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Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Public Health, Specialization in Substance Use Focus

Academic unitHBIU College of Addiction CounselingTotal credits120Estimated duration4 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.S. in Faith-Based Public Health Substance Use Focus

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Public Health Substance Use Focus core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a focus on Substance Use provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors that influence community health outcomes. Students engage with rigorous academic coursework in epidemiology, public policy, and health promotion, specifically tailored to address the complex challenges of substance use disorders and their impact on diverse populations. The curriculum emphasizes a systems-based approach to community wellness, focusing on data-driven interventions and strategic health programming.

Rooted in an academic environment that values the intersection of professional competence and moral inquiry, the program encourages students to view public health through the lens of stewardship and compassionate service. By integrating scientific inquiry with ethical reasoning, the program prepares graduates to operate effectively within both secular and faith-based community health environments, fostering long-term resilience and health equity in at-risk populations.

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Public Health Substance Use Focus combines a robust general education foundation with comprehensive study in the subject theory, behavioral science, human development, ethics, research, crisis awareness, referral, program development, and community-based support. This program is designed to provide students with the theoretical knowledge and practical tools necessary to address complex substance use challenges within faith-based and public health frameworks.

Florida's current standard establishes a minimum of 120 semester credits for a bachelor's degree and at least 30 general-education credits for a Bachelor of Science. This curriculum exceeds the general-education minimum.

Program Facts

Program facts

Degree abbreviation
B.S. in Faith-Based Public Health Substance Use Focus
Total program length
120 semester credit hours
Normal completion time
Four academic years
General education
36 credit hours
Professional application courses
15 credit hours
Capstone requirement
6 credit hours
Academic unit
HBIU College of Addiction Counseling
Total credits
120
Duration
4 years
Specialization / Minor
Substance Use Focus

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Analyze the socioeconomic and environmental determinants of public health outcomes related to substance use.
  • Evaluate evidence-based public health interventions to identify their effectiveness in diverse community settings.
  • Apply ethical frameworks and professional standards to support community-based health programming.
  • Communicate complex health data effectively to stakeholders through professional oral and written reports.
  • Develop strategic, community-centered health projects that demonstrate resource stewardship and servant leadership.
  • Integrate a Christian worldview into professional practice to support the holistic well-being of underserved populations.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • ENG101
  • Academic Writing and Research
  • 3
  • None
  • BIO105
  • Biological Basis of Health
  • 4
  • None
  • PSY110
  • Introduction to Psychology
  • 3
  • None
  • THE101
  • Foundations of Christian Ethics
  • 3
  • None
  • ENG101 — Academic Writing and Research: Explores foundational techniques for clear, professional, and evidence-based writing in academic and professional contexts. Students analyze various scholarly texts to improve their synthesis skills. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BIO105 — Biological Basis of Health: Provides an overview of human biology as it relates to general health and systemic function. The course examines how biological systems interact with environmental factors. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PSY110 — Introduction to Psychology: Surveys the core principles of human behavior, cognition, and emotional development. Topics include motivation, stress, and behavioral health. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • THE101 — Foundations of Christian Ethics: Examines ethical theories through a framework of Christian stewardship and moral responsibility. Focuses on the application of virtue in personal and professional life. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • MAT120
  • Introductory Statistics
  • 3
  • None
  • SOC150
  • Introduction to Sociology
  • 3
  • None
  • COM105
  • Professional Communication
  • 3
  • ENG101
  • MIN110
  • Principles of Servant Leadership
  • 3
  • None
  • MAT120 — Introductory Statistics: Covers fundamental statistical methods, including descriptive statistics, probability, and hypothesis testing. Emphasizes the application of data analysis in public health settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SOC150 — Introduction to Sociology: Studies the structure of societies and the influence of social dynamics on individual and community health. Analyzes inequality, culture, and community organization. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COM105 — Professional Communication: Focuses on interpersonal and public communication skills required for effective leadership in the health sector. Emphasizes empathetic and clear articulation of ideas. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MIN110 — Principles of Servant Leadership: Explores the theory and application of servant leadership within organizations. Focuses on humility, integrity, and building consensus. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • PUB201
  • Introduction to Public Health
  • 3
  • BIO105
  • COU210
  • Addiction and Society
  • 3
  • PSY110
  • BIO220
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology
  • 4
  • BIO105
  • BUS200
  • Nonprofit Administration
  • 3
  • None
  • PUB201 — Introduction to Public Health: Provides an overview of the history and function of public health. Analyzes modern public health challenges and the role of systemic intervention. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COU210 — Addiction and Society: Examines the historical and cultural contexts of substance use. Discusses the societal impact of addiction and common public health responses. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BIO220 — Human Anatomy and Physiology: Detailed study of human biological systems, focusing on how internal and external environments influence physical function. Emphasizes physiological resilience. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS200 — Nonprofit Administration: Covers the management, fundraising, and organizational structure of nonprofit entities. Discusses ethical leadership and resource management. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • PUB250
  • Epidemiology Fundamentals
  • 3
  • MAT120
  • COU255
  • Substance Use Prevention Models
  • 3
  • COU210
  • RES280
  • Research Methods in Social Science
  • 3
  • MAT120
  • HIS250
  • History of Social Reform
  • 3
  • None
  • PUB250 — Epidemiology Fundamentals: Introduction to the methods of tracking disease, health outcomes, and trends within populations. Focuses on data collection and statistical health assessment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COU255 — Substance Use Prevention Models: Reviews the theoretical models for preventing substance use in communities. Focuses on community-level strategies and education initiatives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • RES280 — Research Methods in Social Science: Explores qualitative and quantitative research methods relevant to health and social services. Emphasizes ethical research practices. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • HIS250 — History of Social Reform: Analyzes historical movements that addressed social ills through community and religious advocacy. Explores lessons for current reform efforts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 5 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • PUB300
  • Environmental and Community Health
  • 3
  • PUB201
  • COU310
  • Neurobiology of Addiction
  • 4
  • BIO220
  • MGT320
  • Organizational Leadership
  • 3
  • MIN110
  • SOC350
  • Social Stratification and Health
  • 3
  • SOC150
  • PUB300 — Environmental and Community Health: Investigates the impact of environmental factors on the health of marginalized communities. Examines structural issues affecting neighborhood well-being. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COU310 — Neurobiology of Addiction: Provides an advanced study of the physiological pathways of addiction and substance dependency. Discusses the brain's recovery mechanisms. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT320 — Organizational Leadership: Examines leadership strategies for managing staff and volunteers in mission-driven environments. Focuses on team development and accountability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SOC350 — Social Stratification and Health: Explores the relationship between socioeconomic status and health disparities. Analyzes how systemic obstacles influence community health outcomes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 6 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • PUB350
  • Health Policy and Advocacy
  • 3
  • PUB300
  • COU380
  • Community-Based Intervention Design
  • 3
  • RES280
  • EDU350
  • Community Education and Outreach
  • 3
  • COM105
  • HUM310
  • Humanity and Stewardship
  • 3
  • THE101
  • PUB350 — Health Policy and Advocacy: Evaluates the legislative and policy frameworks that govern public health. Discusses how to advocate for equitable resources for communities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COU380 — Community-Based Intervention Design: Focuses on the practical design of community health programs tailored to substance use recovery and support. Covers program planning and evaluation logic. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • EDU350 — Community Education and Outreach: Examines techniques for teaching health literacy to diverse populations. Emphasizes cultural competence in community communication. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • HUM310 — Humanity and Stewardship: Integrates the concept of human dignity and earth stewardship into social and service practice. Emphasizes the philosophical roots of human service. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 7 — Year 4
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • PUB400
  • Advanced Epidemiological Analysis
  • 3
  • PUB250
  • COU420
  • Ethics in Substance Use Recovery
  • 3
  • THE101
  • MGT450
  • Financial Stewardship for Nonprofits
  • 3
  • BUS200
  • RES450
  • Data-Driven Decision Making
  • 3
  • RES280
  • PUB400 — Advanced Epidemiological Analysis: Advanced review of health data sets and population trends. Focuses on applying analysis to real-world community health problems. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COU420 — Ethics in Substance Use Recovery: Addresses the specific ethical dilemmas faced by organizations providing recovery support. Focuses on confidentiality, consent, and boundaries. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT450 — Financial Stewardship for Nonprofits: Covers budget management, grant procurement, and ethical financial practices for nonprofit health programs. Emphasizes resource allocation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • RES450 — Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasizes the use of analytical tools to inform institutional planning and health interventions. Focuses on evidence-based organizational strategy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 8 — Year 4
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CAP490
  • Senior Capstone Project
  • 4
  • RES450
  • PUB450
  • Public Health Sustainability
  • 3
  • PUB350
  • COU480
  • Integrated Community Care Systems
  • 3
  • COU380
  • MIN495
  • Faith and Vocation
  • 3
  • MIN110
  • CAP490 — Senior Capstone Project: Students execute a community-focused public health project involving research, planning, and evaluation. This culminating experience requires an oral presentation and written report. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PUB450 — Public Health Sustainability: Discusses the long-term sustainability of community programs, including funding models and stakeholder engagement. Focuses on organizational longevity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COU480 — Integrated Community Care Systems: Explores the coordination of care between public health, social services, and community organizations. Emphasizes network building. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MIN495 — Faith and Vocation: Reflects on the synthesis of faith, spiritual growth, and professional calling within public health fields. Prepares students for professional integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or recognized equivalent, demonstrating a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Prospective students must submit a personal statement outlining their professional aspirations and commitment to serving community needs through an ethical, faith-informed perspective, as well as official transcripts for all prior secondary and postsecondary academic work. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience, requiring students to design a comprehensive public health initiative addressing substance use in a localized context. Students must demonstrate mastery of course content by integrating epidemiological research, ethical decision-making, and organizational management skills into a feasible community health project. This project serves as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical application, emphasizing the student's capacity for servant leadership and biblical stewardship. Students are required to deliver a final project report and a formal presentation that reflects their academic competence and commitment to faith-informed service. Through this endeavor, students exhibit their readiness to contribute to the mission-driven work of nonprofit and community organizations, ensuring their efforts are guided by professional integrity and a heart for holistic community welfare.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • To graduate, students must complete the 120-credit hour curriculum with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. In addition to academic rigor, students must participate in four years of designated community service hours and regular chapel attendance to foster spiritual formation and character development. The university ensures that students are not only academically proficient but also prepared for ethical engagement in public health sectors.
  • Final graduation clearance requires the successful completion of the Senior Capstone Project, demonstrating mastery of the program's outcomes. Graduates must reflect a synthesis of intellectual growth and spiritual maturity, confirming their readiness to enter professional life as leaders who approach health challenges with discernment, integrity, and a dedication to the common good.
  • Career Opportunities
  • Community Health Coordinator
  • Substance Use Prevention Specialist
  • Public Health Program Manager
  • Nonprofit Outreach Coordinator
  • Health Education Specialist
  • Human Services Case Liaison
  • Grant Writer for Health 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 | B.S. in Faith-Based Public Health Substance Use Focus
  • Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Four academic years
  • General education | 36 credit hours
  • Faith-Based Public Health Substance Use Focus core | 63 credit hours
  • Professional application courses | 15 credit hours
  • Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • ENG101 | Academic Writing and Research | 3 | None
  • BIO105 | Biological Basis of Health | 4 | None
  • PSY110 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
  • THE101 | Foundations of Christian Ethics | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MAT120 | Introductory Statistics | 3 | None
  • SOC150 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
  • COM105 | Professional Communication | 3 | ENG101
  • MIN110 | Principles of Servant Leadership | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • PUB201 | Introduction to Public Health | 3 | BIO105
  • COU210 | Addiction and Society | 3 | PSY110
  • BIO220 | Human Anatomy and Physiology | 4 | BIO105
  • BUS200 | Nonprofit Administration | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • PUB250 | Epidemiology Fundamentals | 3 | MAT120
  • COU255 | Substance Use Prevention Models | 3 | COU210
  • RES280 | Research Methods in Social Science | 3 | MAT120
  • HIS250 | History of Social Reform | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • PUB300 | Environmental and Community Health | 3 | PUB201
  • COU310 | Neurobiology of Addiction | 4 | BIO220
  • MGT320 | Organizational Leadership | 3 | MIN110
  • SOC350 | Social Stratification and Health | 3 | SOC150
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • PUB350 | Health Policy and Advocacy | 3 | PUB300
  • COU380 | Community-Based Intervention Design | 3 | RES280
  • EDU350 | Community Education and Outreach | 3 | COM105
  • HUM310 | Humanity and Stewardship | 3 | THE101
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • PUB400 | Advanced Epidemiological Analysis | 3 | PUB250
  • COU420 | Ethics in Substance Use Recovery | 3 | THE101
  • MGT450 | Financial Stewardship for Nonprofits | 3 | BUS200
  • RES450 | Data-Driven Decision Making | 3 | RES280
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | RES450
  • PUB450 | Public Health Sustainability | 3 | PUB350
  • COU480 | Integrated Community Care Systems | 3 | COU380
  • MIN495 | Faith and Vocation | 3 | MIN110

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Community Health Coordinator
  • Substance Use Prevention Specialist
  • Public Health Program Manager
  • Nonprofit Outreach Coordinator
  • Health Education Specialist
  • Human Services Case Liaison
  • Grant Writer for Health Initiatives

Additional Official Information

Additional source information

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 | B.S. in Faith-Based Public Health Substance Use Focus
  • Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Four academic years