Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Intelligence Studies (Specialization in Human Rights, Security)

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Faith-Based Intelligence Studies

Total program length

60 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years

General education

18 credit hours

Faith-Based Intelligence Studies core

30 credit hours

Professional application courses

9 credit hours

Capstone requirement

3 credit hours

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Intelligence Studies with a specialization in Human Rights and Security offers a rigorous academic foundation for students seeking to integrate ethical decision-making with modern analytical frameworks. This interdisciplinary program explores the intersection of international security, fundamental human rights, and the stewardship of organizational resources within a global context. Students examine the geopolitical landscape through both historical and contemporary lenses, gaining practical research skills essential for navigating complex social environments.

By emphasizing servant leadership and the ethical application of intelligence analysis, the program equips students to serve diverse populations with integrity and excellence. Graduates are prepared to contribute to the mission of organizations by applying data-driven insights to promote justice, human dignity, and the protection of vulnerable communities. The curriculum fosters both intellectual growth and the development of a character-centered approach to professional service.

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Intelligence Studies provides a foundational study in intelligence theory, human development, communication, ethics, community resources, and supportive service practices. Students engage in a curriculum designed to cultivate critical analysis and decision-making skills through a framework of faith-based principles, preparing them for specialized roles in security and human rights advocacy where ethical stewardship and professional integrity are paramount.

Program Details

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

General education | 18 credit hours

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

Capstone: Human Rights Strategy

• 4
• RES301, CRJ310
• HIS410
• Geopolitical Trends and Policy Analysis
• 3
• None
• EDU420
• Instructional Leadership and Capacity Building
• 3
• None
• MIN430
• Community Outreach and Engagement
• 3
• None
• CAP490 — Capstone: Human Rights Strategy: The capstone project serves as the culminating experience where students integrate research, intelligence analysis, and faith-informed ethical decision-making into a professional project. Students demonstrate academic rigor and personal character in addressing a real-world humanitarian challenge. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS410 — Geopolitical Trends and Policy Analysis: Students monitor contemporary geopolitical developments and their impact on humanitarian missions. The course develops the ability to interpret complex data for strategic policy recommendations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU420 — Instructional Leadership and Capacity Building: This course examines methods for building capacity within community teams and mentoring colleagues. Focus is on empowering others through shared knowledge and servant-leadership principles. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN430 — Community Outreach and Engagement: Students refine skills in public engagement and community mobilization for humanitarian initiatives. The course explores strategies for building coalitions across diverse stakeholder groups. 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 | 4 | None
• HIS110 | Global History of Human Rights | 4 | None
• SOC120 | Sociology of Community Development | 4 | None
• CHR101 | Foundations of Ethical Reasoning | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CRJ210 | Introduction to Intelligence Analysis | 4 | ENG101
• MAT200 | Quantitative Reasoning for Social Research | 4 | None
• COM220 | Intercultural Communication | 4 | None
• BUS230 | Principles of Non-Profit Resource Management | 4 | CHR101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CRJ310 | Security and Human Rights | 4 | CRJ210
• RES301 | Applied Research Methods | 4 | MAT200
• COU320 | Conflict Resolution and Mediation | 4 | SOC120
• MGT330 | Risk Assessment and Mitigation | 4 | CRJ210
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Capstone: Human Rights Strategy | 4 | RES301, CRJ310
• HIS410 | Geopolitical Trends and Policy Analysis | 3 | None
• EDU420 | Instructional Leadership and Capacity Building | 3 | None
• MIN430 | Community Outreach and Engagement | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

• Humanitarian Aid Coordinator
• Nonprofit Research Analyst
• Community Security Liaison
• Policy Outreach Assistant
• Human Rights Advocacy Specialist
• Faith-Based Program Director
• Compliance Officer for Social Services

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