Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Business Leadership, Specialization in Community Development

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.S. in Faith-Based Business Leadership

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Business and management core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Business Leadership, Specialization in Community Development, is an interdisciplinary program designed to integrate professional business acumen with the ethical foundations of servant leadership. Students explore the intersection of organizational management and socio-economic transformation, focusing on sustainable practices that prioritize human flourishing and holistic stewardship. The curriculum provides a robust exploration of administrative principles, human resource management, and strategic community engagement, all viewed through the lens of ethical responsibility and organizational integrity. By analyzing global economic structures and local community needs, graduates are equipped to navigate the complexities of contemporary leadership with a dedication to social equity and responsible stewardship. The program emphasizes the integration of professional competence with a character-driven approach to influence, preparing students for impactful careers in both nonprofit and corporate sectors. Through rigorous academic inquiry and practical application, learners examine how individual leadership style impacts organizational culture and the broader community infrastructure.

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Business Leadership, Specialization in Community Development, combines a foundational general education with a comprehensive study in business theory, behavioral science, human development, ethics, research, crisis awareness, referral, program development, and community-based support. The program is designed to provide students with the administrative acumen and interpersonal competencies necessary to serve effectively within faith-based organizations and non-profit sectors.

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 Science. This curriculum exceeds the general-education minimum.

Program Details

• Total Credits: 120
• Duration: 4 years
• Degree Level: Bachelor

General education | 36 credit hours

• Business and management core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Research | 3 | None
• BUS105 | Introduction to Business Administration | 3 | None
• SOC110 | Principles of Individual and Social Development | 3 | None
• MAT120 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM102 | Professional Communication | 3 | ENG101
• BUS110 | Economics for Stewardship | 3 | None
• SOC120 | Sociology of Communities | 3 | None
• HIS205 | Ethics and History of Leadership | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT210 | Organizational Management | 3 | BUS105
• BUS220 | Financial Accounting Fundamentals | 3 | MAT120
• MIN250 | Community Outreach Strategies | 3 | SOC120
• PSY230 | Psychology of Human Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT250 | Human Resource Management | 3 | MGT210
• BUS270 | Marketing for Social Impact | 3 | BUS105
• BUS315 | Professionalism and Career Ethics | 3 | THE110
• RES280 | Research Methods in Social Sciences | 4 | MAT120
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BUS310 | Organizational Strategy | 3 | MGT210
• MGT320 | Leadership and Change Management | 3 | MGT250
• MIN330 | Urban Development Policy | 3 | SOC120
• BUS350 | Nonprofit Financial Management | 3 | BUS220
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT380 | Project Management | 3 | BUS310
• BUS410 | Global Business and Ethics | 3 | BUS110
• SOC340 | Diversity and Community Engagement | 4 | SOC120
• RES390 | Data Analysis for Organizational Improvement | 3 | RES280
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT450 | Advocacy and Public Relations | 3 | COM102
• BUS420 | Entrepreneurship and Innovation | 3 | BUS310
• CAP400 | Senior Capstone Preparation | 3 | RES390
• ETH410 | Professional Ethics and Law | 3 | HIS205
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP450 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | CAP400
• MGT490 | Advanced Leadership Seminar | 3 | MGT320
• BUS480 | Business and Social Equity | 3 | SOC340
• MIN460 | Community Leadership Internship | 3 | Senior standing

Career Opportunities

• Nonprofit Executive Director
• Community Development Program Manager
• Social Entrepreneur
• Corporate Social Responsibility Specialist
• Grant Writer and Development Officer
• Human Resources Coordinator for Mission-Driven Organizations
• Public Policy Research Analyst

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.S. in Faith-Based Business Leadership
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years