Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Education

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.S. in Faith-Based Education

Total program length

143 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Educational theory and practice core

86 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Education prepares students to become effective educators who view the teaching profession as a divine vocation. Over a four-year curriculum, students integrate rigorous academic inquiry in instructional strategies, educational psychology, and curriculum design with a robust Christian worldview. By exploring the intersection of pedagogical excellence and spiritual formation, candidates are equipped to address the diverse needs of learners through an ethic of servant leadership. This program fosters an environment where equity and inclusion are rooted in the belief that every student is created in the image of God, preparing graduates to foster academic success while nurturing the character of those they serve.

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Education combines a robust general education foundation with comprehensive study in educational theory, behavioral science, human development, ethics, research, crisis awareness, referral, program development, and community-based support. This curriculum is designed to equip students with the theoretical and practical competencies necessary for effective leadership within faith-based and community-centered educational environments.

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: 143
• Duration: 4 years
• Degree Level: Bachelor

General education | 36 credit hours

• Educational theory and practice core | 86 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone: Impact on Student Learning (Action Research)

• 3
• None
• EDU 497
• Teacher Leadership, Advocacy & Contemporary Issues in Education
• 3
• None
• EDU 499
• Senior Thesis: Faith-Based Education Initiative
• 3
• EDU 497
• EDU 496 — Capstone: Impact on Student Learning (Action Research): Capstone action research project on student learningThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU 497 — Teacher Leadership, Advocacy & Contemporary Issues in Education: Educational leadership and advocacyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU 499 — Senior Thesis: Faith-Based Education Initiative: In this final capstone project, students design a comprehensive initiative aimed at improving community educational access through a mission-driven lens. The project synthesizes theoretical knowledge and practical pedagogical strategies developed throughout the program. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CHEM 101 | Physical Science with Lab (General Education) | 4 | None
• EDU 101 | Introduction to the Teaching Profession | 3 | None
• ENGL 101 | College Composition I | 3 | None
• PSYC 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• ENGL 102 | College Composition II | 3 | None
• BIOL 105 | Life Science with Lab (General Education) | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MATH 110 | Quantitative Reasoning for Educators | 3 | None
• COMM 120 | Public Speaking for Educators | 3 | None
• EDU 120 | Child & Adolescent Development (Educational Focus) | 3 | None
• EDU 130 | Educational Technology & Digital Learning Foundations | 3 | None
• THEO 200 | Foundations of Christian Stewardship and Ethics | 3 | None
• EDU 210 | Foundations of Education (History, Philosophy, Policy) | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIST 210 | U.S. History & Civic Foundations | 3 | None
• MATH 210 | Foundations of Math for Elementary/Middle Grades | 3 | None
• EDU 220 | Educational Psychology: Learning & Motivation | 3 | None
• EDU 240 | Classroom Observation Practicum I (Clinical Fieldwork) | 3 | None
• EDU 310 | Curriculum Design & Instructional Planning | 3 | None
• SOC 315 | Sociology of Faith-Based Communities | 3 | PSYC 101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DME 320 | Interfaith Dialogue & Community Engagement | 3 | None
• EDU 320 | Assessment, Measurement & Data-Driven Instruction | 3 | None
• EDU 330 | Classroom Management & Positive Behavior Supports | 3 | None
• EDU 340 | Literacy Development I: Foundations of Reading | 3 | None
• BUS 350 | Nonprofit Resource Development and Grant Writing | 3 | ENGL 102
• EDU 350 | Literacy Development II: Comprehension, Writing & Intervention | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU 360 | Instructional Strategies for Diverse Learners | 3 | None
• EDU 370 | Teaching English Learners (ESL/ELL Methods) | 3 | None
• EDU 380 | Practicum II: Small-Group Instruction (Clinical Fieldwork) | 3 | None
• EDU 410 | Special Education Foundations & Inclusive Practices | 3 | None
• LDR 410 | Strategic Leadership in Faith-Based Environments | 3 | EDU 491
• EDU 420 | Differentiated Instruction & Universal Design for Learning (UDL) | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU 430 | Methods of Teaching Mathematics | 3 | None
• EDU 440 | Methods of Teaching Science | 3 | None
• EDU 450 | Methods of Teaching Social Studies | 3 | None
• EDU 460 | Methods of Teaching Language Arts | 3 | None
• EDU 470 | Research Methods in Education & Classroom Inquiry | 3 | None
• EDU 480 | Practicum III: Pre-Student Teaching Residency (Clinical Fieldwork) | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU 490 | Student Teaching I (Full-Time Clinical Practice) | 6 | None
• EDU 491 | Seminar: Professional Practice, Ethics & School Law | 3 | None
• EDU 492 | Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA-Style Portfolio Support) | 3 | None
• EDU 493 | Family, School & Community Partnerships | 3 | None
• EDU 494 | Student Teaching II (Full-Time Clinical Practice) | 6 | None
• EDU 495 | Seminar: Instructional Coaching, Reflection & Job Readiness | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU 496 | Capstone: Impact on Student Learning (Action Research) | 3 | None
• EDU 497 | Teacher Leadership, Advocacy & Contemporary Issues in Education | 3 | None
• EDU 499 | Senior Thesis: Faith-Based Education Initiative | 3 | EDU 497

Career Opportunities

• Elementary School Teacher
• High School Teacher
• Special Education Teacher
• Curriculum Developer
• Educational Consultant
• School Administrator
• Instructional 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.S. in Faith-Based Education
• Total program length | 143 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years