Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Agricultural Studies (Specialization in Sustainable Agriculture, Community Development)

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Faith-Based Agricultural Studies

Total program length

60 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years

General education

18 credit hours

Faith-Based Agricultural Studies core

30 credit hours

Professional application courses

9 credit hours

Capstone requirement

3 credit hours

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Agricultural Studies provides an interdisciplinary foundation in sustainable agriculture and community development, rooted in the principles of ethical stewardship and servant leadership. Students engage with both the biological sciences of food production and the sociological frameworks necessary for fostering resilient, thriving communities. The curriculum emphasizes the connection between responsible environmental management and the holistic well-being of populations served by faith-based organizations. Through a blend of rigorous theoretical study and practical application, the program addresses the complexities of modern food systems with a commitment to integrity and resource conservation. Graduates are equipped to serve as stewards of the land and advocates for community-based solutions, demonstrating a deep integration of academic inquiry and moral responsibility. The program fosters a sophisticated understanding of how professional agricultural practices can support the mission of community development in diverse contexts.

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Agricultural Studies provides foundational study in sustainable agriculture, human development, effective communication, biblical ethics, community resources, and supportive service practices. Through an integrated curriculum, students explore the intersection of agricultural stewardship and community development, preparing them to apply theoretical knowledge and service-oriented practices within diverse settings.

Program Details

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

General education | 18 credit hours

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

Capstone Project in Agricultural Studies

• 4
• RES250, MGT220
• EDU230
• Educational Outreach in Communities
• 3
• None
• BUS250
• Ethics in Non-Profit Business
• 3
• BUS201
• SOC240
• Community Capacity Building
• 3
• SOC105
• CAP299 — Capstone Project in Agricultural Studies: The capstone project serves as the culmination of the program, requiring students to design and propose a solution to a real-world community agricultural challenge. This project integrates all previous coursework with a focus on ethical stewardship and leadership. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU230 — Educational Outreach in Communities: This course focuses on strategies for delivering educational programming to community members and stakeholders. Students learn to design workshops and outreach materials that are accessible and impactful. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS250 — Ethics in Non-Profit Business: Students analyze the intersection of fiscal responsibility and organizational mission within the nonprofit sector. The course promotes high standards of accountability and ethical integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC240 — Community Capacity Building: This course focuses on identifying and strengthening local assets to foster self-sustaining community development. Students explore how to empower stakeholders to lead their own initiatives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO101 | Principles of Sustainable Agriculture | 4 | None
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Communication | 3 | None
• SOC105 | Community Development Theory | 3 | None
• THE110 | Ethics and Servant Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO120 | Soil and Water Management | 4 | BIO101
• MAT150 | Applied Statistics for Social Good | 3 | None
• BUS201 | Nonprofit Resource Management | 3 | None
• HIS210 | Global Perspectives on Food Security | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO210 | Crop Production and Food Systems | 4 | BIO120
• COU205 | Cross-Cultural Engagement | 3 | None
• MGT220 | Project Planning and Implementation | 3 | None
• RES250 | Introduction to Field Research | 3 | MAT150
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP299 | Capstone Project in Agricultural Studies | 4 | RES250, MGT220
• EDU230 | Educational Outreach in Communities | 3 | None
• BUS250 | Ethics in Non-Profit Business | 3 | BUS201
• SOC240 | Community Capacity Building | 3 | SOC105

Career Opportunities

• Community Garden Manager
• Agricultural Outreach Specialist
• Nonprofit Development Coordinator
• Sustainable Food Systems Assistant
• Missionary Field Agent in Agriculture
• Nonprofit Resource Coordinator
• Environmental Stewardship Consultant
• Community Development Liaison

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 Agricultural Studies
• Total program length | 60 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years