Associate of Science in Faith-Based Social Work (Specialization in Social Services, Community Engagement)

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Faith-Based Social Work

Total program length

60 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years

General education

18 credit hours

Faith-Based Social Work core

30 credit hours

Professional application courses

9 credit hours

Capstone requirement

3 credit hours

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Social Work is a comprehensive undergraduate program within the College of Behavioral Social Science, designed to equip students with a robust foundation in social service delivery and community engagement. The curriculum emphasizes the integration of professional social science theories with ethical frameworks rooted in service, stewardship, and compassionate care. Students explore the intersection of individual well-being and community dynamics, gaining practical insights into the systemic needs of diverse populations. By blending rigorous academic inquiry with a commitment to human flourishing, the program prepares graduates to serve as effective agents of change within community organizations and social service agencies. The program fosters a scholarly environment where students examine the complexities of human behavior and societal structures through the lens of ethical leadership and public responsibility. Through structured coursework, students develop analytical skills and a heightened sense of cultural competency, ensuring they are prepared to address contemporary social challenges with integrity and professional excellence.

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Social Work provides students with a foundational study in the subject, emphasizing the integration of human development, effective communication, and ethical practices within a supportive framework. Students explore the intersection of social services and community engagement, gaining exposure to essential community resources and the practical application of supportive service models designed to assist individuals and families in diverse settings.

Program Details

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

General education | 18 credit hours

• Faith-Based Social Work core | 30 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 9 credit hours

Capstone Project

• 4
• Completion of 45 credit hours
• SOC280
• Family Dynamics and Social Systems
• 3
• SOC101
• BUS215
• Grant Writing and Resource Development
• 3
• ENG101
• CRJ220
• Crisis Intervention and Conflict Resolution
• 3
• COU250
• CAP299 — Capstone Project: The capstone provides a comprehensive synthesis of the program through the design and proposal of a social service intervention. Students demonstrate their ability to apply faith-informed ethical principles to real-world problems. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC280 — Family Dynamics and Social Systems: An analysis of the family unit as a foundational social system and its interactions with community institutions. Students explore how systemic stressors impact family health and social service delivery. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS215 — Grant Writing and Resource Development: This course teaches the technical skills of grant writing, donor cultivation, and sustainable resource management. Students create a fundraising plan for a social service project. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CRJ220 — Crisis Intervention and Conflict Resolution: An overview of strategies for navigating crisis situations and facilitating conflict resolution within community settings. Emphasis is placed on safety, de-escalation, and restorative approaches. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC101 | Introduction to Sociology | 4 | None
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Research | 3 | None
• COU105 | Foundations of Human Development | 3 | None
• THE110 | Ethics and Servant Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY201 | General Psychology | 4 | None
• SOC210 | Social Issues and Policy | 3 | SOC101
• COM205 | Intercultural Communication | 3 | ENG101
• MIN220 | Community Outreach and Engagement | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU250 | Introduction to Case Management | 4 | COU105
• MGT230 | Nonprofit Administration | 3 | None
• RES210 | Data Analysis in Social Services | 3 | MAT101
• SOC240 | Professional Ethics and Social Responsibility | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP299 | Capstone Project | 4 | Completion of 45 credit hours
• SOC280 | Family Dynamics and Social Systems | 3 | SOC101
• BUS215 | Grant Writing and Resource Development | 3 | ENG101
• CRJ220 | Crisis Intervention and Conflict Resolution | 3 | COU250

Career Opportunities

• Case Manager Assistant
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Nonprofit Program Assistant
• Social Service Intake Specialist
• Youth Ministry Outreach Liaison
• Volunteer Services Coordinator
• Advocacy Specialist

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