Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Dance, Specialization in Movement Therapy

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Dance, Specialization in Movement Therapy

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Dance and movement therapy core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Dance with a specialization in Movement Therapy provides a rigorous curriculum that integrates the physiological and expressive study of dance with psychological foundations of human wellness. Students engage in academic inquiry regarding kinesthetic development, choreographic design, and the intersection of movement with community health. The program is situated within a holistic framework, emphasizing the intersection of artistic discipline and the stewardship of the physical form for the betterment of others. By combining movement theory with ethical servant leadership, the program fosters a scholarly environment where students explore how dance functions as a vehicle for empathy, connection, and restorative practice. The curriculum requires critical analysis of historical and cultural perspectives, ensuring that graduates possess the foundational knowledge necessary for advanced study or diverse service roles. Through a balanced approach of studio work, research, and theoretical exploration, students develop an informed perspective on how intentional movement can serve community needs and support social flourishing within various institutional environments.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Dance, Specialization in Movement Therapy combines foundational general education with a comprehensive study in dance theory, behavioral science, human development, ethics, research, crisis awareness, referral, program development, and community-based support. The curriculum integrates artistic expression with theological principles to prepare students for diverse ministerial and community settings.

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 Dance and movement therapy core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

ELECTIVE400

• Contemporary Issues in Nonprofit Care
• 3
• None
• DAN401 — Integration of Movement and Mentorship: Focuses on the use of physical movement as a medium for mentorship. Examines the impact of presence and modeling. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC405 — Sociology of Community Engagement: This course analyzes the structural dynamics of community service organizations and the role of leadership in fostering organizational identity. Students will examine strategies for effective interpersonal influence and the development of ethical outreach programs within diverse populations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DAN410 — Specialized Populations in Movement: Adapts movement activities for specific demographics such as youth or seniors. Ensures inclusive access to programs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

ELECTIVE405

• Seminar in Wellness and Stewardship
• 3
• None
• CAP499 — Senior Capstone Project: The culminating project where students design and execute a comprehensive movement program for a community setting. Integrates faith-informed research with practical implementation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DAN450 — Professionalism in the Arts: Prepares students for professional environments. Covers networking, ethical conduct, and organizational management. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC420 — Community Outreach Strategy: Develops strategies for identifying community needs and fostering engagement. Focuses on collaborative organizational efforts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

ELECTIVE400 | Contemporary Issues in Nonprofit Care | 3 | None

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP499 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | Senior standing
• DAN450 | Professionalism in the Arts | 3 | None
• SOC420 | Community Outreach Strategy | 3 | SOC101

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DAN101 | Introduction to Dance Technique | 4 | None
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Research | 3 | None
• PHI101 | Foundations of Philosophical Inquiry | 3 | None
• PSY101 | General Psychology | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DAN102 | Dance History and Culture | 3 | DAN101
• BIO150 | Human Anatomy and Physiology | 4 | None
• SOC101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• COM101 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DAN201 | Movement Analysis and Notation | 3 | DAN101
• PSY205 | Developmental Psychology | 3 | PSY101
• MGT210 | Nonprofit Management Principles | 3 | None
• HUM201 | Ethics and Values | 3 | CHR101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DAN250 | Foundations of Movement Therapy | 4 | DAN201, PSY205
• EDU201 | Principles of Instruction | 3 | None
• RES250 | Research Methods in Social Sciences | 3 | MAT101, ENG101
• MIN210 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 3 | CHR101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DAN301 | Choreographic Design for Community | 3 | DAN201
• PSY310 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 | PSY101
• COU305 | Counseling Theory and Helping Skills | 3 | PSY101
• DAN315 | Somatic Movement Practices | 3 | BIO150, DAN250
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DAN350 | Group Dynamics in Movement | 3 | SOC101, DAN250
• BUS320 | Nonprofit Resource Development | 3 | MGT210
• PSY350 | Psychology of Resilience | 3 | PSY205
• DAN390 | Advanced Movement Practicum | 4 | DAN301, DAN350
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DAN401 | Integration of Movement and Mentorship | 3 | COU305, DAN390
• SOC405 | Sociology of Community Engagement | 3 | CHR101
• DAN410 | Specialized Populations in Movement | 3 | DAN250

Career Opportunities

• Community Arts Coordinator
• Dance Ministry Director
• Wellness Program Developer
• Nonprofit Outreach Coordinator
• Recreational Movement Specialist
• Youth Program Facilitator
• Christian Education Specialist in the Arts

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 Dance, Specialization in Movement Therapy
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years