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Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Health Policy, Advocacy

Academic unitCollege of Health ScienceTotal credits120Estimated duration4 yearsSource documentBachelor_of_Science_in_Faith_Based_Health_Policy__Advocacy.docx

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.S. in Faith-Based Health Policy, Advocacy

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Health Policy and Advocacy core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Health Policy and Advocacy is an interdisciplinary program designed to equip students with the analytical skills necessary to address complex public health challenges through the lens of ethical stewardship and servant leadership. By integrating social science research with policy analysis, the curriculum provides a robust framework for understanding the social determinants of health and the legislative processes that influence community well-being. Students engage in rigorous academic inquiry, examining the intersection of public health initiatives and the mission-driven work of community-based organizations. Through a synthesis of health systems theory and organizational advocacy, learners develop the capacity to navigate and influence policy landscapes while remaining grounded in a commitment to human dignity and equitable service. The program fosters a deep understanding of how public health strategies can be implemented within non-profit and faith-informed sectors to promote flourishing communities. By emphasizing the role of the individual as a catalyst for systemic change, this degree prepares graduates to serve as effective advocates who bridge the gap between complex health data and the compassionate application of resources in diverse societal contexts.

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Health Policy and Advocacy program combines a robust general education curriculum with comprehensive study in faith-based health policy theory, behavioral science, human development, ethics, research methodology, crisis awareness, social referral systems, 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 Science. This curriculum exceeds the general-education minimum.

Program Facts

Program facts

Degree abbreviation: B.S. in Faith-Based Health Policy, Advocacy
Total program length: 120 semester credit hours
Normal completion time: Four academic years
General education: 36 credit hours
Professional application courses: 15 credit hours
Capstone requirement: 6 credit hours
Academic unit: College of Health Science
Total credits: 120
Duration: 4 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

Analyze the impact of local, state, and federal health policies on vulnerable populations.
Evaluate the effectiveness of public health interventions within community-based organizational contexts.
Design evidence-based advocacy strategies that align with ethical standards and institutional missions.
Integrate theories of distributive justice and stewardship into the development of health resource management plans.
Communicate complex health data to diverse stakeholders through professional writing and public presentations.
Demonstrate proficiency in applying social science research methodologies to identify community health needs.
Apply ethical decision-making frameworks to navigate conflicting stakeholder interests in health policy debates.

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Admission to the Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Health Policy and Advocacy requires a high school diploma or its equivalent with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must submit official transcripts, a personal statement detailing their commitment to ethical service, and two letters of recommendation from academic or professional references. Candidates are expected to demonstrate foundational skills in written and oral communication as part of their readiness for the rigorous academic coursework required for this degree. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project represents the culminating academic achievement of the program, requiring students to synthesize their learning by conducting a comprehensive policy analysis or designing an advocacy strategy for a specific community health issue. Students are expected to produce a formal research paper and a strategic implementation plan that addresses a real-world need within a non-profit or community health setting. This project is weighted at 4 credit hours and serves as the primary instrument for assessing a student's ability to integrate research, policy analysis, and moral reasoning. Through the project, students must demonstrate how their proposed solutions reflect principles of servant leadership and stewardship of community resources. Beyond academic rigor, the Capstone Project requires students to articulate how a Christian worldview informs their approach to professional advocacy. Students must reflect on the ethical imperatives of their work, exploring how concepts such as compassion, integrity, and justice shape their professional practices. By bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and vocational service, the project serves as a testament to the student's development as an academically competent and morally grounded professional. The final evaluation considers both the intellectual depth of the policy analysis and the student's demonstrated commitment to faith-informed community service.

Program Structure

Official program structure

Program Details

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

Semester-by-Semester Curriculum

Official course sequence

Year 1

Semester 1

12 credits

Code	Course Title	Credits	Prerequisite
ENG101	Academic Writing and Rhetoric	3	None
View Description This course focuses on developing foundational skills in formal research and professional writing. Students learn to construct clear, logical arguments suitable for policy analysis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
MAT105	Quantitative Reasoning for Health	3	None
View Description This course introduces statistical concepts and mathematical modeling used in public health analysis. Students apply these tools to interpret health data accurately. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
HIS110	History of Social Reform	3	None
View Description An overview of historical social reform movements that have shaped modern public welfare systems. Students examine the influence of ethical traditions on policy development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
PHI101	Foundations of Moral Philosophy	3	None
View Description This course examines fundamental ethical theories and frameworks used to evaluate moral decision-making in personal and professional contexts. It explores contemporary ethical dilemmas and the application of normative theories to social issues. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Semester 2

12 credits

Code	Course Title	Credits	Prerequisite
BIO120	Human Biology and Health	4	None
View Description A comprehensive study of human systems and biological health determinants. The course explores how environmental and behavioral factors influence public health. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
SOC150	Introduction to Sociology	3	None
View Description This course examines the social structures and dynamics that impact individual and community wellness. It provides a basis for understanding diverse societal needs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
PSY110	Foundations of Psychology	3	None
View Description An overview of psychological principles including human development and behavioral motivation. Students gain insights into individual responses to community health challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
COM120	Interpersonal Communication	2	None
View Description Exploration of communication dynamics in professional and collaborative environments. Students develop skills for effective dialogue in service settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Semester 3

12 credits

Code	Course Title	Credits	Prerequisite
RES200	Research Methods for Social Science	3	MAT105
View Description Introduction to research design, data collection, and analytical methods in the social sciences. Students learn to conduct empirical investigations of health needs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
BUS210	Nonprofit Organizational Management	3	None
View Description Covers the fundamental principles of managing non-profit entities, including resource allocation and leadership. Focuses on the role of mission in organizational success. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
ECO220	Principles of Resource Allocation and Economics	3	CHR101
View Description This course provides an overview of microeconomic principles and their application to nonprofit resource management and organizational budgeting. Students analyze strategies for maximizing impact through efficient distribution of human and financial resources. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
POL205	Introduction to Public Policy	3	None
View Description Explores the legislative process, policy formulation, and the influence of interest groups. Students analyze how policies are initiated and implemented. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Year 2

Semester 4

12 credits

Code	Course Title	Credits	Prerequisite
COU230	Conflict Resolution and Mediation	3	COM120
View Description Practical study of techniques for resolving conflicts in community and organizational settings. Emphasizes mediation strategies that foster reconciliation and collaboration. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
BIO250	Epidemiology Basics	4	BIO120
View Description An introduction to the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in defined populations. Students learn to utilize surveillance data for community assessment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
MGT240	Leadership in Service Organizations	3	None
View Description Explores servant leadership models and their application in mission-driven health contexts. Focuses on developing leadership capacity that prioritizes community needs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
HUM250	Ethics in Public Health	2	CHR101
View Description Analysis of ethical dilemmas in healthcare policy and delivery. Students evaluate how moral reasoning impacts policy decisions and community outcomes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Semester 5

12 credits

Code	Course Title	Credits	Prerequisite
POL310	Advanced Health Policy Analysis	3	POL205
View Description In-depth examination of current health policies and their implications for community access. Students critique policy documents using established health equity frameworks. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
RES320	Advanced Data Analytics	3	RES200
View Description Utilizing statistical software to perform data analysis on community health metrics. Focuses on the practical application of data for organizational advocacy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
SOC330	Community Health Advocacy	3	SOC150
View Description Training in the design and delivery of advocacy campaigns aimed at improving community health outcomes. Students engage in practical advocacy role-playing. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
MIN340	Community Engagement Strategies	3	None
View Description Study of outreach strategies that connect organizational missions with diverse community stakeholders. Emphasis is placed on building sustainable partnerships. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Semester 6

12 credits

Code	Course Title	Credits	Prerequisite
BUS350	Grant Writing and Fundraising	4	BUS210
View Description Detailed study of grant acquisition processes for non-profit organizations. Students gain experience in identifying funding sources and drafting competitive proposals. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
POL360	Environmental Health Policy	3	POL310
View Description Analysis of the impact of environmental factors on community health and related regulatory policies. Focuses on creating advocacy strategies for cleaner living conditions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
COU370	Cross-Cultural Communication	3	COM120
View Description Examines communication strategies within culturally diverse communities. Students develop sensitivity and competency for service in multicultural environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
HIS380	Global Perspectives on Health	2	None
View Description Overview of international health policy and the role of non-governmental organizations. Students learn to apply global insights to local policy challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Year 3

Semester 7

12 credits

Code	Course Title	Credits	Prerequisite
MGT410	Strategic Planning in Health Organizations	3	MGT240
View Description Developing long-term strategic plans for organizational health and community impact. Students translate mission statements into actionable policy and project initiatives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
POL420	Legislative Advocacy Practicum	3	POL360
View Description Applied study of legislative advocacy, including lobbying and constituency engagement. Students develop practical skills for engaging government representatives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
BUS430	Program Evaluation Metrics	3	RES320
View Description Techniques for assessing the success of programs and interventions. Students learn to interpret evaluation outcomes for organizational improvement and reporting. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
SOC440	Social Justice and Global Human Welfare	3	THE220
View Description This course explores historical and contemporary definitions of social justice and its impact on the quality of life within diverse populations. It evaluates the sociopolitical structures that influence human rights, health equity, and social mobility. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Semester 8

12 credits

Code	Course Title	Credits	Prerequisite
CAP490	Senior Capstone Project	4	All previous core courses
View Description The culminating project where students integrate all program knowledge into a comprehensive policy or advocacy analysis. It requires the delivery of a professional report and presentation reflecting academic competence and faith-informed ethical practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
BUS460	Professional Ethics and Law	3	HUM250
View Description Study of the legal frameworks and ethical mandates governing health-related non-profits. Students explore the balance between regulatory compliance and mission integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
SOC470	Community Organizing for Social Change	3	SOC330
View Description Advanced study of mobilization strategies for community change. Students learn to organize and empower community members around specific health policy goals. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
MGT480	Transition to Professional Leadership	2	MGT410
View Description Preparing for entry into the workforce as servant leaders. Students reflect on their vocational calling and their role in the public health sector. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Major / Core Requirements

Major and core requirements

General education | 36 credit hours

Faith-Based Health Policy and Advocacy core | 63 credit hours
Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Final Project Requirement

Final project requirement

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
ENG101 | Academic Writing and Rhetoric | 3 | None
MAT105 | Quantitative Reasoning for Health | 3 | None
HIS110 | History of Social Reform | 3 | None
PHI101 | Foundations of Moral Philosophy | 3 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
BIO120 | Human Biology and Health | 4 | None
SOC150 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
PSY110 | Foundations of Psychology | 3 | None
COM120 | Interpersonal Communication | 2 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
RES200 | Research Methods for Social Science | 3 | MAT105
BUS210 | Nonprofit Organizational Management | 3 | None
ECO220 | Principles of Resource Allocation and Economics | 3 | CHR101
POL205 | Introduction to Public Policy | 3 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
COU230 | Conflict Resolution and Mediation | 3 | COM120
BIO250 | Epidemiology Basics | 4 | BIO120
MGT240 | Leadership in Service Organizations | 3 | None
HUM250 | Ethics in Public Health | 2 | CHR101
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
POL310 | Advanced Health Policy Analysis | 3 | POL205
RES320 | Advanced Data Analytics | 3 | RES200
SOC330 | Community Health Advocacy | 3 | SOC150
MIN340 | Community Engagement Strategies | 3 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
BUS350 | Grant Writing and Fundraising | 4 | BUS210
POL360 | Environmental Health Policy | 3 | POL310
COU370 | Cross-Cultural Communication | 3 | COM120
HIS380 | Global Perspectives on Health | 2 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
MGT410 | Strategic Planning in Health Organizations | 3 | MGT240
POL420 | Legislative Advocacy Practicum | 3 | POL360
BUS430 | Program Evaluation Metrics | 3 | RES320
SOC440 | Social Justice and Global Human Welfare | 3 | THE220
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | All previous core courses
BUS460 | Professional Ethics and Law | 3 | HUM250
SOC470 | Community Organizing for Social Change | 3 | SOC330
MGT480 | Transition to Professional Leadership | 2 | MGT410

CAP490 — Senior Capstone Project — 4 credits

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

Graduation from the Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Health Policy and Advocacy requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. In addition to technical requirements, students must demonstrate spiritual and character development through active participation in university chapel services, consistent engagement in community-based service learning, and successful completion of designated spiritual formation coursework. These requirements ensure that graduates are not only academically prepared but also possess the ethical integrity and servant-leader mindset necessary for their future vocations.
Final degree clearance is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of the Senior Capstone Project, which provides evidence of a student's professional readiness. By integrating academic discipline with a commitment to faith-based values, the university ensures that all students are prepared to approach their careers with a clear sense of purpose, moral clarity, and a dedication to the common good. Graduates must fulfill all administrative and ethical standards to be recommended for the Bachelor of Science degree, marking their readiness to contribute to the mission-driven health sectors of society.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

Health Policy Analyst
Community Outreach Coordinator
Non-Profit Program Administrator
Public Health Advocate
Legislative Assistant for Health Committees
Grants Manager for Healthcare Initiatives
Community Wellness Educator

Additional Official Information

Additional source information

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 Health Policy, Advocacy
Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
Normal completion time | Four academic years