Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Veterinary Medicine (Specialization in Animal Welfare)

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Faith-Based Veterinary Medicine

Total program length

60 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years

General education

18 credit hours

Faith-Based Veterinary Medicine core

30 credit hours

Professional application courses

9 credit hours

Capstone requirement

3 credit hours

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Veterinary Medicine with a specialization in Animal Welfare is a foundational program designed for students seeking to integrate vocational excellence in animal stewardship with a commitment to compassionate service. Through a curriculum that emphasizes biological sciences, ethical reasoning, and organizational management, students gain the foundational knowledge necessary to support animal welfare initiatives in diverse settings. The program serves as a bridge for those who view the care of animals as a form of stewardship and a meaningful expression of service to the community. By combining rigorous academic study with a focus on ethical development, this program prepares students for various entry-level roles within animal-centered organizations. Students are encouraged to develop a professional philosophy that prioritizes animal well-being and responsible management, grounded in principles of integrity and servant leadership. The program faculty fosters an environment where analytical rigor meets a heart for service, equipping graduates to serve effectively in nonprofit and community-based animal welfare sectors.

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Veterinary Medicine provides comprehensive foundational study in the subject, emphasizing animal welfare through the lenses of stewardship and ethical responsibility. The curriculum integrates core knowledge of animal care and biology with essential coursework in human development, effective communication, and interpersonal ethics. Students are introduced to community resources and evidence-based supportive service practices designed to foster the well-being of both animals and their human caregivers within various vocational and ministry-oriented settings.

Program Details

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

General education | 18 credit hours

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

Capstone: Integrative Animal Welfare Project

• 4
• BIO210, MGT220, RES200
• EDU220
• Public Advocacy and Education
• 3
• COM150
• COU210
• Compassionate Care and Conflict Resolution
• 3
• MIN110
• CHR250
• Character Formation and Professional Ethics
• 3
• THE101
• CAP299 — Capstone: Integrative Animal Welfare Project: This culminating project requires students to design and implement a community-focused animal welfare initiative. The project demonstrates the integration of technical skill, ethical reasoning, and organizational management. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU220 — Public Advocacy and Education: Students learn to design effective educational programs aimed at raising community awareness regarding animal welfare. The course emphasizes accessible teaching strategies and audience-centered advocacy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU210 — Compassionate Care and Conflict Resolution: This course introduces techniques for managing stressful situations and interpersonal conflicts in animal-centric work environments. It focuses on maintaining composure and empathy during high-pressure interactions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR250 — Character Formation and Professional Ethics: Students reflect on the role of personal integrity and spiritual maturity in maintaining professional standards in the workplace. The course explores the intersection of vocation, personal values, and organizational loyalty. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO101 | Foundations of Animal Biology | 4 | None
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Research | 3 | None
• PHI101 | Foundations of Ethical Theory | 3 | None
• SOC101 | Sociology of Community Engagement | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO205 | Animal Welfare and Behavior | 4 | BIO101
• BUS120 | Nonprofit Organizational Management | 3 | None
• COM150 | Professional Communication | 3 | ENG101
• MIN110 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO210 | Principles of Animal Husbandry | 4 | BIO205
• MGT220 | Resource Stewardship and Planning | 3 | BUS120
• RES200 | Research Methods for Social Impact | 3 | ENG101
• HUM250 | History of Ethical Stewardship | 3 | THE101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP299 | Capstone: Integrative Animal Welfare Project | 4 | BIO210, MGT220, RES200
• EDU220 | Public Advocacy and Education | 3 | COM150
• COU210 | Compassionate Care and Conflict Resolution | 3 | MIN110
• CHR250 | Character Formation and Professional Ethics | 3 | THE101

Career Opportunities

• Nonprofit Animal Shelter Administrator
• Animal Welfare Advocacy Coordinator
• Humane Society Operations Assistant
• Animal Rescue Program Assistant
• Community Outreach Coordinator for Animal Welfare
• Animal Sanctuary Administrative Support
• Veterinary Clinic Community Liaison

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