Associate of Science in Faith-Based Political Science (Specialization in Governance, Civic Engagement)

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

A.S. in Faith-Based Political Science

Total program length

60 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years

General education

18 credit hours

Faith-Based Political Science core

30 credit hours

Professional application courses

9 credit hours

Capstone requirement

3 credit hours

The Associate of Science in Faith-Based Political Science with a specialization in Governance and Civic Engagement provides a foundational exploration of the intersection between political theory, administrative practice, and ethical stewardship. The curriculum examines the structures of governance, the mechanisms of civic participation, and the historical development of political institutions through a framework of servant leadership and social responsibility. Students engage with both classical political thought and modern administrative challenges to develop a comprehensive understanding of how public and private institutions impact local and global communities.

By integrating rigorous analytical methodologies with principles of community service and moral integrity, this program prepares students to evaluate the complexities of public affairs. The specialization tracks emphasize practical skill acquisition in civic engagement, preparing graduates to navigate diverse organizational settings with a focus on principled decision-making and sustainable development. The program is designed to foster both intellectual curiosity and a commitment to serving others through informed citizenship and professional excellence.

The Associate of Science in Faith-Based Political Science provides a comprehensive foundational study in political science, human development, communication, ethics, community resources, and supportive service practices within a faith-based framework. This curriculum is designed to equip students with the analytical skills and moral perspectives necessary to engage in governance and civic activities, fostering a holistic understanding of how faith informs public service and community stewardship.

Program Details

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

General education | 18 credit hours

• Faith-Based Political Science core | 30 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 9 credit hours

Capstone Project

• 4
• RES 200
• POL 400
• Ethics in Public Service
• 3
• POL 310
• EDU 220
• Civic Education and Development
• 3
• None
• HUM 250
• Contemporary Global Issues
• 3
• None
• CAP 299 — Capstone Project: The culminating integrative experience requiring students to design and complete a project that addresses a critical governance or civic engagement issue. The project reflects the student's mastery of theory and commitment to ethical practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• POL 400 — Ethics in Public Service: This course analyzes the moral dimensions of public office and administrative life. It addresses dilemmas involving conflicting interests and the pursuit of justice in diverse societies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU 220 — Civic Education and Development: This course examines strategies for informing and engaging citizens within democratic societies. It focuses on the role of education in promoting civic virtue and public participation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM 250 — Contemporary Global Issues: A survey of current international challenges, including migration, economic disparity, and human rights. Students develop an informed perspective on how their work intersects with global realities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL 101 | Introduction to Political Science | 3 | None
• ENG 101 | Academic Writing and Research | 3 | None
• HIS 110 | History of Civic Governance | 3 | None
• THE 101 | Foundations of Ethical Inquiry | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL 205 | Principles of Public Policy | 4 | POL 101
• SOC 150 | Sociology of Community Engagement | 3 | None
• COM 201 | Professional Communication | 3 | ENG 101
• MAT 120 | Quantitative Reasoning for Social Analysis | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL 310 | Governance and Administrative Leadership | 4 | POL 205
• MIN 250 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 3 | THE 101
• BUS 210 | Nonprofit Resource Management | 3 | None
• RES 200 | Research Methods for Civic Issues | 3 | MAT 120
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP 299 | Capstone Project | 4 | RES 200
• POL 400 | Ethics in Public Service | 3 | POL 310
• EDU 220 | Civic Education and Development | 3 | None
• HUM 250 | Contemporary Global Issues | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Nonprofit Administrative Assistant
• Legislative Aide
• Public Policy Research Assistant
• Civic Engagement Organizer
• Advocacy Specialist
• Church-Based Social Services 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.S. in Faith-Based Political Science
• Total program length | 60 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years