Bachelors of Arts in Faith-Based Education Specialization in Literacy/Reading Specialist

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Education Specialization in Literacy/Reading Specialist

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Educational theory and practice core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Education with a Specialization in Literacy/Reading Specialist offers a rigorous academic foundation for educators committed to promoting literacy as a fundamental tool for empowerment and community development. This program integrates foundational educational pedagogy with specialized instructional strategies designed to support diverse learners in mastering reading, writing, and critical comprehension skills. Students engage in a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes evidence-based literacy practices within a framework of ethical stewardship and servant leadership.

Beyond theoretical instruction, the program facilitates the application of pedagogical knowledge in real-world settings, ensuring that graduates are prepared to address the complex literacy needs of contemporary learners. By synthesizing academic excellence with a commitment to holistic student growth, this program equips future educators to serve their communities with integrity, compassion, and scholarly proficiency, fostering environments where all students have the opportunity to thrive academically.

This program combines rigorous general education requirements with a comprehensive study in faith-based education theory, behavioral science, human development, professional ethics, research methodology, crisis awareness, student referral processes, program development, and community-based support systems. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the pedagogical foundation and literacy-specific strategies necessary for effective instructional practice within faith-based academic environments.

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 Arts. This curriculum exceeds the general-education minimum.

Program Details

• Total Credits: 120
• Duration: 4 years
• Degree Level: Bachelor

General education | 36 credit hours

• Educational theory and practice core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU101 | Foundations of Education | 4 | None
• ENG101 | College Composition | 4 | None
• SOC101 | Introduction to Social Systems and Culture | 3 | None
• PSY105 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU120 | Child and Adolescent Development | 4 | EDU101
• HIS150 | World History and Culture | 3 | None
• MAT110 | Foundations of Mathematics | 3 | None
• COM102 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU210 | Introduction to Literacy Development | 4 | EDU120
• BIO120 | Principles of Biological Science | 3 | None
• SOC201 | Sociology of the Family | 3 | None
• CHR205 | Ethics and Servant Leadership | 3 | THE101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU230 | Educational Psychology | 4 | PSY105
• ENG220 | Children’s Literature | 3 | ENG101
• HUM250 | Fine Arts in Education | 3 | None
• RES200 | Research Methodologies | 3 | MAT110
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU310 | Literacy Assessment and Instruction | 4 | EDU210
• EDU325 | Inclusive Education Strategies | 3 | EDU230
• COU300 | Guidance and Counseling in Schools | 3 | PSY105
• MIN350 | Community Engagement and Service | 3 | CHR205
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU340 | Curriculum Design and Standards | 4 | RES200
• EDU360 | Content Area Literacy | 3 | EDU310
• ENG330 | Advanced Rhetoric and Writing | 3 | ENG101
• BUS310 | Non-profit Management | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU410 | Advanced Reading Intervention | 4 | EDU310
• EDU420 | Educational Leadership and Collaboration | 3 | EDU340
• CRJ400 | Restorative Justice in Education | 3 | SOC201
• CAP400 | Senior Capstone Preparation | 3 | RES200
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | CAP400
• EDU450 | Professionalism and Ethics in Education | 3 | CHR205
• EDU480 | Contemporary Issues in Literacy | 3 | EDU360
• HIS490 | Worldview and Intellectual Traditions | 3 | THE101

Career Opportunities

• Literacy Specialist in Public or Private Schools
• Educational Consultant for Literacy Programs
• Community Literacy Program Coordinator
• Reading Intervention Coach
• Instructional Designer for Literacy Materials
• Faith-Based School Administrator
• Education Coordinator for Non-profit Organizations

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.A. in Faith-Based Education Specialization in Literacy/Reading Specialist
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years