← Programs CatalogAuthoritative HBIU program data

degree · Associate · Persisted candidate preview

Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Public Relations (Specialization in Advocacy, Media Outreach)

Academic unitCollege of Arts and HumanitiesTotal credits60Estimated duration2 yearsSource documentAssociate_of_Arts_in_Faith_Based_Public_Relations__Specialization_in_Advocacy__M.docx

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Faith-Based Public Relations

Total program length

60 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years

General education

18 credit hours

Faith-Based Public Relations core

30 credit hours

Professional application courses

9 credit hours

Capstone requirement

3 credit hours

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Public Relations is a foundational undergraduate program designed to cultivate professional expertise in communication, media strategy, and community advocacy. Students engage with core principles of public relations, including message development, stakeholder engagement, and crisis management, all within the framework of ethical communication and servant leadership. By bridging technical media proficiency with foundational humanities, the program prepares graduates to effectively articulate organizational values and advance community-oriented missions. The curriculum emphasizes the strategic importance of transparency, integrity, and proactive outreach in the public sphere, ensuring that students develop the analytical and practical skills necessary to navigate the modern media landscape. Through a combination of theoretical study and applied practice, learners explore how institutional reputation is built and maintained, fostering an understanding of public opinion that is both academically rigorous and ethically grounded.

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Public Relations provides a foundational study in public relations, human development, communication, ethics, community resources, and supportive service practices. This curriculum is designed to equip students with the essential theoretical and practical skills necessary to navigate the intersections of media outreach, advocacy, and faith-based institutional mission-building, fostering an informed perspective on professional engagement within diverse societal contexts.

Program Facts

Program facts

Degree abbreviation: A.A. in Faith-Based Public Relations
Total program length: 60 semester credit hours
Normal completion time: Two academic years
General education: 18 credit hours
Professional application courses: 9 credit hours
Capstone requirement: 3 credit hours
Academic unit: College of Arts and Humanities
Total credits: 60
Duration: 2 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

Analyze contemporary media trends to develop effective outreach strategies for organizational advancement.
Design comprehensive public relations campaigns that reflect ethical reasoning and community stewardship.
Communicate complex organizational messages across diverse digital and traditional platforms.
Evaluate the impact of media messaging on public perception and community engagement.
Integrate principles of servant leadership into the management of stakeholder relationships.
Demonstrate proficiency in professional writing and media production standards suitable for nonprofit environments.

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED, with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Prospective students are required to submit an application form, official academic transcripts, and a brief personal statement outlining their interest in public relations and community service. Admission decisions are based on academic readiness and the applicant’s alignment with the university’s mission to foster character-driven scholarship. Culminating Project The Capstone Project serves as the final academic demonstration of the student’s mastery in public relations, requiring the development of a comprehensive communication portfolio for a real-world, faith-based nonprofit organization. Students are expected to research an organizational need, design a targeted advocacy strategy, and produce a suite of media assets that reflect both professional competence and ethical alignment with the client’s mission. This project demands the application of critical thinking, strategic planning, and the synthesis of theories learned throughout the program. Beyond technical achievement, the capstone provides a venue for students to articulate their integration of faith-informed character and servant leadership. Participants must reflect on how biblical stewardship and ethical integrity shape their decision-making process when managing organizational public identity. By delivering a project that serves the community while meeting professional standards, students demonstrate a maturation of their personal and academic identity, confirming their readiness to act as responsible stewards of institutional reputation.

Program Structure

Official program structure

Program Details

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

Semester-by-Semester Curriculum

Official course sequence

Year 1

Semester 1

15 credits

Code	Course Title	Credits	Prerequisite
ENG101	Academic Writing and Rhetoric	4	None
View Description This course develops fundamental skills in expository writing, research methodology, and rhetorical analysis. Students learn to construct clear, persuasive arguments suitable for professional publication. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
COM110	Introduction to Public Relations	4	None
View Description An overview of the principles and history of the public relations profession. Students study the evolution of mass media and the ethical responsibilities of communication practitioners. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
BUS120	Principles of Organizational Management	4	None
View Description This course examines management theories focusing on leadership, resource allocation, and organizational behavior. Emphasis is placed on ethical decision-making within hierarchical structures. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
THE105	Foundations of Ethical Reasoning	3	None
View Description A study of ethical frameworks and their application to professional life. Students explore how to integrate virtue ethics and community service into modern practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Semester 2

15 credits

Code	Course Title	Credits	Prerequisite
COM150	Digital Media and Advocacy	4	COM110
View Description An investigation into digital strategy, social media campaigns, and electronic communication tactics. The course focuses on maximizing impact through digital storytelling and community networking. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
SOC130	Sociology of Community Engagement	4	None
View Description This course analyzes the structural dynamics of community involvement and the role of institutions in social service. Students explore methods for identifying and addressing community needs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
ENG210	Professional and Technical Communication	4	ENG101
View Description Focuses on the production of business reports, press releases, and grant proposals. Students refine their ability to translate complex information for diverse public audiences. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
PSY115	Interpersonal Communication	3	None
View Description Study of relational dynamics, active listening, and conflict resolution within professional settings. Students develop the empathy needed for effective stakeholder engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Semester 3

15 credits

Code	Course Title	Credits	Prerequisite
COM220	Media Writing and Production	4	ENG210
View Description Training in the creation of visual and written content for various media outlets. Students gain proficiency in editorial standards and creative narrative development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
BUS230	Nonprofit Resource Development	4	BUS120
View Description An introduction to the mechanics of fundraising, grant writing, and budget management. The course emphasizes fiscal responsibility and transparent stewardship of resources. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
COM250	Crisis Communication Strategy	4	COM110
View Description Examines methods for managing organizational reputation during periods of challenge. Students learn to maintain clear, ethical communication channels during complex situations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
HIS200	History of Social Reform Movements	3	None
View Description A review of historical social movements and the communication strategies that fueled them. Students apply these lessons to contemporary advocacy and media outreach. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Major / Core Requirements

Major and core requirements

General education | 18 credit hours

Faith-Based Public Relations core | 30 credit hours
Professional application courses | 9 credit hours

Final Project Requirement

Final project requirement

Capstone in Public Relations

4
All Core Courses
COM280
Public Opinion and Persuasion
4
COM110
BUS250
Leadership in Service Organizations
4
BUS120
RES210
Research Methods for Social Impact
3
MAT101
CAP299 — Capstone in Public Relations: The culminating project where students produce a comprehensive public relations campaign for a selected organization. This project synthesizes professional skill sets with ethical reflection and community commitment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
COM280 — Public Opinion and Persuasion: An exploration of theories related to mass communication, opinion formation, and ethical persuasion. The course analyzes how public trust is cultivated and maintained through consistent messaging. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
BUS250 — Leadership in Service Organizations: Focuses on the application of servant leadership models within the nonprofit sector. Students analyze the role of the leader in fostering organizational culture and mission alignment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
RES210 — Research Methods for Social Impact: Introduction to quantitative and qualitative research tools used to measure the efficacy of organizational programs. Students learn to conduct data-driven assessments of their public relations efforts. 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 Rhetoric | 4 | None
COM110 | Introduction to Public Relations | 4 | None
BUS120 | Principles of Organizational Management | 4 | None
THE105 | Foundations of Ethical Reasoning | 3 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
COM150 | Digital Media and Advocacy | 4 | COM110
SOC130 | Sociology of Community Engagement | 4 | None
ENG210 | Professional and Technical Communication | 4 | ENG101
PSY115 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
COM220 | Media Writing and Production | 4 | ENG210
BUS230 | Nonprofit Resource Development | 4 | BUS120
COM250 | Crisis Communication Strategy | 4 | COM110
HIS200 | History of Social Reform Movements | 3 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
CAP299 | Capstone in Public Relations | 4 | All Core Courses
COM280 | Public Opinion and Persuasion | 4 | COM110
BUS250 | Leadership in Service Organizations | 4 | BUS120
RES210 | Research Methods for Social Impact | 3 | MAT101

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

To graduate with the Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Public Relations, students must successfully complete 60 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Graduates must demonstrate mastery of the curriculum through the successful defense of their Capstone Project and completion of all required courses. Academic progress is accompanied by the completion of designated service-learning hours, which reflect the university's commitment to tangible community engagement and the application of classroom knowledge to real-world social needs.
Furthermore, candidates for graduation must fulfill spiritual formation requirements, including regular participation in community gatherings and reflection on the integration of ethics and personal vocation. This holistic approach ensures that students leave the institution not only with the academic tools to lead in public relations but also with the moral clarity and dedication to service necessary for a life of faith-informed impact. Readiness for graduation is marked by a blend of intellectual inquiry and the intentional cultivation of a servant-hearted professional disposition.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

Public Relations Assistant for non-profit organizations
Communications Coordinator for faith-based community outreach
Social Media Manager for advocacy groups
Development and Outreach Specialist
Media Relations Associate
Community Relations Liaison
Non-profit Advocacy Coordinator

Additional Official Information

Additional source information

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 Public Relations
Total program length | 60 semester credit hours
Normal completion time | Two academic years