Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Public Administration

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Public Administration

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Public Administration core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Public Administration program at HBI University cultivates leaders equipped to serve in public and nonprofit sectors with a distinct ethical framework grounded in Christian principles. This program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, analytical skills, and a commitment to stewardship and servant leadership, preparing graduates to address complex societal challenges. Students will explore foundational theories of public administration, public policy, and organizational management, integrating these with a robust understanding of ethical decision-making and community engagement informed by a faith-based worldview.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Public Administration combines a robust general education foundation with comprehensive study in public administration theory, organizational behavior, human development, professional ethics, empirical research methods, crisis awareness, social service referral, program development, and community-based support 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 Details

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

General education | 36 credit hours

• Faith-Based Public Administration core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Elective 1

• General Elective
• 3
• None
• PUB 310 — Organizational Behavior in Public Sector: This course examines the dynamics of organizations within the public sector, focusing on leadership, motivation, group behavior, and organizational change. Students will learn to manage and lead effectively in public service environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PUB 320 — Public Financial Management: This course introduces the principles and practices of managing public finances, including budgeting, fiscal policy, and accounting in government and nonprofit organizations. Students will develop skills in financial planning and oversight. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC 301 — Social Institutions and Community Dynamics: This course explores the role of civil society organizations in influencing community development and civic engagement. Students study the interplay between social systems, government policy, and grassroots movements. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Elective 2

• General Elective
• 3
• None
• PUB 401 — Human Resource Management in Public Service: This course covers the principles and practices of managing human resources in public and nonprofit organizations, including recruitment, training, performance appraisal, and labor relations. Students will learn strategies for effective workforce management. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PUB 410 — Nonprofit Management: This course focuses on the unique challenges and strategies involved in managing nonprofit organizations, including governance, fundraising, program development, and impact assessment. Students will explore best practices for nonprofit leadership. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LDR 301 — Leadership Theory and Organizational Development: This course covers historical and modern leadership styles, team building, and organizational behavior strategies. Emphasis is placed on managing human capital and fostering professional growth within diverse institutional environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Elective 3

• General Elective
• 3
• None
• PUB 420 — Public Sector Ethics: This course critically examines ethical dilemmas and professional standards in public administration, with a focus on integrity, accountability, and public trust. Students will apply ethical frameworks to case studies and real-world scenarios. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PUB 430 — Community Development and Engagement: This course explores theories and strategies for effective community development and engagement, focusing on participatory approaches, needs assessment, and sustainable development initiatives. Students will learn to foster collaborative relationships within communities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PUB 490 — Internship in Public Administration: This course provides supervised practical experience in a public or nonprofit organization. Students will apply academic knowledge in a professional setting, gaining hands-on experience in administrative functions and contributing to organizational goals. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Elective 4

• General Elective
• 3
• None

Elective 5

• General Elective
• 3
• None
• PUB 499 — Senior Capstone Project: This capstone course is the culminating academic experience of the program, requiring students to conduct in-depth research, analysis, and synthesis of a public administration topic. Students will develop a comprehensive project that demonstrates their mastery of program learning outcomes and their ability to integrate faith-based principles into practical application. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PUB 440 — Leadership and Stewardship: This course examines theories of leadership and stewardship, emphasizing their application within public and nonprofit contexts from a faith-based perspective. Students will explore principles of responsible resource management and ethical leadership that honors service and accountability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Elective 1 | General Elective | 3 | None

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PUB 401 | Human Resource Management in Public Service | 3 | PUB 310
• PUB 410 | Nonprofit Management | 3 | PUB 301, MGT 201
• LDR 301 | Leadership Theory and Organizational Development | 3 | MIN 301

Elective 2 | General Elective | 3 | None

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PUB 420 | Public Sector Ethics | 3 | PUB 301, THE 201
• PUB 430 | Community Development and Engagement | 3 | SOC 101, PUB 301
• PUB 490 | Internship in Public Administration | 3 | PUB 310, PUB 320, senior standing

Elective 3 | General Elective | 3 | None

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PUB 499 | Senior Capstone Project | 6 | PUB 430, RES 301, CHR 301, senior standing
• PUB 440 | Leadership and Stewardship | 3 | PUB 310, MIN 301

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HUM 101 | Introduction to Humanities | 3 | None
• ENG 101 | College Composition I | 3 | None
• SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• HIS 101 | World Civilizations I | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG 102 | College Composition II | 3 | ENG 101
• POL 201 | Introduction to Political Science | 3 | None
• PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• BUS 101 | Introduction to Business | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT 201 | Principles of Management | 3 | BUS 101
• ECO 201 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 | None
• COM 101 | Public Speaking | 3 | ENG 101
• MAT 110 | Applied Statistics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PUB 301 | Introduction to Public Administration | 3 | POL 201
• PUB 302 | Public Policy Analysis | 3 | PUB 301
• PHI 201 | Foundations of Professional Ethics | 3 | THE 101 (or equivalent)
• RES 301 | Research Methods | 3 | MAT 110
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PUB 310 | Organizational Behavior in Public Sector | 3 | MGT 201
• PUB 320 | Public Financial Management | 3 | ECO 201, PUB 301
• SOC 301 | Social Institutions and Community Dynamics | 3 | THE 201

Career Opportunities

• Nonprofit Management and Development
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Public Policy Analyst Assistant
• Government Administration Roles
• Program Director for Social Services
• Faith-Based Organization Leadership
• Urban Planning Assistant
• Volunteer Management

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