Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Community Leadership, Specialization in Christian Ministry Studies

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Community Leadership, Specialization in Christian Ministry Studies

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Christian ministry studies core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Community Leadership with a specialization in Christian Ministry Studies provides an interdisciplinary foundation for students called to roles of leadership and service in community organizations and church settings. The curriculum blends organizational theory, social science, and theological inquiry to prepare graduates to address complex community needs through a framework of servant leadership and ethical stewardship. Students engage in rigorous academic analysis of social systems, leadership development, and historical ministry models to ensure they are equipped to facilitate positive change in diverse organizational environments. Through a blend of theoretical study and practical application, the program encourages students to integrate a strong commitment to service with administrative and leadership competence. The degree emphasizes the cultivation of character, critical thinking, and the ability to articulate a coherent worldview that informs professional practice in both secular and faith-based community sectors.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Community Leadership, Specialization in Christian Ministry Studies, combines a foundational general education curriculum with comprehensive study in faith-based community leadership and Christian ministry theory. The program provides academic rigor in behavioral science, human development, ethics, research, crisis awareness, professional referral, program development, and community-based support strategies.

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

• Christian ministry 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 | 3 | None
• THE101 | Foundations of Christian Theology | 3 | None
• SOC101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• COM101 | Communication and Interpersonal Dynamics | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG102 | Advanced Composition | 3 | ENG101
• HIS105 | History of Western Civilization | 3 | None
• MAT120 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 | None
• CHR110 | Spiritual Formation and Character Development | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT201 | Principles of Management | 3 | None
• PSY201 | Developmental Psychology | 3 | None
• MIN205 | Biblical Studies: Context and Interpretation | 3 | THE101
• BUS210 | Stewardship and Financial Ethics | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT250 | Nonprofit Organizational Leadership | 3 | MGT201
• COU220 | Foundations of Human Relations | 3 | PSY201
• MIN225 | Models of Community Service | 3 | MIN205
• RES250 | Social Research Methods | 4 | MAT120
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT305 | Team Dynamics and Conflict Management | 3 | MGT201
• MIN310 | Christian Ethics and Public Policy | 3 | THE101
• EDU320 | Instructional Strategies for Community Education | 3 | None
• BUS330 | Project Management for Nonprofits | 4 | MGT250
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MIN350 | History of Christian Mission and Outreach | 3 | HIS105
• SOC360 | Social Problems and Community Response | 3 | SOC101
• MGT380 | Volunteer Recruitment and Management | 3 | MGT201
• COM350 | Media and Public Communication | 4 | COM101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MIN401 | Advanced Leadership and Spiritual Formation | 3 | CHR110
• MGT410 | Strategic Planning for Social Impact | 3 | MGT305
• SOC420 | Cultural Competency in Leadership | 3 | SOC101
• RES400 | Senior Thesis Preparation | 4 | RES250
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | RES400
• MIN450 | Contemporary Issues in Faith-Based Leadership | 3 | MIN401
• MGT450 | Leadership Ethics and Professionalism | 3 | MGT250
• BUS460 | Operations and Compliance in Community Organizations | 4 | BUS210

Career Opportunities

• Nonprofit Program Coordinator
• Church Ministry Director
• Community Outreach Manager
• Social Services Administrator
• Faith-Based Advocacy Specialist
• Public Relations Coordinator for Charitable Organizations
• Volunteer Services Director

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 Community Leadership, Specialization in Christian Ministry Studies
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years