Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Anthropology (Specialization in Community Development, Cultural Awareness)

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Faith-Based Anthropology

Total program length

60 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years

General education

18 credit hours

Faith-Based Anthropology core

30 credit hours

Professional application courses

9 credit hours

Capstone requirement

3 credit hours

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Anthropology offers a foundational exploration of human culture, social structures, and community dynamics through an interdisciplinary lens. This program examines how historical, sociological, and anthropological perspectives intersect to form the basis of effective community development, cultural engagement, and social stewardship. Students analyze the complexities of human behavior and global cultural diversity within a framework that emphasizes ethics, compassion, and the pursuit of human flourishing. By integrating rigorous academic inquiry with practical service-oriented methodologies, the program provides a comprehensive foundation for students seeking to understand their role in the global community. The curriculum emphasizes the application of cultural intelligence and critical reasoning to address contemporary social challenges. Students are encouraged to develop a sophisticated understanding of how diverse traditions, social systems, and economic structures influence community growth and individual agency. Through the synthesis of scholarly research and fieldwork principles, graduates are prepared to serve as thoughtful contributors in various organizational settings.

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Anthropology provides a comprehensive foundational study in the intersection of cultural anthropology and faith-based service. The curriculum emphasizes the holistic development of human societies, effective cross-cultural communication, ethical frameworks for community engagement, and the strategic identification of community resources. Through integrated coursework and practical applications, students are equipped with the analytical tools and service-oriented practices necessary to support and facilitate sustainable initiatives within diverse community settings.

Program Details

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

General education | 18 credit hours

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

Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ANT101 | Introduction to Anthropology | 4 | None
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Research | 3 | None
• SOC101 | Principles of Sociology | 3 | None
• THE101 | Foundations of Ethical Stewardship | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ANT201 | Cultural Anthropology and Diversity | 4 | ANT101
• COM101 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | None
• HIS201 | World History and Social Change | 3 | None
• MIN110 | Servant Leadership Principles | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ANT301 | Community Development Strategies | 4 | ANT201
• BUS205 | Nonprofit Management Basics | 3 | None
• PSY201 | Developmental Psychology | 3 | SOC101
• RES201 | Social Research Methods | 3 | ENG101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP400 | Community Engagement Seminar and Applied Portfolio | 4 | RES201
• SOC210 | Sociology of Social Inequality | 3 | THE101
• ANT310 | Fieldwork and Cultural Immersion | 3 | ANT301
• SOC305 | Public Policy and Community Welfare | 3 | SOC101

Career Opportunities

• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Nonprofit Program Assistant
• Cross-Cultural Relations Specialist
• Social Advocacy Consultant
• Missionary Field Personnel
• Faith-Based Program Manager
• Humanitarian Aid Logistics Assistant

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