Program Overview
Official program overview
Program Overview
Degree abbreviation
A.A. in Faith-Based Archaeology
Total program length
60 semester credit hours
Normal completion time
Two academic years
General education
18 credit hours
Faith-Based Archaeology core
30 credit hours
Professional application courses
9 credit hours
Capstone requirement
3 credit hours
The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Archaeology with a specialization in Cultural Heritage Preservation provides students with a foundational understanding of archaeological methodology, historical site analysis, and the ethical stewardship of cultural resources. The curriculum bridges technical field skills with a deep commitment to the preservation of human history, emphasizing the intersection of cultural artifacts and the moral responsibilities inherent in their curation and conservation. Students engage with rigorous academic coursework that evaluates the significance of historical discoveries within their wider global and theological contexts. By fostering a deep appreciation for the integrity of historical sites, the program equips graduates to manage collections and public outreach with a sense of calling and professional excellence. The program cultivates a holistic approach to heritage management that respects the delicate balance between empirical research and the legacy of ancestral communities. Through this scholarly pursuit, students are prepared to contribute meaningful service within diverse heritage preservation environments, ensuring that historical knowledge is protected and interpreted with ethical foresight and technical proficiency.
The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Archaeology provides a foundational study in archaeological methodology, human development within historical contexts, and the critical intersection of faith and material culture. This program integrates essential academic communication, professional ethics, and the study of historical community resources to prepare students for supportive service practices in cultural heritage preservation and public history.
Program Facts
Program facts
- Degree abbreviation
- A.A. in Faith-Based Archaeology
- Total program length
- 60 semester credit hours
- Normal completion time
- Two academic years
- General education
- 18 credit hours
- Professional application courses
- 9 credit hours
- Capstone requirement
- 3 credit hours
- Academic unit
- College of Arts and Humanities
- Total credits
- 60
- Duration
- 2 years
Program Description
Official program description
Learning Outcomes
Student learning outcomes
- Analyze the fundamental theories and methodologies employed in archaeological fieldwork and research.
- Apply ethical principles to the preservation and interpretation of cultural artifacts and historical sites.
- Evaluate the role of stewardship in managing cultural heritage for public and educational engagement.
- Demonstrate technical competence in the documentation and digital archiving of historical records.
- Communicate findings from cultural research to diverse audiences using clear and persuasive academic discourse.
- Integrate a Christian worldview into the professional practice of archaeology and heritage management.
Admission Requirements
Admission and entry requirements
Applicants must hold a high school diploma or recognized equivalent with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Prospective students should submit an academic essay describing their interest in historical preservation and their commitment to the institution’s mission of faith-informed service. Proficiency in English is required, and all applicants must demonstrate a foundational understanding of historical studies through previous coursework or a standardized entrance assessment.
Culminating Project
The Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience for the Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Archaeology, requiring students to synthesize their learning through the completion of a professional-level heritage preservation report. Students will identify a specific cultural site or historical collection, conducting an in-depth analysis that includes research, risk assessment, and a proposed preservation strategy. This project is worth 4 credit hours and is evaluated on both technical accuracy and the integration of the student's personal commitment to ethical stewardship.
The project underscores the student's transition from learner to servant-leader, necessitating that the final submission addresses how the preservation of history serves the greater good. Students must demonstrate how their analysis incorporates a Christian worldview, reflecting on their responsibility to protect human history as part of their vocational calling. Through this rigorous process, graduates demonstrate the capacity to merge intellectual excellence with the moral development required for professional engagement in the public and non-profit sectors.
Program Structure
Official program structure
Program Details
- Total Credits: 60
- Duration: 2 years
- Degree Level: Associate
Semester-by-Semester Curriculum
Official course sequence
Year 1
Semester 1
14 credits| Code | Course Title | Credits | Prerequisite |
|---|
| HIS101 | Introduction to World History | 3 | None |
View DescriptionA survey of significant historical developments from antiquity to the modern era. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions. |
| ENG101 | Academic Writing and Research | 4 | None |
View DescriptionInstruction in the principles of effective writing, critical analysis, and proper citation formats for academic research. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions. |
| ARC101 | Foundations of Archaeology | 4 | None |
View DescriptionAn introduction to the science of archaeology, including excavation techniques and artifact identification. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions. |
| PHI101 | Foundations of Ethical Inquiry | 3 | None |
View DescriptionThis course examines the evolution of normative ethical theories and their application to contemporary moral dilemmas in public and private life. Students analyze complex decision-making frameworks through historical and philosophical lenses. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions. |
Semester 2
14 credits| Code | Course Title | Credits | Prerequisite |
|---|
| ARC102 | Cultural Heritage Management | 4 | ARC101 |
View DescriptionExploration of policies and strategies for the preservation and management of historical sites. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions. |
| SOC201 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None |
View DescriptionStudy of human societies, social structures, and the interaction of community systems. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions. |
| HUM205 | Introduction to World Cultures | 3 | None |
View DescriptionA comparative study of human cultures and the significance of artistic and material traditions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions. |
| COM201 | Interpersonal Communication | 4 | None |
View DescriptionDevelopment of verbal and non-verbal skills essential for professional collaboration and community engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions. |
Semester 3
14 credits| Code | Course Title | Credits | Prerequisite |
|---|
| ARC201 | Field Methodology and Analysis | 4 | ARC102 |
View DescriptionPractical application of site recording, mapping, and the analytical processing of artifacts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions. |
| BUS205 | Nonprofit Resource Management | 3 | None |
View DescriptionOverview of administrative practices, grant research, and the stewardship of organizational resources. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions. |
| MAT201 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 | None |
View DescriptionFundamentals of statistical analysis as applied to social and scientific research data. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions. |
| RES205 | Research Design in Humanities | 4 | ENG101 |
View DescriptionDevelopment of inquiry frameworks and the ethical application of research methods in human studies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions. |
Year 2
Semester 4
14 credits| Code | Course Title | Credits | Prerequisite |
|---|
| CAP299 | Archaeology Capstone Project | 4 | RES205 |
View DescriptionA comprehensive project involving the design and execution of a cultural heritage preservation plan for a selected entity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions. |
| MIN210 | Principles of Servant Leadership | 3 | None |
View DescriptionExamination of leadership models focused on service, humility, and organizational health. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions. |
| ARC210 | Museum Studies and Archiving | 4 | ARC201 |
View DescriptionIntroduction to the curation, conservation, and digital archiving of cultural and historical collections. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions. |
| CHR250 | Global Perspectives on Heritage | 3 | None |
View DescriptionAn interdisciplinary look at how different cultures perceive and value historical preservation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions. |
Major / Core Requirements
Major and core requirements
General education | 18 credit hours
- Faith-Based Archaeology core | 30 credit hours
- Professional application courses | 9 credit hours
Final Project Requirement
Final project requirement
Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours
- Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
- HIS101 | Introduction to World History | 3 | None
- ENG101 | Academic Writing and Research | 4 | None
- ARC101 | Foundations of Archaeology | 4 | None
- PHI101 | Foundations of Ethical Inquiry | 3 | None
- Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
- ARC102 | Cultural Heritage Management | 4 | ARC101
- SOC201 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
- HUM205 | Introduction to World Cultures | 3 | None
- COM201 | Interpersonal Communication | 4 | None
- Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
- ARC201 | Field Methodology and Analysis | 4 | ARC102
- BUS205 | Nonprofit Resource Management | 3 | None
- MAT201 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 | None
- RES205 | Research Design in Humanities | 4 | ENG101
- Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
- CAP299 | Archaeology Capstone Project | 4 | RES205
- MIN210 | Principles of Servant Leadership | 3 | None
- ARC210 | Museum Studies and Archiving | 4 | ARC201
- CHR250 | Global Perspectives on Heritage | 3 | None
- CAP299 — Archaeology Capstone Project — 4 credits
Graduation Requirements
Graduation and completion requirements
- Graduation from the Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Archaeology requires the successful completion of 60 total credit hours with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0. In addition to technical academic requirements, students must demonstrate satisfactory completion of the Capstone Project, which confirms their readiness for ethical practice in the field of archaeology. Students are also expected to demonstrate evidence of character development through regular participation in campus community life, service initiatives, and spiritual formation reflections that align with the institution's commitment to integral education.
- Beyond academic attainment, the program requires that students engage in institutional service opportunities that mirror the professional expectations of the heritage sector. Graduates are expected to embody the values of integrity, servant leadership, and stewardship, reflecting a holistic maturity that balances scholarly rigor with faith-informed character. This comprehensive preparation ensures that all graduates are equipped to serve their communities as diligent, ethical, and professionally competent contributors to the field of cultural heritage.
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities
Career Opportunities
- Museum Archival Assistant
- Cultural Site Documentation Specialist
- Heritage Education Coordinator
- Non-profit Historical Consultant
- Community Outreach Liaison
- Museum Collections Assistant
Additional Official Information
Additional source information
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 Archaeology
- Total program length | 60 semester credit hours
- Normal completion time | Two academic years