Bachelor of Arts in Ministry, Specialization in Leadership

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Ministry, Specialization in Leadership

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Theological and biblical studies core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Ministry with a specialization in Leadership at HBIU Seminary provides a comprehensive academic foundation for students seeking to integrate administrative expertise with ethical service. The curriculum balances core theological inquiry with contemporary management strategies, focusing on organizational development, strategic planning, and interpersonal communication within diverse institutional environments. Students explore the intersection of civic responsibility and vocational commitment, cultivating the skills necessary to navigate complex social and professional landscapes with integrity and foresight. By engaging with both foundational liberal arts and specialized ministry coursework, participants gain a sophisticated understanding of how to lead teams and steward resources effectively. The program emphasizes a holistic approach to education, fostering analytical rigor and personal character development that equips graduates to contribute meaningfully to their communities. Through sustained engagement with disciplinary theory and practice, students learn to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios in non-profit and community-oriented sectors.

The Bachelor of Arts in Ministry, Specialization in Leadership program combines a robust general education curriculum with comprehensive study in theological and biblical theory, behavioral science, human development, ethics, research, crisis awareness, referral, program development, and community-based support.

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

• Theological and biblical studies core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone Proposal Development

• 3
• RES390
• MGT410 — Personnel Management: Explores the complexities of hiring, training, and retaining talent within non-profit frameworks. Emphasizes equitable and ethical personnel policy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN420 — Pastoral Leadership and Administration: Examines the logistical and managerial side of running a ministry organization. Focuses on facility management and logistical coordination. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC430 — Social Policy and Advocacy: An investigation of government and community policies affecting social service organizations. Students learn how to navigate and advocate within policy frameworks. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP400A — Capstone Proposal Development: The initial phase of the senior project involving proposal formulation, literature review, and methodology design. Students present their project plans for faculty review. 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 Rhetoric | 3 | None
• HIS105 | World Civilizations I | 3 | None
• MIN110 | Foundations of Ministry | 3 | None
• MAT120 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG102 | Research Methods and Composition | 3 | ENG101
• COM150 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | None
• PSY110 | Foundations of Human Behavior | 4 | None
• THE120 | Survey of Theological Thought | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BUS201 | Principles of Management | 3 | None
• SOC210 | Sociology of Community | 3 | None
• MIN220 | Servant Leadership Theory | 3 | MIN110
• BIO205 | Environmental Stewardship | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT250 | Organizational Behavior | 3 | BUS201
• HUM200 | Ethics and Values | 3 | None
• MIN250 | Spiritual Formation and Practice | 4 | THE120
• RES280 | Introduction to Social Research | 3 | MAT120
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT310 | Nonprofit Resource Development | 3 | BUS201
• CHR320 | History of Social Service | 3 | HIS105
• COM350 | Public Speaking and Advocacy | 3 | COM150
• MIN340 | Cross-Cultural Engagement | 3 | SOC210
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT360 | Strategic Leadership | 4 | MGT250
• CRJ315 | Conflict Management and Mediation | 3 | COM150
• EDU320 | Instructional Design in Organizations | 3 | None
• RES390 | Data Analysis for Community Impact | 3 | RES280
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT410 | Personnel Management | 3 | MGT250
• MIN420 | Pastoral Leadership and Administration | 3 | MIN220
• SOC430 | Social Policy and Advocacy | 3 | SOC210
• CAP400A | Capstone Proposal Development | 3 | RES390
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT450 | Institutional Governance and Ethics | 3 | HUM200
• MIN460 | Professionalism in Ministry | 3 | MIN250
• CAP400B | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | CAP400A
• COM480 | Public Relations for Nonprofits | 3 | COM350

Career Opportunities

• Non-profit Program Coordinator
• Community Outreach Director
• Church Administrative Manager
• Human Resources Liaison for Faith-Based Organizations
• Volunteer Services Coordinator
• Mission Development Specialist
• Youth Ministry 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 Ministry, Specialization in Leadership
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years