Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Social Work (Addiction, Family Systems) Specialization in Interfaith Helping Professions

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Social Work (Addiction, Family Systems)

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 systemic factors influencing addiction and family stability through an interdisciplinary research framework.
• Evaluate diverse interfaith and secular perspectives on social welfare to develop inclusive, culturally sensitive service models.
• Design rigorous original research that contributes new knowledge to the field of faith-based social work.
• Integrate ethical reasoning and biblical stewardship into organizational leadership and community program development.
• Communicate scholarly findings effectively through professional academic writing and public presentations.
• Apply servant leadership principles to facilitate community engagement and institutional sustainability.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES700
• Advanced Research Methodology
• 3
• None
• COU710
• Addiction Science and Social Policy
• 3
• None
• THE720
• Theology of Stewardship and Service
• 3
• None
• RES700 — Advanced Research Methodology: This course covers advanced qualitative and quantitative research designs applicable to social welfare. Students learn to critique research literature and develop robust study frameworks. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU710 — Addiction Science and Social Policy: An analysis of addiction science, focusing on historical and contemporary social policies. Students examine the efficacy of various community interventions and public health strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE720 — Theology of Stewardship and Service: This course investigates theological frameworks of stewardship and their application in modern social work. Students synthesize these perspectives to inform organizational practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU730
• Family Systems and Relational Health
• 4
• COU710
• RES740
• Statistical Analysis for Social Research
• 4
• RES700
• HUM750
• Interfaith Collaboration in Practice
• 3
• None
• MIN760
• Leadership in Non-Profit Ethics
• 3
• None
• COU730 — Family Systems and Relational Health: Examination of family system dynamics and their impact on individual wellness. Focuses on systems theory and multi-generational patterns of behavior. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES740 — Statistical Analysis for Social Research: Instruction in advanced statistical methods for evaluating social programs and trends. Emphasis on software utilization and data interpretation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM750 — Interfaith Collaboration in Practice: Study of interfaith cooperation in social settings, focusing on building bridges between disparate community groups. Students explore collaborative leadership models. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN760 — Leadership in Non-Profit Ethics: Analysis of leadership ethics in secular and faith-based nonprofit organizations. Explores decision-making models, accountability, and servant leadership application. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU800
• Systemic Approaches to Addiction Recovery
• 4
• COU730
• RES810
• Qualitative Inquiry and Ethnography
• 3
• RES700
• SOC820
• Sociology of Faith-Based Organizations
• 3
• None
• MGT830
• Strategic Planning for Social Impact
• 4
• MIN760
• COU800 — Systemic Approaches to Addiction Recovery: Exploration of systems-based interventions for addiction recovery, focusing on community and family support structures. Analysis of long-term sustainable change mechanisms. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES810 — Qualitative Inquiry and Ethnography: Advanced training in qualitative data collection, observation, and coding. Students practice ethnographic methods in community settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC820 — Sociology of Faith-Based Organizations: An analysis of the role and structure of faith-based organizations in the public sphere. Focuses on social capital and institutional development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT830 — Strategic Planning for Social Impact: Strategies for organizational planning, program assessment, and sustainable resource management in social services. Emphasizes alignment with institutional mission. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU840
• Advanced Family Systems Analysis
• 4
• COU800
• RES850
• Dissertation Proposal Development
• 3
• RES810
• HUM860
• Comparative Interfaith Perspectives
• 3
• HUM750
• BUS870
• Non-Profit Grant Writing and Stewardship
• 4
• MGT830
• COU840 — Advanced Family Systems Analysis: In-depth study of complex family system interactions and systemic interventions. Addresses conflict resolution and resilience in diverse populations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES850 — Dissertation Proposal Development: Scholarly guidance in formulating a dissertation topic, literature review, and methodology. Students defend their research proposal to faculty. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM860 — Comparative Interfaith Perspectives: An analysis of comparative religious worldviews and their influence on social helping practices. Focuses on enhancing cultural intelligence in professional settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS870 — Non-Profit Grant Writing and Stewardship: Practical study of funding acquisition and responsible stewardship of resources in the nonprofit sector. Covers proposal design and financial ethics. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES900
• Dissertation Research I
• 6
• RES850
• EDU910
• Professional Supervision and Mentorship
• 3
• None
• COU920
• Cultural Humility in Social Practice
• 3
• None
• RES930
• Data Analysis and Synthesis
• 2
• RES900
• RES900 — Dissertation Research I: Execution of approved dissertation research under faculty supervision. Focuses on data collection and preliminary analysis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU910 — Professional Supervision and Mentorship: Examination of supervisory models and mentorship techniques in faith-based social agencies. Focuses on professional development and staff support. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU920 — Cultural Humility in Social Practice: Exploration of cultural humility as a foundation for professional interaction and inclusive community service. Critical evaluation of bias in practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES930 — Data Analysis and Synthesis: Instruction on advanced thematic analysis and statistical validation of research findings. Synthesis of data into actionable institutional insights. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP950
• Dissertation Finalization and Defense
• 6
• RES900
• MIN960
• Servant Leadership in Contemporary Contexts
• 3
• MIN760
• SOC970
• Community Engagement and Public Policy
• 3
• SOC820
• THE980
• Applied Ethics for Scholars
• 2
• THE720
• CAP950 — Dissertation Finalization and Defense: Completion of the dissertation document and oral defense before a faculty committee. Demonstration of scholarship and faith-informed character integration. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN960 — Servant Leadership in Contemporary Contexts: A capstone look at servant leadership applied to organizational culture and community sustainability. Focuses on legacy and lasting impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC970 — Community Engagement and Public Policy: Analysis of community mobilization techniques and the role of social work in influencing public policy. Focuses on civic responsibility. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE980 — Applied Ethics for Scholars: A final synthesis course addressing ethical dilemmas encountered in research and organizational life. Application of integrated moral frameworks. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission to the PhD program requires an earned Master of Social Work (MSW) or a closely related graduate degree from an accredited institution. Applicants must submit official transcripts, a statement of research intent, three letters of professional or academic reference, and evidence of successful graduate-level writing proficiency. Prospective candidates must demonstrate a clear alignment between their research interests and the program's specialization in addiction and family systems. Dissertation Requirement The Dissertation serves as the culminating academic achievement of the PhD program, representing a significant, original contribution to the field of faith-based social work. Students must identify a relevant research question, design a rigorous methodology, and conduct an investigation that integrates theoretical insights into addiction and family systems with ethical, faith-informed analysis. This 12-credit capstone is structured to demonstrate the student's mastery of academic inquiry and their ability to navigate complex societal problems with scholarly rigor. Beyond technical academic competence, the Dissertation process emphasizes the candidate's development as an ethical servant leader. Through the lens of spiritual formation and stewardship, students reflect on the implications of their research for marginalized populations and the broader community. The finished work must adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity while articulating a commitment to service, demonstrating that the scholar has achieved both intellectual distinction and the character maturity required for professional stewardship in their chosen vocation.

• Graduation from the PhD program requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours, including the 35 transferable master's credits and 85 doctoral-level credits, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students must successfully defend their dissertation, demonstrating both mastery of the subject matter and an integration of academic principles with their overarching faith-informed professional identity. This process confirms that the graduate has developed the requisite research skills to contribute meaningfully to their discipline.
• Furthermore, students must fulfill all requirements related to spiritual formation, including documentation of ongoing community service and active engagement in ethical reflection seminars. Graduation signifies not only the acquisition of technical knowledge but also the cultivation of servant leadership and ethical integrity, preparing the individual for a life of stewardship in professional service and community leadership roles.
• Career Opportunities
• Nonprofit organizational consultant
• Academic researcher in family and addiction studies
• Director of faith-based community outreach
• Policy analyst for social services
• Educational administrator in faith-based institutions
• Executive director of social welfare programs
• 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 Social Work (Addiction, Family Systems)
• 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 Social Work 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 | 3 | None
• COU710 | Addiction Science and Social Policy | 3 | None
• THE720 | Theology of Stewardship and Service | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU730 | Family Systems and Relational Health | 4 | COU710
• RES740 | Statistical Analysis for Social Research | 4 | RES700
• HUM750 | Interfaith Collaboration in Practice | 3 | None
• MIN760 | Leadership in Non-Profit Ethics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU800 | Systemic Approaches to Addiction Recovery | 4 | COU730
• RES810 | Qualitative Inquiry and Ethnography | 3 | RES700
• SOC820 | Sociology of Faith-Based Organizations | 3 | None
• MGT830 | Strategic Planning for Social Impact | 4 | MIN760
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU840 | Advanced Family Systems Analysis | 4 | COU800
• RES850 | Dissertation Proposal Development | 3 | RES810
• HUM860 | Comparative Interfaith Perspectives | 3 | HUM750
• BUS870 | Non-Profit Grant Writing and Stewardship | 4 | MGT830
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES900 | Dissertation Research I | 6 | RES850
• EDU910 | Professional Supervision and Mentorship | 3 | None
• COU920 | Cultural Humility in Social Practice | 3 | None
• RES930 | Data Analysis and Synthesis | 2 | RES900
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP950 | Dissertation Finalization and Defense | 6 | RES900
• MIN960 | Servant Leadership in Contemporary Contexts | 3 | MIN760
• SOC970 | Community Engagement and Public Policy | 3 | SOC820
• THE980 | Applied Ethics for Scholars | 2 | THE720