Associate of Arts in Ministry of Health (Specialization in Public Health, Community Development)

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Faith-Based Public Health

Total program length

60 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years

General education

18 credit hours

Faith-Based Public Health core

30 credit hours

Professional application courses

9 credit hours

Capstone requirement

3 credit hours

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Public Health provides students with a foundational understanding of public health principles through the lens of community development and social responsibility. This program integrates rigorous academic inquiry with the practical application of stewardship and service, equipping students to identify health disparities and implement community-focused interventions. Students engage with both the biological and sociological dimensions of public wellness, ensuring a comprehensive approach to health education and community capacity building. Through a curriculum designed to foster critical thinking and ethical reasoning, students learn to navigate the complexities of health-related service in diverse nonprofit environments. The program emphasizes the development of leadership skills grounded in character and integrity, fostering a commitment to the well-being of the broader community.

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Public Health provides students with a foundational study of public health principles integrated with community development strategies. The curriculum emphasizes essential areas such as human development, professional communication, ethical decision-making, the utilization of community resources, and the implementation of effective supportive service practices within faith-based settings.

Program Details

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

General education | 18 credit hours

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

Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Rhetoric | 4 | None
• BIO150 | Introduction to Public Health | 4 | None
• SOC101 | Principles of Sociology | 4 | None
• PHI100 | Introduction to Ethical Theory | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MAT201 | Introduction to Statistics | 4 | None
• PSY110 | Developmental Psychology | 4 | None
• COM200 | Interpersonal Communication | 4 | None
• MIN120 | Servant Leadership Principles | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO220 | Environmental Health and Community | 3 | BIO150
• BUS210 | Nonprofit Resource Stewardship | 3 | None
• SOC230 | Community Development Strategies | 3 | SOC101
• RES250 | Research Methods for Community Health | 3 | MAT201
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP299 | Public Health Capstone Project | 4 | RES250
• SOC260 | Sociology of Health and Illness | 3 | SOC101
• EDU210 | Health Education and Communication | 3 | None
• MGT240 | Volunteer and Staff Management | 2 | MIN120

Career Opportunities

• Community Health Outreach Worker
• Nonprofit Program Assistant
• Health Education Coordinator
• Social Services Case Aide
• Volunteer Program Coordinator
• Community Resource Navigator
• Public Health Advocacy Assistant

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