Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Environmental Studies, Specialization in Environmental Sustainability Policy

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Environmental Studies

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Environmental Studies core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Environmental Studies, with a specialization in Environmental Sustainability Policy, offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary curriculum designed to prepare students for leadership in the stewardship of natural resources. By integrating rigorous environmental science with policy analysis and ethical frameworks, the program equips students to address complex ecological challenges through a lens of service and responsibility. Students engage with both natural systems and human-led administrative structures to promote sustainable solutions that honor the delicate balance of the environment. The curriculum emphasizes the application of empirical data within a value-driven context, ensuring that graduates are prepared to navigate the intersections of public policy, social justice, and environmental integrity. By grounding technical study in ethical reasoning, the program fosters a holistic approach to vocational stewardship in diverse professional settings.

This program combines a robust general education curriculum with comprehensive study in the theory of faith-based environmental stewardship, behavioral science, human development, environmental ethics, scientific research, global crisis awareness, policy referral mechanisms, sustainable program development, and community-based support systems.

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 Environmental 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
• BIO105 | Principles of Environmental Science | 4 | None
• MAT120 | Statistics for Social Sciences | 3 | None
• HUM110 | Introduction to Ethical Reasoning | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO201 | Ecology and Sustainability | 4 | BIO105
• HIS210 | History of Environmental Thought | 3 | None
• SOC150 | Sociology of Community Development | 3 | None
• COM220 | Interpersonal Communication in Organizations | 3 | ENG101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL205 | Introduction to Environmental Policy | 3 | None
• BUS230 | Management for Nonprofits | 3 | None
• RES240 | Methods in Environmental Research | 3 | MAT120
• ENV250 | Principles of Environmental Conservation | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL310 | Public Policy Analysis | 3 | POL205
• ECO320 | Environmental Economics | 3 | MAT120
• MGT330 | Leadership and Organizational Culture | 3 | BUS230
• BIO340 | Environmental Health and Risk | 4 | BIO201
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL405 | Climate Policy and Justice | 3 | POL310
• SOC410 | Environmental Advocacy and Public Affairs | 3 | COM220
• RES420 | Field Research Seminar | 4 | RES240
• EDU430 | Environmental Education and Outreach | 3 | COM220
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL440 | Natural Resource Governance | 3 | POL205
• BUS450 | Ethics in Environmental Management | 3 | HUM110
• SOC460 | Urban Sustainability and Planning | 3 | SOC150
• MIN470 | Community Outreach and Engagement | 3 | SOC150
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL480 | Administrative Law and Regulation | 3 | POL310
• BUS485 | Strategic Planning for Sustainability | 3 | BUS230
• HIS490 | Social Justice and Environment | 3 | SOC150
• CAP495 | Senior Capstone Preparation | 3 | RES420
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL498 | International Environmental Policy | 3 | POL205
• MGT499 | Leadership Capstone Seminar | 3 | MGT330
• CAP499 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | CAP495
• PRO499 | Professional Development in Sustainability | 2 | THE250

Career Opportunities

• Environmental Policy Analyst
• Sustainability Program Coordinator
• Nonprofit Resource Manager
• Conservation Planning Specialist
• Community Development Liaison
• Environmental Outreach Officer
• Public Affairs Representative

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 Environmental Studies
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years