Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Public Speaking, Specialization in Advocacy Training

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Public Speaking

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Public Speaking and advocacy core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Public Speaking with a specialization in Advocacy Training is designed to equip students with the rhetorical, analytical, and leadership skills necessary to influence public discourse through an ethical and values-driven lens. This program integrates rigorous communication theory with the practical application of advocacy strategies, enabling graduates to serve as effective, articulate, and principled voices in diverse professional and community settings. Students engage in a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes the intersection of persuasive communication, social responsibility, and servant leadership, preparing them to engage complex issues with integrity and clarity. By grounding oratorical training in the principles of ethical reasoning and community stewardship, the program cultivates leaders who are committed to the common good and prepared to translate moral convictions into impactful public action.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Public Speaking, Specialization in Advocacy Training, combines rigorous general education with a comprehensive study of faith-based public speaking theory, behavioral science, human development, communication ethics, research methodology, crisis awareness, referral protocols, program development, and community-based support systems.

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 Speaking and advocacy core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG 101 | Composition and Rhetoric I | 4 | None
• COM 110 | Foundations of Communication | 3 | None
• HIS 105 | World History to 1500 | 3 | None
• MIN 101 | Introduction to Servant Leadership | 2 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG 102 | Composition and Rhetoric II | 4 | ENG 101
• COM 120 | Public Speaking Fundamentals | 3 | None
• MAT 150 | Statistics for Social Sciences | 3 | None
• PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 2 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM 210 | Persuasive Communication | 3 | COM 120
• SOC 201 | Sociology of Community | 3 | None
• THE 205 | Ethics and Character | 3 | None
• COM 230 | Digital Media and Society | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM 250 | Intercultural Communication | 3 | None
• RES 210 | Research Methods | 4 | MAT 150
• POL 220 | Political Communication | 3 | None
• HUM 200 | Philosophy of Stewardship | 2 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM 310 | Advanced Rhetorical Analysis | 3 | COM 210
• BUS 315 | Grant Writing and Non-Profit Management | 4 | None
• COM 340 | Organizational Communication | 3 | None
• SOC 305 | Community Organizing and Social Action | 2 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM 360 | Conflict Resolution and Mediation | 3 | None
• COM 380 | Advocacy Campaign Design | 4 | RES 210
• SOC 350 | Social Justice and Public Policy | 3 | None
• HIS 330 | History of Public Reform | 2 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM 410 | Ethics in Public Discourse | 3 | THE 205
• COM 450 | Strategic Communication Internship | 4 | Senior Standing
• BUS 420 | Strategic Leadership | 3 | None
• EDU 405 | Pedagogy and Public Education | 2 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP 499 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | COM 450
• COM 470 | Advanced Public Presentation | 3 | COM 310
• SOC 430 | Contemporary Global Issues | 3 | None
• BUS 490 | Professional Ethics and Organizational Social Responsibility | 2 | None

Career Opportunities

• Non-Profit Communications Director
• Public Policy Advocacy Consultant
• Corporate Social Responsibility Officer
• Community Development Coordinator
• Public Relations Specialist for Faith-Based Organizations
• Legislative Aide
• Communications Strategist for Humanitarian Agencies

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