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

Program Overview

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

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Speech Pathology, Specialization in Disability Services, is an interdisciplinary undergraduate program designed to explore the mechanics of human communication and the societal structures supporting individuals with diverse communicative needs. The curriculum bridges linguistics, cognitive science, and sociology to examine the barriers faced by marginalized populations, while grounding the professional application of these concepts in a framework of ethical stewardship and compassionate community service.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Speech Pathology, Specialization in Disability Services program integrates a broad general education foundation with comprehensive study in speech pathology theory, behavioral science, and human development. Students engage with critical themes including ethics, research methodologies, crisis awareness, referral strategies, program development, and models of community-based support tailored to faith-based environments.

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 Speech Pathology core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

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..

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.

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

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

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