Associate of Arts in Faith-Based African Studies (Specialization in Cultural Preservation, Advocacy)

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Faith-Based African Studies

Total program length

60 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years

General education

18 credit hours

Faith-Based African Studies core

30 credit hours

Professional application courses

9 credit hours

Capstone requirement

3 credit hours

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based African Studies with a specialization in Cultural Preservation and Advocacy provides a comprehensive exploration of the historical, sociological, and cultural dimensions of the African continent and its diaspora. Students engage with academic frameworks that analyze the complexities of heritage, identity, and social development while integrating ethical considerations rooted in stewardship and servant leadership. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, historical inquiry, and the practical application of advocacy strategies to preserve cultural assets within community-based settings. By bridging academic research with a commitment to human flourishing and ethical integrity, this program prepares students to navigate the global landscape through a lens of service and informed stewardship. Graduates are equipped to analyze contemporary issues through the intersection of interdisciplinary research and the pursuit of community-centered justice.

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based African Studies provides a rigorous foundational study in historical, cultural, and theological perspectives relevant to the African experience. The curriculum emphasizes human development and effective communication through the lens of faith, while integrating ethical considerations, community resources, and supportive service practices. Students are equipped with a multidisciplinary framework designed to facilitate advocacy and cultural preservation within diverse community settings.

Program Details

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

General education | 18 credit hours

• Faith-Based African Studies core | 30 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 9 credit hours

Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS101 | Foundations of African History | 4 | None
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Research | 3 | None
• SOC105 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• PHI110 | Foundations of Philosophical Ethics | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS210 | Modern African Social Movements | 4 | HIS101
• HUM200 | Cultural Preservation Studies | 3 | None
• MAT150 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 | None
• COM220 | Communication for Advocacy | 4 | ENG101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC305 | Sociology of the African Diaspora | 4 | SOC105
• MGT310 | Nonprofit Organizational Management | 3 | None
• HIS350 | Heritage Advocacy and Ethics | 3 | HUM200
• RES300 | Qualitative Research Methods | 4 | ENG101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | RES300
• MIN405 | Community Engagement Strategies | 3 | None
• EDU410 | Community Education and Literacy | 3 | None
• POL420 | Social Justice and Public Policy | 4 | THE110

Career Opportunities

• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Cultural Heritage Project Assistant
• Nonprofit Program Support Specialist
• Community Advocacy Liaison
• International Development Aide
• Historical Society Administrative Associate
• Faith-Based Community Engagement Specialist

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 Faith-Based African Studies
• Total program length | 60 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years