Bachelors of Arts in Faith-Based Education Specialization in Social Studies/History Education

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Education Specialization in Social Studies/History Education

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

HBIU College of Education and Human Development

Total credits

120

Duration

4 years

• Analyze complex historical events and sociological trends using interdisciplinary research methodologies.
• Design inclusive, learner-centered instructional units that align with national and state academic standards.
• Evaluate the ethical implications of pedagogical choices through the integration of faith-informed character development.
• Demonstrate servant leadership in collaborative educational settings to address community and school-wide needs.
• Communicate historical concepts effectively through professional written, oral, and digital media platforms.
• Apply principles of stewardship to the management of educational resources and student mentorship.
• Synthesize diverse historical perspectives to promote cultural competency and respectful civil discourse.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ENG101
• Academic Writing and Rhetoric
• 4
• None
• HIS110
• World History I
• 4
• None
• MAT120
• Quantitative Reasoning
• 3
• None
• THE101
• Foundation of Ethics and Service
• 3
• None
• ENG101 — Academic Writing and Rhetoric: Focuses on the development of critical thinking and written expression through argumentative and analytical prose. Students explore rhetorical strategies and formal academic conventionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• HIS110 — World History I: Provides a comprehensive overview of global history from antiquity to the Renaissance. Focuses on the rise and fall of civilizations and major cross-cultural interactionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MAT120 — Quantitative Reasoning: Covers practical mathematical applications and statistical analysis for social sciences. Emphasis is placed on data interpretation and logical decision-makingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• THE101 — Foundation of Ethics and Service: Introduces the framework for vocational calling and ethical responsibility. Explores historical perspectives on servant leadership and community contributionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• EDU150
• Introduction to Education
• 3
• None
• HIS120
• World History II
• 4
• HIS110
• PSY200
• Educational Psychology
• 3
• None
• COM210
• Effective Oral Communication
• 4
• None
• EDU150 — Introduction to Education: Examines the role and purpose of education in modern society. Students study the historical, philosophical, and social foundations of school systemsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• HIS120 — World History II: Continues the global survey from the Enlightenment to the contemporary era. Analyzes the impact of industrialization, global conflict, and modernizationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PSY200 — Educational Psychology: Analyzes the theories of learning and human development in an educational context. Focuses on cognitive, social, and emotional growth in studentsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COM210 — Effective Oral Communication: Builds public speaking and presentation skills suitable for professional educational settings. Emphasizes clarity, persuasion, and engaging varied audiencesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• HIS210
• United States History I
• 4
• HIS120
• EDU220
• Inclusive Learning Environments
• 3
• EDU150
• SOC201
• Social Science Perspectives
• 3
• None
• HUM250
• Global Cultural Studies
• 4
• None
• HIS210 — United States History I: Examines the development of the United States from colonial origins through the Civil War. Focuses on political, economic, and social transformationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU220 — Inclusive Learning Environments: Explores strategies for teaching diverse student populations effectively. Discusses best practices for creating equitable classroom climatesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC201 — Social Science Perspectives: Provides an overview of sociological concepts and methods. Encourages critical analysis of societal structures and collective human behaviorThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• HUM250 — Global Cultural Studies: Investigates the intersection of culture, geography, and belief systems. Explores the influence of heritage on contemporary local and global issuesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• HIS220
• United States History II
• 4
• HIS210
• EDU240
• Curriculum Design and Standards
• 3
• EDU150
• RES300
• Research Methods for Educators
• 3
• MAT120
• MIN230
• Stewardship in Professional Practice
• 4
• THE101
• HIS220 — United States History II: Focuses on U.S. history from Reconstruction to the contemporary era. Analyzes major domestic and foreign policy shifts shaping modern AmericaThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU240 — Curriculum Design and Standards: Focuses on the alignment of lesson plans with educational standards. Students learn to develop coherent sequences for instructionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES300 — Research Methods for Educators: Teaches qualitative and quantitative research techniques for analyzing educational outcomes. Emphasis is placed on data-driven reflectionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MIN230 — Stewardship in Professional Practice: Examines the application of biblical stewardship and ethical reasoning in the workplace. Focuses on resource management and professional integrityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• HIS310
• The History of Democracy
• 4
• HIS220
• EDU310
• Instructional Technology in Social Studies
• 3
• EDU240
• HIS330
• Economic History
• 3
• HIS220
• BUS320
• Organizational Leadership
• 4
• None
• HIS310 — The History of Democracy: Investigates the evolution of democratic systems and civic duties. Analyzes global political philosophy and its impact on contemporary governanceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU310 — Instructional Technology in Social Studies: Integrates digital tools to enhance history and social studies curriculum. Focuses on virtual archives, mapping tools, and interactive mediaThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• HIS330 — Economic History: Examines the development of global economic systems and their influence on societal structure. Discusses themes of production, trade, and equityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• BUS320 — Organizational Leadership: Studies models of leadership and group management. Emphasizes collaborative decision-making in institutional settingsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• HIS350
• Comparative Religious History
• 4
• HIS120
• EDU350
• Classroom Management and Professional Ethics
• 3
• EDU220
• SOC340
• Social Justice and Community Engagement
• 3
• SOC201
• EDU390
• Field Experience Practicum
• 4
• EDU240
• HIS350 — Comparative Religious History: Analyzes the role of various religious traditions in shaping major historical periods and social movements. Focuses on neutral, scholarly comparative analysisThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU350 — Classroom Management and Professional Ethics: Explores proactive classroom management strategies and the ethical responsibilities of the educator. Focuses on character development and conflict resolutionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC340 — Social Justice and Community Engagement: Discusses service-oriented approaches to social issues and community needs. Examines the impact of advocacy and civic participationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU390 — Field Experience Practicum: Provides supervised hands-on experience in an educational setting. Focuses on observational learning and initial instructional assistanceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 7 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• HIS410
• Advanced Historiography
• 4
• HIS310
• EDU420
• Advanced Instructional Assessment
• 3
• EDU310
• HIS450
• Topics in Modern Social Movements
• 3
• HIS310
• CAP400
• Senior Capstone Project Part I
• 4
• RES300
• HIS410 — Advanced Historiography: Examines the methods, theories, and challenges in the writing of history. Encourages critical evaluation of primary and secondary historical sourcesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU420 — Advanced Instructional Assessment: Covers formative and summative assessment strategies. Students learn to use data to inform instructional modificationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• HIS450 — Topics in Modern Social Movements: Focuses on selected modern social issues and the history of reform movements. Encourages original research and analysisThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CAP400 — Senior Capstone Project Part I: Initiation of the capstone project including research and design. Students define their topic and draft their instructional proposalThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 8 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• HIS480
• Civic Literacy and Responsibility
• 3
• HIS310
• EDU480
• Professionalism in Education
• 3
• EDU350
• CAP490
• Senior Capstone Project Part II
• 3
• CAP400
• HUM495
• Ethics for Global Citizens
• 5
• THE101
• HIS480 — Civic Literacy and Responsibility: Provides an advanced study of the rights and responsibilities of citizens in a democratic society. Focuses on preparing future teachers to lead civic educationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU480 — Professionalism in Education: Focuses on career transition, teacher efficacy, and life-long learning. Emphasizes maintaining professional ethical standardsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CAP490 — Senior Capstone Project Part II: Finalization and presentation of the Capstone Project. Students demonstrate their professional readiness and faith-informed ethical frameworkThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• HUM495 — Ethics for Global Citizens: Synthesizes final learning outcomes through an examination of global ethical challenges. Prepares graduates for service in diverse, modern contextsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or its equivalent with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Admissions materials must include official academic transcripts, a personal statement detailing the applicant's commitment to education and professional service, and two letters of recommendation from academic or professional references. Standardized test scores may be submitted to support the application, and a personal interview may be requested to assess the candidate's aptitude for the rigorous demands of this program. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience for the degree, requiring students to synthesize their historical content knowledge, pedagogical skills, and spiritual formation. This project involves the design and implementation of an original research-based curriculum unit that addresses a contemporary social issue, evaluated through the lens of ethical leadership and community impact. Students are required to demonstrate how their academic mastery aligns with their calling to serve others with integrity and stewardship. The project deliverables include a scholarly portfolio, a comprehensive unit plan, and a formal defense of their pedagogical approach. Beyond academic rigor, the project assesses the student's ability to integrate faith-based perspectives, demonstrating how spiritual maturity influences professional decision-making. Through this three-credit course, students confirm their readiness to enter the professional world as competent, reflective, and ethically grounded educators.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of all 120 credit hours within the curriculum, maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. In addition to academic coursework, students must complete the Senior Capstone Project with a passing grade and fulfill all requirements related to spiritual formation, which include active participation in campus community engagement and designated service hours. These components ensure that graduates are prepared to model ethical behavior and professional excellence in every aspect of their vocational practice.
• Furthermore, students must demonstrate alignment with institutional values through their conduct and contribution to the campus community. The synthesis of rigorous scholarship, moral development, and a commitment to servant leadership confirms that graduates are equipped for both meaningful career opportunities and a life of continued growth. The degree is conferred upon those who have shown readiness to apply their knowledge as stewards of education and as leaders in their respective communities.
• Career Opportunities
• Secondary Social Studies Educator
• Curriculum Developer
• Educational Program Coordinator
• Museum Education Specialist
• Community Outreach Liaison
• Non-profit Educational Advisor
• Academic Tutor and Mentor
• 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 Social Studies/History Education
• 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
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Rhetoric | 4 | None
• HIS110 | World History I | 4 | None
• MAT120 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | None
• THE101 | Foundation of Ethics and Service | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU150 | Introduction to Education | 3 | None
• HIS120 | World History II | 4 | HIS110
• PSY200 | Educational Psychology | 3 | None
• COM210 | Effective Oral Communication | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS210 | United States History I | 4 | HIS120
• EDU220 | Inclusive Learning Environments | 3 | EDU150
• SOC201 | Social Science Perspectives | 3 | None
• HUM250 | Global Cultural Studies | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS220 | United States History II | 4 | HIS210
• EDU240 | Curriculum Design and Standards | 3 | EDU150
• RES300 | Research Methods for Educators | 3 | MAT120
• MIN230 | Stewardship in Professional Practice | 4 | THE101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS310 | The History of Democracy | 4 | HIS220
• EDU310 | Instructional Technology in Social Studies | 3 | EDU240
• HIS330 | Economic History | 3 | HIS220
• BUS320 | Organizational Leadership | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS350 | Comparative Religious History | 4 | HIS120
• EDU350 | Classroom Management and Professional Ethics | 3 | EDU220
• SOC340 | Social Justice and Community Engagement | 3 | SOC201
• EDU390 | Field Experience Practicum | 4 | EDU240
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS410 | Advanced Historiography | 4 | HIS310
• EDU420 | Advanced Instructional Assessment | 3 | EDU310
• HIS450 | Topics in Modern Social Movements | 3 | HIS310
• CAP400 | Senior Capstone Project Part I | 4 | RES300
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS480 | Civic Literacy and Responsibility | 3 | HIS310
• EDU480 | Professionalism in Education | 3 | EDU350
• CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project Part II | 3 | CAP400
• HUM495 | Ethics for Global Citizens | 5 | THE101