Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Dance (Specialization in Movement Therapy)

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Faith-Based Dance

Total program length

60 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years

General education

18 credit hours

Faith-Based Dance core

30 credit hours

Professional application courses

9 credit hours

Capstone requirement

3 credit hours

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Dance with a specialization in Movement Therapy provides a foundational curriculum integrating the performing arts with a rigorous study of human movement and wellbeing. The program is designed to equip students with the theoretical and practical tools necessary to utilize dance as a vessel for holistic expression and social contribution. By blending technical dance proficiency with psychological principles and community-oriented praxis, the curriculum prepares students to serve in diverse cultural and organizational environments. Students engage in movement-based inquiry that respects the dignity of the individual and promotes restorative community health. The program fosters professional development through a lens of ethical responsibility and servant leadership, ensuring graduates approach their practice with academic rigor and a commitment to service. This course of study bridges artistic excellence with purposeful engagement, encouraging students to consider how movement can facilitate interpersonal connection and communal flourishing. This interdisciplinary approach ensures students are well-prepared for entry-level positions or further undergraduate study in the arts, social sciences, or ministry-related fields.

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Dance (Specialization in Movement Therapy) provides students with a foundational study in dance technique, human development, and spiritual embodiment. The curriculum integrates core principles of communication, ethics, and community resources to prepare students for supportive service practices within faith-based organizations and community outreach initiatives. Through a blend of theoretical instruction and practical application, students explore how movement serves as a vehicle for personal expression, relational healing, and holistic wellness.

Program Details

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

General education | 18 credit hours

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

Capstone Project: Movement and Service

• 4
• RES250
• PSY220
• Principles of Behavioral Ethics and Character Development
• 3
• None
• DAN290 — Advanced Movement Praxis: This course refines technical dance skills through advanced choreography and performance analysis. Students integrate their therapeutic movement knowledge into professional-grade artistic work. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU280 — Foundations of Group Facilitation: This course focuses on the theories and skills necessary for leading groups in collaborative and therapeutic settings. Students practice facilitation strategies that promote inclusivity and community trust. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP299 — Capstone Project: Movement and Service: The capstone project requires the application of movement practice to address an identified community need within a nonprofit organization. Students present their findings and reflections, demonstrating both disciplinary competence and faith-informed ethical integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY220 — Principles of Behavioral Ethics and Character Development: This course examines the psychological foundations of moral reasoning, character formation, and prosocial behavior within diverse social contexts. Students evaluate theoretical frameworks regarding human development and personal integrity in professional environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Research | 3 | None
• DAN110 | Foundations of Movement Technique | 4 | None
• PSY105 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• HUM120 | Ethics and Culture | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DAN150 | History of Dance and Expression | 3 | DAN110
• SOC110 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• MAT201 | Quantitative Reasoning for Social Impact | 3 | None
• COU200 | Human Development and Growth | 4 | PSY105
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DAN220 | Movement and Wellness | 4 | DAN150
• MIN210 | Servant Leadership and Community Engagement | 3 | None
• BIO230 | Anatomy and Kinesiology | 4 | None
• RES250 | Research Methods in the Arts | 3 | ENG101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DAN290 | Advanced Movement Praxis | 3 | DAN220
• COU280 | Foundations of Group Facilitation | 3 | COU200
• CAP299 | Capstone Project: Movement and Service | 4 | RES250
• PSY220 | Principles of Behavioral Ethics and Character Development | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

• Community outreach coordinator for performing arts non-profits
• Dance ministry director in a church or para-church setting
• Wellness activities specialist for community recreation centers
• Support staff for rehabilitative community programs
• Program assistant for youth development organizations
• Advocacy specialist for arts-based social services
• Outreach facilitator for cultural wellness initiatives

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