Bachelor of Arts in Theology, Ethics, Specialization in Leadership

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Theology, Ethics, 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 Theology, Ethics, and Leadership offers a rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum designed to cultivate intellectual depth and vocational excellence. Students engage in the systematic study of theological frameworks, moral philosophy, and organizational leadership principles within a scholarly environment that emphasizes critical inquiry and ethical reflection. The program is structured to bridge the gap between abstract academic concepts and the practical realities of managing and leading in complex community environments. Through a blend of theoretical study and applied practice, students develop the analytical skills necessary to address contemporary societal challenges. This curriculum encourages students to examine their assumptions, articulate robust arguments, and synthesize diverse perspectives into a cohesive worldview. By prioritizing evidence-based research and collaborative dialogue, the program ensures that graduates are well-prepared to navigate the intersection of academic study and organizational service.

The Bachelor of Arts in Theology, Ethics, and Specialization in Leadership program combines a robust foundation in general education with comprehensive study in theological theory, behavioral science, human development, ethics, research methodology, crisis awareness, referral protocols, program development, and community-based support strategies.

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
• RES210
• THE401 — Global Theology and Social Ethics: This course explores global perspectives on theology and ethics, focusing on issues of justice and humanitarian action. Students learn to address complex ethical questions in a global context. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT450 — Advanced Leadership and Governance: This course addresses the complexities of governance in nonprofit and religious organizations. It focuses on board development, accountability, and long-term sustainability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC420 — Sociology of Family and Community: This course investigates the relationship between family structures and community health. It emphasizes the role of institutions in supporting societal well-being. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES450 — Capstone Proposal Development: This course guides students in the preliminary planning and research for their final capstone project. Students will finalize their topics, literature reviews, and project scopes. 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 | 4 | None
• THE101 | Foundations of Theology | 4 | None
• SOC101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• HIS101 | History of Western Civilization | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MAT150 | Statistics for the Social Sciences | 3 | None
• CHR110 | Biblical Literature | 3 | THE101
• PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• COM120 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THE201 | Christian Ethics | 4 | THE101
• MGT200 | Principles of Organizational Leadership | 4 | None
• HUM205 | World Religions | 3 | None
• RES210 | Research Methods | 3 | MAT150
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MIN220 | Stewardship and Resource Management | 3 | MGT200
• BUS250 | Business Law and Ethics | 3 | None
• EDU210 | Principles of Education and Training | 3 | None
• SOC240 | Sociology of Community Development | 3 | SOC101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THE301 | Advanced Theological Inquiry | 4 | THE201
• MGT320 | Strategic Leadership | 4 | MGT200
• COU310 | Conflict Resolution and Mediation | 3 | COM120
• CRJ330 | Restorative Justice Systems | 3 | SOC101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MIN350 | Organizational Communication and Advocacy | 3 | COM120
• BUS380 | Nonprofit Financial Oversight | 3 | MIN220
• PSY350 | Organizational Psychology | 3 | PSY101
• HIS350 | History of Social Reform Movements | 3 | HIS101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THE401 | Global Theology and Social Ethics | 4 | THE301
• MGT450 | Advanced Leadership and Governance | 4 | MGT320
• SOC420 | Sociology of Family and Community | 3 | SOC101
• RES450 | Capstone Proposal Development | 3 | RES210
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | RES450
• MIN480 | Leadership in Practice | 3 | MGT450
• CHR450 | Integrative Theology Seminar | 3 | THE401
• BUS495 | Professional Development and Ethics | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

• Nonprofit Organization Manager
• Community Relations Coordinator
• Church Educational Administrator
• Policy Analyst for Faith-Based Organizations
• Human Resources Specialist in Nonprofits
• Communications Director for Social Services
• Program Director for Community Outreach

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, Ethics, Specialization in Leadership
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years