Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Government Public Affairs Policy Administration

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Government Public Affairs Policy Administration

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

Academic unit

HBIU College of Business and Economics

Total credits

120

Duration

4 years

• Analyze the structural and functional frameworks of local, state, and federal government entities.
• Evaluate the impact of socioeconomic policies on community development and individual welfare.
• Apply ethical decision-making frameworks to navigate administrative conflicts in public service.
• Design effective public policy proposals based on quantitative and qualitative research.
• Demonstrate advanced communication skills required for public policy advocacy and stakeholder engagement.
• Integrate principles of servant leadership and stewardship into the professional practice of public administration.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ENG101
• Academic Writing and Rhetoric
• 3
• None
• HIS105
• Foundations of Western Political Thought
• 4
• None
• MAT110
• Quantitative Reasoning for Public Policy
• 3
• None
• CHR101
• Foundations of Ethical Inquiry
• 4
• None
• ENG101 — Academic Writing and Rhetoric: Explores the fundamentals of academic discourse and argumentative writing. Students practice research techniques and effective communicationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• HIS105 — Foundations of Western Political Thought: Examines key political and philosophical developments from classical to modern periods. Focuses on the origins of governanceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MAT110 — Quantitative Reasoning for Public Policy: Introduces statistical methods and logical analysis. Focuses on the interpretation of data in governmental contextsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CHR101 — Foundations of Ethical Inquiry: Studies the history of ethical theory and its application to modern social issues. Emphasizes character development and stewardshipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ENG102
• Professional Communication
• 3
• ENG101
• POL101
• Introduction to Public Administration
• 4
• None
• SOC120
• Introduction to Sociology
• 3
• None
• HIS210
• American Government and Constitutional History
• 4
• HIS105
• ENG102 — Professional Communication: Focuses on written and verbal communication styles for professional and public contexts. Emphasizes clarity and concisionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• POL101 — Introduction to Public Administration: Surveys the structure and function of the administrative state. Analyzes the role of bureaucratic systems in implementing public goalsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC120 — Introduction to Sociology: Examines social structures, institutions, and the dynamics of community life. Provides a basis for understanding societal needsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• HIS210 — American Government and Constitutional History: Analyzes the formation of American democratic institutions. Investigates constitutional developments and their modern implicationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• BUS201
• Principles of Management
• 3
• None
• POL205
• Public Policy Analysis
• 4
• POL101
• ECO210
• Economics of Public Policy
• 4
• MAT110
• PSY220
• Social Psychology
• 3
• None
• BUS201 — Principles of Management: Introduces the functions of management, organizational structure, and leadership styles. Focuses on institutional efficiencyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• POL205 — Public Policy Analysis: Teaches the process of policy cycle evaluation, including agenda setting and implementation. Focuses on systematic policy assessmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ECO210 — Economics of Public Policy: Explores how economic principles influence government decision-making. Analyzes market failures and government interventionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PSY220 — Social Psychology: Investigates how individuals interact and influence one another within group dynamics. Relevant to leadership and coalition buildingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES250
• Research Methods for Social Science
• 4
• MAT110
• POL260
• Administrative Law and Ethics
• 3
• POL205
• MGT280
• Non-Profit Management
• 3
• BUS201
• HUM200
• Cultural History and Global Perspectives
• 4
• None
• RES250 — Research Methods for Social Science: Provides training in qualitative and quantitative research design. Essential for conducting evidence-based policy researchThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• POL260 — Administrative Law and Ethics: Examines the legal environment of public administration and the ethical dilemmas inherent in regulatory systemsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MGT280 — Non-Profit Management: Focuses on the unique management challenges of non-profit entities. Emphasizes fundraising, advocacy, and service deliveryThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• HUM200 — Cultural History and Global Perspectives: Explores diverse cultural perspectives in a globalized world. Encourages appreciation for cross-cultural communication in public affairsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• POL310
• State and Local Government
• 4
• POL205
• BUS315
• Budgeting and Financial Management
• 3
• ECO210
• COM320
• Strategic Communication and Public Advocacy
• 3
• ENG102
• CHR350
• Servant Leadership and Organizational Ethics
• 4
• CHR101
• POL310 — State and Local Government: Analyzes the dynamics of sub-national governments. Emphasizes community leadership and regional policy developmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• BUS315 — Budgeting and Financial Management: Teaches the fundamentals of financial resource management in public and non-profit settings. Focuses on fiscal responsibilityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COM320 — Strategic Communication and Public Advocacy: Focuses on rhetorical strategies for effective public advocacy. Emphasizes persuasive communication in policy debateThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CHR350 — Servant Leadership and Organizational Ethics: Integrates models of servant leadership within organizational contexts. Explores the application of ethical virtues to professional dutyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• POL360
• International Relations and Global Governance
• 3
• POL101
• EDU380
• Education Policy and Social Justice
• 3
• SOC120
• MGT400
• Human Resource Management in Public Sectors
• 4
• BUS201
• POL410
• Advanced Issues in Public Health Policy
• 4
• POL205
• POL360 — International Relations and Global Governance: Examines the structures of global interactions and international policy. Focuses on the role of state and non-state actorsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU380 — Education Policy and Social Justice: Analyzes historical and contemporary policies in the education sector. Emphasizes the intersection of equity and policyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MGT400 — Human Resource Management in Public Sectors: Focuses on the development of personnel, organizational behavior, and employee stewardship in administrative settingsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• POL410 — Advanced Issues in Public Health Policy: Examines policy responses to public health challenges. Analyzes the administrative role in responding to social welfare needsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 7 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• POL450
• Urban Planning and Community Development
• 3
• POL310
• RES420
• Policy Evaluation and Applied Research
• 4
• RES250
• CRJ430
• Criminal Justice Policy
• 3
• HIS210
• POL450
• Civic Engagement and Public Interest Advocacy
• 4
• CHR101
• POL450 — Urban Planning and Community Development: Studies the policy framework of urban development. Emphasizes sustainable growth and community revitalization strategiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES420 — Policy Evaluation and Applied Research: Engages students in practical evaluation of existing policies using advanced methodology. Focuses on actionable dataThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CRJ430 — Criminal Justice Policy: Analyzes the policy frameworks underlying the justice system. Examines restorative justice models and professional ethicsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• POL450 — Civic Engagement and Public Interest Advocacy: This course examines the mechanisms of citizen participation and the collaborative roles of civil society in shaping social policy. Students analyze the impact of stakeholder advocacy on legislative outcomes and community development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 8 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP490
• Senior Capstone: Policy Synthesis and Advocacy
• 4
• RES420, Senior Standing
• POL480
• Professionalism and Civic Duty
• 3
• None
• BUS495
• Leadership in Transition
• 4
• Senior Standing
• POL499
• Public Affairs Internship
• 3
• Senior Standing
• CAP490 — Senior Capstone: Policy Synthesis and Advocacy: The culminating project where students integrate their academic knowledge to propose a policy solution. Includes a public defenseThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• POL480 — Professionalism and Civic Duty: Discusses the professional responsibilities of public servants. Emphasizes integrity in navigating bureaucratic environmentsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• BUS495 — Leadership in Transition: Prepares students for entry into the professional workforce. Emphasizes career planning and sustained ethical developmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• POL499 — Public Affairs Internship: A supervised field experience in a government or non-profit setting. Allows students to apply their knowledge in a professional environmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or recognized equivalent with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Prospective students are required to submit an application, official transcripts, and a personal statement articulating their commitment to academic excellence and their interest in public service. Standardized test scores may be submitted to support the application, though they are not mandatory for admission. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience, requiring students to execute a comprehensive analysis of a contemporary policy issue. Students must identify a specific challenge within the public sphere, design a viable policy or administrative intervention, and provide a defense of their proposed solution based on historical precedent, economic feasibility, and legal frameworks. Beyond demonstrating technical competence, the capstone project requires an explicit integration of a faith-informed perspective. Students must demonstrate how their proposed solutions reflect principles of ethical reasoning, stewardship of community resources, and the values of servant leadership. This project serves as a capstone, worth 4 credit hours, evaluating the student's ability to harmonize academic rigor with their foundational commitment to character-driven service.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Students must fulfill all core disciplinary requirements, participate in designated community engagement initiatives, and meet the university’s expectations for spiritual formation through chapel participation and required coursework in social ethics. These requirements ensure that graduates have demonstrated both academic proficiency and a readiness for professional life characterized by moral integrity.
• Candidates must also successfully defend their Senior Capstone Project to a faculty panel. The degree signifies that the student has balanced scholarly intellectual growth with the cultivation of character, positioning them to engage in faith-informed service within various professional settings in government and the non-profit sector.
• Career Opportunities
• Public Policy Analyst
• Government Relations Coordinator
• Non-Profit Program Administrator
• Legislative Aide
• Public Affairs Consultant
• Community Development Specialist
• Civic Engagement Liaison
• 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 Government Public Affairs Policy Administration
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years
• General education | 36 credit hours
• Faith-Based Government Public Affairs Policy Administration 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
• HIS105 | Foundations of Western Political Thought | 4 | None
• MAT110 | Quantitative Reasoning for Public Policy | 3 | None
• CHR101 | Foundations of Ethical Inquiry | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG102 | Professional Communication | 3 | ENG101
• POL101 | Introduction to Public Administration | 4 | None
• SOC120 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• HIS210 | American Government and Constitutional History | 4 | HIS105
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BUS201 | Principles of Management | 3 | None
• POL205 | Public Policy Analysis | 4 | POL101
• ECO210 | Economics of Public Policy | 4 | MAT110
• PSY220 | Social Psychology | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES250 | Research Methods for Social Science | 4 | MAT110
• POL260 | Administrative Law and Ethics | 3 | POL205
• MGT280 | Non-Profit Management | 3 | BUS201
• HUM200 | Cultural History and Global Perspectives | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL310 | State and Local Government | 4 | POL205
• BUS315 | Budgeting and Financial Management | 3 | ECO210
• COM320 | Strategic Communication and Public Advocacy | 3 | ENG102
• CHR350 | Servant Leadership and Organizational Ethics | 4 | CHR101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL360 | International Relations and Global Governance | 3 | POL101
• EDU380 | Education Policy and Social Justice | 3 | SOC120
• MGT400 | Human Resource Management in Public Sectors | 4 | BUS201
• POL410 | Advanced Issues in Public Health Policy | 4 | POL205
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL450 | Urban Planning and Community Development | 3 | POL310
• RES420 | Policy Evaluation and Applied Research | 4 | RES250
• CRJ430 | Criminal Justice Policy | 3 | HIS210
• POL450 | Civic Engagement and Public Interest Advocacy | 4 | CHR101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Senior Capstone: Policy Synthesis and Advocacy | 4 | RES420, Senior Standing
• POL480 | Professionalism and Civic Duty | 3 | None
• BUS495 | Leadership in Transition | 4 | Senior Standing
• POL499 | Public Affairs Internship | 3 | Senior Standing