Bachelors of Arts in Faith-Based Elementary Education Specialization in Environmental/Outdoor Education

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Elementary Education Studies Specialization in Environmental/Outdoor 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

The Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education Studies with a specialization in Environmental and Outdoor Education offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary curriculum designed to prepare reflective practitioners for diverse educational settings. Students engage with foundational pedagogical theories, instructional design, and human development while simultaneously exploring the ecological principles and experiential learning frameworks that define high-quality outdoor education. This program emphasizes the cultivation of critical thinking, inclusive instructional strategies, and a profound commitment to environmental stewardship as a core component of academic and professional practice.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Elementary Education Studies Specialization in Environmental/Outdoor Education program combines foundational general education coursework with a comprehensive study in educational theory, behavioral science, human development, ethics, research, crisis awareness, referral, program development, and community-based support. This curriculum prepares students to synthesize theological perspectives with modern pedagogical strategies in diverse outdoor and elementary learning 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
• ENG 101 | Academic Writing and Rhetoric | 3 | None
• EDU 110 | Foundations of Education | 3 | None
• BIO 105 | Environmental Science Essentials | 4 | None
• THE 120 | Introduction to Christian Ethics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MAT 150 | Mathematics for Educators | 3 | None
• PSY 130 | Child Development | 3 | None
• EDU 150 | Educational Technology and Media | 3 | EDU 110
• COM 101 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU 201 | Instructional Methods for Literacy | 4 | EDU 110
• ENV 210 | Outdoor Education Theory | 3 | BIO 105
• HIS 220 | World History and Geography | 3 | None
• MIN 200 | Leadership and Service | 3 | THE 120
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU 250 | Curriculum Development | 3 | EDU 201
• ENV 250 | Environmental Field Studies | 3 | ENV 210
• SOC 230 | Sociology of the Family and Community | 3 | PSY 130
• EDU 280 | Diverse Learners and Inclusion | 3 | EDU 110
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU 310 | Science Education Methods | 4 | EDU 250
• ENV 320 | Ecology of Local Ecosystems | 3 | ENV 250
• COU 300 | Educational Psychology | 3 | PSY 130
• HUM 350 | Humanities and the Arts | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU 360 | Classroom Management Strategies | 3 | EDU 250
• ENV 380 | Sustainability and Resource Management | 3 | ENV 320
• RES 390 | Research Methods in Education | 3 | MAT 150
• EDU 395 | Professionalism and Ethics in Education | 3 | MIN 200
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU 410 | Assessment and Evaluation | 3 | EDU 310
• ENV 420 | Advocacy and Environmental Policy | 3 | ENV 380
• EDU 450 | Integrated Curriculum Design | 4 | EDU 250
• CHR 400 | Integration of Faith and Vocation | 3 | MIN 200
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP 499 | Senior Capstone Project | 6 | RES 390
• EDU 480 | Practicum and Seminar | 3 | EDU 360
• EDU 490 | Instructional Leadership | 3 | EDU 395

Career Opportunities

• Elementary Classroom Educator
• Outdoor Education Program Coordinator
• Environmental Science Curriculum Specialist
• Nature-Based Preschool Facilitator
• Educational Outreach Director for Nonprofits
• Museum or Botanical Garden Educational Staff
• Camp Program Director
• Community Service 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.A. in Faith-Based Elementary Education Studies Specialization in Environmental/Outdoor Education
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years