Associate of Arts in Religious Law (Specialization in Law &Policy)

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Faith-Based Religious Law

Total program length

60 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years

General education

18 credit hours

Faith-Based Religious Law core

30 credit hours

Professional application courses

9 credit hours

Capstone requirement

3 credit hours

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Religious Law with a specialization in Religious Law and Policy provides students with a foundational understanding of the intersection between civil legal structures and religious organizational governance. The curriculum explores the historical development of legal systems alongside the practical application of institutional policy, ensuring students are equipped to navigate the complex regulatory landscapes encountered by religious entities. Through a comprehensive study of jurisprudence, ethics, and administrative policy, the program bridges the gap between academic theory and the operational realities of faith-based institutional service.

Students will engage with core courses that emphasize historical foundations, ethical reasoning, and critical analysis of public policy. By fostering an environment of academic rigor and principled inquiry, the program prepares graduates to contribute to the stewardship of religious organizations. This curriculum focuses on the development of critical thinking, research proficiency, and communicative skills necessary for effective leadership in diverse organizational contexts.

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Religious Law provides foundational study in the intersection of faith-based religious law and legal policy. The curriculum integrates the study of human development, professional communication, and ethical standards within the context of religious institutional administration. Students explore community resources and supportive service practices, developing the necessary analytical skills to engage with the complex regulatory frameworks governing faith-based organizations and public policy initiatives.

Program Details

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

General education | 18 credit hours

• Faith-Based Religious Law core | 30 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 9 credit hours

Capstone: Religious Policy Integration

• 4
• MGT220, CRJ230
• RES200
• Research Methods in Social Policy
• 3
• MAT101
• COU210
• Conflict Resolution and Mediation
• 3
• COM210
• MIN240
• Organizational Stewardship and Growth
• 3
• BUS150
• CAP290 — Capstone: Religious Policy Integration: This capstone project involves the application of legal research and administrative expertise to a real-world organizational policy challenge. Students produce a comprehensive governance document and reflect on the integration of faith and practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES200 — Research Methods in Social Policy: This course trains students in qualitative and quantitative research methods relevant to policy analysis. Students design a small-scale research study that evaluates the impact of organizational policies on local communities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU210 — Conflict Resolution and Mediation: This course examines the strategies and legal parameters for effective conflict mediation in group settings. Students learn techniques for restorative dialogue and professional dispute resolution within institutional frameworks. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN240 — Organizational Stewardship and Growth: This course addresses the fiscal and mission-oriented stewardship of religious organizations to ensure long-term viability. Students evaluate growth strategies that remain consistent with institutional values and charitable missions. 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 Research | 4 | None
• HIS110 | Foundations of Jurisprudence | 4 | None
• THE105 | Ethics and Stewardship | 4 | None
• SOC101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CRJ120 | Legal Systems and Processes | 4 | HIS110
• BUS150 | Non-profit Organizational Management | 4 | None
• COM210 | Professional Communication | 4 | ENG101
• MAT101 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CRJ230 | Religious Policy and Constitutional Law | 4 | CRJ120
• MGT220 | Administrative Policy Development | 4 | BUS150
• EDU205 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 4 | THE105
• HIS250 | Community and Social Advocacy | 3 | SOC101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP290 | Capstone: Religious Policy Integration | 4 | MGT220, CRJ230
• RES200 | Research Methods in Social Policy | 3 | MAT101
• COU210 | Conflict Resolution and Mediation | 3 | COM210
• MIN240 | Organizational Stewardship and Growth | 3 | BUS150

Career Opportunities

• Paralegal Assistant for Religious Legal Ministries
• Non-profit Policy Consultant
• Church Administrative Coordinator
• Community Outreach Program Director
• Legal Research Assistant
• Faith-based Advocacy Specialist
• Non-profit Governance 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 Religious Law
• Total program length | 60 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years