Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Sociology, Specialization in Social Change Policy Reform

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Sociology

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Sociology core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Sociology with a Specialization in Social Change Policy Reform provides an interdisciplinary framework for understanding the complex relationship between societal structures and human welfare. Students engage with rigorous sociological theory, research methodology, and policy analysis to examine contemporary social issues through an informed, ethical, and servant-leadership-oriented lens. The curriculum emphasizes the application of empirical data to address systemic inequities, fostering a commitment to social justice guided by principles of stewardship and communal responsibility. By bridging academic inquiry with a foundation in moral and ethical development, the program equips graduates to serve as catalysts for positive, sustainable change in diverse community and organizational environments. The curriculum facilitates critical reflection on the intersection of cultural dynamics and policy formation, encouraging students to develop sophisticated strategies for organizational impact. Through a blend of theoretical exploration and practical skill-building, students prepare to navigate the complexities of modern social landscapes with academic competence and ethical integrity.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Sociology combines a robust general education foundation with comprehensive study in faith-based sociology theory, behavioral science, human development, ethics, research, crisis awareness, referral, program development, and community-based support.

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

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 4 | None
• ENG 101 | Academic Writing and Rhetoric | 4 | None
• SOC 105 | Foundations of Social Ethics | 3 | None
• MAT 120 | Statistics for Social Sciences | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC 150 | Sociological Theory I | 4 | SOC 101
• PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• HIS 110 | World History and Social Change | 4 | None
• ENG 102 | Research and Composition | 3 | ENG 101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC 205 | Research Methods in Sociology | 4 | SOC 101
• POL 210 | Policy Analysis Fundamentals | 4 | SOC 101
• BUS 201 | Nonprofit Management | 3 | None
• COM 220 | Communication for Social Advocacy | 3 | ENG 101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC 250 | Social Stratification | 4 | SOC 150
• RES 280 | Qualitative Research Design | 4 | SOC 205
• MIN 250 | Principles of Servant Leadership | 3 | CHR 101
• HUM 290 | Cultural Studies and Community Dynamics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC 301 | Advanced Social Change Policy | 4 | POL 210
• EDU 310 | Community Education and Outreach | 3 | None
• CRJ 320 | Justice and Social Order | 3 | SOC 250
• RES 350 | Data Analysis for Policy Reform | 4 | RES 280
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC 360 | Urban Sociology | 3 | SOC 101
• MGT 330 | Organizational Stewardship | 3 | BUS 201
• SOC 375 | Global Social Perspectives | 3 | SOC 101
• COU 340 | Crisis Intervention and Community Support | 3 | PSY 101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC 410 | Ethics in Social Advocacy | 4 | CHR 101
• POL 420 | Public Sector Reform Strategies | 3 | POL 210
• SOC 430 | Sociology of Development | 3 | SOC 375
• CAP 480 | Senior Capstone Research I | 4 | RES 350
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC 450 | Contemporary Issues in Sociology | 3 | SOC 150
• MGT 460 | Strategic Leadership for Social Change | 3 | MIN 250
• SOC 470 | Evaluation of Social Programs | 3 | RES 350
• CAP 499 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | CAP 480

Career Opportunities

• Nonprofit Program Coordinator
• Social Policy Analyst
• Community Outreach Specialist
• Case Management Director
• Advocacy Strategist
• Public Policy Consultant
• Grant Writer

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