Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Women’s Studies, Specialization in Gender Equality Empowerment

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Women’s Studies, Specialization in Gender Equality Empowerment

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Women’s Studies and Gender Equality Empowerment core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Women’s Studies with a specialization in Gender Equality Empowerment is an interdisciplinary undergraduate program housed within the College of Arts and Humanities. The curriculum provides a rigorous academic foundation in historical, sociological, and ethical analyses of women's contributions and societal roles, while specifically examining strategies for fostering equity and empowerment in diverse communities. Students engage with critical theory, policy analysis, and leadership development through a lens that emphasizes social justice, human dignity, and the pursuit of the common good. By integrating historical perspective with contemporary advocacy techniques, the program prepares graduates to participate effectively in the public sphere, non-governmental organizations, and community development sectors. Graduates are equipped with the analytical tools to address systemic inequality and promote transformative leadership, grounded in a framework of principled, ethical service. Through rigorous coursework and community-engaged learning, the program bridges the gap between academic theory and practical application, fostering graduates who are intellectually proficient and committed to serving others through informed, compassionate advocacy.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Women’s Studies, Specialization in Gender Equality Empowerment, integrates a rigorous general education foundation with comprehensive study in the theological and theoretical frameworks of gender equality. The curriculum explores behavioral science, human development, and ethical leadership, while equipping students with essential skills in social research, crisis awareness, resource referral, organizational program development, and the implementation of faith-based community support systems.

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 Women’s Studies and Gender Equality Empowerment core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone Integration Seminar

• 3
• CHR460
• CAP495 — Senior Capstone Project: A comprehensive, capstone research and intervention project requiring student integration of theory and practice. Students defend their work before a faculty panel to demonstrate academic and professional readiness. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT450 — Strategic Planning in Nonprofits: Guides students through long-term organizational strategy and sustainable resource allocation. Focuses on institutional viability and mission adherence. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU480 — Community Resource Management: Focuses on identifying and leveraging resources for effective community empowerment. Includes case study analysis of institutional collaboration. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR499 — Capstone Integration Seminar: A final synthesis of faith, ethics, and professional life. Students present a personal framework for ongoing commitment to justice and servant leadership. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Inquiry | 3 | None
• SOC100 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• ECO110 | Economics of Resource Management | 3 | None
• HIS150 | World History I | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HUM205 | Introduction to Women's Studies | 3 | None
• PSY101 | General Psychology | 3 | None
• MAT200 | Introduction to Statistics | 4 | MAT100
• MIN120 | Foundations of Servant Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC210 | Gender and Social Change | 3 | SOC100
• RES250 | Research Methods in Humanities | 3 | ENG101, MAT200
• COM220 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | None
• CHR230 | Ethics in Professional Practice | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HUM310 | Global Perspectives on Gender | 3 | HUM205
• SOC320 | Social Stratification | 3 | SOC100
• BUS240 | Principles of Nonprofit Management | 3 | None
• BIO150 | Human Biology and Health | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HUM350 | Policy Analysis for Social Justice | 3 | RES250
• COU330 | Introduction to Crisis Intervention | 3 | PSY101
• EDU360 | Community Education and Outreach | 3 | None
• SOC340 | Principles of Community Development | 3 | CHR110
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC410 | Advanced Issues in Gender Equality | 3 | SOC320
• MGT380 | Program Development and Evaluation | 3 | RES250
• COM420 | Communication for Social Advocacy | 3 | COM220
• HIS450 | History of Social Reform Movements | 3 | HIS150
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES490 | Senior Research Seminar | 3 | RES250
• BUS430 | Leadership in Diverse Environments | 3 | MIN120
• SOC460 | Professional Development and Career Advocacy | 3 | CHR110
• SOC440 | Special Topics in Equality Empowerment | 3 | SOC410
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP495 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | RES490
• MGT450 | Strategic Planning in Nonprofits | 3 | MGT380
• COU480 | Community Resource Management | 3 | COU330
• CHR499 | Capstone Integration Seminar | 3 | CHR460

Career Opportunities

• Nonprofit Program Coordinator
• Community Advocacy Specialist
• Social Policy Research Assistant
• Faith-Based Initiative Manager
• Global Development Consultant
• Human Services Case Manager
• NGO Outreach Director

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 Women’s Studies, Specialization in Gender Equality Empowerment
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years