Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Theatre Arts (Specialization in Performing Arts, Community Engagement)

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Faith-Based Theatre Arts

Total program length

60 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years

General education

18 credit hours

Faith-Based Theatre Arts core

30 credit hours

Professional application courses

9 credit hours

Capstone requirement

3 credit hours

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Theatre Arts provides a comprehensive foundation in the performing arts with a specialized emphasis on community engagement and ethical stewardship. Students explore the intersection of dramatic theory, technical performance, and social responsibility within a rigorous academic framework. Through both studio-based training and scholarly inquiry, learners develop the artistic voice necessary to serve diverse populations while grounding their creative practice in a commitment to service and integrity. The curriculum emphasizes the role of the arts as a transformative tool for fostering dialogue and addressing the needs of the modern community.

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Theatre Arts provides students with foundational study in the performing arts, exploring the integration of artistic expression with community engagement. Through a curriculum rooted in creative human development, effective communication, and interpersonal ethics, the program examines how theatre serves as a medium for reflection and social interaction. Students are prepared to analyze community resources and utilize supportive service practices within the context of arts-based outreach, fostering a comprehensive understanding of how performance may positively influence diverse settings.

Program Details

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

General education | 18 credit hours

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

Capstone: Theatre for Impact

• 4
• All Core Courses
• HIS250
• History of Civic Institutions
• 3
• None
• THE250
• Advanced Directing for Outreach
• 3
• THE120
• SOC280
• Professional Development and Career Strategy
• 3
• CHR110
• CAP299 — Capstone: Theatre for Impact: The culminating project where students design and implement a theatre production serving a community need. The project integrates artistic practice with organizational leadership and ethical reflection. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS250 — History of Civic Institutions: Studies the evolution of voluntary associations and social movements. Students analyze the historical context of charitable and nonprofit work. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE250 — Advanced Directing for Outreach: Focuses on the techniques of directing for non-traditional spaces and community-based audiences. Students practice collaborative leadership through directing. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC280 — Professional Development and Career Strategy: This course explores the intersection of personal aptitude and career trajectories within the context of the nonprofit sector. Students will identify professional skills and organizational strategies necessary for sustainable long-term service in community-focused fields. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THE101 | Foundations of Theatre Arts | 4 | None
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Rhetoric | 3 | None
• COM105 | Principles of Communication | 3 | None
• PHI110 | Foundations of Moral Philosophy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THE120 | Acting and Character Development | 4 | THE101
• SOC150 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• MAT102 | Mathematics for Social Stewardship | 3 | None
• HUM200 | Cultural Engagement through the Arts | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THE210 | Stagecraft and Production Management | 4 | THE101
• MGT215 | Nonprofit Organizational Leadership | 3 | None
• THE230 | Theatre for Community Development | 3 | THE120
• PSY220 | Psychology of Human Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP299 | Capstone: Theatre for Impact | 4 | All Core Courses
• HIS250 | History of Civic Institutions | 3 | None
• THE250 | Advanced Directing for Outreach | 3 | THE120
• SOC280 | Professional Development and Career Strategy | 3 | CHR110

Career Opportunities

• Community Theatre Director
• Nonprofit Arts Administrator
• Drama Ministry Coordinator
• Performing Arts Outreach Specialist
• Youth Arts Education Facilitator
• Event Production Assistant
• Volunteer Program Coordinator

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