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Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Philosophy, Specialization in Ethics Social Justice

Academic unitCollege of Law and Public PolicyTotal credits120Estimated duration4 yearsSource documentBachelor_of_Arts_in_Faith_Based_Philosophy__Specialization_in_Ethics_Social_Just.docx

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Philosophy, Specialization in Ethics Social Justice

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Philosophy and social justice core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Philosophy with a specialization in Ethics and Social Justice provides a rigorous academic foundation in philosophical inquiry, ethical reasoning, and social advocacy. Students explore the intersection of classical philosophical traditions and contemporary social challenges, utilizing a framework rooted in stewardship, servant leadership, and global responsibility. The curriculum encourages critical analysis of human dignity, justice, and the common good, preparing graduates to navigate complex moral landscapes with intellectual clarity and principled integrity.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Philosophy, Specialization in Ethics Social Justice, combines foundational general education with a comprehensive study of philosophy theory, behavioral science, human development, ethics, research, crisis awareness, referral, program development, and community-based support. This curriculum is designed to provide students with a robust intellectual framework grounded in faith-based principles while developing practical proficiencies necessary for effective engagement in social justice initiatives.

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 Philosophy, Specialization in Ethics Social Justice
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 Law and Public Policy
Total credits
120
Duration
4 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Analyze the historical development of Western and non-Western philosophical traditions to understand diverse moral frameworks.
  • Evaluate systemic social injustices using interdisciplinary research methods and critical logic.
  • Apply ethical principles to contemporary policy dilemmas, demonstrating a commitment to human flourishing.
  • Communicate complex philosophical concepts effectively to academic and public audiences.
  • Design community-based intervention strategies that reflect servant leadership and stewardship values.
  • Integrate a coherent, faith-informed worldview with empirical data to propose solutions for societal inequities.
  • Demonstrate advanced proficiency in constructing logical, evidence-based arguments regarding ethical dilemmas.

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must provide evidence of graduation from an accredited secondary school or equivalent with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Submission of official transcripts, a personal statement regarding academic and service goals, and two letters of recommendation are required for holistic evaluation. Prospective students are expected to demonstrate an interest in the intersection of ethics and civic engagement. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience for the program, requiring students to synthesize four years of philosophical study and ethical reflection. This project tasks students with designing a comprehensive research paper or a community-based applied project that addresses a pressing social justice concern, incorporating both secular theoretical rigor and a reflective analysis of their personal spiritual and ethical formation. Students must defend their findings before a faculty committee, articulating how their work reflects principles of servant leadership and stewardship. Through this process, students demonstrate professional competence in their discipline and show evidence of an integrated character prepared for ethical, faith-informed leadership in their post-graduate endeavors. The project carries 4 credit hours and is evaluated on analytical depth, creative synthesis, and ethical clarity.

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

13 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
ENG101Academic Writing and Rhetoric4None
View Description

Focuses on the construction of clear, logical arguments and professional prose. Students analyze diverse texts to improve their own rhetorical skillsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

PHI101Introduction to Philosophy3None
View Description

An overview of major philosophical questions and historical perspectives. Students examine fundamental concepts of reality, knowledge, and valueThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

SOC101Principles of Sociology3None
View Description

Introduces the study of society, social structures, and cultural patterns. Emphasizes the relationship between individual experience and social dynamicsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

HUM110History of Western Intellectual Thought3None
View Description

Surveys the development of key ideas in Western history. Students trace the evolution of ethical, political, and social theoriesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Semester 2

13 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
PHI150Logic and Critical Reasoning3PHI101
View Description

Examines the structure of arguments, logical fallacies, and formal reasoning techniques. Focuses on the application of logic to ethical discourseThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

CHR120Foundations of Ethical Life3None
View Description

Explores the relationship between character formation and social responsibility. Discusses biblical perspectives on stewardship and justiceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

MAT110Quantitative Reasoning3None
View Description

Focuses on statistical literacy and the interpretation of quantitative data. Essential for analyzing social research trendsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

COM105Public Speaking and Communication4None
View Description

Develops essential communication skills for public engagement. Students learn to tailor messages for diverse audiences and civic settingsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Semester 3

13 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
PHI210Ethics and Moral Theory3PHI101
View Description

Provides an in-depth study of major ethical theories, including virtue, deontological, and consequentialist frameworks. Evaluates these theories within a contemporary contextThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

CRJ205Foundations of Justice3None
View Description

Analyzes the philosophical underpinnings of legal and social justice. Reviews current debates surrounding criminal and restorative justice systemsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

HIS201Global Social Movements3None
View Description

Investigates the history and efficacy of various social movements. Examines the strategies used to promote change and human rightsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

PSY220Social Psychology4SOC101
View Description

Studies the impact of social situations on individual behavior. Focuses on topics like bias, prejudice, and group conflict resolutionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Year 2

Semester 4

13 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
PHI240Philosophy of Human Rights3PHI210
View Description

Examines the theoretical basis of human rights and their application in global society. Critiques modern interpretations of individual and communal rightsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

POL210Political Philosophy3None
View Description

Explores the nature of government, authority, and citizenship. Analyzes the role of the state in promoting justice and the common goodThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

RES250Research Methods for Social Inquiry3MAT110
View Description

Introduces qualitative and quantitative research methods. Students learn to evaluate social evidence and frame inquiry projectsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

CHR260Servant Leadership in Practice4CHR120
View Description

Applies the model of servant leadership to contemporary management and community service. Emphasizes self-reflection and group developmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Semester 5

13 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
PHI310Social Justice and Inequality3PHI210
View Description

Provides a deep dive into the causes and structural manifestations of social inequality. Evaluates potential interventions and systemic reformsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

BUS320Organizational Ethics3None
View Description

Addresses the role of ethics in institutional leadership. Explores issues of sustainability, accountability, and ethical culture in organizationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

SOC350Poverty and Economic Justice3SOC101
View Description

Investigates the historical and contemporary realities of poverty. Discusses the ethics of wealth distribution and social responsibilityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

EDU380Educational Equity4None
View Description

Analyzes the role of education in promoting or hindering equality. Discusses systemic barriers and the ethics of inclusive educationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Semester 6

13 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
PHI350Environmental Philosophy3PHI210
View Description

Explores the ethical obligations regarding the environment. Focuses on the concept of stewardship in a global contextThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

SOC330Community Development and Urban Planning3CHR260
View Description

This course explores theories of community capacity building, asset-based development, and the structural dynamics of urban social change. Students analyze models for sustainable growth and equitable resource distribution in diverse populations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

COM360Conflict Resolution and Mediation3None
View Description

Teaches techniques for de-escalation and constructive dialogue. Applicable to both personal and organizational settingsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

RES390Advanced Ethics Research4RES250
View Description

Preparation for the senior thesis. Students develop a research plan, conduct literature reviews, and refine their methodologiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Year 3

Semester 7

13 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
PHI420Contemporary Ethical Issues3PHI310
View Description

A seminar-style course addressing modern debates in bioethics, digital ethics, and globalization. Students debate opposing moral viewpointsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

MGT450Management of Nonprofits3None
View Description

Focuses on the operational and ethical management of charitable organizations. Explores resource allocation and impact measurementThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

SOC440Global Justice Systems3SOC101
View Description

Analyzes legal and social systems on a global scale. Focuses on international advocacy and the ethics of interventionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

PHI490Selected Topics in Social Philosophy4PHI310
View Description

Advanced seminar on niche philosophical topics. Content varies based on current social developments and student interestsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Semester 8

13 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
CAP495Senior Capstone Project4RES390
View Description

The culminating project where students produce a significant scholarly work. Combines research with reflection on personal and professional integrationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

PHI450Philosophy of Law3PHI240
View Description

Examines the intersection of law, morality, and justice. Reviews historical and modern legal theories and their implicationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

BUS480Professional Ethics and Organizational Leadership3CHR330
View Description

This course examines the role of personal and professional ethical frameworks in organizational decision-making and workplace conduct. Students evaluate case studies related to corporate social responsibility, accountability, and the cultivation of an ethical institutional culture. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

HUM499Senior Internship3RES390
View Description

Supervised practical experience in a community or organizational setting. Students apply learned ethical concepts in professional practiceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Major / Core Requirements

Major and core requirements

General education | 36 credit hours

  • Philosophy and social justice 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
  • PHI101 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 | None
  • SOC101 | Principles of Sociology | 3 | None
  • HUM110 | History of Western Intellectual Thought | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • PHI150 | Logic and Critical Reasoning | 3 | PHI101
  • CHR120 | Foundations of Ethical Life | 3 | None
  • MAT110 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | None
  • COM105 | Public Speaking and Communication | 4 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • PHI210 | Ethics and Moral Theory | 3 | PHI101
  • CRJ205 | Foundations of Justice | 3 | None
  • HIS201 | Global Social Movements | 3 | None
  • PSY220 | Social Psychology | 4 | SOC101
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • PHI240 | Philosophy of Human Rights | 3 | PHI210
  • POL210 | Political Philosophy | 3 | None
  • RES250 | Research Methods for Social Inquiry | 3 | MAT110
  • CHR260 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 4 | CHR120
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • PHI310 | Social Justice and Inequality | 3 | PHI210
  • BUS320 | Organizational Ethics | 3 | None
  • SOC350 | Poverty and Economic Justice | 3 | SOC101
  • EDU380 | Educational Equity | 4 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • PHI350 | Environmental Philosophy | 3 | PHI210
  • SOC330 | Community Development and Urban Planning | 3 | CHR260
  • COM360 | Conflict Resolution and Mediation | 3 | None
  • RES390 | Advanced Ethics Research | 4 | RES250
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • PHI420 | Contemporary Ethical Issues | 3 | PHI310
  • MGT450 | Management of Nonprofits | 3 | None
  • SOC440 | Global Justice Systems | 3 | SOC101
  • PHI490 | Selected Topics in Social Philosophy | 4 | PHI310
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP495 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | RES390
  • PHI450 | Philosophy of Law | 3 | PHI240
  • BUS480 | Professional Ethics and Organizational Leadership | 3 | CHR330
  • HUM499 | Senior Internship | 3 | RES390
  • CAP495Senior Capstone Project4 credits

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. In addition to academic coursework, students must fulfill a minimum of 80 hours of community service and participate in institutional spiritual formation programs, reflecting our commitment to the holistic development of the student. The successful defense of the Senior Capstone Project is mandatory for completion of the degree. These requirements ensure that graduates possess not only the necessary intellectual mastery of philosophical and ethical domains but also the character maturity, integrity, and dedication to service essential for those who seek to contribute meaningfully to the common good.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Nonprofit Program Coordinator
  • Social Advocacy Consultant
  • Public Policy Researcher
  • Community Outreach Director
  • Ethics Compliance Officer
  • Human Rights Advocate
  • Civic Engagement Coordinator

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 Philosophy, Specialization in Ethics Social Justice
  • Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Four academic years