Associate of Arts in Divinity (Specialization in Leadership & Cultural Management)

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Divinity Major in Leadership, Cultural Management

Total program length

60 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years

General education

18 credit hours

Divinity and leadership core

30 credit hours

Professional application courses

9 credit hours

Capstone requirement

3 credit hours

The Associate of Arts in Divinity, with a Major in Leadership and Cultural Management, provides students with a foundational interdisciplinary education centered on the intersection of organizational leadership and community stewardship. This program equips learners with the analytical tools to manage cultural dynamics and leadership challenges within complex organizational environments. By integrating rigorous academic inquiry with principles of ethical responsibility, students explore the mechanics of human systems and effective management practices. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, professional communication, and the strategic application of organizational theory, ensuring that graduates are prepared to contribute to the mission-driven sectors of society. Students will engage with diverse scholarly perspectives to understand how leadership structures influence cultural outcomes and community health. This degree fosters the development of administrative competence and ethical decision-making, providing a robust intellectual framework for students to navigate the demands of modern organizational life while remaining committed to values-based service and professional excellence.

The Associate of Arts in Divinity Major in Leadership, Cultural Management provides students with a foundational study in divinity and organizational leadership, emphasizing human development, effective communication, and ethical decision-making. Through a curriculum designed to integrate faith-based principles with practical administration, students explore the utilization of community resources and the implementation of supportive service practices, preparing them for roles within ministry, non-profit organizations, and community-focused leadership settings.

Program Details

• Total Credits: 60
• Duration: 2 years
• Degree Level: Associate

General education | 18 credit hours

• Divinity and leadership core | 30 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 9 credit hours

Capstone Project in Leadership and Cultural Management

• 4
• Completion of 56 credit hours
• MGT305 — Strategic Leadership for Nonprofit Organizations: This advanced course examines strategic planning techniques for small to medium-sized organizations. Students align organizational mission with tactical implementation and community needs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN310 — Spiritual Formation and Professional Conduct: Students examine the relationship between interior spiritual life and exterior professional behavior. The course promotes the development of resilience and sustainable commitment to service. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR350 — History of Christian Thought on Social Justice: This course traces the historical perspectives on equity, charity, and social duty. It provides a deeper understanding of the motivations behind community-based philanthropy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP400 — Capstone Project in Leadership and Cultural Management: The capstone project requires the synthesis of all previous learning to develop an original organizational project or management plan. Students demonstrate their ability to apply academic, ethical, and spiritual principles to complex issues. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Rhetoric | 4 | None
• THE101 | Foundations of Biblical Study | 4 | None
• SOC101 | Introduction to Sociology | 4 | None
• MGT101 | Principles of Management | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BUS201 | Nonprofit Administration | 3 | MGT101
• MIN201 | Introduction to Servant Leadership | 3 | None
• PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• CHR205 | Ethics and Moral Decision Making | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM210 | Interpersonal and Organizational Communication | 4 | ENG101
• HUM205 | Cultural Anthropology and Community Dynamics | 4 | SOC101
• MIN220 | Principles of Stewardship | 4 | BUS201
• RES200 | Research Methods for Social Impact | 4 | MAT100
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT305 | Strategic Leadership for Nonprofit Organizations | 3 | MGT101
• MIN310 | Spiritual Formation and Professional Conduct | 3 | THE101
• CHR350 | History of Christian Thought on Social Justice | 3 | THE101
• CAP400 | Capstone Project in Leadership and Cultural Management | 4 | Completion of 56 credit hours

Career Opportunities

• Nonprofit Program Coordinator
• Community Outreach Liaison
• Church Administrative Assistant
• Volunteer Services Manager
• Ministry Operations Coordinator
• Community Development Associate
• Human Resources Assistant in Nonprofits

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 | A.A. in Divinity Major in Leadership, Cultural Management
• Total program length | 60 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years