Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Public Policy, Specialization in Policy

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Public Policy

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Public Policy core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Public Policy with a specialization in Policy is designed to provide students with a rigorous interdisciplinary education that examines the intersection of civic engagement, legal frameworks, and ethical governance. Through a curriculum rooted in social scientific analysis and practical policy application, students explore how institutional structures impact the common good and the flourishing of local communities. The program emphasizes the role of the individual as a steward of justice and public welfare in a complex, pluralistic society.

Students engage with foundational concepts in political science, economics, and legal history, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of how public policy is developed, implemented, and evaluated. By integrating ethical reasoning with data-driven decision-making, the program cultivates leaders who are prepared to navigate the complexities of governance while remaining committed to principles of integrity and service. The pedagogical approach balances theoretical scholarship with experiential learning to equip students for active participation in the public sphere.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Public Policy program combines a robust general education curriculum with a comprehensive study of policy theory, behavioral science, human development, ethical frameworks, rigorous research methodologies, crisis awareness, referral systems, program development, and community-based support strategies. Students are prepared to engage with complex societal issues through an analytical lens that integrates academic expertise with faith-based foundations.

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 Policy core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG101 | Academic Writing I | 3 | None
• HIS110 | History of Western Government | 3 | None
• SOC100 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• CHR101 | Principles of Servant Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG102 | Academic Writing II | 3 | ENG101
• MAT120 | Quantitative Reasoning for Policy | 3 | None
• POL150 | Foundations of Public Policy | 4 | None
• HUM110 | Ethics and Character Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL201 | Public Administration Theory | 3 | POL150
• BUS210 | Nonprofit Management | 3 | None
• COM220 | Public Communication and Advocacy | 4 | ENG102
• PSY200 | Human Development in Community | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL250 | Economics for Policy Professionals | 4 | MAT120
• RES200 | Research Methods for Social Inquiry | 3 | MAT120
• CRJ210 | Law and Justice Systems | 3 | None
• MIN250 | Community Outreach and Engagement | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL301 | Public Policy Analysis | 4 | RES200
• MGT310 | Organizational Stewardship | 3 | BUS210
• HIS320 | History of Social Reform Movements | 3 | HIS110
• PHL300 | Philosophy of Professional Ethics | 3 | HUM110
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL350 | State and Local Governance | 4 | POL150
• BUS350 | Grant Writing and Resource Development | 3 | BUS210
• SOC330 | Urban Policy and Social Dynamics | 3 | SOC100
• COM350 | Conflict Resolution and Negotiation | 3 | COM220
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL410 | Comparative Public Policy | 4 | POL301
• POL420 | Ethical Leadership in Public Policy | 3 | HUM110
• EDU400 | Education Policy and Social Mobility | 3 | SOC100
• RES450 | Advanced Research and Policy Seminar | 3 | RES200
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 6 | RES450
• POL480 | Policy Implementation and Sustainability | 4 | POL301
• SOC499 | Community Advocacy and Civic Engagement | 3 | THE300
• BUS420 | Strategic Planning for Social Impact | 3 | MGT310

Career Opportunities

• Nonprofit Program Coordinator
• Public Policy Research Analyst
• Community Outreach Liaison
• Legislative Aide
• Grant Writer
• Corporate Social Responsibility Officer
• Advocacy Strategist

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