Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Human Services Leadership, Ethics

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Human Services Leadership, Ethics

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 Leadership

Total credits

120

Duration

4 years

• Analyze contemporary social issues and human service needs through diverse sociological and ethical frameworks.
• Apply principles of servant leadership to manage and improve organizational performance in human service environments.
• Evaluate the impact of policy and administration on community development and individual well-being.
• Design comprehensive service strategies that reflect a commitment to stewardship and institutional integrity.
• Integrate professional ethical standards with a coherent, faith-informed worldview in all decision-making processes.
• Communicate complex findings and project plans effectively to diverse stakeholders and community partners.
• Develop research-based interventions that address specific organizational or community challenges.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ENG 101
• Academic Writing and Rhetoric
• 3
• None
• HIS 110
• History of Western Social Institutions
• 3
• None
• PSY 101
• Introduction to Psychology
• 3
• None
• MIN 100
• Principles of Servant Leadership
• 3
• None
• ENG 101 — Academic Writing and Rhetoric: Focuses on the development of formal academic writing skills through critical analysis and research. Students learn to draft, revise, and refine professional essays for various audiencesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• HIS 110 — History of Western Social Institutions: Examines the development of social and community structures throughout history. Emphasizes the role of humanitarian efforts and social changeThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PSY 101 — Introduction to Psychology: Introduces the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Explores foundational concepts relevant to human development and social interactionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MIN 100 — Principles of Servant Leadership: Explores the biblical and philosophical foundations of servant leadership. Defines the role of the leader as a steward within the human services contextThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• SOC 101
• Principles of Sociology
• 3
• None
• MAT 120
• Foundations of Statistics
• 3
• None
• COM 150
• Interpersonal Communication
• 3
• None
• CHR 120
• Foundations of Ethical Thought
• 3
• None
• SOC 101 — Principles of Sociology: An introduction to social groups, institutions, and the dynamics of social life. Analyzes human relationships and social structures within contemporary cultureThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MAT 120 — Foundations of Statistics: Provides an introduction to statistical reasoning and data interpretation. Equips students with skills to evaluate research findings in the social sciencesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COM 150 — Interpersonal Communication: Examines the role of communication in building and maintaining healthy human relationships. Focuses on conflict resolution and professional dialogueThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CHR 120 — Foundations of Ethical Thought: Introduces systematic frameworks for ethical decision-making. Explores the integration of spiritual values with modern moral dilemmasThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• BUS 200
• Organizational Management
• 3
• None
• BIO 210
• Human Development
• 3
• PSY 101
• RES 200
• Research Methods in Social Services
• 3
• MAT 120
• HUM 205
• Cultural Diversity and Social Justice
• 3
• SOC 101
• BUS 200 — Organizational Management: Studies the functional areas of management including planning, organizing, and leading. Applies these concepts to the non-profit human services sectorThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• BIO 210 — Human Development: Explores the biological, psychological, and social dimensions of human development across the lifespan. Provides essential insights for service providersThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES 200 — Research Methods in Social Services: Develops competency in designing, conducting, and analyzing social research. Focuses on gathering data to inform practice and organizational improvementThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• HUM 205 — Cultural Diversity and Social Justice: Analyzes the impact of diversity on community and organizational dynamics. Promotes an informed perspective on social equity and inclusionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU 210
• Counseling Theory and Practice
• 4
• PSY 101
• MGT 250
• Resource Stewardship and Finance
• 3
• BUS 200
• SOC 220
• Social Problems and Analysis
• 3
• SOC 101
• SOC 250
• Sociology of Community Engagement
• 3
• CHR 120
• COU 210 — Counseling Theory and Practice: Introduces basic theories and techniques of helping interactions. Emphasizes empathetic listening and ethical boundaries in professional relationshipsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MGT 250 — Resource Stewardship and Finance: Covers the fundamentals of non-profit financial management and resource allocation. Focuses on transparency, accountability, and ethical stewardshipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC 220 — Social Problems and Analysis: Critically examines contemporary social issues such as poverty, education, and family challenges. Focuses on identifying community-based solutionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC 250 — Sociology of Community Engagement: This course examines the role of nonprofit entities in fostering civic engagement and social capital within diverse communities. Students explore the structural dynamics of volunteerism and public-private partnerships. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MGT 300
• Non-profit Leadership and Strategy
• 4
• MGT 250
• CRJ 310
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Social Services
• 3
• CHR 120
• SOC 350
• Community Organizing and Advocacy
• 3
• SOC 220
• BUS 310
• Marketing and Communication for Non-profits
• 3
• COM 150
• MGT 300 — Non-profit Leadership and Strategy: Examines strategic planning, governance, and leadership within the non-profit sector. Students learn to align organizational mission with community impactThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CRJ 310 — Legal and Ethical Issues in Social Services: Surveys the legal landscape and ethical dilemmas common in human service settings. Emphasizes compliance, rights, and ethical problem-solvingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC 350 — Community Organizing and Advocacy: Focuses on mobilizing resources and stakeholders for social change. Teaches techniques for effective community mobilization and policy engagementThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• BUS 310 — Marketing and Communication for Non-profits: Addresses strategic communication to enhance donor support and public engagement. Teaches the use of digital and print media in service initiativesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU 320
• Group Dynamics and Facilitation
• 3
• COU 210
• RES 350
• Data-Driven Program Evaluation
• 3
• RES 200
• EDU 380
• Teaching and Training in Social Settings
• 3
• None
• HIS 390
• History of Social Reform Movements
• 3
• HIS 110
• COU 320 — Group Dynamics and Facilitation: Studies the mechanics of group interactions and conflict management. Develops skills for facilitating professional meetings and group interventionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES 350 — Data-Driven Program Evaluation: Provides methods to evaluate the effectiveness of human service programs. Teaches students how to measure outcomes and improve service deliveryThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU 380 — Teaching and Training in Social Settings: Covers strategies for developing and delivering training programs for staff and volunteers. Emphasizes adult learning principles in community organizationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• HIS 390 — History of Social Reform Movements: Explores how movements for change have shaped modern public policy. Analyzes the impact of grassroots efforts on social structuresThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 7 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MGT 400
• Advanced Human Resource Management
• 4
• MGT 300
• CHR 410
• Ethics in Leadership
• 3
• CHR 120
• SOC 420
• Global Perspectives on Human Services
• 3
• SOC 350
• PSY 450
• Principles of Character Development and Personal Ethics
• 3
• MIN 100
• MGT 400 — Advanced Human Resource Management: Examines the challenges of volunteer and staff management in human services. Focuses on development, retention, and conflict resolution in the workplaceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CHR 410 — Ethics in Leadership: An advanced investigation of ethical challenges faced by high-level leaders. Focuses on integrity, moral courage, and professional conductThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC 420 — Global Perspectives on Human Services: Reviews international social service issues and humanitarian aid strategies. Prepares students for the complexities of global service environmentsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PSY 450 — Principles of Character Development and Personal Ethics: This course investigates the psychological and sociological theories regarding individual character formation and ethical decision-making processes. Students apply these frameworks to leadership development and personal identity within a professional context. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 8 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP 490
• Senior Capstone Project
• 4
• RES 350, MGT 300, CHR 410
• BUS 450
• Organizational Sustainability
• 3
• MGT 300
• COU 480
• Crisis Intervention and Management
• 3
• COU 320
• RES 495
• Professional Development and Internship
• 3
• Senior standing
• CAP 490 — Senior Capstone Project: A comprehensive project involving the design of a human services program or organizational intervention. Students apply professional and ethical frameworks to a real-world problemThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• BUS 450 — Organizational Sustainability: Explores long-term planning and sustainability for non-profits and community organizations. Focuses on institutional longevity and social mission stabilityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COU 480 — Crisis Intervention and Management: Examines strategies for managing urgent community or organizational crises. Emphasizes professional composure and coordinated intervention effortsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES 495 — Professional Development and Internship: Integrates classroom learning with supervised field experience. Focuses on career preparation and the application of professional leadership standardsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or equivalent with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Admissions consideration includes a review of academic transcripts, a personal statement reflecting on the applicant's commitment to community service and leadership development, and two letters of recommendation from professional or academic references who can attest to the applicant's character and academic potential. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience for the Bachelor of Arts program, requiring students to synthesize their learning from the previous seven semesters. Spanning 4 credit hours, this project requires students to design and implement a comprehensive proposal addressing a real-world human services challenge. Students must demonstrate technical mastery of their field while concurrently articulating how their intervention reflects principles of servant leadership and ethical stewardship. The project deliverables include a formal academic research paper and an executive presentation that details the practical application of their proposed solution. Students are required to conduct a thorough analysis of institutional ethics and social impact, ensuring their work aligns with the values of service and integrity. Through this project, students document their growth in academic competence and faith-informed character, providing evidence of their readiness to act as reflective, capable, and mission-driven leaders in the public sector.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. In addition to rigorous coursework, students must complete the Senior Capstone Project with a passing grade, demonstrating the ability to integrate academic research with ethical professional practice. All core human services requirements must be satisfied according to the published curriculum standards.
• Beyond academic success, the institution emphasizes holistic development as a core graduation requirement. This includes active participation in spiritual formation seminars, documented community service hours, and regular attendance at institutional chapel sessions. These components are designed to ensure that graduates leave with not only technical proficiency but also the spiritual maturity and ethical integrity required to pursue their vocations as individuals committed to a life of service and faith-informed leadership.
• Career Opportunities
• Non-profit Organization Director
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Human Services Program Manager
• Social Advocacy Strategist
• Faith-Based Institutional Administrator
• Development and Fundraising Officer
• Volunteer Services Manager
• Case Management Supervisor
• 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 Human Services Leadership, Ethics
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years
• General education | 36 credit hours
• Faith-Based Human Services Leadership and Ethics 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
• HIS 110 | History of Western Social Institutions | 3 | None
• PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• MIN 100 | Principles of Servant Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC 101 | Principles of Sociology | 3 | None
• MAT 120 | Foundations of Statistics | 3 | None
• COM 150 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | None
• CHR 120 | Foundations of Ethical Thought | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BUS 200 | Organizational Management | 3 | None
• BIO 210 | Human Development | 3 | PSY 101
• RES 200 | Research Methods in Social Services | 3 | MAT 120
• HUM 205 | Cultural Diversity and Social Justice | 3 | SOC 101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU 210 | Counseling Theory and Practice | 4 | PSY 101
• MGT 250 | Resource Stewardship and Finance | 3 | BUS 200
• SOC 220 | Social Problems and Analysis | 3 | SOC 101
• SOC 250 | Sociology of Community Engagement | 3 | CHR 120
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT 300 | Non-profit Leadership and Strategy | 4 | MGT 250
• CRJ 310 | Legal and Ethical Issues in Social Services | 3 | CHR 120
• SOC 350 | Community Organizing and Advocacy | 3 | SOC 220
• BUS 310 | Marketing and Communication for Non-profits | 3 | COM 150
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU 320 | Group Dynamics and Facilitation | 3 | COU 210
• RES 350 | Data-Driven Program Evaluation | 3 | RES 200
• EDU 380 | Teaching and Training in Social Settings | 3 | None
• HIS 390 | History of Social Reform Movements | 3 | HIS 110
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT 400 | Advanced Human Resource Management | 4 | MGT 300
• CHR 410 | Ethics in Leadership | 3 | CHR 120
• SOC 420 | Global Perspectives on Human Services | 3 | SOC 350
• PSY 450 | Principles of Character Development and Personal Ethics | 3 | MIN 100
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP 490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | RES 350, MGT 300, CHR 410
• BUS 450 | Organizational Sustainability | 3 | MGT 300
• COU 480 | Crisis Intervention and Management | 3 | COU 320
• RES 495 | Professional Development and Internship | 3 | Senior standing