Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Cultural Anthropology, Global Studies, Specialization in African Traditional

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Cultural Anthropology, Global Studies, Specialization in African Traditional

Total program length

135 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Cultural Anthropology, Global Studies, Specialization in African Traditional core

78 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology & Global Studies with a specialization in African Traditional Religions provides a robust academic framework for exploring the diverse expressions of humanity through the lens of a Christian worldview. Students engage in rigorous anthropological inquiry, examining global interconnections and the complexities of African traditional belief systems while grounding their analysis in biblical stewardship and ethical reasoning. By synthesizing theoretical scholarship with practical fieldwork, this program cultivates servant leadership, preparing graduates to navigate diverse cultural landscapes with grace, wisdom, and a commitment to honoring the Imago Dei in every person. The curriculum is designed to foster both professional proficiency and spiritual formation, equipping students to contribute meaningfully to global initiatives through a ministry of reconciliation and informed cross-cultural engagement.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Cultural Anthropology, Global Studies, Specialization in African Traditional combines a robust general education foundation with comprehensive study in anthropological theory, behavioral science, human development, and ethical frameworks. The program provides students with essential training in qualitative research methodologies, crisis awareness, community referral strategies, program development, and community-based support services within diverse cultural contexts.

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: 135
• Duration: 4 years
• Degree Level: Bachelor

General education | 36 credit hours

• Faith-Based Cultural Anthropology, Global Studies, Specialization in African Traditional core | 78 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone: Ethnography Project

• 3
• None
• ANT 359 — Culture & Conflict: Culture & ConflictThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ANT 360 — Visual Anthropology: Visual AnthropologyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ANT 410 — Advanced Research Methods (Anthropology): Advanced Research Methods (Anthropology)This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ATR 410 — Religion, Identity & Social Change in Africa: Religion, Identity & Social Change in AfricaThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ANT 499 — Capstone: Ethnography Project: Capstone: Ethnography ProjectThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ATR 101 | African Spiritual Traditions | 3 | None
• UNI 101 | First-Year Writing I | 3 | None
• UNI 102 | First-Year Writing II | 3 | None
• UNI 110 | Public Speaking & Presentation | 3 | None
• UNI 120 | College Algebra or Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | None
• UNI 120 | College Algebra or Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• UNI 120 | College Algebra or Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | None
• ANT 201 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology | 3 | None
• GEO 205 | Human Geography | 3 | None
• ANT 210 | Anthropological Theory | 3 | None
• ATR 210 | Ritual, Symbol & Community | 3 | None
• STA 210 | Applied Statistics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• UNI 210 | Applied Statistics for Social Science | 3 | None
• ANT 220 | Peoples & Cultures of the World | 3 | None
• ATR 220 | Oral Traditions & Sacred Narratives | 3 | None
• UNI 220 | Research & Information Literacy | 3 | None
• ANT 230 | Globalization & Culture | 3 | None
• SOC 230 | Sociology of Globalization | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• UNI 230 | Ethics in a Global Society | 3 | None
• ANT 240 | Ethnographic Methods | 3 | None
• UNI 240 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• ANT 250 | Language, Culture & Identity | 3 | None
• UNI 250 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• COM 260 | Intercultural Communication | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS 260 | World History I | 3 | None
• UNI 260 | World History I | 3 | None
• HIS 261 | World History II | 3 | None
• UNI 261 | World History II | 3 | None
• UNI 270 | Introduction to Political Science | 3 | None
• ANT 310 | Political Anthropology | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ATR 310 | African Ethics & Worldview | 3 | None
• ANT 320 | Economic Anthropology | 3 | None
• ANT 330 | Medical Anthropology | 3 | None
• ANT 340 | Religion & Ritual | 3 | None
• ANT 351 | Migration & Diaspora Studies | 3 | None
• ANT 352 | Africa: Society & Change | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ANT 353 | Indigenous Peoples & Rights | 3 | None
• ANT 354 | Anthropology of Development | 3 | None
• ANT 355 | Gender & Culture | 3 | None
• ANT 356 | Race & Ethnicity | 3 | None
• ANT 357 | Urban Anthropology | 3 | None
• ANT 358 | Environmental Anthropology | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ANT 359 | Culture & Conflict | 3 | None
• ANT 360 | Visual Anthropology | 3 | None
• ANT 410 | Advanced Research Methods (Anthropology) | 3 | None
• ATR 410 | Religion, Identity & Social Change in Africa | 3 | None
• ANT 499 | Capstone: Ethnography Project | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

• Cultural Anthropologist
• International Development Officer
• Museum Curator
• Cultural Resource Manager
• Academic Researcher
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Policy Analyst

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 Cultural Anthropology, Global Studies, Specialization in African Traditional
• Total program length | 135 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years