Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Public Health

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.S. in Faith-Based Public Health

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Public Health core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Public Health provides students with a robust foundation in the principles of population health, community wellness, and ethical leadership. The program integrates scientific rigor with a commitment to the common good, preparing graduates to address systemic health challenges through the lens of stewardship and service. Students explore the intersection of social determinants of health, data analysis, and program planning within the context of global and local community needs. By combining traditional health science education with a commitment to ethical integrity and servant leadership, the program cultivates professionals who are equipped to improve quality of life and advocate for marginalized populations. The curriculum emphasizes the application of public health strategies to support the mission of faith-based and community-based organizations. Through rigorous academic inquiry and practical field study, students develop the capacity to design, implement, and evaluate health initiatives that honor the dignity of the human person. The program prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Public Health program integrates rigorous general education with a comprehensive study of health theory, behavioral science, human development, and ethical practice. Students engage with foundational concepts in research, crisis awareness, social referral systems, program development, and the implementation of community-based support structures designed to improve public health outcomes through a faith-integrated lens.

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 Public Health core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

ELECTIVE400

• General Elective
• 3
• None
• PHB401 — Health Disparities and Ethics: Critique of inequity in health and moral responses. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PHB420 — Public Health Systems Management: Operational aspects of running health programs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC410 — Community Organizing and Development: Strategies for grassroots community engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

ELECTIVE400 | General Elective | 3 | None

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | RES390
• PHB450 | Public Health Field Experience | 4 | PHB401
• PHB460 | Strategic Planning in Health | 4 | PHB301
• PSY495 | Professional Identity and Career Development | 3 | THE101

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG101 | Academic Writing | 4 | None
• BIO105 | Human Biology | 4 | None
• MAT110 | Introduction to Statistics | 4 | None
• PHI101 | Introduction to Ethical Theory | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC101 | Introduction to Sociology | 4 | None
• PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology | 4 | None
• COM120 | Public Speaking | 4 | ENG101
• SOC105 | Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PHB201 | Introduction to Public Health | 4 | BIO105
• RES200 | Research Methods | 4 | MAT110
• HIS210 | History of Social Reform | 3 | None
• BUS200 | Principles of Management | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PHB250 | Epidemiology Basics | 4 | PHB201
• COU210 | Interpersonal Relations | 3 | PSY101
• MGT250 | Nonprofit Resource Stewardship | 4 | BUS200
• HUM220 | Global Perspectives on Health | 4 | SOC101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PHB301 | Community Health Program Planning | 4 | PHB250
• SOC310 | Sociology of the Family and Community | 3 | SOC101
• PHB320 | Health Policy and Advocacy | 4 | PHB201
• EDU305 | Adult Learning and Health Literacy | 4 | COM120
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PHB350 | Environmental Health | 4 | BIO105
• PHB380 | Grant Writing and Fundraising | 3 | MGT250
• MGT350 | Nonprofit Organizational Leadership | 4 | CHR105
• RES390 | Applied Research Seminar | 4 | RES200
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PHB401 | Health Disparities and Ethics | 4 | PHB301
• PHB420 | Public Health Systems Management | 4 | PHB320
• SOC410 | Community Organizing and Development | 4 | SOC310

Career Opportunities

• Community Health Coordinator
• Nonprofit Program Manager
• Health Education Specialist
• Public Health Advocate
• Community Outreach Liaison
• Mission-Based Health Planner
• Policy Analyst for Social Services

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 Public Health
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years