Programs · HBIU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Academic pathways connected to this college
Explore academic programs and pathways designed to connect practical knowledge, research, innovation, and real-world applications in agriculture and natural resources.
College catalog3assigned program pathways
Associatedegree
Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Agricultural Studies (Specialization in Sustainable Agriculture, Community Development)
Credits60Duration2 yearsCourses12
Faith-Based Agricultural Studies core
30 credit hours
The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Agricultural Studies provides an interdisciplinary foundation in sustainable agriculture and community development, rooted in the principles of ethical stewardship and servant leadership. Students engage with both the biological sciences of food production and the sociological frameworks necessary for fostering resilient, thriving communities. The curriculum emphasizes the connection between responsible environmental management and the holistic well-being of populations served by faith-based organizations. Through a blend of rigorous theoretical study and practical application, the program addresses the complexities of modern food systems with a commitment to integrity and resource conservation. Graduates are equipped to serve as stewards of the land and advocates for community-based solutions, demonstrating a deep integration of academic inquiry and moral responsibility. The program fosters a sophisticated understanding of how professional agricultural practices can support the mission of community development in diverse contexts.
The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Agricultural Studies provides foundational study in sustainable agriculture, human development, effective communication, biblical ethics, community resources, and supportive service practices. Through an integrated curriculum, students explore the intersection of agricultural stewardship and community development, preparing them to apply theoretical knowledge and service-oriented practices within diverse settings.
View program & curriculum →Bachelordegree
Bachelor of Agribusiness, Minor in Non-Profit Sustainable and Community
Credits120Duration3 yearsCourses40
Agribusiness and non-profit core
63 credit hours
The Bachelor of Agribusiness with a Minor in Non-Profit Sustainable and Community offers a rigorous education grounded in biblical stewardship, equipping students with the agricultural business acumen and non-profit management expertise necessary to serve as transformative leaders. Through a four-year curriculum spanning agricultural economics, marketing, financial management, and ethical leadership, students explore the intersection of market-driven agricultural practices and the promotion of social equity through a Christian worldview. This interdisciplinary program emphasizes the duty to care for creation and the importance of addressing global food security through sustainable, community-focused solutions. By integrating academic inquiry with spiritual formation and servant leadership, students develop the strategic planning and community engagement skills required to serve as faithful stewards of resources and neighbors to those in need, fostering sustainability that reflects God’s design for creation.
This program combines a robust foundation in general education with a comprehensive study of agribusiness theory, behavioral science, human development, and professional ethics. Students engage in rigorous research, crisis awareness, service referral, program development, and community-based support strategies to prepare for diverse roles within the agricultural and non-profit sectors.
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.
View program & curriculum →Doctoratedegree
Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Agribusiness, Specialization in Sustainable Community Development
Credits120Duration3 yearsCourses19
Maximum approved transfer credit
Up to 40 semester credit hours
Minimum credits completed through the University after maximum transfer
80 semester credit hours
Advanced faith-based agribusiness and specialization courses
30 credit hours
Leadership, administration, and professional practice
21 credit hours
Research methods and program evaluation
18 credit hours
Professional application and doctoral residency
15 credit hours
Advanced electives or concentration courses
12 credit hours
Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy
6 credit hours
Applied doctoral project and defense
18 credit hours
Total
120 semester credit hours
The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Agribusiness with a specialization in Sustainable Community Development is a rigorous, research-intensive program designed to prepare scholars and practitioners to address the intersection of food systems, economic viability, and community transformation. Students engage with advanced theories in agricultural economics, global development, and resource management, grounding their research in ethical stewardship and servant leadership. The program emphasizes the development of technical proficiency alongside a compassionate commitment to global sustainability.
Throughout this curriculum, candidates will synthesize complex data regarding agricultural productivity, supply chain logistics, and socioeconomic impact in rural and underserved environments. By integrating scholarly rigor with a commitment to integrity and service, graduates emerge as thought leaders capable of designing systemic solutions for community resilience. The program focuses on the practical application of sustainable practices that prioritize human dignity and environmental stewardship.
The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Agribusiness is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based agribusiness knowledge, organizational leadership, ethical stewardship, program development, community-care systems, higher-education instruction, and evidence-informed professional practice.
Students may receive up to 40 semester credit hours of approved graduate or doctoral transfer credit. Accepted transfer credits are applied toward the 120-credit graduation requirement and may reduce the number of courses and the amount of time required to complete the degree. A student receiving the maximum transfer-credit award must complete at least 80 semester credit hours through the University.
The applied doctoral project must address a documented faith-based agribusiness-support, educational, organizational, or community-care need. The project must include scholarly research, an implementation model, measurable outcomes, ethical safeguards, an evaluation plan, and a successful oral defense.
DOCTORAL TRANSFER-CREDIT POLICY: The Doctor of Education and Doctor of Philosophy programs each require 120 semester credit hours. Students may transfer up to 40 semester credit hours of eligible graduate or doctoral coursework toward either degree. Transfer credit is not automatically awarded. Each request is evaluated individually according to: The academic level of the previous coursework; The relevance of the coursework to the doctoral curriculum; Course content and learning outcomes; Credit-hour equivalency; Grades earned; The age of the coursework; Official institutional documentation; The University's residency and transfer-credit policies. Accepted transfer credit may reduce the number of courses and the amount of time required to complete the degree. Students awarded the maximum 40 transfer credits will have 80 semester credit hours remaining in the 120-credit doctoral program. Comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidacy, doctoral residency, the applied doctoral project, dissertation research, and the final oral defense must ordinarily be completed through the University. These requirements may not be satisfied through transfer credit unless expressly permitted under a published University policy.
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