Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based International Environmental Sustainability, Specialization in Indigenous Traditions

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.S. in Faith-Based International Environmental Sustainability, Specialization in Indigenous Traditions

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Environmental sustainability and indigenous traditions 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 with a specialization in Indigenous Traditions provides a multidisciplinary foundation for understanding the complex intersections of global ecology, ethical stewardship, and traditional ecological knowledge. Students explore the scientific, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability through a lens of global responsibility and servant leadership. By examining environmental challenges within the context of diverse indigenous worldviews, the program fosters a holistic understanding of how human activity impacts the stewardship of natural resources. The curriculum emphasizes the integration of empirical research with philosophical inquiry, equipping students to address pressing global ecological concerns. Students are challenged to synthesize academic theories with ethical frameworks to develop strategies that honor both environmental integrity and human dignity across diverse cultural landscapes.

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based International Environmental Sustainability, Specialization in Indigenous Traditions combines comprehensive general education with rigorous academic study in environmental theory, indigenous wisdom traditions, behavioral science, human development, ethics, research methodologies, crisis awareness, collaborative referral systems, program development, and community-based support structures.

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

• Environmental sustainability and indigenous traditions core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO101 | Principles of Environmental Science | 4 | None
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Research | 3 | None
• PHI101 | Foundations of Ethical Theory | 3 | None
• HIS105 | World History and Cultural Contexts | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO102 | Ecology and Conservation Biology | 4 | BIO101
• SOC110 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• HUM120 | Worldviews and Global Culture | 3 | None
• MAT150 | Statistics for Science | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• IND201 | Indigenous Traditions and Ecology | 3 | SOC110
• ENV205 | Global Environmental Policy | 3 | BIO102
• RES210 | Research Methods for Social Issues | 4 | MAT150
• MIN205 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 3 | THE101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• IND250 | Traditional Land Management Systems | 3 | IND201
• BUS220 | Sustainability Economics | 3 | None
• COM230 | Intercultural Communication | 3 | None
• BIO260 | Climate Science and Mitigation | 4 | BIO102
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENV310 | Environmental Ethics and Global Justice | 3 | THE101
• IND315 | Indigenous Rights and International Law | 3 | ENV205
• EDU320 | Environmental Education and Outreach | 3 | None
• MGT330 | Non-Profit Management | 4 | MIN205
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENV350 | Watershed and Resource Restoration | 4 | BIO260
• IND360 | Case Studies in Indigenous Resilience | 3 | IND250
• ENV370 | Environmental Resource Governance | 3 | THE101
• HIS380 | Colonialism and Environmental Change | 3 | HIS105
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES400 | Advanced Research and Proposal Design | 3 | RES210
• ENV410 | Urban Sustainability and Design | 3 | ENV205
• IND420 | Seminar in Sustainable Globalization | 3 | IND315
• MGT440 | Strategic Planning for Social Impact | 4 | MGT330
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | RES400
• ENV450 | Global Environmental Challenges | 3 | ENV410
• SOC460 | Community Development and Social Change | 3 | SOC110
• BUS480 | Professional Development and Social Responsibility | 3 | CHR370

Career Opportunities

• Environmental Sustainability Coordinator
• International Development Consultant
• Indigenous Rights and Policy Advocate
• Natural Resource Management Specialist
• Community Engagement Facilitator
• Environmental Policy Research Analyst
• Non-Profit Program Manager

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