Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Film Production, Specialization in Documentary Filmmaking Media Activism

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Film Production, Specialization in Documentary Filmmaking Media Activism

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Film Production and Media Activism core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Film Production with a specialization in Documentary Filmmaking and Media Activism offers an interdisciplinary approach to visual storytelling. The program integrates technical proficiency in cinematography and non-linear editing with a rigorous exploration of social justice, ethics, and community advocacy. Students engage in the critical examination of media's role in public discourse while developing the skills necessary to produce compelling narratives that highlight human dignity and stewardship. Through a curriculum rooted in critical theory and technical practice, students learn to navigate the complexities of global media production from a lens of social responsibility and professional excellence. The program emphasizes the role of the filmmaker as a storyteller dedicated to truth, justice, and the betterment of marginalized communities. Students work within a collaborative framework that mirrors professional production environments, ensuring they are prepared for the diverse challenges of the modern media landscape.

This program combines a robust foundation in general education with a comprehensive study of film production theory, visual storytelling, ethics in media, documentary research methodologies, human development, crisis awareness, narrative development, and community-based media advocacy.

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 Film Production and Media Activism core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone Proposal Development

• 2
• RES300
• FIL401 — Pre-Production and Development: The initial phase of the senior capstone, focusing on research and planning. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM410 — Advanced Media Advocacy: Explores the relationship between media, NGOs, and public policy advocacy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR402 — Worldview and Public Life: Examines how faith perspectives inform public life and professional conduct. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP400 — Capstone Proposal Development: Facilitates the formal proposal of the senior documentary capstone project. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM101 | Introduction to Visual Communication | 3 | None
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Rhetoric | 3 | None
• HUM101 | Foundations of Ethical Inquiry | 3 | None
• COM105 | Foundations of Communication Theory | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• FIL110 | Foundations of Digital Production | 4 | COM101
• SOC101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• HIS102 | World History and Social Change | 3 | None
• MAT105 | Quantitative Reasoning | 2 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• FIL201 | Cinematography and Lighting | 4 | FIL110
• COM210 | Media Ethics and Law | 3 | COM101
• SOC205 | Resource Management and Community Development | 3 | THE101
• ENG202 | Narrative Structure and Screenwriting | 2 | ENG101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• FIL220 | Non-Linear Editing and Post-Production | 4 | FIL110
• PSY201 | Human Development and Social Impact | 3 | None
• BUS210 | Nonprofit Organizational Management | 3 | None
• COM220 | Documentary Theory and History | 2 | COM101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• FIL301 | Advanced Documentary Production | 4 | FIL201
• SOC310 | Social Justice and Media Activism | 3 | SOC101
• MIN305 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 3 | CHR205
• RES300 | Applied Research Methods | 2 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• FIL310 | Sound Design and Audio Production | 4 | FIL110
• COM350 | Global Communications and Culture | 3 | COM101
• MGT320 | Strategic Project Management | 3 | BUS210
• EDU305 | Teaching and Facilitating Through Media | 2 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• FIL401 | Pre-Production and Development | 4 | FIL301
• COM410 | Advanced Media Advocacy | 3 | SOC310
• CHR402 | Worldview and Public Life | 3 | CHR205
• CAP400 | Capstone Proposal Development | 2 | RES300
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Senior Documentary Capstone Project | 4 | CAP400
• FIL420 | Distribution and Professional Practice | 3 | FIL301
• COM450 | Senior Professional Seminar | 3 | Senior Standing
• SOC405 | Sociological Perspectives on Human Rights | 2 | SOC101

Career Opportunities

• Documentary Producer
• Non-profit Communications Director
• Social Justice Media Consultant
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Independent Filmmaker
• Humanitarian Media Specialist
• Advocacy Film Editor

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 Film Production, Specialization in Documentary Filmmaking Media Activism
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years