Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Marriage, Family Therapy with Specialization in Addiction Counseling

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Marriage, Family Therapy with Specialization in Addiction Counseling

Total program length

60 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

60

Duration

2 years

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of theories and practices in marriage and family therapy.
• Assess and treat addiction within the context of family dynamics.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research relevant to marriage, family therapy, and addiction counseling.
• Apply ethical and culturally competent practices in clinical settings.
• Design and implement comprehensive treatment plans for individuals and families dealing with addiction.
• Engage in effective supervision and mentorship in the field of marriage and family therapy.
• Advocate for policies and practices that support families affected by addiction.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MFTD 701
• Advanced Marriage & Family Systems Theory
• 3
• Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy or related field
• MFTD 702
• Contemporary Issues in Marriage & Family Therapy
• 3
• None
• MFTD 703
• Ethics, Law & Professional Issues in MFT
• 3
• None
• MFTD 704
• Advanced Multicultural & Diversity Issues in Family Systems
• 3
• None
• MFTD 701 — Advanced Marriage & Family Systems Theory: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MFTD 702 — Contemporary Issues in Marriage & Family Therapy: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MFTD 703 — Ethics, Law & Professional Issues in MFT: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MFTD 704 — Advanced Multicultural & Diversity Issues in Family Systems: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MFTD 705
• Philosophy of Science & Counseling Inquiry
• 3
• None
• MFTD 706
• Leadership & Administration in Behavioral Health Systems
• 3
• None
• ACD 711
• Advanced Addiction Theory & Research
• 3
• None
• ACD 712
• Family Systems & Addiction Dynamics
• 3
• None
• MFTD 705 — Philosophy of Science & Counseling Inquiry: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MFTD 706 — Leadership & Administration in Behavioral Health Systems: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ACD 711 — Advanced Addiction Theory & Research: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ACD 712 — Family Systems & Addiction Dynamics: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ACD 713
• Co-Occurring Disorders & Integrated Care Models
• 3
• None
• ACD 714
• Addiction Policy, Prevention & Public Health
• 3
• None
• ACD 715
• Evidence-Based Interventions in Addiction Treatment
• 3
• None
• ACD 716
• Ethics & Policy in Addiction Counseling
• 3
• None
• ACD 713 — Co-Occurring Disorders & Integrated Care Models: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ACD 714 — Addiction Policy, Prevention & Public Health: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ACD 715 — Evidence-Based Interventions in Addiction Treatment: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ACD 716 — Ethics & Policy in Addiction Counseling: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES 721
• Quantitative Research Methods in Behavioral Sciences
• 3
• None
• RES 722
• Qualitative Research Methods in Family Studies
• 3
• None
• RES 723
• Advanced Statistics & Data Analysis
• 3
• Statistical Methods or Equivalent Course
• RES 724
• Program Evaluation & Outcomes Research
• 3
• None
• RES 721 — Quantitative Research Methods in Behavioral Sciences: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES 722 — Qualitative Research Methods in Family Studies: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES 723 — Advanced Statistics & Data Analysis: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES 724 — Program Evaluation & Outcomes Research: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES 725
• Scholarly Writing & Publication Strategies
• 3
• None
• DIS 901
• Dissertation Research I
• 3
• None
• DIS 902
• Dissertation Research II
• 3
• DIS 901 or equivalent introductory research methods course
• DIS 903
• Dissertation Research III
• 3
• DIS 902: Dissertation Research II
• RES 725 — Scholarly Writing & Publication Strategies: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS 901 — Dissertation Research I: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS 902 — Dissertation Research II: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS 903 — Dissertation Research III: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Candidates must hold a master's degree in marriage and family therapy or a related discipline, with a minimum GPA of 3.5. Additionally, applicants should provide a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and evidence of relevant clinical experience. Dissertation Requirement The capstone of this program is the completion of an original doctoral dissertation, representing the culmination of the candidate’s intellectual and spiritual formation. Candidates must demonstrate an advanced capacity for independent research, contributing to the academic discourse in marriage, family therapy, and addiction counseling through the lens of biblical truth and ethical practice. The dissertation process requires students to apply rigorous research methodologies to address complex societal issues, ensuring their scholarly output reflects both academic excellence and a dedicated commitment to advancing the welfare of families and communities. As an expression of servant leadership, the finished project serves as a testament to the candidate’s ability to offer professional, research-based solutions that are consistent with a Christian worldview and the principles of stewardship over the gifts of knowledge and human care.

• To satisfy the requirements for graduation, students must successfully complete 60 credit hours with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, adhering to the standard of excellence expected of Christian scholars. The curriculum consists of 18 credits in the Doctoral Core, 18 credits in the Addiction Specialization, 15 credits in Research and Methodology, and 9 credits of Dissertation Research. Candidates must demonstrate consistent growth in spiritual formation and moral character, reflecting the institution's commitment to ethical reasoning in all professional pursuits. As a non-clinical PhD program, the degree focuses exclusively on the mastery of theory, policy, research, and leadership development. Completion of the program signifies the candidate’s readiness to serve as a steward of restorative wisdom, possessing the scholarly, pedagogical, and policy-driven expertise required to lead in diverse professional settings while maintaining a steadfast foundation in the faith.
• Career Opportunities
• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
• Addiction Counselor
• Clinical Supervisor
• Researcher in Family Therapy
• Policy Advocate for Behavioral Health
• University Faculty in Counseling Programs
• Consultant for Family and Addiction 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 Marriage, Family Therapy with Specialization in Addiction Counseling
• Total program length | 60 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 marriage, family therapy and addiction counseling theory and specialization | 30 credit hours
• Research methods, statistics, and scholarly inquiry | 6 credit hours
• Professional leadership and higher-education teaching | 6 credit hours
• Advanced electives and concentration courses | 6 credit hours
• Scholarly writing and publication | 6 credit hours
• Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy | 0 credit hours
• Dissertation research and defense | 6 credit hours
• Total | 60 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MFTD 701 | Advanced Marriage & Family Systems Theory | 3 | Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy or related field
• MFTD 702 | Contemporary Issues in Marriage & Family Therapy | 3 | None
• MFTD 703 | Ethics, Law & Professional Issues in MFT | 3 | None
• MFTD 704 | Advanced Multicultural & Diversity Issues in Family Systems | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MFTD 705 | Philosophy of Science & Counseling Inquiry | 3 | None
• MFTD 706 | Leadership & Administration in Behavioral Health Systems | 3 | None
• ACD 711 | Advanced Addiction Theory & Research | 3 | None
• ACD 712 | Family Systems & Addiction Dynamics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ACD 713 | Co-Occurring Disorders & Integrated Care Models | 3 | None
• ACD 714 | Addiction Policy, Prevention & Public Health | 3 | None
• ACD 715 | Evidence-Based Interventions in Addiction Treatment | 3 | None
• ACD 716 | Ethics & Policy in Addiction Counseling | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES 721 | Quantitative Research Methods in Behavioral Sciences | 3 | None
• RES 722 | Qualitative Research Methods in Family Studies | 3 | None
• RES 723 | Advanced Statistics & Data Analysis | 3 | Statistical Methods or Equivalent Course
• RES 724 | Program Evaluation & Outcomes Research | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES 725 | Scholarly Writing & Publication Strategies | 3 | None
• DIS 901 | Dissertation Research I | 3 | None
• DIS 902 | Dissertation Research II | 3 | DIS 901 or equivalent introductory research methods course
• DIS 903 | Dissertation Research III | 3 | DIS 902: Dissertation Research II