Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Philosophy (Specialization in Ethics, Social Justice)

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Faith-Based Philosophy

Total program length

60 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years

General education

18 credit hours

Faith-Based Philosophy core

30 credit hours

Professional application courses

9 credit hours

Capstone requirement

3 credit hours

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Philosophy with a specialization in Ethics and Social Justice offers a rigorous intellectual foundation for students seeking to integrate philosophical inquiry with the practical demands of public life. This program examines the historical, logical, and ethical frameworks that inform contemporary social structures, focusing on the role of virtue, justice, and human dignity within communal settings. Students engage with foundational philosophical texts while analyzing modern social challenges through a lens of stewardship and intentional ethical action. By bridging theoretical philosophy with the complexities of public policy and social advocacy, the curriculum equips learners to navigate diverse professional environments with analytical precision and a grounded moral compass. The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, clear communication, and the capacity to apply ethical principles to real-world dilemmas, ensuring that graduates are prepared to address the needs of their communities with wisdom and integrity.

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Philosophy provides a rigorous foundational study in ethics, social justice, and human development, integrating communication skills with a principled framework. Students examine community resources and supportive service practices, preparing them to evaluate complex societal issues through a lens of philosophical inquiry and faith-based values.

Program Details

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

General education | 18 credit hours

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

Capstone: Ethical Social Practice

• 4
• RES201, PHI250
• COU250
• Human Development and Service
• 4
• SOC110
• MIN220
• Servant Leadership in Practice
• 4
• THE105
• PHI290
• Special Topics in Ethics
• 3
• PHI210
• CAP299 — Capstone: Ethical Social Practice: The capstone project provides the opportunity to integrate theoretical knowledge with field-based problem solving through a formal research study or service proposal. Students synthesize their learning to demonstrate competence in ethical reasoning and professional application. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU250 — Human Development and Service: This course focuses on the life-span development process and how service providers can support individual needs effectively. Students examine the psychosocial factors that impact community participation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN220 — Servant Leadership in Practice: Students analyze the theological and philosophical foundations of servant leadership. The course focuses on applying these principles to foster healthy organizational cultures and community trust. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PHI290 — Special Topics in Ethics: This seminar focuses on contemporary ethical debates and their implications for public policy and nonprofit service. Students engage in current research and discourse relevant to the field. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PHI101 | Introduction to Philosophy | 4 | None
• ENG101 | College Composition | 4 | None
• SOC110 | Introduction to Sociology | 4 | None
• PHI105 | Foundations of Ethical Theory | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PHI210 | Ethics and Social Justice | 4 | PHI101
• COM200 | Interpersonal Communication | 4 | ENG101
• MAT150 | Statistical Reasoning | 4 | None
• RES201 | Research Methods in the Social Sciences | 3 | SOC110
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PHI250 | Philosophy of Law and Policy | 4 | PHI210
• BUS220 | Nonprofit Leadership and Stewardship | 4 | SOC110
• HIS230 | History of Social Reform Movements | 4 | None
• EDU210 | Principles of Community Engagement | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP299 | Capstone: Ethical Social Practice | 4 | RES201, PHI250
• COU250 | Human Development and Service | 4 | SOC110
• MIN220 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 4 | THE105
• PHI290 | Special Topics in Ethics | 3 | PHI210

Career Opportunities

• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Nonprofit Program Assistant
• Social Advocacy Researcher
• Faith-Based Policy Liaison
• Volunteer Services Manager
• Human Services Case Aide
• Church Ministry Administrator

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