Associate of Arts in Faith-Based History (Specialization in Historical Preservation, Museum Studies)

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Faith-Based History

Total program length

60 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years

General education

18 credit hours

Faith-Based History core

30 credit hours

Professional application courses

9 credit hours

Capstone requirement

3 credit hours

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based History with a specialization in Historical Preservation and Museum Studies provides a rigorous academic foundation in historiography, archival science, and cultural heritage management. Students engage with the complexities of human history through a lens of ethical responsibility and stewardship, examining how artifacts, documents, and historical narratives shape collective memory. Through the synthesis of academic theory and practical application, the curriculum emphasizes the importance of preserving the physical remnants of the past for the benefit of future generations.

The program uniquely integrates professional standards in museum administration with a commitment to the servant-leadership model inherent in faith-based organizational environments. Students analyze the impact of historical records on contemporary society while developing the technical skills necessary for collection management, exhibit design, and digital preservation. By prioritizing integrity and the preservation of truth, graduates are prepared to serve as stewards of cultural and institutional legacies within diverse community and nonprofit settings.

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based History provides students with a foundational study in historical analysis, the role of religion in societal development, and the application of museum studies and preservation techniques. The curriculum integrates the development of communication skills and ethical frameworks within a historical context, while examining the intersection of community resources and archival preservation. Through this academic sequence, students acquire the essential knowledge and methodologies required to engage in the stewardship of historical documentation and cultural heritage.

Program Details

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

General education | 18 credit hours

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

Capstone in Historical Preservation

• 4
• HIS201, RES150, HIS250
• COM205
• Strategic Communication for Nonprofits
• 3
• None
• HIS315
• Oral History and Community Narratives
• 3
• HIS250
• SOC250
• Ethics and Professional Responsibility in Organizations
• 3
• None
• CAP490 — Capstone in Historical Preservation: This project requires students to design and implement a comprehensive preservation project at a designated facility or institution. Students must produce a final report demonstrating professional competency and ethical reflection on their stewardship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM205 — Strategic Communication for Nonprofits: Students develop skills in writing, public relations, and promotional strategy tailored for the nonprofit sector. The course emphasizes storytelling as a means to foster community engagement and donor awareness. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS315 — Oral History and Community Narratives: This course covers the methodology of conducting, transcribing, and archiving oral history interviews. Students focus on preserving the diverse voices within local communities to enhance institutional narratives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC250 — Ethics and Professional Responsibility in Organizations: This course explores the theoretical foundations of professional ethics, personal accountability, and the role of integrity in leadership. Students will evaluate case studies regarding moral decision-making within the public and nonprofit sectors. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS101 | Foundations of Western Civilization | 3 | None
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Research | 3 | None
• HIS110 | Introduction to Public History | 3 | None
• CHR101 | Foundations of Servant Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS201 | Museum Studies and Curation | 4 | HIS110
• RES150 | Principles of Archival Management | 4 | None
• SOC105 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• MAT120 | Quantitative Reasoning for Nonprofits | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS305 | Social Movements in American History | 3 | HIS101
• HUM210 | Ethics in Cultural Stewardship | 3 | CHR101
• BUS220 | Nonprofit Administration and Operations | 4 | None
• HIS250 | Historical Research Methodologies | 3 | HIS101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Capstone in Historical Preservation | 4 | HIS201, RES150, HIS250
• COM205 | Strategic Communication for Nonprofits | 3 | None
• HIS315 | Oral History and Community Narratives | 3 | HIS250
• SOC250 | Ethics and Professional Responsibility in Organizations | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

• Assistant Museum Curator
• Archival Technician
• Historical Society Administrative Assistant
• Nonprofit Development Coordinator
• Community Outreach Liaison
• Educational Programming Assistant
• Cultural Heritage Consultant

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