Associate of Science in Faith-Based Alternative Medicine (Specialization in Holistic Health)

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Faith-Based Alternative Medicine

Total program length

60 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years

General education

18 credit hours

Faith-Based Alternative Medicine core

30 credit hours

Professional application courses

9 credit hours

Capstone requirement

3 credit hours

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Alternative Medicine with a specialization in Holistic Health provides a foundational education in the principles of wellness, preventive health practices, and the integration of faith-based stewardship within community health contexts. Students examine the physiological, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of human health through an academic lens, fostering an understanding of holistic well-being that honors the sanctity of the person. Through rigorous coursework, the program emphasizes the application of ethical decision-making and servant leadership in diverse wellness settings. By engaging with evidence-informed health modalities, students gain the analytical tools necessary to support individuals and organizations in cultivating restorative environments. The curriculum bridges traditional health concepts with a compassionate, faith-centered approach to community support and personal health management.

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Alternative Medicine (Specialization in Holistic Health) provides a comprehensive foundational study in faith-based alternative medicine, integrating the principles of human development, effective communication, and ethical standards within the field. Students explore the intersection of wellness and spirituality while gaining proficiency in utilizing community resources and implementing supportive service practices to address the diverse health needs of the individuals they serve.

Program Details

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

General education | 18 credit hours

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

Capstone Project: Holistic Wellness Initiative

• 4
• RES250, CHR260
• COU270 — Foundations of Supportive Counseling: This course introduces basic counseling principles appropriate for supportive, nonclinical roles in community and spiritual settings. Emphasis is placed on boundary maintenance and effective advocacy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU280 — Community Health Education Strategies: Students learn to develop and facilitate health-related programming designed for specific community needs. Focus is placed on culturally sensitive education and servant-leader pedagogy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS290 — Stewardship and Resource Management: An exploration of financial and physical resource management strategies rooted in a theology of stewardship. Students apply these concepts to the operational sustainability of community-based health organizations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP299 — Capstone Project: Holistic Wellness Initiative: The capstone project serves as the final integration of academic theory and practical application through a designed wellness initiative. Students demonstrate their ability to apply research, ethics, and faith-informed leadership within a community service context. 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 | 3 | None
• BIO110 | Introduction to Human Anatomy and Wellness | 4 | None
• PHI105 | Introduction to Ethics and Human Values | 3 | None
• SOC120 | Sociology of Community and Health | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY201 | Psychology of Healthy Living | 3 | None
• MAT150 | Statistics for Health Sciences | 3 | MAT100 or placement
• HUM210 | Ethics in Professional Practice | 3 | None
• BIO220 | Nutrition and Lifestyle Stewardship | 4 | BIO110
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM230 | Interpersonal Communication in Health Settings | 3 | ENG101
• MGT240 | Nonprofit Organizational Leadership | 3 | None
• RES250 | Research Methods in Holistic Health | 4 | MAT150
• SOC260 | Community Engagement and Service Learning | 3 | THE105
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU270 | Foundations of Supportive Counseling | 3 | PSY201
• EDU280 | Community Health Education Strategies | 3 | COM230
• BUS290 | Stewardship and Resource Management | 3 | MGT240
• CAP299 | Capstone Project: Holistic Wellness Initiative | 4 | RES250, CHR260

Career Opportunities

• Wellness Program Coordinator for Faith-Based Organizations
• Community Outreach Liaison for Nonprofits
• Health Education Assistant in Religious Settings
• Holistic Health Advocate for Charitable Organizations
• Community Support Coordinator
• Spiritual Formation and Wellness Facilitator

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