Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Speech Pathology, Specialization in Disability Services

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Speech Pathology

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

Academic unit

HBIU College of Communication and Media

Total credits

120

Duration

4 years

• Analyze the physiological and neurological foundations of human communication processes.
• Evaluate the impact of communicative disorders on social integration and quality of life.
• Design inclusive support strategies for individuals with disabilities using evidence-based practices.
• Integrate ethical reasoning and biblical stewardship into the development of community support services.
• Communicate complex technical information effectively to diverse audiences in professional and community settings.
• Demonstrate servant leadership through the application of disability advocacy principles in diverse environments.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ENG101
• Academic Writing and Rhetoric
• 3
• None
• PSY101
• Introduction to Psychology
• 3
• None
• PHI101
• Foundations of Philosophical Inquiry
• 3
• None
• SOC101
• Introduction to Sociology
• 4
• None
• ENG101 — Academic Writing and Rhetoric: Focuses on the fundamentals of effective scholarly writing and argumentation. Students learn to construct clear, logical academic essaysThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PSY101 — Introduction to Psychology: Provides an overview of the major theories and research methods in psychology. Explores human behavior and mental processesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PHI101 — Foundations of Philosophical Inquiry: This course introduces students to core concepts in logical reasoning, critical analysis, and ethical frameworks. It establishes the academic basis for understanding individual values and societal constructs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC101 — Introduction to Sociology: Examines the structure of society, social groups, and institutional frameworks. Introduces concepts related to social justice and inclusionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• BIO150
• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• 4
• None
• COM120
• Introduction to Human Communication
• 3
• None
• MAT201
• Statistical Methods
• 3
• None
• ETH110
• Professional Ethics and Civic Engagement
• 3
• None
• BIO150 — Human Anatomy and Physiology: Studies the structure and function of the human body systems. Includes an exploration of systems involved in speech and language productionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COM120 — Introduction to Human Communication: Explores the theory and practice of interpersonal and group communication. Analyzes the role of communication in building professional relationshipsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MAT201 — Statistical Methods: Introduces basic statistical concepts and their application to social science data. Focuses on data interpretation and analysisThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ETH110 — Professional Ethics and Civic Engagement: Students examine the ethical standards and professional responsibilities required when working in public service and human service sectors. The curriculum focuses on social responsibility and community accountability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU201
• Principles of Counseling
• 3
• PSY101
• EDU210
• Foundations of Special Education
• 3
• None
• RES200
• Research Methods for Human Services
• 3
• MAT201
• COM240
• Linguistics of Language Acquisition
• 4
• COM120
• COU201 — Principles of Counseling: Covers fundamental counseling theories and techniques used in social service settings. Stresses empathetic listening and communicationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU210 — Foundations of Special Education: Analyzes legal and pedagogical approaches to serving students with disabilities. Focuses on the design of inclusive environmentsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES200 — Research Methods for Human Services: Introduces qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Prepares students to evaluate literature and implement ethical research practicesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COM240 — Linguistics of Language Acquisition: Analyzes the stages and processes of speech and language development in children. Examines how cultural factors impact acquisitionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• SOC305
• Sociology of Disability
• 3
• SOC101
• COU310
• Communication Disorders in Populations
• 3
• BIO150
• HIS250
• Historical Perspectives on Social Reform
• 3
• None
• SOC300
• Community Outreach and Social Services
• 4
• THE101
• SOC305 — Sociology of Disability: Explores the social construction of disability and the systemic barriers within institutional systems. Emphasizes advocacy and systemic changeThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COU310 — Communication Disorders in Populations: Examines the characteristics of speech and language impairments. Focuses on non-clinical supportive interventions and adaptive communicationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• HIS250 — Historical Perspectives on Social Reform: Examines historical movements that sought to improve societal treatment of the marginalized. Draws lessons for modern advocacyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC300 — Community Outreach and Social Services: This course explores effective strategies for building partnerships between nonprofit service providers and local community stakeholders. Students analyze methods for volunteer coordination and sustainable resource management. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COM350
• Advanced Language Analysis
• 3
• COM240
• EDU320
• Inclusive Curriculum Design
• 3
• EDU210
• BUS310
• Organizational Stewardship
• 3
• None
• PSY350
• Cognitive Development Across the Lifespan
• 4
• PSY101
• COM350 — Advanced Language Analysis: Provides an in-depth study of structural linguistics and its role in human interaction. Includes analysis of non-verbal communicationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU320 — Inclusive Curriculum Design: Focuses on designing materials that accommodate diverse learning needs. Emphasizes the creation of accessible information environmentsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• BUS310 — Organizational Stewardship: Covers the management of non-profit and faith-based service organizations. Emphasizes resource allocation, ethics, and sustainabilityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PSY350 — Cognitive Development Across the Lifespan: Explores the changes in cognitive processes from infancy through late adulthood. Examines the impact of neurodivergence on developmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU410
• Group Dynamics and Advocacy
• 3
• COU201
• SOC420
• Advocacy and Public Policy
• 3
• SOC305
• COM430
• Technology in Adaptive Communication
• 3
• COM350
• RES400
• Advanced Data Synthesis
• 4
• RES200
• COU410 — Group Dynamics and Advocacy: Examines group processes and their influence on social advocacy. Focuses on empowering community groups and facilitating dialogueThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC420 — Advocacy and Public Policy: Discusses the role of legislation and policy in shaping support services for individuals with disabilities. Explores the ethics of lobbyingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COM430 — Technology in Adaptive Communication: Studies the integration of assistive technologies in communication. Covers the ethical use of technology to bridge accessibility gapsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES400 — Advanced Data Synthesis: Develops skills in synthesizing academic research for practical applications. Prepares students for the Capstone research phaseThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 7 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MGT450
• Leadership in Service Systems
• 3
• BUS310
• SOC450
• Community-Based Participatory Research
• 3
• RES400
• HUM480
• Ethics in Professional Practice
• 3
• THE101
• ELECTIVE1
• Special Topics in Disability Services
• 4
• None
• MGT450 — Leadership in Service Systems: Applies servant leadership principles to the management of human services. Focuses on team building and interdisciplinary cooperationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC450 — Community-Based Participatory Research: Focuses on research models that involve the target population as partners. Emphasizes community engagement and ethical research designThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• HUM480 — Ethics in Professional Practice: Explores moral dilemmas in the disability services sector. Evaluates professional codes of conduct through a Christian ethical lensThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ELECTIVE1 — Special Topics in Disability Services: An advanced elective covering emerging trends and issues in the field of disability servicesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 8 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP490
• Senior Capstone Project
• 4
• RES400
• SOC495
• Internship in Disability Services
• 3
• MGT450
• PRO499
• Professional Identity and Career Development
• 3
• None
• ELECTIVE2
• Cross-Cultural Communication
• 3
• None
• CAP490 — Senior Capstone Project: The final integration of academic learning and faith-based values. Students complete and defend a comprehensive project focused on disability advocacyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC495 — Internship in Disability Services: Provides practical experience in a community agency. Emphasizes the application of service-oriented and advocacy-driven communicationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PRO499 — Professional Identity and Career Development: This course assists seniors in bridging the transition from academic preparation to professional practice within the field of disability services. Emphasis is placed on developing a reflective practice and long-term career strategy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ELECTIVE2 — Cross-Cultural Communication: Explores the dynamics of communication in diverse settings. Focuses on the role of cultural competency in service deliveryThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Admission to the program requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Prospective students must submit official transcripts, a personal statement detailing their commitment to academic and professional integrity, and evidence of engagement in community or volunteer service. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project serves as the culminating scholarly experience for the program, requiring students to synthesize their knowledge of communication services and disability advocacy. Students will identify a community-based challenge related to accessibility or communication, conduct a comprehensive literature review, and design a strategic intervention project that reflects their disciplinary competence and commitment to service. The project must be defended before a faculty committee, demonstrating mastery of the subject matter and the ability to apply research-informed solutions to real-world complexities. Through this project, students are expected to articulate how their faith-informed character—defined by humility, integrity, and a dedication to the common good—informs their professional approach to supporting vulnerable populations. This requirement serves as a final integration of academic rigor and spiritual maturity, ensuring graduates are prepared to serve with excellence and ethical depth in their future vocations.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. In addition to meeting all academic benchmarks, students must complete a mandated program of spiritual formation, including regular community chapel participation and a series of service-learning requirements that embody the institution's commitment to sacrificial ministry. These requirements ensure that graduates demonstrate both intellectual readiness and the character traits essential for faith-informed service. Final clearance for graduation is contingent upon the successful defense of the Senior Capstone Project and an evaluation of the student's adherence to the ethical and professional standards of the university, confirming their readiness to engage the world with competence and integrity.
• Career Opportunities
• Disability Services Coordinator
• Communication Support Specialist
• Advocacy Liaison for Non-Profit Organizations
• Community Inclusion Program Manager
• Educational Assistant for Special Needs Populations
• Public Policy Consultant for Disability Rights
• Patient Navigator in Faith-Based Health Networks
• 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 Speech Pathology
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years
• General education | 36 credit hours
• Faith-Based Speech Pathology core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours
• Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Rhetoric | 3 | None
• PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• PHI101 | Foundations of Philosophical Inquiry | 3 | None
• SOC101 | Introduction to Sociology | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO150 | Human Anatomy and Physiology | 4 | None
• COM120 | Introduction to Human Communication | 3 | None
• MAT201 | Statistical Methods | 3 | None
• ETH110 | Professional Ethics and Civic Engagement | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU201 | Principles of Counseling | 3 | PSY101
• EDU210 | Foundations of Special Education | 3 | None
• RES200 | Research Methods for Human Services | 3 | MAT201
• COM240 | Linguistics of Language Acquisition | 4 | COM120
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC305 | Sociology of Disability | 3 | SOC101
• COU310 | Communication Disorders in Populations | 3 | BIO150
• HIS250 | Historical Perspectives on Social Reform | 3 | None
• SOC300 | Community Outreach and Social Services | 4 | THE101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM350 | Advanced Language Analysis | 3 | COM240
• EDU320 | Inclusive Curriculum Design | 3 | EDU210
• BUS310 | Organizational Stewardship | 3 | None
• PSY350 | Cognitive Development Across the Lifespan | 4 | PSY101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU410 | Group Dynamics and Advocacy | 3 | COU201
• SOC420 | Advocacy and Public Policy | 3 | SOC305
• COM430 | Technology in Adaptive Communication | 3 | COM350
• RES400 | Advanced Data Synthesis | 4 | RES200
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT450 | Leadership in Service Systems | 3 | BUS310
• SOC450 | Community-Based Participatory Research | 3 | RES400
• HUM480 | Ethics in Professional Practice | 3 | THE101
• ELECTIVE1 | Special Topics in Disability Services | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | RES400
• SOC495 | Internship in Disability Services | 3 | MGT450
• PRO499 | Professional Identity and Career Development | 3 | None
• ELECTIVE2 | Cross-Cultural Communication | 3 | None