Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Journalism Specialization in Communication

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Journalism Specialization in Communication

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Journalism and Communication core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Journalism provides a rigorous academic foundation for students seeking to pursue careers in media and communication with an emphasis on ethical storytelling and community impact. The curriculum balances technical skills in journalism, digital media, and reporting with an interdisciplinary exploration of communication theory and societal influence. Students are challenged to develop sophisticated research and editorial skills, enabling them to engage complex narratives in a media-saturated culture through a lens of integrity and professional responsibility.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Journalism Specialization in Communication combines a robust general education foundation with comprehensive study in media theory, communication ethics, human development, journalistic research, crisis communication, and community-based storytelling through a faith-informed lens.

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 Journalism and Communication core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG 101 | Academic Writing and Research | 4 | None
• COM 101 | Introduction to Communication Studies | 4 | None
• HIS 110 | World History I | 3 | None
• PHI 105 | Introduction to Philosophical Inquiry | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM 120 | Journalistic Reporting I | 4 | ENG 101
• SOC 150 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• MAT 120 | Statistics for Research | 3 | None
• HUM 200 | Ethics in Professional Practice | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM 210 | Multimedia Storytelling | 4 | COM 120
• ENG 220 | Advanced Composition | 3 | ENG 101
• PSY 200 | Foundations of Human Behavior | 3 | None
• MIN 210 | Servant Leadership in Organizations | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM 250 | Editorial Process and Media Law | 4 | COM 120
• BUS 230 | Nonprofit Resource Management | 3 | None
• SOC 250 | Civic Engagement and Volunteerism | 3 | THE 105
• COM 280 | Public Relations and Media Relations | 3 | COM 101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM 310 | Feature Writing and Long-form Journalism | 4 | COM 210
• RES 300 | Qualitative Research Methods | 3 | MAT 120
• MGT 320 | Organizational Communication Strategy | 3 | COM 101
• COM 340 | Media Ethics and Social Responsibility | 3 | HUM 200
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM 360 | Digital Journalism Lab | 4 | COM 250
• BUS 350 | Marketing for Social Impact | 3 | BUS 230
• COM 380 | Documentary and Visual Storytelling | 3 | COM 210
• BUS 350 | Professionalism and Career Development | 3 | THE 105
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM 410 | Investigative Reporting | 4 | COM 360
• COM 420 | Crisis Communication | 3 | MGT 320
• EDU 400 | Community Engagement Seminar | 3 | None
• COM 430 | Professional Portfolio Development | 3 | All Core 300-level courses
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP 490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | COM 430
• MGT 450 | Strategic Stewardship in Media | 3 | MGT 320
• SOC 460 | Community Advocacy and Public Policy | 3 | SOC 150
• COM 480 | Contemporary Media Trends | 3 | COM 360

Career Opportunities

• Digital News Producer
• Nonprofit Communications Manager
• Faith-Based Institutional Journalist
• Public Relations Specialist
• Community Engagement Coordinator
• Media Research Analyst
• Organizational Storyteller

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