Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Strategic Leadership, Specialization in Religion Society

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Strategic Leadership

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Strategic Leadership and Religion Society core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Strategic Leadership with a specialization in Religion and Society provides a rigorous academic foundation for students seeking to navigate the complex intersection of organizational governance and social cultural influence. This interdisciplinary program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, strategic planning, and ethical decision-making within the context of a faith-informed worldview. Students explore the sociological dimensions of religious practice while acquiring the leadership skills necessary to steward resources and human capital effectively in diverse institutional settings. By integrating historical analysis, organizational theory, and sociological research, the program prepares graduates to address the multifaceted challenges of contemporary leadership with intellectual depth and moral clarity. The curriculum fosters a commitment to servant leadership and community engagement, encouraging students to view their professional pursuits as a vocation for the common good. Throughout their studies, students engage with foundational academic disciplines that refine their ability to articulate complex concepts, analyze social phenomena, and implement strategic initiatives. This comprehensive approach ensures that graduates possess the analytical prowess and ethical resolve to lead organizations that prioritize integrity, sustainability, and service-oriented goals.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Strategic Leadership, with a specialization in Religion Society, integrates foundational general education with a comprehensive study of strategic leadership theory, behavioral science, human development, ethics, research methodology, crisis awareness, referral protocols, program development, and community-based support frameworks.

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 Strategic Leadership and Religion Society core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

ELECTIVE1

• General Elective I
• 3
• None
• MGT240 — Strategic Planning: Introduces fundamental principles of mission-driven strategic planning. Students develop goal-oriented plans that align with organizational valuesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PSY220 — Social Psychology: Studies the influence of social environment on individual and group behavior. Addresses topics like influence, conformity, and leadership dynamicsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CHR230 — Biblical Studies in Context: Analyzes the historical and literary context of primary texts. Focuses on the application of ancient wisdom to contemporary societal issuesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

ELECTIVE2

• General Elective II
• 3
• None
• MGT310 — Human Resource Stewardship: Focuses on the ethical management and development of personnel. Covers recruitment, retention, and fostering a healthy organizational cultureThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC350 — Social Stratification: Explores systemic inequality and the dynamics of social class and status. Evaluates the role of leaders in advocating for equityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• BUS320 — Financial Stewardship: Teaches fundamental financial management and resource allocation. Emphasizes accountability and transparency in non-profit and community environmentsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

ELECTIVE3

• General Elective III
• 4
• None
• MGT350 — Leadership in Non-Profit Organizations: Analyzes the governance and operational challenges unique to non-profits. Focuses on building partnerships and community engagementThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC360 — Religion and Social Policy: Critically examines the intersection of religious engagement and public policy. Discusses how values inform advocacy and legislative changeThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COM380 — Communication and Public Advocacy: Develops skills in persuasive communication for organizational advocacy. Covers public speaking and digital storytellingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

ELECTIVE4

• General Elective IV
• 4
• None
• MGT410 — Organizational Transformation: Examines models for change management within existing organizations. Focuses on leadership resilience and adaptive strategyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC420 — Community Analysis: Provides tools for assessing community needs and assets. Students conduct research on local social dynamics to inform leadership decisionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• THE430 — Theology of Vocation: Integrates faith and work, exploring the concept of vocational calling. Assists students in articulating their personal commitment to serviceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

ELECTIVE5

• General Elective V
• 3
• None
• CAP490 — Senior Capstone Project: The culminating project where students design and present a comprehensive organizational or social impact strategy. Integrates all learning outcomesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MGT450 — Ethics in Global Leadership: Addresses the ethical challenges of operating in a globalized, pluralistic context. Emphasizes cultural humility and global stewardshipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC480 — Current Issues in Religion and Society: A seminar exploring current trends and conflicts in the interaction between faith and society. Students present original analytical workThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

ELECTIVE1 | General Elective I | 3 | None

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT310 | Human Resource Stewardship | 3 | BUS210
• SOC350 | Social Stratification | 3 | SOC120
• BUS320 | Financial Stewardship | 4 | MAT201

ELECTIVE2 | General Elective II | 3 | None

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT350 | Leadership in Non-Profit Organizations | 3 | MGT240
• SOC360 | Religion and Social Policy | 3 | SOC225
• COM380 | Communication and Public Advocacy | 3 | COM150

ELECTIVE3 | General Elective III | 4 | None

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT410 | Organizational Transformation | 3 | MGT240
• SOC420 | Community Analysis | 3 | RES200
• THE430 | Theology of Vocation | 3 | THE110

ELECTIVE4 | General Elective IV | 4 | None

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | All Core Courses
• MGT450 | Ethics in Global Leadership | 3 | HUM110
• SOC480 | Current Issues in Religion and Society | 3 | SOC360

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG101 | Academic Composition | 3 | None
• HIS105 | History of Western Social Institutions | 4 | None
• THE110 | Foundations of Christian Thought | 3 | None
• SOC120 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MAT201 | Applied Statistics | 3 | None
• COM150 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | None
• MIN101 | Principles of Servant Leadership | 4 | None
• HUM110 | Ethics and Values | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BUS210 | Organizational Behavior | 3 | None
• SOC225 | Sociology of Religion | 3 | SOC120
• HIS250 | Cultural History of the West | 4 | HIS105
• RES200 | Research Methods | 3 | MAT201
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT240 | Strategic Planning | 3 | BUS210
• PSY220 | Social Psychology | 3 | SOC120
• CHR230 | Biblical Studies in Context | 4 | THE110

Career Opportunities

• Non-profit Organization Director
• Social Policy Researcher
• Community Engagement Manager
• Organizational Development Consultant
• Religious Institution Administrator
• Public Relations Strategist
• Educational Program Coordinator

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