Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Education (Specialization in Elementary Education)

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Faith-Based Education

Total program length

60 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years

General education

18 credit hours

Educational theory and practice core

30 credit hours

Professional application courses

9 credit hours

Capstone requirement

3 credit hours

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Education offers a foundational academic experience centered on the intersection of professional education and community development. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum, students engage with theories of human development, pedagogical frameworks, and the sociological structures that support thriving communities. The program emphasizes the practical application of ethical reasoning, servant leadership, and responsible stewardship within diverse public and non-profit settings. Students are encouraged to develop a robust intellectual framework that synthesizes academic inquiry with a commitment to human flourishing and societal well-being. By fostering critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving, the program prepares graduates to navigate the complexities of contemporary educational and social environments with integrity and purpose. Through reflective practice, students examine how their personal values and character development shape their professional contributions to the institutions and populations they serve.

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Education provides a comprehensive foundational study in the subject, emphasizing human development, effective communication, and ethical decision-making within the context of community resources and supportive service practices. Students engage in rigorous coursework designed to integrate educational theory with practical application, preparing them to contribute effectively to educational and developmental initiatives in various community-based settings.

Program Details

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

General education | 18 credit hours

• Educational theory and practice core | 30 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 9 credit hours

Capstone Project

• 4
• All 100 and 200 level courses
• EDU 250 — Family and Community Engagement: This course focuses on strategies for building collaborative relationships between organizations and the communities they serve. It examines effective engagement techniques. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS 260 — Non-Profit Resource Management: This course introduces principles of resource allocation, budget oversight, and grant preparation for mission-driven organizations. It emphasizes fiscal integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN 280 — Servant Leadership in Practice: This course evaluates leadership paradigms that prioritize the needs of others and the welfare of the organization. It integrates reflective leadership practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP 299 — Capstone Project: This culminating project requires students to design a comprehensive proposal for a community-based intervention. It integrates all core learning objectives into a final professional document. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG 101 | Academic Composition | 4 | None
• PSY 101 | Developmental Psychology | 4 | None
• SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• EDU 105 | Foundations of Education | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM 110 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | ENG 101
• MAT 120 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | None
• BUS 205 | Principles of Management | 3 | None
• THE 201 | Ethics and Stewardship | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU 210 | Learning and Cognition | 4 | PSY 101
• SOC 220 | Community Development | 4 | SOC 101
• HIS 205 | Cultural History of Social Reform | 3 | None
• COU 230 | Introduction to Helping Professions | 3 | PSY 101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU 250 | Family and Community Engagement | 3 | SOC 220
• BUS 260 | Non-Profit Resource Management | 3 | BUS 205
• MIN 280 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 3 | None
• CAP 299 | Capstone Project | 4 | All 100 and 200 level courses

Career Opportunities

• Educational Assistant
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Non-Profit Program Aide
• Youth Ministry Coordinator
• Social Service Case Assistant
• Family Resource Center Specialist
• Volunteer Program Administrator

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