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Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Leadership

Academic unitCollege of LeadershipTotal credits120Estimated duration4 yearsSource documentBachelor_of_Arts_in_Faith_Based_Leadership.docx

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Leadership

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-based leadership core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Leadership is a comprehensive academic program designed to prepare students for effective stewardship and ethical leadership within diverse organizational settings. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum, students engage with theories of management, organizational behavior, ethics, and communications, critically analyzing how these disciplines intersect with a commitment to service and integrity. The program emphasizes the development of character, analytical rigor, and collaborative skills necessary for modern leadership roles. Graduates are equipped to serve in various professional and community environments, applying sound decision-making principles to advance the common good through faith-informed action. The curriculum balances academic depth with practical application, ensuring that students can navigate complex organizational challenges with vision and purpose.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Leadership program combines foundational general education with comprehensive study in leadership theory, behavioral science, human development, ethics, research, crisis awareness, referral, program development, and community-based support.

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 Facts

Program facts

Degree abbreviation
B.A. in Faith-Based Leadership
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
College of Leadership
Total credits
120
Duration
4 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Analyze leadership theories and their application in diverse organizational structures.
  • Evaluate the role of ethics and moral integrity in professional decision-making.
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills in professional and interpersonal contexts.
  • Design strategic organizational plans that reflect principles of servant leadership and stewardship.
  • Integrate a coherent worldview with professional practices to address contemporary community challenges.
  • Interpret organizational data to inform evidence-based management decisions.
  • Collaborate effectively within multi-disciplinary teams to achieve shared goals.

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or equivalent with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Admissions materials must include official academic transcripts, a personal statement regarding the applicant's desire for service-oriented leadership, and two letters of recommendation from professional or academic references. Candidates are evaluated on their academic readiness, character, and alignment with the institution's commitment to community engagement and service. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project represents the culminating academic experience for the Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Leadership, requiring students to synthesize their learning through a 4-credit original project. This project challenges students to identify a complex organizational or community issue and design a comprehensive, ethically-informed solution that reflects principles of servant leadership and biblical stewardship. Students are expected to produce a formal research-based proposal and a practical implementation plan, demonstrating their ability to connect abstract theories with tangible community needs. The project is designed to assess academic competence in disciplinary knowledge and the student's personal growth in moral character and strategic thinking. Through this final effort, students articulate how their faith-informed worldview shapes their approach to leadership, stewardship, and professional service, providing a clear vision for their future contributions to society.

Program Structure

Official program structure

Program Details

  • Total Credits: 120
  • Duration: 4 years
  • Degree Level: Bachelor

Semester-by-Semester Curriculum

Official course sequence

Year 1

Semester 1

14 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
ENG101Academic Writing and Rhetoric4None
View Description

This course focuses on advanced reading, critical analysis, and scholarly writing techniques. It emphasizes clear argumentation and the integration of research into professional discourse. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

HIS105History of Leadership3None
View Description

This survey explores historical models of leadership and their influence on contemporary organizational structures. Students evaluate the effectiveness of different leadership styles across time. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

PSY110Introduction to Psychology4None
View Description

This course examines the foundational principles of psychology, including cognition, development, and social behavior. Students explore the psychological aspects of human interaction and professional environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

THE101Foundations of Ethical Thought3None
View Description

This course investigates the theoretical foundations of moral philosophy and its intersection with ethical decision-making. Students analyze virtue ethics and their relevance to professional life. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Semester 2

13 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
COM120Interpersonal Communication3None
View Description

This course addresses the dynamics of human communication in both professional and small-group settings. Students develop skills in active listening, conflict resolution, and collaborative engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

MAT150Quantitative Reasoning3None
View Description

This course introduces fundamental mathematical concepts applied to data interpretation and logical decision-making. Students practice using statistics to evaluate organizational performance metrics. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

BUS110Principles of Management3None
View Description

This course provides an overview of organizational structures, planning, and operational management. Students analyze the roles and responsibilities of leadership in modern institutions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

MIN150Service and Community Engagement4None
View Description

This course explores the theology and practice of servant leadership within the context of community service. Students participate in supervised field projects to apply leadership concepts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Semester 3

13 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
SOC210Sociology of Organizations4None
View Description

This course examines the social dynamics, group interactions, and institutional power structures within organizations. Students analyze how social change impacts organizational development and policy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

MGT220Principles of Stewardship3BUS110
View Description

This course focuses on the effective management of fiscal and intangible resources. Students evaluate financial reporting and resource allocation through an ethical, responsible lens. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

LDR230Theoretical Foundations of Leadership3None
View Description

This course examines the historical development of leadership theories and their practical application in contemporary organizational settings. Students will analyze various models of influence and governance. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

ENG205Professional Writing3ENG101
View Description

This course enhances written communication skills for professional contexts, including reports, proposals, and organizational correspondence. Students learn to draft clear, persuasive documents tailored to diverse stakeholders. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Year 2

Semester 4

13 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
BUS240Human Resources Management3BUS110
View Description

This course covers the essentials of hiring, training, and retaining talent within an organization. Students learn to implement inclusive and supportive workplace policies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

COU250Conflict Management and Mediation4PSY110
View Description

This course provides frameworks for identifying and navigating interpersonal conflict in professional environments. Students practice mediation techniques that prioritize reconciliation and resolution. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

HUM280Cultural Awareness in Leadership3None
View Description

This course analyzes the impact of cultural diversity on organizational communication and team dynamics. Students develop cultural intelligence and inclusive leadership strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

RES290Research Methods for Leadership3MAT150
View Description

This course introduces qualitative and quantitative research techniques for organizational assessment. Students design research strategies to evaluate organizational needs and project outcomes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Semester 5

13 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
MGT310Strategic Planning for Nonprofits4MGT220
View Description

This course provides tools for creating long-term organizational goals and assessing progress. Students learn to align organizational vision with mission-critical objectives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

BUS320Leadership and Organizational Behavior3BUS110
View Description

This course analyzes individual and group behavior within organizations. Students examine how culture, structure, and leadership style influence employee performance. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

EDU350Training and Development3BUS240
View Description

This course explores best practices for fostering professional growth and staff skill development. Students design curriculum and training models tailored to organizational goals. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

CRJ360Governance and Administrative Ethics3THE101
View Description

This course examines the principles of effective governance and legal responsibilities in nonprofit administration. Students evaluate case studies concerning ethical governance and regulatory compliance. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Semester 6

13 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
COM370Marketing and Public Relations3COM120
View Description

This course explores strategies for effectively communicating an organization's mission to diverse audiences. Students practice creating branding materials and public awareness campaigns. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

BUS380Financial Management for Leaders4MGT220
View Description

This course covers budgeting, financial reporting, and the legal aspects of non-profit fiscal health. Students learn to interpret financial statements to guide strategic decisions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

PSY390Ethical Development and Personal Integrity3CHR230
View Description

This course explores the psychological foundations of moral development and the cultivation of professional integrity within leadership roles. Students examine the impact of ethical decision-making on organizational culture and stakeholder relationships. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

MGT395Volunteer Management3BUS240
View Description

This course provides strategies for recruiting, retaining, and supporting volunteers in an organization. Students examine motivational theory and practical volunteer engagement techniques. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Year 3

Semester 7

13 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
MGT410Advanced Leadership Development4BUS320
View Description

This course focuses on executive leadership roles, crisis management, and decision-making under uncertainty. Students evaluate their own leadership efficacy and personal development goals. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

BUS420Program Development and Evaluation3RES290
View Description

This course guides students through the complete lifecycle of a community program from inception to assessment. Students learn to measure social impact and effectiveness. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

SOC440Contemporary Social Issues3SOC210
View Description

This course analyzes current societal challenges and their impacts on community organizations. Students discuss evidence-based interventions and the role of leadership in systemic improvement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

MGT450Systems Thinking and Innovation3BUS110
View Description

This course encourages students to view organizations as complex systems needing innovative, sustainable solutions. Students apply systems thinking to address recurring organizational challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Semester 8

13 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
CAP490Senior Capstone Project4Senior standing, RES290, MGT410
View Description

This project integrates previous course learning into a final scholarly application. Students present a comprehensive project addressing a real-world organizational challenge through the lens of servant leadership. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

BUS460Advanced Ethical Stewardship3THE390
View Description

This course reviews the ethical and theological dimensions of organizational stewardship at a senior level. Students synthesize their learning into a personal mission statement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

MGT470Organizational Leadership Practicum3Senior standing
View Description

This course provides hands-on, supervised experience in a professional, community-oriented setting. Students apply theories of leadership and management to everyday workplace tasks. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

COM480Global Communications and Leadership3HUM280
View Description

This course explores the nuances of communication and leadership in a globalized, cross-cultural professional environment. Students develop skills for communicating with diverse stakeholders across cultural lines. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Major / Core Requirements

Major and core requirements

General education | 36 credit hours

  • Faith-based leadership core | 63 credit hours
  • Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Final Project Requirement

Final project requirement

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • ENG101 | Academic Writing and Rhetoric | 4 | None
  • HIS105 | History of Leadership | 3 | None
  • PSY110 | Introduction to Psychology | 4 | None
  • THE101 | Foundations of Ethical Thought | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • COM120 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | None
  • MAT150 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | None
  • BUS110 | Principles of Management | 3 | None
  • MIN150 | Service and Community Engagement | 4 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • SOC210 | Sociology of Organizations | 4 | None
  • MGT220 | Principles of Stewardship | 3 | BUS110
  • LDR230 | Theoretical Foundations of Leadership | 3 | None
  • ENG205 | Professional Writing | 3 | ENG101
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BUS240 | Human Resources Management | 3 | BUS110
  • COU250 | Conflict Management and Mediation | 4 | PSY110
  • HUM280 | Cultural Awareness in Leadership | 3 | None
  • RES290 | Research Methods for Leadership | 3 | MAT150
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MGT310 | Strategic Planning for Nonprofits | 4 | MGT220
  • BUS320 | Leadership and Organizational Behavior | 3 | BUS110
  • EDU350 | Training and Development | 3 | BUS240
  • CRJ360 | Governance and Administrative Ethics | 3 | THE101
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • COM370 | Marketing and Public Relations | 3 | COM120
  • BUS380 | Financial Management for Leaders | 4 | MGT220
  • PSY390 | Ethical Development and Personal Integrity | 3 | CHR230
  • MGT395 | Volunteer Management | 3 | BUS240
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MGT410 | Advanced Leadership Development | 4 | BUS320
  • BUS420 | Program Development and Evaluation | 3 | RES290
  • SOC440 | Contemporary Social Issues | 3 | SOC210
  • MGT450 | Systems Thinking and Innovation | 3 | BUS110
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | Senior standing, RES290, MGT410
  • BUS460 | Advanced Ethical Stewardship | 3 | THE390
  • MGT470 | Organizational Leadership Practicum | 3 | Senior standing
  • COM480 | Global Communications and Leadership | 3 | HUM280
  • CAP490 — Senior Capstone Project — 4 credits

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • To graduate, students must complete 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and successfully pass the Senior Capstone Project. Beyond academic achievement, graduation represents a commitment to the university's values of integrity, service, and spiritual maturity. Students are expected to fulfill requirements for community service hours and demonstrate ongoing engagement in institutional character development programs to foster a holistic integration of faith and work. These requirements ensure that graduates depart not only with intellectual mastery but also with the ethical discipline and commitment to service necessary for faith-informed leadership in a variety of public and private spheres.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Nonprofit Program Coordinator
  • Church Ministry Director
  • Community Relations Manager
  • Social Entrepreneur
  • Human Resources Specialist
  • Organizational Consultant
  • Public Policy Advocate

Additional Official Information

Additional source information

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