Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Marine Biology, Specialization in Ocean Conservation

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Marine Biology

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Marine Biology core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Marine Biology with a specialization in Ocean Conservation provides a rigorous academic foundation in biological sciences, ecosystem management, and environmental ethics. This program explores the intricate complexities of marine environments through a multidisciplinary lens, emphasizing the synthesis of scientific research with ethical stewardship. Students engage with foundational biological principles while examining the anthropogenic impacts on aquatic life, fostering a commitment to environmental integrity and public advocacy. The curriculum is designed to challenge students to analyze marine biological phenomena while cultivating a professional ethos grounded in responsible guardianship of natural resources. By integrating systematic observation with philosophical discourse on creation care, the program prepares graduates to address the pressing challenges of global ocean health with analytical precision and moral clarity.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Marine Biology, Specialization in Ocean Conservation, combines a robust general education foundation with comprehensive study in the subject theory, behavioral science, human development, ethics, research, crisis awareness, referral, program development, and community-based support as they relate to marine ecosystems and environmental stewardship.

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 Marine Biology core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO101 | General Biology I | 4 | None
• ENG101 | Academic Writing | 3 | None
• MAT120 | Statistics for Science | 3 | MAT099
• PHI105 | Introduction to Environmental Ethics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO102 | General Biology II | 4 | BIO101
• COM101 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | None
• HUM201 | Cultural Stewardship | 3 | None
• SOC101 | Principles of Sociology | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO210 | Marine Biology I | 4 | BIO102
• RES250 | Research Methods | 3 | MAT120
• HIS210 | History of Environmental Ethics | 3 | None
• BUS205 | Nonprofit Organizational Management | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO220 | Marine Biology II | 4 | BIO210
• BIO250 | Ecology and Sustainability | 3 | BIO210
• COU220 | Group Dynamics and Leadership | 3 | None
• MAT250 | GIS for Environmental Studies | 3 | MAT120
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO310 | Ocean Conservation Policy | 3 | BIO250
• BIO350 | Marine Toxicology | 4 | BIO220
• SOC320 | Social Justice and Environment | 3 | SOC101
• MIN305 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 3 | COU220
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO370 | Field Research Techniques | 4 | BIO250
• BIO380 | Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration | 3 | BIO250
• EDU310 | Environmental Education Methods | 3 | COM101
• ENV300 | Principles of Environmental Sustainability | 3 | CHR105
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO410 | Advanced Marine Ecology | 3 | BIO370
• MGT405 | Project Management for Conservation | 3 | BUS205
• RES400 | Advanced Analytical Writing | 3 | RES250
• BIO420 | Coastal Zone Management | 3 | BIO310
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 6 | RES400, MGT405
• BIO450 | Global Ocean Trends | 3 | BIO310
• HUM410 | Ethics in Environmental Stewardship | 3 | THE300

Career Opportunities

• Marine Conservation Consultant
• Environmental Policy Analyst for Nonprofits
• Aquarium Education Coordinator
• Coastal Resource Manager
• Community Outreach Specialist for Environmental Organizations
• Research Assistant in Marine Ecology
• Sustainable Development 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 Marine Biology
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years