Bachelor of Arts in Theology

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Theology

Total program length

132 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Theological and biblical studies core

75 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Theology program offers students a comprehensive grounding in theological studies, exploring the historical, philosophical, and ethical dimensions of faith and spirituality. Throughout this four-year program, students will engage with sacred texts, church traditions, and contemporary theological issues while developing critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for diverse career paths in religious ministries, education, counseling, and social services, as well as for further studies in theology or related fields. This program values both academic rigor and personal growth, encouraging students to reflect on their beliefs and integrate theological principles into everyday life.

The Bachelor of Arts in Theology program combines a foundational general education curriculum with comprehensive study in theological 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: 132
• Duration: 4 years
• Degree Level: Bachelor

General education | 36 credit hours

• Theological and biblical studies core | 75 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM 101 | Public Speaking | 3 | None
• CSC 101 | Digital Literacy & Research Tools | 3 | None
• ENG 101 | College Composition I | 3 | None
• HIS 101 | World Civilizations I | 3 | None
• HUM 101 | Introduction to Humanities | 3 | None
• PHI 101 | Introduction to Philosophy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL 101 | American Government | 3 | None
• PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• SCI 101 | Environmental Science | 3 | None
• SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• THEO 101 | Introduction to Theology | 3 | None
• ENG 102 | College Composition II | 3 | ENG 101 or equivalent introductory writing course
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS 102 | World Civilizations II | 3 | None
• THEO 110 | Methods in Theological Studies | 3 | None
• BIB 111 | Hebrew Bible I: Torah & Historical Books | 3 | None
• BIB 112 | Hebrew Bible II: Prophets & Writings | 3 | None
• MAT 115 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 | None
• BIB 121 | New Testament I: Gospels & Acts | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIB 122 | New Testament II: Epistles & Revelation | 3 | BIB 121: New Testament I
• THEO 201 | Church History I: Early & Medieval Christianity | 3 | None
• THEO 202 | Church History II: Reformation to Modern | 3 | None
• ETH 210 | Theological Ethics | 3 | None
• PHI 210 | Logic & Critical Thinking | 3 | None
• THEO 210 | Systematic Theology I: Doctrine of God & Creation | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THEO 211 | Systematic Theology II: Christology & Salvation | 3 | Systematic Theology I or equivalent
• THEO 212 | Systematic Theology III: Spirit, Church & Last Things | 3 | Systematic Theology I and II
• ETH 215 | Social Ethics: Justice, Poverty, Human Rights | 3 | None
• REL 220 | World Religions: Comparative Traditions | 3 | None
• REL 230 | Philosophy of Religion | 3 | None
• THEO 240 | Christian Spirituality & Formation | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THEO 250 | Homiletics: Preaching & Communication | 3 | None
• THEO 260 | Pastoral Theology & Care | 3 | None
• CHC 310 | Christian Counseling | 3 | None
• CPE 320 | Clinical Pastoral Education 101 | 3 | None
• THEO 320 | Biblical Interpretation: Hermeneutics | 3 | None
• ETH 321 | War, Peace, and Reconciliation | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THEO 321 | Theology and Science | 3 | None
• THEO 322 | Theology and Public Life | 3 | None
• THEO 323 | Christian Apologetics & Contemporary Questions | 3 | None
• THEO 324 | History of Christian Thought | 3 | None
• THEO 325 | Religion, Culture, and Society | 3 | None
• THEO 330 | Theology of Worship & Liturgy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THEO 490 | Theology Research Seminar | 3 | Completion of introductory theology courses
• THEO 499 | Senior Capstone: Thesis/Project & Oral Defense | 3 | Completion of all core theology courses

Career Opportunities

• Minister or Pastor
• Theological Educator
• Chaplain
• Religious Program Director
• Youth Minister
• Nonprofit Organization Manager
• Christian Counselor
• Community Outreach 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 Theology
• Total program length | 132 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years