Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Film Production (Specialization in Documentary Filmmaking, Media Activism)

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Faith-Based Film Production

Total program length

60 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years

General education

18 credit hours

Faith-Based Film Production core

30 credit hours

Professional application courses

9 credit hours

Capstone requirement

3 credit hours

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Film Production provides a foundational education in the technical and narrative elements of documentary filmmaking and media activism. Students engage with the history, aesthetics, and production methodologies required to craft compelling visual stories that reflect a commitment to human dignity and social justice. The curriculum balances technical instruction in camera operation, editing, and sound design with an emphasis on ethical storytelling and the responsible use of media to foster community awareness and social progress.

Throughout the program, students explore the intersection of creative media production and the values of servant leadership and stewardship. By examining documentary techniques through the lens of community-based storytelling, graduates develop the capacity to advocate for social change while maintaining academic and professional integrity. The program is designed to equip students with a robust portfolio and the critical thinking skills necessary for impactful visual communication in diverse organizational contexts.

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Film Production provides a foundational study in media aesthetics, visual storytelling, and digital cinematography, integrated with core principles of human development, ethics, and communication. This program equips students with the technical proficiencies and contextual understanding necessary for professional engagement in documentary filmmaking and media activism, emphasizing the role of media in community development, social awareness, and the implementation of supportive service narratives within diverse cultural landscapes.

Program Details

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

General education | 18 credit hours

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

Capstone Documentary Project

• 4
• FIL201, COM220
• FIL240
• Advanced Media Distribution
• 3
• COM220
• BUS205
• Nonprofit Resource Management
• 3
• None
• BUS230
• Professional Ethics and Organizational Standards
• 3
• None
• CAP250 — Capstone Documentary Project: In this culminating course, students produce a complete documentary film, synthesizing their knowledge of production, narrative, and ethics. The final work is presented as a demonstration of professional readiness and community advocacy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• FIL240 — Advanced Media Distribution: Students explore various platforms for distributing documentary content, including festivals, web portals, and institutional outreach campaigns. Strategies for audience engagement and community feedback are evaluated. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS205 — Nonprofit Resource Management: This course covers the essentials of project budgeting, grant writing, and the stewardship of assets in the non-profit sector. Emphasis is placed on transparency and accountability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS230 — Professional Ethics and Organizational Standards: This course examines the ethical frameworks and professional standards necessary for leadership within the media production industry. Students analyze case studies involving corporate responsibility, workplace conduct, and public accountability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG101 | Composition and Rhetorical Foundations | 3 | None
• FIL101 | Introduction to Documentary History | 4 | None
• THE110 | Principles of Servant Leadership | 3 | None
• COM105 | Visual Storytelling Fundamentals | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• FIL120 | Digital Cinematography | 4 | COM105
• SOC150 | Contemporary Social Issues | 3 | None
• FIL130 | Documentary Field Production | 3 | FIL120
• RES102 | Ethics in Media Activism | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• FIL201 | Non-Linear Editing and Post-Production | 4 | FIL130
• MIN210 | Community Engagement and Stewardship | 3 | None
• COM220 | Media Advocacy and Outreach | 3 | None
• HUM200 | Interdisciplinary Studies | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP250 | Capstone Documentary Project | 4 | FIL201, COM220
• FIL240 | Advanced Media Distribution | 3 | COM220
• BUS205 | Nonprofit Resource Management | 3 | None
• BUS230 | Professional Ethics and Organizational Standards | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

• Documentary Production Assistant
• Nonprofit Media Coordinator
• Community Outreach Communications Specialist
• Faith-Based Media Producer
• Digital Storyteller for Social Enterprises
• Video Content Editor for Mission-Based NGOs
• Media Activist

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