Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Speech Pathology (Specialization in Disability Services)

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Faith-Based Speech Pathology

Total program length

60 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years

General education

18 credit hours

Faith-Based Speech Pathology core

30 credit hours

Professional application courses

9 credit hours

Capstone requirement

3 credit hours

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Speech Pathology (Specialization in Disability Services) offers a foundational exploration into the complexities of human communication, language development, and the systemic barriers faced by individuals with disabilities. This program integrates rigorous academic inquiry into linguistics and speech science with a focus on ethical stewardship, social justice, and the servant leadership principles essential for supporting diverse populations within community settings. Students develop a comprehensive understanding of human development, communication disorders, and inclusive practices through an interdisciplinary curriculum that bridges theoretical knowledge with compassionate, values-driven service. The program emphasizes the development of technical communication skills while fostering an environment of cultural humility and ethical responsibility. By examining the intersection of speech-language phenomena and disability advocacy, students gain the proficiency needed to engage in professional settings that prioritize the dignity of every individual. This approach ensures that graduates possess the foundational knowledge and the character-based leadership skills to effectively contribute to the mission of organizations focused on accessibility and community inclusion.

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Speech Pathology provides students with an essential foundation in the science of communication and human development, viewed through a faith-based perspective. The curriculum encompasses the study of speech and language processes, the integration of ethical considerations in supportive care, and the navigation of community resources. Through a rigorous examination of communication disorders, developmental stages, and supportive service practices, students are equipped with the theoretical and practical framework necessary to engage in assistive roles and advocate for individuals with diverse communicative needs within various social and organizational settings.

Program Details

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

General education | 18 credit hours

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

Capstone: Service and Stewardship Project

• 4
• RES250
• BUS240
• Nonprofit Organization Management
• 3
• None
• PSY230
• Psychology of Moral Development and Ethics
• 3
• None
• COM280
• Applied Ethics in Professional Practice
• 3
• THE101
• CAP299 — Capstone: Service and Stewardship Project: The culminating project where students design, implement, and present a community-focused intervention addressing a communication access or disability service issue. Students demonstrate personal and academic integration of faith-based principles. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS240 — Nonprofit Organization Management: Fundamentals of nonprofit management, including grant writing, resource stewardship, and community outreach. Students learn how to sustain mission-driven programs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY230 — Psychology of Moral Development and Ethics: This course examines the psychological theories regarding human moral development, character formation, and ethical decision-making across the lifespan. It explores how individuals navigate social norms and personal integrity within diverse community settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM280 — Applied Ethics in Professional Practice: A final exploration of decision-making frameworks for professional practice. Students address dilemmas that arise when serving populations with disabilities. 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 Communication | 3 | None
• PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology | 4 | None
• SOC101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• THE101 | Foundations of Ethical Thought | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM120 | Speech and Language Development | 4 | None
• BIO150 | Human Biology and Anatomy | 4 | None
• MAT110 | Statistics for the Social Sciences | 3 | None
• MIN120 | Servant Leadership in Communities | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU201 | Interpersonal Communication Strategies | 4 | COM120
• EDU210 | Inclusive Education and Disability Services | 3 | None
• SOC220 | Social Justice and Disability Advocacy | 3 | SOC101
• RES250 | Research Methods for Social Impact | 4 | MAT110
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP299 | Capstone: Service and Stewardship Project | 4 | RES250
• BUS240 | Nonprofit Organization Management | 3 | None
• PSY230 | Psychology of Moral Development and Ethics | 3 | None
• COM280 | Applied Ethics in Professional Practice | 3 | THE101

Career Opportunities

• Disability Services Coordinator
• Community Advocacy Liaison
• Nonprofit Program Assistant
• Communication Access Specialist
• Educational Paraprofessional
• Rehabilitation Administrative Support
• Community Health Outreach Worker

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