Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Astronomy (Specialization in Space Education, Public Outreach)

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Faith-Based Astronomy

Total program length

60 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years

General education

18 credit hours

Faith-Based Astronomy core

30 credit hours

Professional application courses

9 credit hours

Capstone requirement

3 credit hours

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Astronomy with a specialization in Space Education and Public Outreach provides a rigorous interdisciplinary foundation in celestial mechanics, astrophysical principles, and community-centered educational strategies. Designed for students who seek to bridge the gap between scientific inquiry and public engagement, this program emphasizes the synthesis of evidence-based astronomical knowledge with the ethical imperatives of servant leadership and stewardship. Students explore the physical universe through a lens of intellectual humility and objective observation, developing the skills necessary to present complex scientific data in accessible, meaningful ways to diverse audiences. The curriculum balances foundational sciences with robust communication and public speaking training, ensuring that graduates are prepared to foster a deeper understanding of the natural world. By integrating professional pedagogical standards with a strong moral and ethical framework, the program empowers students to serve as effective educators and community liaisons. Graduates emerge as reflective practitioners capable of managing outreach initiatives within both secular and faith-based settings, demonstrating academic rigor, communicative precision, and a steadfast commitment to intellectual service.

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Astronomy provides a comprehensive foundational study in the mechanics of the cosmos integrated with theological reflection, human development, and effective communication strategies. Through this program, students explore the intersection of celestial phenomena and faith-based inquiry, while developing essential skills in public outreach, ethical engagement, community resource utilization, and supportive service practices suitable for educational and informal science settings.

Program Details

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

General education | 18 credit hours

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

Capstone Project: Community Astronomy

• 4
• All Core Courses
• EDU275
• Applied Instructional Design
• 3
• EDU150
• MIN200
• Servant Leadership in Practice
• 3
• THE101
• RES280
• Research Methods for Community Impact
• 3
• MAT120, ENG101
• CAP299 — Capstone Project: Community Astronomy: A culminating project requiring the design and execution of an astronomy-focused outreach program in a community setting. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU275 — Applied Instructional Design: Provides practical training in designing curricula for workshops and public education programs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN200 — Servant Leadership in Practice: Explores the application of servant leadership models within organizational and community service settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES280 — Research Methods for Community Impact: Covers methodologies for evaluating program effectiveness and conducting community-based research. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• AST101 | Foundations of Astronomy | 4 | None
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Research | 3 | None
• MAT120 | College Algebra for Sciences | 3 | None
• ENV101 | Environmental Resource Management | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• AST201 | Planetary Science and Exploration | 4 | AST101
• COM210 | Public Speaking and Communication | 3 | ENG101
• SOC105 | Community Engagement Strategies | 3 | None
• EDU150 | Foundations of Public Education | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• AST250 | Astrophysics and Cosmology | 4 | AST101, MAT120
• MGT210 | Nonprofit Organizational Leadership | 3 | None
• COM320 | Digital Outreach and Scientific Literacy | 3 | COM210
• PHI220 | Ethics in Science and Technology | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP299 | Capstone Project: Community Astronomy | 4 | All Core Courses
• EDU275 | Applied Instructional Design | 3 | EDU150
• MIN200 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 3 | THE101
• RES280 | Research Methods for Community Impact | 3 | MAT120, ENG101

Career Opportunities

• Science Center Educational Assistant
• Planetarium Outreach Coordinator
• Nonprofit Program Administrator
• Faith-Based Community Educator
• Public Observatory Program Facilitator
• Science Museum Liaison
• Youth STEM 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 Astronomy
• Total program length | 60 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years