Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Leadership Studies

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Leadership Studies

Total program length

135 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Leadership Studies core

78 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Leadership Studies equips students with the essential knowledge and skills for effective servant leadership across diverse sectors through the framework of a robust Christian worldview. This interdisciplinary program focuses on developing critical thinking, effective communication, and ethical reasoning, grounded in biblical stewardship and the intentional pursuit of spiritual formation. Students will examine the influence of theological commitments on leadership praxis, preparing them to serve with integrity in community organizations, faith-based nonprofits, and corporate environments. By integrating experiential learning—including internships and leadership projects—with rigorous academic inquiry, the program fosters a sense of vocation that prepares graduates to become transformative leaders who cultivate inclusive environments and honor God in their professional spheres.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Leadership Studies program combines a robust general education foundation with comprehensive study in faith-based leadership theory, behavioral science, human development, ethics, research, crisis awareness, referral, program development, and community-based support. This integrated approach equips students to navigate complex organizational environments while maintaining a strong commitment to spiritual and ethical principles.

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: 135
• Duration: 4 years
• Degree Level: Bachelor

General education | 36 credit hours

• Faith-Based Leadership Studies core | 78 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM 101 | Introduction to Communication | 3 | None
• COM 101 | Public Speaking | 3 | None
• ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 | None
• HIS 101 | World History I | 3 | None
• PSY 101 | General Psychology | 3 | None
• SCI 101 | Environmental Science | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3 | English Composition I (ENG 101)
• HIS 102 | World History II | 3 | None
• SCI 102 | Biology for Non-Majors | 3 | None
• IT 110 | Computer Applications & Digital Literacy | 3 | None
• MAT 110 | College Algebra | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• LDS 201 | Introduction to Leadership Studies | 3 | None
• PHI 201 | Introduction to Ethics | 3 | None
• POL 201 | American Government | 3 | None
• REL 201 | Introduction to Religious Studies | 3 | None
• LDS 202 | Classical Leadership Theories | 3 | None
• ANT 210 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CUL 210 | Cultural Diversity Studies | 3 | None
• ECO 210 | Principles of Economics | 3 | None
• HIS 210 | Modern World History | 3 | None
• LAW 210 | Law, Ethics & Society | 3 | None
• PHI 210 | Logic & Critical Thinking | 3 | None
• POL 210 | Political Theory | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY 210 | Social Psychology | 3 | None
• SOC 210 | Social Institutions | 3 | None
• STA 210 | Statistics | 3 | None
• COM 220 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | None
• ELE 301 | Organizational Psychology | 3 | None
• LDS 301 | Contemporary Leadership Models | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• REL 301 | Christianity & Society | 3 | None
• LDS 302 | Ethical Leadership | 3 | None
• REL 302 | Religion & Ethics | 3 | None
• ELE 303 | Conflict Resolution & Mediation | 3 | None
• LDS 303 | Leadership Communication | 3 | None
• REL 303 | Comparative Religion | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ELE 304 | Leadership Coaching & Mentoring | 3 | None
• LDS 304 | Decision-Making & Problem Solving | 3 | None
• REL 304 | Religion, Culture & Social Change | 3 | None
• ELE 306 | Crisis & Change Leadership | 3 | None
• ELE 307 | Global Leadership | 3 | None
• ELE 308 | Community Leadership Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• LDS 401 | Strategic Leadership | 3 | None
• LDS 402 | Leadership in Public & Nonprofit Sectors | 3 | None
• LDS 403 | Leadership Research Methods | 3 | None
• LDS 490 | Leadership Internship | 3 | None
• LDS 491 | Leadership Capstone Project | 3 | Completion of core Leadership Studies courses, including Leadership Theory and Ethics.
• MADC 500 | Spiritual Formation | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

• Nonprofit Organization Manager
• Faith-Based Community Leader
• Corporate Trainer
• Human Resources Specialist
• Public Relations Officer
• Policy Advisor
• Community Outreach Coordinator

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 Studies
• Total program length | 135 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years