Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Legal Studies (Specialization in Advocacy, Human Rights)

Program Overview

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Legal Studies with a specialization in Advocacy and Human Rights provides students with a robust foundation in the principles of jurisprudence, social justice, and ethical public policy. This program integrates academic rigor with a commitment to servant leadership, equipping students to understand the intersection of legal frameworks and the common good through a lens of stewardship and moral integrity. By analyzing historical precedents and contemporary policy issues, students are prepared to address systemic challenges within society while maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards.

Students engage with curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, effective communication, and the practical application of law to address human rights concerns. The program fosters an environment where faith-informed values guide academic inquiry, encouraging learners to translate theoretical knowledge into actionable strategies for community support and advocacy. Through a comprehensive educational experience, students develop the analytical depth necessary to navigate complex public policy landscapes with competence and principled discernment.

Program Details

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

Capstone: Advocacy and Ethics Project

• 4
• RES200, POL210
• CRJ315
• Legal Ethics and Professionalism
• 3
• CHR110
• SOC300
• Restorative Justice Systems
• 3
• CRJ305
• BUS310
• Strategic Stewardship and Finance
• 3
• BUS150
• CAP290 — Capstone: Advocacy and Ethics Project: Culminating experience requiring an independent project applying legal advocacy to a community need. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CRJ315 — Legal Ethics and Professionalism: Focus on the moral obligations of advocates and the standards of ethical conduct in practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC300 — Restorative Justice Systems: Investigation into models of justice that prioritize healing and community reconciliation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS310 — Strategic Stewardship and Finance: Introduction to sustainable funding, resource management, and transparency in nonprofit settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Career Opportunities

• Legal Assistant in Public Interest Law Firms
• Advocacy Specialist for International Human Rights Organizations
• Community Outreach Coordinator for Faith-Based Nonprofits
• Policy Analyst for Social Justice Agencies
• Case Manager in Civic and Social Service Organizations
• Human Rights Liaison for Humanitarian NGOs
• Public Policy Assistant

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.
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG101 | Composition and Rhetorical Inquiry | 4 | None
• HIS105 | Foundations of Jurisprudence | 3 | None
• PHI110 | Foundations of Moral Philosophy | 3 | None
• SOC101 | Sociology of Community Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CRJ201 | Introduction to Civil Rights Law | 4 | HIS105
• COM205 | Public Advocacy and Communication | 3 | ENG101
• RES200 | Legal Research Methods | 3 | ENG101
• BUS150 | Nonprofit Management Basics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CRJ305 | Human Rights and Global Policy | 4 | CRJ201
• POL210 | Public Policy Analysis | 3 | HIS105
• PSY220 | Conflict Resolution and Mediation | 3 | SOC101
• MIN250 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 3 | CHR110
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP290 | Capstone: Advocacy and Ethics Project | 4 | RES200, POL210
• CRJ315 | Legal Ethics and Professionalism | 3 | CHR110
• SOC300 | Restorative Justice Systems | 3 | CRJ305
• BUS310 | Strategic Stewardship and Finance | 3 | BUS150