Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Social Work, Specialization in Social Services Community Engagement

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Social Work, Specialization in Social Services Community Engagement

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Social Work core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Social Work, Specialization in Social Services Community Engagement, provides an interdisciplinary foundation for students seeking to serve in community-focused, non-clinical roles. Students engage with sociological, psychological, and organizational theories while developing practical skills in community outreach, program management, and advocacy. The curriculum is designed to foster both analytical rigor and a commitment to servant leadership, ensuring graduates are prepared to address complex social needs through an ethical and values-driven lens. By examining the intersection of social welfare systems and communal organizational structures, the program encourages a holistic understanding of how faith-informed principles can promote social well-being and effective service delivery in diverse populations. Students will explore the role of civic engagement and resource stewardship as essential components of institutional stability and community growth.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Social Work, Specialization in Social Services Community Engagement, combines a robust general education foundation with comprehensive study in social work theory, behavioral science, human development, professional ethics, research methodology, crisis awareness, referral systems, program development, and community-based support strategies.

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 Social Work core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone Seminar in Social Policy and Community Engagement

• 3
• THE220
• CAP490 — Senior Capstone Project: Students execute a comprehensive community engagement project, applying theoretical knowledge to address a specific social need. The project demonstrates the synthesis of professional skills and faith-informed ethical reasoning. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC450 — Contemporary Issues in Social Services: Students review current trends and emerging challenges in the social services sector. Topics include digital access, social innovation, and adaptive response to community crises. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS480 — Financial Stewardship for Nonprofits: This course covers the essentials of fiscal responsibility, internal controls, and ethical financial management for mission-driven organizations. Students learn to steward resources effectively for long-term sustainability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC495 — Capstone Seminar in Social Policy and Community Engagement: This seminar facilitates the synthesis of prior coursework through the analysis of contemporary social policy and its impact on urban and rural communities. Students evaluate current legislative and advocacy trends to propose sustainable solutions for systemic social challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Inquiry | 3 | None
• SOC101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• SOC101 | Introduction to Social Work Practice | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG102 | Advanced Composition and Rhetoric | 3 | ENG101
• SOC105 | Social Problems and Justice | 3 | SOC101
• MAT110 | Statistics for Social Sciences | 3 | None
• MIN105 | Foundations of Servant Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU201 | Foundations of Human Relations | 3 | PSY101
• SOC210 | Community Organization Theory | 3 | SOC101
• BUS205 | Nonprofit Organizational Management | 3 | None
• HIS250 | History of Social Welfare | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC225 | Families in Modern Society | 3 | SOC101
• RES205 | Social Research Methods | 3 | MAT110
• COM220 | Professional Communication Strategies | 3 | ENG102
• THE220 | Ethics in Social Service | 4 | CHR101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC310 | Urban Sociology and Community Engagement | 3 | SOC101
• COU305 | Crisis Intervention and Advocacy | 3 | COU201
• BUS315 | Grant Writing and Fundraising | 3 | BUS205
• PSY310 | Psychology of Personal Development | 3 | CHR101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC350 | Social Stratification and Policy | 3 | SOC105
• PSY330 | Developmental Psychology | 3 | PSY101
• EDU320 | Educational Advocacy in the Community | 3 | None
• BUS350 | Strategic Planning for Social Programs | 3 | BUS205
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC410 | Globalization and Community Trends | 3 | SOC101
• COU405 | Group Dynamics and Facilitation | 3 | COU201
• MGT420 | Leadership in Nonprofit Organizations | 3 | MIN105
• RES400 | Advanced Program Evaluation | 4 | RES205
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | RES400
• SOC450 | Contemporary Issues in Social Services | 3 | SOC101
• BUS480 | Financial Stewardship for Nonprofits | 3 | BUS315
• SOC495 | Capstone Seminar in Social Policy and Community Engagement | 3 | THE220

Career Opportunities

• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Nonprofit Program Assistant
• Faith-Based Social Services Case Aide
• Volunteer Services Manager
• Advocacy and Policy Researcher
• Family Support Liaison
• Director of Community Development

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 Social Work, Specialization in Social Services Community Engagement
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years