Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Rehabilitation Science (Addiction Rehabilitation Research)

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Rehabilitation Science

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 advanced theoretical frameworks in rehabilitation science to inform evidence-based intervention strategies.
• Evaluate the intersection of ethical reasoning and organizational governance in the administration of community support programs.
• Design original, rigorous research projects that address contemporary challenges in addiction recovery and community wellness.
• Demonstrate advanced proficiency in quantitative and qualitative data analysis to improve organizational decision-making.
• Integrate a Christian worldview with scholarly inquiry to promote justice, stewardship, and compassion in service settings.
• Communicate complex research findings effectively to diverse stakeholders and academic audiences.
• Develop leadership capacities that prioritize servant leadership and moral accountability in institutional environments.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES701
• Quantitative Research Design
• 3
• None
• THE705
• Ethical Foundations of Service
• 3
• None
• COU710
• Theories of Recovery Science
• 4
• None
• RES701 — Quantitative Research Design: This course examines statistical methodologies and experimental designs suitable for rehabilitation research. Students learn to implement empirical models to assess program effectiveness. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE705 — Ethical Foundations of Service: This course explores the intersection of moral philosophy and professional service within community contexts. Students evaluate ethical frameworks for leadership and organizational stewardship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU710 — Theories of Recovery Science: An advanced analysis of biopsychosocial theories underlying addiction and behavioral health recovery. Students synthesize academic models to inform community support initiatives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES702
• Qualitative Research Methods
• 3
• RES701
• SOC720
• Organizational Dynamics
• 3
• None
• COU725
• Addiction Policy and Advocacy
• 3
• None
• RES730
• Literature Review and Synthesis
• 3
• RES701
• RES702 — Qualitative Research Methods: Students gain proficiency in ethnographic inquiry, grounded theory, and phenomenological research techniques. Application involves rigorous data collection and thematic analysis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC720 — Organizational Dynamics: Analysis of leadership structures within community-based nonprofit organizations. The course emphasizes servant leadership principles and effective management. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU725 — Addiction Policy and Advocacy: Exploration of the legal, social, and economic policies impacting addiction recovery services. Students develop advocacy strategies for institutional progress. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES730 — Literature Review and Synthesis: Focuses on the systematic review of academic literature to identify gaps in existing rehabilitation research. Students practice advanced scholarly writing. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES801
• Advanced Data Analysis
• 3
• RES701
• THE810
• Stewardship and Nonprofit Governance
• 3
• None
• COU815
• Community Intervention Models
• 3
• COU710
• RES820
• Proposal Writing for Research
• 3
• RES730
• RES801 — Advanced Data Analysis: Application of multivariate analysis and software tools to evaluate complex research datasets. Emphasis is placed on validity, reliability, and precision. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE810 — Stewardship and Nonprofit Governance: Examines the fiscal and moral responsibilities inherent in managing community resources. Principles of transparency and servant leadership are applied to institutional development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU815 — Community Intervention Models: Investigates evidence-informed intervention strategies for rehabilitation in diverse community settings. Students evaluate program outcomes and accessibility. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES820 — Proposal Writing for Research: Preparation of the formal dissertation proposal including methodology, rationale, and IRB requirements. The course refines the student's research focus. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP850
• Dissertation Research I
• 5
• RES820
• HIS840
• History of Social Reform
• 3
• None
• EDU860
• Leadership in Professional Training
• 3
• None
• COU870
• Cross-Cultural Rehabilitation
• 3
• None
• CAP850 — Dissertation Research I: Initiation of primary research activities under faculty supervision. Students execute the methodological steps outlined in their approved dissertation proposals. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS840 — History of Social Reform: A study of the historical movements that have shaped community-based social welfare. Focuses on the role of civil society in rehabilitation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU860 — Leadership in Professional Training: Focuses on training personnel in clinical and community roles using adult learning principles. Emphasizes character development and ethical professional standards. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU870 — Cross-Cultural Rehabilitation: Analyzes the cultural competencies required for effective service delivery in diverse urban and rural communities. Addresses social justice and equity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP851
• Dissertation Research II
• 5
• CAP850
• BUS880
• Nonprofit Resource Management
• 3
• None
• PSY890
• Psychology of Holistic Well-being
• 3
• None
• RES895
• Advanced Statistical Review
• 3
• RES801
• CAP851 — Dissertation Research II: Continued execution of dissertation research and analysis. Regular progress reports and peer reviews are conducted to ensure methodological consistency. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS880 — Nonprofit Resource Management: Exploration of resource mobilization, grant acquisition, and strategic planning within nonprofit organizations. Focuses on stewardship and mission alignment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY890 — Psychology of Holistic Well-being: This course explores the intersection of psychological health and psychosocial development within diverse populations. Students analyze evidence-based practices for fostering resilience and long-term recovery outcomes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES895 — Advanced Statistical Review: Refinement of analytic techniques utilized in the dissertation. Students ensure statistical integrity in their final research documents. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP852
• Dissertation Finalization and Defense
• 5
• CAP851
• COM890
• Professional Communication of Research
• 3
• None
• MGT895
• Capstone Strategic Integration
• 3
• None
• RES899
• Interdisciplinary Synthesis in Rehabilitation Science
• 3
• None
• CAP852 — Dissertation Finalization and Defense: Completion of the final dissertation manuscript and defense before the doctoral committee. Focuses on synthesizing findings into scholarly recommendations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM890 — Professional Communication of Research: Translating research outcomes for various stakeholders including donors, staff, and the scientific community. Focuses on accessible, impact-driven communication. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT895 — Capstone Strategic Integration: Integration of research skills into organizational practice. Students develop a strategic outlook for future contributions to the field. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES899 — Interdisciplinary Synthesis in Rehabilitation Science: This seminar facilitates the integration of complex data sets and methodologies to address multifaceted social issues. Emphasis is placed on collaborative synthesis and applied research to solve systemic rehabilitation challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must possess a Master's degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution in a field related to psychology, sociology, social work, public health, or a closely aligned discipline with a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. Admission requires the submission of official transcripts, a current curriculum vitae, a statement of purpose outlining research interests, three letters of recommendation, and a writing sample demonstrating graduate-level academic proficiency. Dissertation Requirement The Dissertation serves as the culminating scholarly endeavor for the PhD program, representing the student's original contribution to the field of rehabilitation science. Spanning the final three semesters, the dissertation process requires candidates to identify a critical gap in research, propose a methodological approach, and execute a comprehensive study that adheres to the highest standards of academic integrity and institutional review. Integrating a faith-informed perspective, the dissertation requires students to synthesize professional research with an awareness of spiritual formation, ethical stewardship, and community impact. The final deliverable consists of a comprehensive manuscript that is defended before a faculty committee. This project demonstrates not only the student’s academic rigor and mastery of research methodology but also their capacity for character-driven leadership and commitment to the service of marginalized populations. The 15-credit requirement ensures adequate time for meticulous data analysis and the professional dissemination of findings.

• To graduate, students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and successfully complete all 120 required credit hours, including the 35 credits transferred from the master's program. Candidates must fulfill all doctoral-level coursework with a grade of 'B' or better and pass a comprehensive examination designed to test the synthesis of program content and research methodology.
• Beyond academic requirements, students must demonstrate readiness for faith-informed service through active participation in institutional community engagement and professional character development forums. Graduation acknowledges that the scholar has achieved both the technical competence necessary for high-level research and the moral maturity required for ethical leadership. Candidates must finalize their dissertation defense and secure formal approval of their research manuscript as the final step in their professional formation.
• Career Opportunities
• Research Scientist in Addiction Policy
• Nonprofit Organization Program Director
• Higher Education Faculty or Academic Researcher
• Social Science Data Analyst
• Community Outreach Administrator
• Faith-Based Organizational Consultant
• Policy Analyst for Health and Human Services
• 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 Rehabilitation Science
• 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 rehabilitation 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
• RES701 | Quantitative Research Design | 3 | None
• THE705 | Ethical Foundations of Service | 3 | None
• COU710 | Theories of Recovery Science | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES702 | Qualitative Research Methods | 3 | RES701
• SOC720 | Organizational Dynamics | 3 | None
• COU725 | Addiction Policy and Advocacy | 3 | None
• RES730 | Literature Review and Synthesis | 3 | RES701
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES801 | Advanced Data Analysis | 3 | RES701
• THE810 | Stewardship and Nonprofit Governance | 3 | None
• COU815 | Community Intervention Models | 3 | COU710
• RES820 | Proposal Writing for Research | 3 | RES730
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP850 | Dissertation Research I | 5 | RES820
• HIS840 | History of Social Reform | 3 | None
• EDU860 | Leadership in Professional Training | 3 | None
• COU870 | Cross-Cultural Rehabilitation | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP851 | Dissertation Research II | 5 | CAP850
• BUS880 | Nonprofit Resource Management | 3 | None
• PSY890 | Psychology of Holistic Well-being | 3 | None
• RES895 | Advanced Statistical Review | 3 | RES801
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP852 | Dissertation Finalization and Defense | 5 | CAP851
• COM890 | Professional Communication of Research | 3 | None
• MGT895 | Capstone Strategic Integration | 3 | None
• RES899 | Interdisciplinary Synthesis in Rehabilitation Science | 3 | None