Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Public Health, Bioethics

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.S. in Faith-Based Public Health, Bioethics

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Public Health, Bioethics core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Public Health and Bioethics is a multidisciplinary program designed to equip students with the analytical tools necessary to address complex public health challenges through the lens of ethical stewardship and compassionate service. By integrating rigorous scientific inquiry with foundational principles of justice and human dignity, the curriculum explores the intersection of epidemiological trends, healthcare policy, and the moral considerations inherent in biomedical advancements. Students will engage with a broad spectrum of theories and research methodologies, fostering a holistic understanding of how individual wellbeing is inextricably linked to the vitality of the broader community. The program emphasizes a commitment to servant leadership, preparing graduates to navigate the intricate landscape of health equity and ethical decision-making within diverse social and cultural contexts. Through a curriculum rooted in rigorous academic study and reflective practice, students learn to translate theoretical knowledge into effective strategies for community engagement and organizational resilience. This focus on practical application ensures that graduates are well-positioned to serve as catalysts for health-conscious, ethically driven initiatives that honor the inherent worth of every person.

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Public Health, Bioethics program combines a rigorous general education foundation with comprehensive study in public health theory, behavioral science, human development, bioethics, research methodology, crisis awareness, social referral, program development, and community-based support. This integrated curriculum is designed to equip students with the theoretical and practical knowledge required for health advocacy within faith-based frameworks.

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, Bioethics core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

ELECTIVE1

• General Elective I
• 4
• None
• COU250 — Crisis Intervention and Support: This course examines evidence-based strategies for providing support to individuals and families experiencing crises. It highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed care. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BIO230 — Environmental Health and Wellness: This course explores the impact of environmental factors, such as air, water, and food quality, on human health outcomes. It discusses stewardship of creation as a public health priority. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS250 — History of Healthcare Systems: This course reviews the evolution of healthcare institutions and public health systems from an international perspective. It analyzes how historical trends shape modern health policies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

ELECTIVE2

• General Elective II
• 3
• None
• BIO405 — Global Health and Development: This course analyzes major public health challenges in a global context, emphasizing sustainable development and international cooperation. It critiques health interventions through ethical and cultural lenses. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES350 — Advanced Data Analysis: This course builds on previous research methods to enhance the student's ability to analyze and present complex public health datasets. It emphasizes technical proficiency in data visualization and reporting. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU380 — Public Health Education Strategies: This course explores techniques for designing and delivering effective health education programs to diverse groups. It focuses on adult learning principles and messaging for behavioral change. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

ELECTIVE3

• General Elective III
• 3
• None
• BIO420 — Contemporary Bioethical Issues: This capstone-preparatory course delves into cutting-edge debates in bioethics, including genetic engineering, neuroethics, and public policy. It requires students to articulate nuanced, ethically defensible positions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS410 — Nonprofit Financial Management: This course examines the principles of fiscal integrity and transparency in nonprofit organizations. It focuses on budgeting, fundraising ethics, and sustainable resource management. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CRJ450 — Health Law and Policy: This course analyzes the legal frameworks that govern healthcare and public health interventions. It discusses the moral challenges of balancing regulatory compliance with community accessibility. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

ELECTIVE4

• General Elective IV
• 3
• None
• CAP490 — Senior Capstone Project: The capstone project serves as the culmination of the undergraduate experience, where students execute a significant research or program-design initiative. Students demonstrate their ability to synthesize disciplinary knowledge, ethical reasoning, and servant leadership. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN450 — Ethics in Leadership Practice: This final seminar integrates the study of moral leadership with practical challenges faced by health professionals. It focuses on maintaining personal integrity while leading change within complex organizations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC470 — Sociology of Community Resilience: This course studies how communities respond to adversity and the role of social support systems in fostering resilience. It highlights strategies for building strong, health-conscious social networks. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

ELECTIVE1 | General Elective I | 4 | None

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO350 | Bioethics and Clinical Challenges | 4 | BIO210, CHR102
• SOC310 | Health Disparities and Equity | 3 | SOC101
• MGT320 | Strategic Community Programming | 3 | BUS210
• SOC305 | Professional Ethics and Public Service | 3 | CHR102
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO405 | Global Health and Development | 4 | BIO210
• RES350 | Advanced Data Analysis | 3 | RES205
• EDU380 | Public Health Education Strategies | 3 | PSY101, COM150

ELECTIVE2 | General Elective II | 3 | None

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO420 | Contemporary Bioethical Issues | 4 | BIO350
• BUS410 | Nonprofit Financial Management | 3 | BUS210
• CRJ450 | Health Law and Policy | 3 | SOC101

ELECTIVE3 | General Elective III | 3 | None

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | BIO420, RES350
• MIN450 | Ethics in Leadership Practice | 3 | MIN101, THE305
• SOC470 | Sociology of Community Resilience | 3 | SOC101

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Composition | 4 | None
• BIO105 | Foundations of Human Biology | 4 | None
• PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• MIN101 | Principles of Servant Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• MAT201 | Statistical Methods for Health | 4 | None
• CHR102 | Ethics in Contemporary Culture | 3 | None
• COM150 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO210 | Epidemiology and Public Health | 4 | BIO105
• RES205 | Research Methods in Health Science | 3 | MAT201
• BUS210 | Nonprofit Organizational Management | 3 | None
• HUM220 | Human Dignity and Justice | 3 | CHR102
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU250 | Crisis Intervention and Support | 3 | PSY101
• BIO230 | Environmental Health and Wellness | 3 | BIO105
• HIS250 | History of Healthcare Systems | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

• Community Health Outreach Coordinator
• Bioethics Program Administrator
• Nonprofit Health Policy Liaison
• Patient Advocacy Specialist
• Public Health Education Consultant
• Faith-Based Health Initiative Director
• Medical Ethics Board 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 Public Health, Bioethics
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years