Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Nonprofit Leadership, Specialization in Christian Studies

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Nonprofit Leadership

Total program length

135 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Nonprofit Leadership core

78 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Nonprofit Leadership, with a Minor in Christian Studies, equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead and manage nonprofit organizations effectively. Through a blend of theoretical and practical approaches, students will learn about nonprofit management, fundraising, community outreach, and ethical leadership, with a strong emphasis on integrating Christian principles into their practice. This program prepares graduates for meaningful careers in the nonprofit sector, enhancing their ability to create positive social change while grounded in their faith. The curriculum includes experiential learning opportunities, such as internships and service projects, fostering real-world applications of classroom knowledge and providing students with the resources necessary for successful careers in their chosen fields.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Nonprofit Leadership program integrates a robust foundation in general education with comprehensive study in leadership theory, behavioral science, human development, organizational ethics, research methodology, crisis awareness, resource referral, program development, and community-based support strategies. This multidisciplinary approach equips students with the specialized skills necessary to navigate the complex administrative and spiritual landscapes inherent in nonprofit ministry and charitable operations.

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 Nonprofit Leadership core | 78 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM 101 | Public Speaking | 3 | None
• COM 101 | Introduction to Communication | 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
• SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• 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
• CHR 201 | Introduction to Christian Studies | 3 | None
• NPL 201 | Introduction to the Nonprofit Sector | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PHI 201 | Introduction to Ethics | 3 | None
• POL 201 | American Government | 3 | None
• NPL 202 | Nonprofit Organizations & Governance | 3 | None
• NPL 203 | Public & Nonprofit Administration | 3 | None
• NPL 204 | Financial Management for Nonprofits | 3 | None
• NPL 205 | Fundraising & Development | 3 | None
• NPL 206 | Grant Writing & Resource Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• NPL 207 | Volunteer & Human Resource Management | 3 | None
• NPL 208 | Program Planning & Evaluation | 3 | None
• NPL 209 | Ethics & Compliance in Nonprofits | 3 | None
• NPL 210 | Community & Social Services Systems | 3 | None
• STA 210 | Statistics | 3 | None
• CHR 301 | Biblical Foundations | 3 | None
• ELE 301 | Social Entrepreneurship | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• NPL 301 | Leadership in Nonprofit Organizations | 3 | None
• CHR 302 | Christian Ethics | 3 | None
• ELE 302 | Global Nonprofit Organizations | 3 | None
• NPL 302 | Strategic Planning for Nonprofits | 3 | None
• CHR 303 | Christianity & Society | 3 | None
• ELE 303 | Faith-Based & Community Organizations | 3 | None
• NPL 303 | Board Relations & Policy Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CHR 304 | Christian Leadership & Service | 3 | None
• ELE 304 | Conflict Resolution in Human Services | 3 | None
• NPL 304 | Advocacy & Public Policy | 3 | None
• NPL 305 | Social Impact Measurement | 3 | None
• ELE 306 | Technology & Data for Nonprofits | 3 | None
• NPL 306 | Community Engagement & Partnerships | 3 | None
• ELE 307 | Community Economic Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ELE 308 | Program Sustainability & Innovation | 3 | None
• NPL 401 | Organizational Change in Nonprofits | 3 | None
• NPL 402 | Crisis & Risk Management | 3 | None
• NPL 403 | Research Methods for Nonprofit Leaders | 3 | None
• NPL 404 | Nonprofit Leadership Capstone Seminar | 3 | Completion of all core courses in the Bachelor of Arts in Nonprofit Leadership program
• NPL 490 | Nonprofit Internship / Practicum | 3 | None
• NPL 491 | Nonprofit Leadership Capstone Project | 3 | Completion of core nonprofit leadership courses

Career Opportunities

• Nonprofit Manager
• Fundraising Coordinator
• Program Director
• Volunteer Coordinator
• Grant Writer
• Community Outreach Specialist
• Executive Director
• Church Administrator

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