Certificate in Faith Based Addiction Counseling, Biblical Recovery

Total program length

18 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Six to nine months

General education

Not required

Professional application courses

3 credit hours

Academic unit

HBIU Training Institute

Total credits

18

Duration

1 years

• Analyze the behavioral and sociocultural factors that contribute to addiction and recovery processes.
• Evaluate the role of ethical leadership and stewardship in the management of community-based support services.
• Integrate a biblical worldview with professional practices to foster holistic support for individuals in recovery.
• Develop strategies for collaborative engagement within nonprofit and faith-based institutional settings.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills necessary for fostering supportive, empathetic environments.
• Design a comprehensive project that addresses a specific need within a community-based recovery organization.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• PSY101
• Foundations of Human Behavior
• 2
• None
• COU210
• Interpersonal Communication and Ethics
• 2
• None
• THE205
• Theology of Restoration and Hope
• 2
• None
• SOC150
• Community Outreach and Engagement
• 3
• None
• PSY101 — Foundations of Human Behavior: This course examines the fundamental principles of human development and psychological processes that influence behavior. Students will explore theoretical frameworks relevant to supportive care and human flourishing. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU210 — Interpersonal Communication and Ethics: This course focuses on the development of active listening, conflict resolution, and the application of professional ethical codes in service settings. Emphasis is placed on maintaining boundaries and promoting restorative relationships. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE205 — Theology of Restoration and Hope: This course explores biblical perspectives on human struggle, grace, and the restoration of purpose. Students will analyze how theological concepts inform the practice of supportive care. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC150 — Community Outreach and Engagement: This course investigates the organizational structure of community nonprofits and the dynamics of effective public engagement. Students will learn how to identify community needs and coordinate service initiatives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU320
• Support Strategies for Recovery
• 3
• PSY101
• MIN350
• Leadership in Stewardship and Service
• 3
• None
• SOC220
• Social Dynamics of Addictive Systems
• 1
• SOC150
• CAP490
• Capstone: Integrative Project
• 2
• All Core Courses
• COU320 — Support Strategies for Recovery: This course covers evidence-informed methods for providing support to individuals in recovery from addiction. Students will examine the role of holistic wellness and social connectivity in the recovery process. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN350 — Leadership in Stewardship and Service: This course addresses the principles of servant leadership and the responsible management of organizational resources. Students will develop a professional philosophy that prioritizes ethical stewardship and accountability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC220 — Social Dynamics of Addictive Systems: This course analyzes the societal and systemic factors that contribute to addiction and recovery success. Students will identify community resources and systemic barriers that impact recovery initiatives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP490 — Capstone: Integrative Project: This culminating course requires students to execute an original project designed to support the mission of a specific community organization. Students will integrate their learning through rigorous research, planning, and professional reflection. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must possess a high school diploma or an equivalent credential (GED) to be eligible for enrollment in this certificate program. Admission requires the submission of an official application, academic transcripts from all previously attended institutions, and a brief personal statement detailing the applicant's motivations for pursuing professional development in the field of recovery support. Prospective students should demonstrate an aptitude for service and a commitment to the university's academic and ethical standards. Culminating Project The Capstone Project serves as the final, integrative component of the Certificate in Faith Based Addiction Counseling and Biblical Recovery. Students are required to design and implement a service-based project that addresses a specific programmatic or operational need within a local, faith-based, or nonprofit community organization. The scope of this project requires the application of theoretical knowledge gained throughout the program to real-world scenarios, emphasizing professional ethics, resource stewardship, and community impact. Students must produce a final report that details their project development, execution process, and evaluative reflections. This deliverable must demonstrate the student's ability to synthesize biblical perspectives on human dignity and restoration with evidence-informed support methodologies. Through this experience, students illustrate both academic proficiency and a commitment to the servant-leader model of community engagement. The Capstone Project is weighted at 3 credit hours and is intended to function as the primary evidence of the student’s readiness for professional or volunteer roles in recovery settings.

• To graduate from the Certificate in Faith Based Addiction Counseling and Biblical Recovery, students must complete 18 total credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. All coursework must be passed with a grade of C or higher to demonstrate mastery of the curriculum. Furthermore, students are required to complete the Capstone Project with a passing evaluation, confirming their ability to apply academic knowledge to practical, faith-informed service.
• Career Opportunities
• Community Support Coordinator
• Recovery Program Assistant
• Faith-Based Nonprofit Outreach Specialist
• Peer Support Ministry Coordinator
• Case Management Assistant
• Addiction Prevention Educator
• Organizational Stewardship Lead
• 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.
• Credential abbreviation | Certificate in Faith Based Addiction Counseling, Biblical Recovery
• Total program length | 18 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Six to nine months
• General education | Not required
• Foundational faith based addiction counseling, biblical recovery courses | 12 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 3 credit hours
• Final applied project | 3 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY101 | Foundations of Human Behavior | 2 | None
• COU210 | Interpersonal Communication and Ethics | 2 | None
• THE205 | Theology of Restoration and Hope | 2 | None
• SOC150 | Community Outreach and Engagement | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU320 | Support Strategies for Recovery | 3 | PSY101
• MIN350 | Leadership in Stewardship and Service | 3 | None
• SOC220 | Social Dynamics of Addictive Systems | 1 | SOC150
• CAP490 | Capstone: Integrative Project | 2 | All Core Courses