Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Nutrition (Specialization in Public Health, Wellness)

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Faith-Based Nutrition

Total program length

60 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years

General education

18 credit hours

Faith-Based Nutrition core

30 credit hours

Professional application courses

9 credit hours

Capstone requirement

3 credit hours

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Nutrition is a 60-credit interdisciplinary program housed within the College of Health Science at HBI University. This program integrates foundational principles of nutritional science, public health, and wellness with a robust ethical framework rooted in Christian service and stewardship. Students engage in a rigorous academic study of the physiological, social, and environmental factors influencing community health, balanced with a commitment to the well-being of the whole person. The curriculum is designed to prepare students to serve as knowledgeable professionals capable of fostering healthy communities through evidence-informed advocacy and servant leadership. By bridging theoretical nutrition with practical wellness programming, graduates are equipped to address the complexities of modern public health challenges through the lens of compassion and social responsibility. This academic experience fosters a deep understanding of nutritional requirements across the lifespan, emphasized by the ethical mandate to care for the vulnerable and promote holistic wellness in diverse populations. The program bridges academic rigor with character formation, preparing graduates to excel as thoughtful contributors to their communities.

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Nutrition provides students with a foundational study in holistic health, human development, communication strategies, and ethical considerations within the context of faith-based wellness. The curriculum integrates the exploration of community resources and the development of supportive service practices, preparing individuals to understand the intersection of nutritional health, public wellness, and ministerial service in diverse populations.

Program Details

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

General education | 18 credit hours

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

Capstone: Wellness Initiative Design

• 4
• RES200, NUT210
• NUT250
• Global Health and Food Security
• 3
• NUT120
• COU210
• Wellness Counseling Techniques
• 3
• PSY101
• MGT240
• Community Health Project Management
• 3
• BUS220
• CAP299 — Capstone: Wellness Initiative Design: Students implement a culminating project that integrates nutritional science, public health, and ethical reasoning. The project includes a detailed program design for a community health initiative. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• NUT250 — Global Health and Food Security: Analysis of the global food landscape and the impacts of systemic inequality on dietary health. Strategies for advocacy and sustainable resource management are emphasized. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU210 — Wellness Counseling Techniques: Introduces basic counseling skills to facilitate behavior changes in wellness settings. Students practice active listening and goal-setting with diverse populations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT240 — Community Health Project Management: Focuses on the practical aspects of organizing health initiatives, including budgeting, scheduling, and evaluation. Students learn to align organizational goals with community needs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO101 | Human Biology and Health | 4 | None
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Rhetoric | 3 | None
• PHI101 | Foundations of Professional Ethics | 3 | None
• MAT110 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• NUT120 | Principles of Nutrition | 4 | BIO101
• SOC150 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• PSY101 | General Psychology | 3 | None
• COM200 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• NUT210 | Community Nutrition and Wellness | 4 | NUT120
• BUS220 | Introduction to Nonprofit Management | 3 | None
• RES200 | Research Methods in Health | 3 | MAT110
• LDR205 | Principles of Community Leadership | 3 | THE101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP299 | Capstone: Wellness Initiative Design | 4 | RES200, NUT210
• NUT250 | Global Health and Food Security | 3 | NUT120
• COU210 | Wellness Counseling Techniques | 3 | PSY101
• MGT240 | Community Health Project Management | 3 | BUS220

Career Opportunities

• Community Health Advocate
• Nutrition Program Coordinator
• Wellness Ministry Assistant
• Nonprofit Health Educator
• Food Security Program Specialist
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Health and Wellness 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 Nutrition
• Total program length | 60 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years