiction recovery and community support.
• Develop evidence-based research strategies that integrate ethical considerations and institutional stewardship.
• Communicate complex behavioral health findings to diverse stakeholders to advocate for meaningful policy change.
• Integrate Christian worldview principles, such as justice and compassion, into the development of organizational advocacy strategies.
• Design original research that contributes significantly to the field of addiction science and behavioral health administration.
• Demonstrate advanced scholarly writing skills and pedagogical competence in academic or service-oriented settings.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES700
• Advanced Quantitative Methods
• 3
• Master's level statistics course
• COU710
• Neurobiology of Addiction
• 3
• Master's level psychopathology
• BUS720
• Non-Profit Stewardship and Governance
• 3
• None
• RES700 — Advanced Quantitative Methods: Examination of advanced statistical methods utilized in behavioral health research. Emphasis is placed on data modeling and interpretation of large-scale datasetsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COU710 — Neurobiology of Addiction: Study of the physiological impacts of substance misuse on the human brain. Students explore current trends in chemical dependency researchThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• BUS720 — Non-Profit Stewardship and Governance: Analysis of organizational management principles within the non-profit sector. Focuses on fiscal responsibility and ethical leadershipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES705
• Qualitative Inquiry in Behavioral Science
• 4
• RES700
• SOC730
• Public Policy and Behavioral Health
• 3
• None
• THE715
• Ethics in Behavioral Health Research
• 3
• None
• MGT740
• Strategic Advocacy and Social Change
• 4
• None
• RES705 — Qualitative Inquiry in Behavioral Science: Exploration of phenomenological and ethnographic research methods. Students learn to conduct in-depth interviews and thematic analysisThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC730 — Public Policy and Behavioral Health: Critique of national and local policies governing addiction services. Students assess the impact of policy on vulnerable populationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• THE715 — Ethics in Behavioral Health Research: Application of moral philosophy and ethical codes to research practices. Focuses on the dignity of the person in the scientific processThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MGT740 — Strategic Advocacy and Social Change: Development of advocacy strategies to influence community and legislative outcomes. Emphasizes coalition building and communicationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES800
• Advanced Research Design
• 4
• RES705
• COU810
• Evidence-Based Intervention Models
• 3
• COU710
• BUS820
• Grant Writing and Resource Development
• 3
• BUS720
• MIN750
• Servant Leadership in Non-Profit Settings
• 4
• None
• RES800 — Advanced Research Design: Preparation for doctoral-level research projects. Focuses on the formulation of rigorous research questions and methodological designThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COU810 — Evidence-Based Intervention Models: Critical review of current models in behavioral health recovery. Analysis of effectiveness and institutional implementation strategiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• BUS820 — Grant Writing and Resource Development: Practical application of fund development skills in the non-profit sector. Focuses on sustainable growth and mission alignmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MIN750 — Servant Leadership in Non-Profit Settings: Theoretical and practical study of servant leadership. Explores the application of vocational calling to organizational managementThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES830
• Data Analysis Laboratory
• 4
• RES800
• SOC840
• Community Resilience and Outreach
• 3
• SOC730
• EDU850
• Pedagogy and Knowledge Transfer
• 3
• None
• SOC860
• Organizational Culture and Social Impact
• 4
• THE715
• RES830 — Data Analysis Laboratory: Hands-on experience with advanced software in analyzing complex research data. Integration of ethical data handling protocolsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC840 — Community Resilience and Outreach: Study of community systems and their role in long-term health recovery. Focuses on building collaborative support networksThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU850 — Pedagogy and Knowledge Transfer: Preparation for teaching at the graduate level. Covers instructional design and the communication of academic researchThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC860 — Organizational Culture and Social Impact: This course explores how organizational structures, internal values, and institutional histories shape the delivery of social services within diverse community environments. Students analyze strategies for maintaining long-term institutional stability and mission alignment in high-stakes public environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES890
• Dissertation Prospectus
• 4
• RES830
• COU870
• Sociocultural Impacts of Addiction
• 3
• None
• MGT880
• Policy Advocacy Practicum
• 4
• MGT740
• RES895
• Dissertation Data Collection
• 3
• RES890
• RES890 — Dissertation Prospectus: Development and defense of the dissertation proposal. Focuses on establishing the research scope and theoretical frameworkThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COU870 — Sociocultural Impacts of Addiction: Advanced study of systemic factors influencing addiction across cultures. Explores community-based responsesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MGT880 — Policy Advocacy Practicum: Application of advocacy skills in a real-world setting. Students engage in supervised policy work for a local organizationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES895 — Dissertation Data Collection: Execution of research methodology and data gathering as approved by the dissertation committeeThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP899
• Doctoral Dissertation
• 4
• RES895
• RES896
• Dissertation Manuscript Development
• 4
• RES895
• BUS890
• Strategic Leadership Final Seminar
• 3
• MIN750
• RES897
• Doctoral Research Presentation
• 3
• CAP899
• CAP899 — Doctoral Dissertation: Final analysis, writing, and defense of the doctoral dissertation. Demonstrates scholarly achievement and original contribution to the fieldThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES896 — Dissertation Manuscript Development: Refinement of the dissertation document and preparation for academic dissemination. Focuses on scholarly writing standardsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• BUS890 — Strategic Leadership Final Seminar: Final synthesis of professional skills and faith-informed leadership. Focuses on the transition to career roles in behavioral healthThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES897 — Doctoral Research Presentation: Oral defense of the research findings and public presentation of the dissertation work to the academic communityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Admission to the Doctor of Philosophy program requires an earned Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a discipline related to behavioral health, psychology, sociology, or public administration. Applicants must provide official transcripts demonstrating a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, a statement of intent detailing their research interests and alignment with the program’s faith-informed mission, and three letters of recommendation from professional or academic references. Candidates must demonstrate the capacity for advanced graduate-level research and a clear commitment to ethical service and intellectual development. Dissertation Requirement The Dissertation represents the culminating academic achievement of the PhD program, requiring students to conduct an original, substantive research project that contributes new insights to the field of addiction science. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to formulate a clear research question, execute a rigorous methodology, and analyze findings within the context of current behavioral health literature. This process requires sustained intellectual effort, critical evaluation of existing paradigms, and the development of scholarly arguments that address contemporary societal challenges. Beyond technical proficiency, the dissertation serves as an integration point for faith-informed character development and ethical reasoning. Students are expected to demonstrate how their research reflects principles of servant leadership and biblical stewardship, ensuring that their work not only satisfies academic requirements but also aligns with a commitment to human dignity and community restoration. The final deliverable is a comprehensive document defended before a faculty committee, evidencing both rigorous academic competence and the spiritual maturity required to act as a responsible steward of knowledge.

• Graduation from the program requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students must fulfill all core, elective, and dissertation requirements while adhering to the university's code of conduct. Proficiency is evaluated not only through coursework but also through the satisfactory completion of the doctoral dissertation, which serves as a testament to the student's mastery of the subject matter and their commitment to professional integrity.
• In addition to academic benchmarks, students must participate in ongoing spiritual formation activities, including reflective workshops and community engagement projects that reinforce the program’s emphasis on servant leadership and ethical service. The program seeks to ensure that graduates are well-prepared to translate their scholarly achievements into faith-informed action, demonstrating the spiritual maturity, ethical consistency, and professional readiness needed to lead with compassion and wisdom in their future careers.
• Career Opportunities
• Addiction Research Scientist
• Policy Analyst for Non-Profit Organizations
• Academic Faculty in Behavioral Health
• Director of Community Advocacy Initiatives
• Behavioral Health Program Consultant
• Organizational Strategist for Faith-Based Services
• Public Policy Advisor
• 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 Behavioral Health Science (Addiction Research)
• 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 behavioral health 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
• RES700 | Advanced Quantitative Methods | 3 | Master's level statistics course
• COU710 | Neurobiology of Addiction | 3 | Master's level psychopathology
• BUS720 | Non-Profit Stewardship and Governance | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES705 | Qualitative Inquiry in Behavioral Science | 4 | RES700
• SOC730 | Public Policy and Behavioral Health | 3 | None
• THE715 | Ethics in Behavioral Health Research | 3 | None
• MGT740 | Strategic Advocacy and Social Change | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES800 | Advanced Research Design | 4 | RES705
• COU810 | Evidence-Based Intervention Models | 3 | COU710
• BUS820 | Grant Writing and Resource Development | 3 | BUS720
• MIN750 | Servant Leadership in Non-Profit Settings | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES830 | Data Analysis Laboratory | 4 | RES800
• SOC840 | Community Resilience and Outreach | 3 | SOC730
• EDU850 | Pedagogy and Knowledge Transfer | 3 | None
• SOC860 | Organizational Culture and Social Impact | 4 | THE715
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES890 | Dissertation Prospectus | 4 | RES830
• COU870 | Sociocultural Impacts of Addiction | 3 | None
• MGT880 | Policy Advocacy Practicum | 4 | MGT740
• RES895 | Dissertation Data Collection | 3 | RES890
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP899 | Doctoral Dissertation | 4 | RES895
• RES896 | Dissertation Manuscript Development | 4 | RES895
• BUS890 | Strategic Leadership Final Seminar | 3 | MIN750
• RES897 | Doctoral Research Presentation | 3 | CAP899