Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based African Studies, Specialization in Cultural Preservation Advocacy

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based African Studies

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based African Studies core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based African Studies with a specialization in Cultural Preservation Advocacy offers a rigorous interdisciplinary exploration of African history, social dynamics, and cultural heritage. Students engage with complex narratives of indigenous systems, colonial impacts, and contemporary socio-economic shifts within the African continent and its diaspora. The curriculum emphasizes the intersection of academic inquiry and the ethical obligations of stewardship, equipping students to respect, preserve, and advocate for cultural narratives in an increasingly globalized world.

Central to the program is the integration of academic excellence with a commitment to service-oriented scholarship. Through critical analysis, field-based methodology, and historical interpretation, learners are prepared to navigate the complexities of cultural advocacy. The program fosters a spirit of servant leadership, encouraging students to apply their intellectual findings to address systemic challenges within community organizations, nonprofits, and international humanitarian contexts.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based African Studies, Specialization in Cultural Preservation Advocacy, combines foundational general education with a comprehensive study of African history, cultural theory, behavioral science, and human development. Students engage with ethics, research methodologies, crisis awareness, referral strategies, program development, and models for community-based support within a faith-based framework.

Florida's current standard establishes a minimum of 120 semester credits for a bachelor's degree and at least 30 general-education credits for a Bachelor of Arts. This curriculum exceeds the general-education minimum.

Program Details

• Total Credits: 120
• Duration: 4 years
• Degree Level: Bachelor

General education | 36 credit hours

• Faith-Based African Studies core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Rhetoric | 4 | None
• HIS105 | Introduction to African History | 4 | None
• ENV110 | Environmental Sustainability and Resource Management | 4 | None
• SOC120 | Principles of Social Engagement | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG102 | Research and Critical Inquiry | 4 | ENG101
• HIS115 | African Diaspora Studies | 4 | HIS105
• COM130 | Communication for Social Change | 4 | None
• MAT150 | Quantitative Reasoning for Social Sciences | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HUM201 | African Cultural Traditions | 4 | None
• RES210 | Qualitative Research Methods | 4 | RES102
• MIN220 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 4 | None
• SOC230 | Intercultural Relations | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HUM205 | Ethics of Cultural Preservation | 4 | HUM201
• HIS250 | Colonialism and Decolonization | 4 | HIS115
• SOC260 | Sociology of Social Justice | 4 | THE110
• BUS270 | Nonprofit Organizational Management | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS301 | African Intellectual History | 4 | HIS250
• HUM310 | Digital Humanities and Archiving | 4 | RES210
• COU320 | Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation | 4 | SOC120
• MGT330 | Resource Development and Grant Writing | 4 | BUS270
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HUM350 | Museum Studies and Public History | 4 | HUM310
• SOC360 | Global Development and African Economies | 4 | SOC230
• PHI370 | Human Rights and Philosophical Ethics | 4 | CHR260
• EDU380 | Community Education and Literacy | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS401 | Seminar in African Cultural Advocacy | 4 | HIS301
• HUM410 | Field Experience in Advocacy | 4 | Senior Status
• ORG420 | Organizational Leadership and Professional Development | 4 | MIN220
• BUS430 | Strategic Planning for Nonprofits | 4 | MGT330
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | All Core Courses
• HUM440 | International Cultural Law | 4 | None
• POL450 | Civic Engagement and Global Social Impact | 4 | CHR370
• SOC460 | Seminar in Contemporary Social Issues | 4 | None

Career Opportunities

• Cultural Heritage Consultant
• Nonprofit Program Coordinator
• Museum Curatorial Assistant
• International Development Aide
• Community Advocacy Representative
• Humanitarian Organization Researcher
• Historical Archive Administrator

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 | B.A. in Faith-Based African Studies
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years