Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Digital Journalism Specialization in Media

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Digital Journalism

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Digital Journalism core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Digital Journalism with a specialization in Media is designed to equip students with the essential technical and theoretical skills required to excel in the rapidly evolving landscape of modern media. The curriculum provides a rigorous exploration of investigative reporting, multimedia storytelling, ethical communication, and the strategic management of digital platforms within a contemporary global context. Students engage in a blend of critical analysis and hands-on production, ensuring they are prepared to navigate complex information environments with professional excellence and moral integrity. By focusing on the intersections of media technology and social responsibility, the program fosters a commitment to stewardship and civic engagement. Graduates will be prepared to leverage digital tools to facilitate informed public discourse and provide leadership within diverse organizational settings.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Digital Journalism program combines a robust liberal arts foundation with comprehensive study in journalism theory, digital media ethics, human development, communication research, crisis awareness, media literacy, content development, and community-based storytelling.

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 Digital Journalism 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
• COM105 | Introduction to Digital Media | 3 | None
• THE110 | Foundation of Ethics | 3 | None
• HIS120 | World History and Culture | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM150 | Media Writing Basics | 4 | ENG101
• RES120 | Information Literacy and Research | 3 | ENG101
• PSY110 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• MIN150 | Principles of Servant Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM210 | Digital Photography and Visual Storytelling | 4 | COM105
• COM220 | Journalistic Ethics | 3 | COM150
• BUS200 | Introduction to Management | 3 | None
• SOC210 | Sociology of Communities | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM250 | Multi-Platform Storytelling | 4 | COM150
• COM260 | Community Public Relations | 3 | COM150
• MAT201 | Applied Statistics | 3 | None
• PSY250 | Personal Development and Professional Ethics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM310 | Investigative Journalism | 4 | RES120, COM220
• COM320 | Media Law and Regulation | 3 | COM220
• MGT305 | Nonprofit Administration | 3 | BUS200
• HUM315 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM350 | Digital Audio and Podcasting | 4 | COM250
• COM360 | Social Media Analytics | 3 | COM250, MAT201
• EDU300 | Communication for Advocacy | 3 | COM260
• SOC350 | Media and Modern Social Movements | 3 | THE110
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM410 | Advanced Media Production | 4 | COM350
• COM420 | Media Entrepreneurship | 3 | MGT305
• RES400 | Advanced Research Methods | 3 | RES120
• HIS410 | Public Policy and Society | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | COM410, RES400
• COM450 | Strategic Communication Planning | 3 | COM360, MGT305
• COM460 | Global Issues in Media | 3 | HUM315
• MIN480 | Ethics in Leadership | 3 | MIN150, CHR250

Career Opportunities

• Digital Content Strategist
• Nonprofit Communications Manager
• Investigative Reporter
• Multimedia Specialist
• Public Relations Coordinator for Faith-Based Organizations
• Social Media Producer
• Community Engagement Manager

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 Digital Journalism
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years