Bachelors of Arts in Faith-Based Secondary Education Specialization in Trauma Informed Education

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Secondary Education Specialization in Trauma Informed 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 Secondary Education with a Specialization in Trauma-Informed Education provides a rigorous academic foundation for students aspiring to serve in secondary classroom settings. This program integrates pedagogical theory, subject-matter mastery, and an advanced understanding of the psychological impact of trauma on adolescent learners. Students are equipped to foster resilient learning environments that prioritize the well-being of the whole student through professional excellence and evidence-based practice.

Beyond traditional educational methods, this program emphasizes a commitment to servant leadership and the ethical responsibility inherent in the teaching profession. Through rigorous coursework and field-based observation, candidates develop the skills to design responsive curricula and establish supportive classroom climates. The program prepares graduates to serve their communities with wisdom, patience, and a commitment to human flourishing within the diverse secondary education landscape.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Secondary Education Specialization in Trauma Informed Education program combines a robust foundation in general education with comprehensive study in educational theory, behavioral science, human development, ethics, research, crisis awareness, referral, program development, and community-based support.

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
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Rhetoric | 4 | None
• EDU101 | Foundations of American Education | 3 | None
• PSY101 | General Psychology | 3 | None
• THE100 | Biblical Foundations | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU120 | Introduction to Secondary Pedagogy | 3 | EDU101
• MAT201 | Statistics for Educators | 3 | None
• SOC105 | Sociology of the Family | 4 | None
• COM101 | Public Speaking and Communication | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU210 | Adolescent Development | 3 | PSY101
• EDU215 | Trauma and the Developing Brain | 3 | EDU210
• CHR200 | Ethics in Professional Practice | 3 | THE100
• BIO105 | Human Biology | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU250 | Curriculum Design | 3 | EDU120
• EDU260 | Classroom Management and Restorative Justice | 3 | EDU215
• HIS210 | World History and Culture | 3 | None
• EDU280 | Educational Technology Integration | 4 | EDU250
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU310 | Differentiated Instruction | 3 | EDU250
• EDU320 | Trauma-Informed School Environments | 3 | EDU215
• RES301 | Research Methods in Education | 3 | MAT201
• EDU350 | Literacy in the Secondary Content Areas | 4 | EDU250
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU360 | Assessment and Evaluation | 3 | RES301
• EDU370 | Educational Law and Ethics | 3 | CHR200
• EDU385 | Service Learning and Community Engagement | 4 | EDU320
• EDU390 | Adolescent Mental Health and Collaboration | 3 | EDU320
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU410 | Instructional Leadership | 3 | EDU360
• EDU420 | Equity and Diversity in Education | 3 | SOC105
• EDU430 | Special Education and Inclusion | 3 | EDU310
• EDU440 | Contemporary Issues in Secondary Schools | 4 | EDU370
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | RES301, Senior Standing
• EDU480 | Reflective Teaching Practicum | 3 | EDU410
• EDU485 | Philosophy of Education and Stewardship | 3 | CHR200
• MIN400 | Spiritual Formation and Vocation | 3 | THE100

Career Opportunities

• Secondary School Teacher
• Educational Interventionist
• Youth and Community Program Coordinator
• Alternative Education Specialist
• School-Based Student Advocacy Coordinator
• Instructional Designer for Non-Profits
• Adolescent Ministry Educator

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 Secondary Education Specialization in Trauma Informed Education
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years