Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based International Environmental Sustainability

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.S. in Faith-Based International Environmental Sustainability

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based International Environmental Sustainability core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based International Environmental Sustainability provides a comprehensive interdisciplinary education focused on the intersection of global ecological stewardship and ethical leadership. Students engage with foundational scientific principles, environmental policy, and global development frameworks, exploring how human activity impacts the natural world within an international context. The curriculum emphasizes the responsibility of global citizens to manage natural resources through the lens of justice, compassion, and long-term sustainability. Through rigorous academic inquiry and field-based investigation, the program prepares students to navigate the complex challenges of environmental management. Graduates gain a deep understanding of environmental science, sociology, and ethics, equipping them to address local and global resource issues while maintaining a commitment to professional integrity and servant leadership.

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based International Environmental Sustainability combines a robust general education foundation with comprehensive study in environmental theory, behavioral science, human development, ethics, research, crisis awareness, referral, program development, and community-based support within a global, stewardship-oriented context.

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

• Faith-Based International Environmental Sustainability core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone Proposal and Research

• 3
• RES390
• ENV410 — Climate Change Adaptation Strategies: Investigates evidence-based strategies for adapting to environmental shifts in international communities. Focuses on community resilience and risk managementThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MGT420 — Strategic Leadership for Sustainability: Develops leadership strategies for directing large-scale sustainability programs. Focuses on institutional change, team management, and long-term visioningThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC440 — Globalization and Local Cultures: Explores the impact of global trends on local identity and ecological practices. Discusses how to protect cultural heritage while fostering economic and environmental developmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CAP400 — Capstone Proposal and Research: Provides structure for developing the scope, literature review, and methodology for the senior project. Students begin the preliminary phase of their final investigationThis 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 | 3 | None
• BIO110 | Introduction to Environmental Science | 4 | None
• SOC120 | Introduction to Global Sociology | 3 | None
• CHR100 | Foundation of Ethics and Stewardship | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MAT201 | Environmental Statistics | 3 | None
• BIO112 | Ecology and Field Methods | 4 | BIO110
• HIS150 | World History and Development | 3 | None
• MIN110 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BUS210 | Principles of Sustainable Economics | 3 | None
• POL220 | International Environmental Policy | 3 | None
• ENG205 | Professional Communication | 3 | ENG101
• SOC205 | Principles of Sustainable Community Development | 3 | CHR100
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• GEO230 | Geography of Global Resources | 3 | None
• BIO250 | Applied Environmental Chemistry | 4 | BIO110
• SOC280 | Sociology of Development | 3 | SOC120
• RES200 | Research Methods for Social Change | 3 | MAT201
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT310 | Non-Profit Organization Management | 3 | None
• BIO320 | Conservation Biology | 4 | BIO112
• POL330 | Human Rights and the Environment | 3 | POL220
• CHR310 | Ethics in Global Service | 3 | CHR100
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENV350 | Water Resource Management | 3 | BIO110
• BUS360 | Corporate Social Responsibility | 3 | BUS210
• COM370 | Intercultural Communication | 3 | None
• RES390 | Advanced Field Analysis | 3 | RES200
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENV410 | Climate Change Adaptation Strategies | 3 | BIO320
• MGT420 | Strategic Leadership for Sustainability | 3 | MGT310
• SOC440 | Globalization and Local Cultures | 3 | SOC280
• CAP400 | Capstone Proposal and Research | 3 | RES390
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENV450 | Urban Sustainability Planning | 3 | None
• POL460 | Environmental Conflict Resolution | 3 | POL330
• CHR480 | Professional Ethics and Vocation | 3 | CHR310
• CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | CAP400

Career Opportunities

• International Development Consultant
• Environmental Policy Analyst
• Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Field Coordinator
• Conservation Project Manager
• Sustainability Specialist for Global Corporations
• Environmental Educator
• Community Resource Advocate

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 International Environmental Sustainability
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years