Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Veterinary Medicine Theory, Specialization in Animal Welfare

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Veterinary Medicine Theory

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Veterinary Medicine Theory core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Veterinary Medicine Theory, Specialization in Animal Welfare is a multidisciplinary program designed to bridge the gap between biological sciences, animal ethics, and theological stewardship. Students explore the intersection of human responsibility, creation care, and the physiological needs of animals, providing a robust intellectual framework for those called to service in the animal care sector. The program emphasizes professional integrity, compassionate stewardship, and the complex ethical considerations inherent in modern veterinary theory.

Rooted in an academic environment that values both rigorous inquiry and service-oriented character development, the curriculum prepares students to navigate the moral complexities of animal welfare. By integrating theoretical foundations in animal science with courses in ethics and leadership, the program fosters critical thinking and a commitment to serving society through the lens of faith-informed excellence.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Veterinary Medicine Theory program combines rigorous general education with a comprehensive study in veterinary medicine theory, behavioral science, animal welfare, ethics, research, crisis awareness, referral, program development, and community-based support. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a holistic understanding of the intersection between animal stewardship, ethical responsibility, and faith-based practice.

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 Veterinary Medicine Theory core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO 101 | Principles of Biological Science | 4 | None
• ENG 101 | Academic Writing and Rhetoric | 3 | None
• PHI 101 | Introduction to Moral Philosophy | 3 | None
• PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO 102 | Animal Anatomy and Physiology | 4 | BIO 101
• SOC 105 | Sociology of Human-Animal Interaction | 3 | None
• MAT 150 | Statistics for the Health Sciences | 3 | None
• COM 201 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• VET 201 | Introduction to Animal Welfare Theory | 3 | BIO 102
• BUS 210 | Principles of Management | 3 | None
• CHR 202 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 3 | THE 101
• BIO 210 | Animal Behavior | 4 | BIO 102
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• VET 220 | Animal Husbandry and Stewardship | 3 | VET 201
• RES 250 | Research Methods in the Social Sciences | 3 | MAT 150
• HUM 250 | History of Animal Ethics | 3 | None
• EDU 205 | Community Outreach and Education | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• VET 310 | Ethics of Veterinary Medicine | 3 | VET 201
• MGT 330 | Nonprofit Resource Management | 3 | BUS 210
• BIO 320 | Comparative Pathology | 4 | BIO 102
• PSY 305 | Counseling and Compassion Fatigue | 3 | PSY 101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• VET 350 | Animal Welfare Policy Analysis | 3 | VET 201
• ENV 350 | Environmental Sustainability and Stewardship | 3 | THE 101
• SOC 360 | Conflict Resolution and Negotiation | 3 | COM 201
• BIO 380 | Global Veterinary Health Trends | 4 | BIO 102
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• VET 410 | Advanced Animal Welfare Advocacy | 3 | VET 350
• MGT 450 | Organizational Leadership and Culture | 3 | MGT 330
• RES 401 | Senior Project Seminar | 3 | RES 250
• HUM 410 | Contemporary Issues in Stewardship | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP 490 | Senior Capstone Project | 6 | RES 401
• SOC 450 | Professional Ethics and Social Responsibility | 3 | CHR 202
• VET 499 | Professional Field Study | 3 | VET 410

Career Opportunities

• Animal Welfare Policy Analyst
• Nonprofit Organization Manager
• Humane Society Program Director
• Animal Shelter Administrator
• Animal Advocacy Coordinator
• Veterinary Office Manager
• Creation Care Consultant

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 Veterinary Medicine Theory
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years