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Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Public Leadership, Specialization in Leadership Public Ethics

Academic unitCollege of LeadershipTotal credits120Estimated duration4 yearsSource documentBachelor_of_Science_in_Faith_Based_Public_Leadership__Specialization_in_Leadersh.docx

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.S. in Faith-Based Public

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Public core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Public Leadership with a specialization in Public Ethics provides a rigorous academic foundation for students seeking to influence public policy and institutional management through the lens of ethical responsibility and servant leadership. The curriculum explores the intersection of democratic governance, moral philosophy, and strategic organizational management, equipping students to address the complex challenges inherent in public life. By integrating analytical tools with a commitment to integrity and community stewardship, students develop the capacity to lead with transparency and purpose in diverse public and nonprofit sectors.

The program emphasizes a holistic educational approach that values both academic inquiry and the development of character-driven leadership. Through interdisciplinary coursework in history, political theory, and professional ethics, students are challenged to evaluate societal structures and identify pathways for positive, sustainable impact. This degree prepares graduates to serve as effective administrators, policy analysts, and ethical advisors who are grounded in the principles of justice, service, and professional excellence.

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Public combines a rigorous general education foundation with comprehensive study in public administration theory, behavioral science, human development, leadership ethics, research methodologies, crisis awareness, referral strategies, program development, and community-based support systems. This interdisciplinary approach prepares students to analyze and navigate complex societal challenges through a lens of faith-informed service and professional stewardship.

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 Public
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 Leadership
Total credits
120
Duration
4 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Analyze complex public policy issues using interdisciplinary research methodologies.
  • Evaluate historical and contemporary leadership models through the lens of servant leadership and ethical responsibility.
  • Apply frameworks of moral philosophy and public ethics to organizational decision-making processes.
  • Communicate policy recommendations effectively to diverse stakeholders through professional writing and oral discourse.
  • Design strategic initiatives that promote community engagement, stewardship, and systemic improvement.
  • Integrate a coherent worldview regarding social justice and human dignity into the analysis of public institutions.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in identifying and resolving ethical dilemmas within the public sector.

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or its equivalent with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Admissions committees will review evidence of academic readiness, including standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement reflecting the applicant’s interest in ethical leadership and public service. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to the university's mission of integrating rigorous academic study with character formation and community-focused vocational service. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience for the Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Public Leadership, requiring students to synthesize their learning through the completion of a substantial, applied research project. Students must identify a specific policy or ethical challenge within a real-world public or nonprofit environment and design a strategic, evidence-based solution. The project carries a weight of 4 credit hours and demands a high level of academic rigor, professional synthesis, and interdisciplinary analysis. Beyond demonstrating technical competence, the capstone provides a venue for students to articulate the integration of their faith-based worldview with their professional development. The final deliverable requires a comprehensive reflection on how principles of stewardship, moral integrity, and servant leadership inform the proposed intervention. By defending their work before faculty and peers, students demonstrate their readiness to enter the professional world as mature practitioners capable of navigating the ethical complexities of public leadership with wisdom and character.

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

14 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
ENG101Academic Writing and Rhetoric4None
View Description

Focuses on the fundamentals of collegiate writing, research, and critical analysis. Students develop skills in constructing persuasive arguments and communicating ideas clearlyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

HIS105History of Governance4None
View Description

Surveys the development of political systems and leadership models throughout history. Emphasis is placed on the evolution of societal structuresThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

SOC110Introduction to Sociology3None
View Description

Examines the structures, institutions, and interactions that shape society. Introduces key concepts regarding community behavior and social organizationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

THE120Foundations of Ethical Formation3None
View Description

Explores the relationship between personal character and ethical frameworks. Discusses the significance of service and stewardship in a global contextThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Semester 2

14 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
BUS150Principles of Management4None
View Description

Introduces the functions of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling in organizations. Focuses on the role of management in achieving institutional objectivesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

MAT130Quantitative Reasoning for Public Affairs3None
View Description

Applies statistical concepts to real-world data and public issues. Provides tools for data-driven decision making and policy assessmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

COM140Professional Communication3ENG101
View Description

Develops effective oral and written communication skills for diverse public settings. Covers public speaking, professional writing, and interpersonal dynamicsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

MIN160Servant Leadership Principles4THE120
View Description

Examines the theory and practice of servant leadership within professional settings. Integrates concepts of empathy, listening, and community supportThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Semester 3

14 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
POL201American Political Systems3HIS105
View Description

Analyzes the structure and function of the U.S. government at the federal and state levels. Explores the impact of constitutional principles on modern policyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

BUS210Organizational Behavior4BUS150
View Description

Investigates individual and group dynamics within public and private institutions. Analyzes the impact of culture and systems on organizational performanceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

RES220Research Methods for Social Inquiry3MAT130
View Description

Provides a comprehensive overview of qualitative and quantitative research designs. Prepares students for conducting ethical and objective social researchThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

SOC230Sociology of Cultural Values4THE120
View Description

This course examines the role of cultural belief systems and societal norms in shaping community identity and public participation. Students analyze how collective social frameworks influence civic engagement and organizational structure within diverse populations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Year 2

Semester 4

14 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
POL250Public Policy Analysis3POL201
View Description

Introduces the policy cycle, including agenda setting, formulation, and implementation. Evaluates the effectiveness of various policy interventionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

BUS260Nonprofit Management4BUS150
View Description

Examines the unique challenges and opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Topics include fundraising, board development, and volunteer managementThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

PSY270Social Psychology of Groups3SOC110
View Description

Studies the influence of social context on individual and group behavior. Explores dynamics such as conflict resolution, power, and cooperationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

HUM280Comparative Ethics4THE120
View Description

Compares diverse ethical systems and their influence on contemporary governance. Encourages critical engagement with moral dilemmas in public lifeThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Semester 5

14 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
POL310Public Administration and Finance3POL250
View Description

Explores the fiscal management, budgetary processes, and administrative structures of government entities. Focuses on accountability and financial stewardshipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

BUS320Strategic Leadership4BUS210
View Description

Develops the ability to formulate and execute organizational strategy in complex environments. Emphasizes long-term planning and mission alignmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

RES330Applied Ethics in Public Policy3RES220
View Description

Analyzes specific case studies regarding ethical challenges in policy implementation. Applies moral frameworks to real-world political decisionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

MGT340Human Resource Management4BUS210
View Description

Covers the essential functions of human resource management, including talent development and employee relations. Focuses on ethical employment practicesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Semester 6

14 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
POL350Law and Public Institutions3POL201
View Description

Examines the legal framework within which public institutions operate. Reviews constitutional law, regulatory requirements, and administrative law principlesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

BUS360Collaborative Governance4BUS260
View Description

Explores the necessity of cross-sector partnerships in solving societal problems. Discusses models of cooperation between government, private, and nonprofit sectorsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

EDU370Education and Public Policy3POL250
View Description

Investigates the intersection of educational reform and public administration. Evaluates the impact of policy on social mobility and community outcomesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

MIN380Stewardship and Community Engagement4MIN160
View Description

Focuses on the responsibility of leaders to manage community resources ethically. Integrates concepts of sustainability, service, and distributive justiceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Year 3

Semester 7

14 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
POL410Contemporary Issues in Public Ethics3RES330
View Description

Addresses emerging ethical controversies in digital media, environmental policy, and globalization. Encourages rigorous debate on the role of leadersThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

BUS420Advanced Leadership and Decision Making4BUS320
View Description

Provides an in-depth exploration of advanced management theories. Develops capacity for reflective, values-based decision making in crisis situationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

SOC430Social Justice and Policy3SOC110
View Description

Critiques various policies in light of social justice principles and equity. Evaluates the impact of systemic inequality on marginalized populationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

COM440Leadership Communication4COM140
View Description

Focuses on the nuances of rhetorical leadership and public influence. Prepares students for the complexities of navigating public opinion and discourseThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Semester 8

14 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
CAP490Senior Capstone Project4RES330, BUS420
View Description

Final project requiring a comprehensive research intervention and reflection on ethical leadership. Students demonstrate academic and character-based synthesisThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

POL450Public Management Seminar3POL410
View Description

Explores the realities of administrative practice and professional conduct. Provides a space for integrating all program competencies into a final professional visionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

BUS460Professional Ethics and Integrity3HUM280
View Description

Focuses on personal and professional integrity in high-stakes environments. Emphasizes character development and the maintenance of ethical standardsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

CHR470Vocation and Community Service4CHR230
View Description

Final synthesis course regarding the call to service within the public sphere. Students articulate their future career goals through the lens of servant leadershipThis 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 Public 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 | 4 | None
  • HIS105 | History of Governance | 4 | None
  • SOC110 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
  • THE120 | Foundations of Ethical Formation | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BUS150 | Principles of Management | 4 | None
  • MAT130 | Quantitative Reasoning for Public Affairs | 3 | None
  • COM140 | Professional Communication | 3 | ENG101
  • MIN160 | Servant Leadership Principles | 4 | THE120
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • POL201 | American Political Systems | 3 | HIS105
  • BUS210 | Organizational Behavior | 4 | BUS150
  • RES220 | Research Methods for Social Inquiry | 3 | MAT130
  • SOC230 | Sociology of Cultural Values | 4 | THE120
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • POL250 | Public Policy Analysis | 3 | POL201
  • BUS260 | Nonprofit Management | 4 | BUS150
  • PSY270 | Social Psychology of Groups | 3 | SOC110
  • HUM280 | Comparative Ethics | 4 | THE120
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • POL310 | Public Administration and Finance | 3 | POL250
  • BUS320 | Strategic Leadership | 4 | BUS210
  • RES330 | Applied Ethics in Public Policy | 3 | RES220
  • MGT340 | Human Resource Management | 4 | BUS210
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • POL350 | Law and Public Institutions | 3 | POL201
  • BUS360 | Collaborative Governance | 4 | BUS260
  • EDU370 | Education and Public Policy | 3 | POL250
  • MIN380 | Stewardship and Community Engagement | 4 | MIN160
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • POL410 | Contemporary Issues in Public Ethics | 3 | RES330
  • BUS420 | Advanced Leadership and Decision Making | 4 | BUS320
  • SOC430 | Social Justice and Policy | 3 | SOC110
  • COM440 | Leadership Communication | 4 | COM140
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | RES330, BUS420
  • POL450 | Public Management Seminar | 3 | POL410
  • BUS460 | Professional Ethics and Integrity | 3 | HUM280
  • CHR470 | Vocation and Community Service | 4 | CHR230
  • CAP490Senior Capstone Project4 credits

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0. All students must complete the core curriculum, the specialization courses, and the Senior Capstone Project with a passing grade. Proficiency is evaluated not only through academic assessments but also through consistent engagement with the program's community service and spiritual formation requirements, which encourage the development of a lifestyle characterized by service and integrity.
  • In addition to academic achievement, students must meet expectations for ethical conduct and professional maturity. The university views graduation as a milestone in the journey of life-long learning and vocational service, expecting students to reflect the institution’s commitment to moral excellence and societal stewardship. Graduates are encouraged to demonstrate that their education has equipped them to serve their communities with humility, persistence, and a steadfast dedication to the public good.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Public Policy Analyst
  • Nonprofit Organization Administrator
  • Government Relations Liaison
  • Ethics Compliance Officer
  • Community Development Director
  • Public Affairs Consultant
  • Civic Program Coordinator

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