Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Religious Law, Specialization in Law Policy

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Religious Law

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 Law and Public Policy

Total credits

120

Duration

4 years

• Analyze the historical and philosophical foundations of religious law and its interaction with modern secular legal systems.
• Evaluate the impact of policy decisions on community well-being and social equity within institutional settings.
• Apply ethical decision-making frameworks to resolve complex conflicts between administrative requirements and communal interests.
• Develop evidence-based public policy proposals that reflect principles of justice, stewardship, and servant leadership.
• Demonstrate proficiency in legal research and writing by synthesizing primary and secondary sources regarding religious and civil jurisprudence.
• Communicate complex legal and policy concepts effectively to diverse stakeholders through professional discourse.
• Integrate spiritual formation and moral character into the practice of law and public administration.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ENG101
• Academic Writing and Rhetoric
• 3
• None
• HIS105
• World History and Legal Systems
• 3
• None
• THE101
• Foundations of Spiritual Formation
• 3
• None
• MAT110
• Quantitative Reasoning for Policy
• 3
• None
• ENG101 — Academic Writing and Rhetoric: This course develops skills in critical analysis, argumentative writing, and logical organization of ideas. Students learn to refine their prose for professional settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS105 — World History and Legal Systems: An exploration of the development of global legal traditions and historical governance structures. Focuses on the evolution of societal norms. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE101 — Foundations of Spiritual Formation: A study of personal and communal spiritual development and the integration of faith into daily life. Emphasizes character and purpose. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MAT110 — Quantitative Reasoning for Policy: Introduction to statistical reasoning and data interpretation as used in contemporary policy and research. Focuses on evidence-based decision making. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CRJ120
• Principles of Jurisprudence
• 4
• None
• SOC101
• Sociology of Community
• 3
• None
• COM150
• Professional Communication
• 3
• None
• HUM110
• Ethics in Global Contexts
• 3
• None
• CRJ120 — Principles of Jurisprudence: Introduces the philosophy of law, the structure of legal institutions, and the role of justice in society. Examines primary legal theories. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC101 — Sociology of Community: Analysis of communal structures, social interactions, and the challenges faced by local populations. Examines social issues through a collaborative lens. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM150 — Professional Communication: Advanced training in oral, written, and digital communication methods used in professional and public environments. Focuses on interpersonal clarity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM110 — Ethics in Global Contexts: Comparative study of ethical traditions and their influence on contemporary global and cultural interactions. Investigates moral reasoning in public spheres. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• POL201
• Administrative Law and Policy
• 3
• CRJ120
• CHR210
• Historical Perspectives on Religious Law
• 3
• THE101
• MGT220
• Organizational Leadership
• 4
• None
• RES200
• Research Methods in Social Science
• 3
• MAT110
• POL201 — Administrative Law and Policy: Focuses on the creation, interpretation, and application of regulatory policies in governmental and organizational structures. Examines the scope of administrative power. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR210 — Historical Perspectives on Religious Law: Studies the impact of historical religious thought on the formation of Western and non-Western civil codes. Examines foundational texts and legal precedents. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT220 — Organizational Leadership: Exploration of leadership theories, strategic planning, and the management of organizational missions. Emphasizes stewardship and collaborative team dynamics. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES200 — Research Methods in Social Science: Practical training in conducting social scientific research, including qualitative and quantitative techniques. Prepares students for senior research requirements. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• POL250
• Public Policy Analysis
• 3
• POL201
• PSY210
• Behavioral Aspects of Leadership
• 3
• None
• MIN250
• Stewardship and Organizational Ethics
• 3
• MGT220
• HIS260
• Civil Liberties and Human Rights
• 3
• CRJ120
• POL250 — Public Policy Analysis: Evaluates the formulation, implementation, and assessment of public policy. Emphasizes the role of research in advocacy and strategy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY210 — Behavioral Aspects of Leadership: Examines psychological theories of group behavior, motivation, and conflict resolution in professional settings. Applies theories to workplace dynamics. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN250 — Stewardship and Organizational Ethics: Addresses the ethical management of financial and human resources within mission-driven organizations. Focuses on transparency and accountability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS260 — Civil Liberties and Human Rights: Investigates the history and contemporary application of legal rights within diverse political frameworks. Explores the tension between order and liberty. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• POL310
• Legislative Processes
• 3
• POL250
• CHR320
• Ethics in Jurisprudence
• 3
• HUM110
• BUS310
• Nonprofit Management
• 4
• MGT220
• RES305
• Advanced Research in Law and Policy
• 3
• RES200
• POL310 — Legislative Processes: Analysis of the legislative cycle, including how laws are drafted, reviewed, and enacted. Focuses on the role of stakeholders in policy creation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR320 — Ethics in Jurisprudence: In-depth study of moral philosophy applied to legal practice and policy development. Challenges students to reconcile diverse ethical viewpoints. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS310 — Nonprofit Management: Covers the operational, legal, and financial aspects of managing nonprofit entities. Emphasizes governance and mission fulfillment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES305 — Advanced Research in Law and Policy: Refining skills in legal research, case analysis, and synthesis of interdisciplinary literature. Prepares the student for capstone-level work. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• POL360
• Constitutional Frameworks and Interpretation
• 3
• POL201
• EDU350
• Community Advocacy and Education
• 3
• SOC101
• CHR350
• Spiritual Formation in Professional Practice
• 3
• THE101
• MGT380
• Public Policy and Strategic Planning
• 3
• POL250
• POL360 — Constitutional Frameworks and Interpretation: Examines constitutional law, the division of powers, and the impact of judicial interpretation on modern society. Includes critical analysis of landmark cases. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU350 — Community Advocacy and Education: Strategies for community engagement, educational programming, and public awareness campaigns. Focuses on empowering constituents and promoting civic health. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR350 — Spiritual Formation in Professional Practice: Examines the ongoing development of personal character and spiritual discipline in the context of high-pressure legal and administrative careers. Emphasizes integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT380 — Public Policy and Strategic Planning: Applying analytical techniques to the strategic planning process within public and nonprofit organizations. Focuses on future-oriented mission alignment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 7 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• POL410
• Policy Implementation and Assessment
• 4
• POL310
• CRJ420
• Mediation and Conflict Resolution
• 3
• CRJ120
• BUS410
• Corporate and Institutional Governance
• 3
• BUS310
• HIS450
• History of Civic Engagement
• 3
• HIS105
• POL410 — Policy Implementation and Assessment: Advanced study of the challenges involved in executing public policy and measuring its efficacy. Focuses on continuous improvement and feedback loops. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CRJ420 — Mediation and Conflict Resolution: Studies techniques for resolving disputes through mediation, negotiation, and consensus-building. Emphasizes restorative practices. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS410 — Corporate and Institutional Governance: Analysis of board structures, fiduciary duty, and legal compliance within large and small scale organizations. Discusses governance as a public trust. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS450 — History of Civic Engagement: Examines the role of religious and secular institutions in shaping civic life and social change. Focuses on the history of community service. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 8 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP490
• Senior Capstone Project
• 4
• RES305, POL360
• POL480
• Emerging Issues in Law and Policy
• 3
• POL360
• CHR495
• Ethics in Public Service
• 3
• CHR350
• MGT450
• Professional Development and Service
• 3
• None
• CAP490 — Senior Capstone Project: Culminating project requiring the synthesis of research, legal theory, and policy application within an ethical framework. Students defend their work before faculty and peers. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• POL480 — Emerging Issues in Law and Policy: Discussion-based seminar on contemporary legal and regulatory challenges facing society. Encourages critical synthesis of all previous learning. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR495 — Ethics in Public Service: Final synthesis course on the integration of faith, integrity, and public service. Focuses on the responsibilities of leadership in diverse environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT450 — Professional Development and Service: Preparation for transition to the professional field, focusing on service-oriented ethics and lifelong learning. Addresses vocational calling. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or equivalent, demonstrating a commitment to rigorous academic inquiry and community engagement. Admission requires the submission of official transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining the applicant's intent to pursue service-oriented leadership, and a recommendation reflecting the applicant's character and academic potential. All prospective students are expected to align with the institutional mission of fostering intellectual and spiritual growth within a framework of academic excellence. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project serves as the final integration of the student's academic and spiritual development. This 4-credit requirement involves the design and implementation of an original policy analysis or legal research project that addresses a critical issue facing a contemporary institution or community organization. Students must demonstrate mastery of their specialization by applying rigorous research methods and theoretical frameworks to real-world problems. The project necessitates the synthesis of legal knowledge, ethical reasoning, and professional communication skills. Beyond academic proficiency, the capstone project serves as a demonstration of faith-informed character development and stewardship. Students must explicitly articulate how their proposed solutions reflect values of servant leadership, ethical integrity, and the responsible management of social resources. The final deliverable includes a formal presentation and a comprehensive thesis that serves as a testament to the student's readiness to engage in their chosen field as a reflective, morally grounded practitioner who is equipped to contribute to the common good.

• Graduation from the program requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Students must earn a passing grade in all core, specialization, and capstone coursework to ensure comprehensive academic mastery. The culmination of the degree is marked by the successful defense of the Senior Capstone Project, which demonstrates both intellectual competence and an alignment with the institution’s standards for scholarly rigor and ethical application.
• In addition to academic benchmarks, students are expected to demonstrate ongoing spiritual formation and a commitment to the institutional community. This includes active participation in campus life, regular attendance at community gatherings, and the completion of service-learning hours designed to foster a heart for servant leadership. By integrating academic rigor with personal character development, the program ensures that graduates are prepared to apply their education with integrity and grace in service to others.
• Career Opportunities
• Policy Analyst for Faith-Based Nonprofits
• Advocacy Liaison for Community Organizations
• Legal Assistant in Regulatory Affairs
• Compliance Officer for Religious Institutional Entities
• Program Coordinator for Civic Engagement Initiatives
• Public Policy Researcher
• Human Resources Mediator in Service Organizations
• 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 Religious Law
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years
• General education | 36 credit hours
• Religious law and policy core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours
• Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Rhetoric | 3 | None
• HIS105 | World History and Legal Systems | 3 | None
• THE101 | Foundations of Spiritual Formation | 3 | None
• MAT110 | Quantitative Reasoning for Policy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CRJ120 | Principles of Jurisprudence | 4 | None
• SOC101 | Sociology of Community | 3 | None
• COM150 | Professional Communication | 3 | None
• HUM110 | Ethics in Global Contexts | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL201 | Administrative Law and Policy | 3 | CRJ120
• CHR210 | Historical Perspectives on Religious Law | 3 | THE101
• MGT220 | Organizational Leadership | 4 | None
• RES200 | Research Methods in Social Science | 3 | MAT110
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL250 | Public Policy Analysis | 3 | POL201
• PSY210 | Behavioral Aspects of Leadership | 3 | None
• MIN250 | Stewardship and Organizational Ethics | 3 | MGT220
• HIS260 | Civil Liberties and Human Rights | 3 | CRJ120
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL310 | Legislative Processes | 3 | POL250
• CHR320 | Ethics in Jurisprudence | 3 | HUM110
• BUS310 | Nonprofit Management | 4 | MGT220
• RES305 | Advanced Research in Law and Policy | 3 | RES200
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL360 | Constitutional Frameworks and Interpretation | 3 | POL201
• EDU350 | Community Advocacy and Education | 3 | SOC101
• CHR350 | Spiritual Formation in Professional Practice | 3 | THE101
• MGT380 | Public Policy and Strategic Planning | 3 | POL250
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL410 | Policy Implementation and Assessment | 4 | POL310
• CRJ420 | Mediation and Conflict Resolution | 3 | CRJ120
• BUS410 | Corporate and Institutional Governance | 3 | BUS310
• HIS450 | History of Civic Engagement | 3 | HIS105
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | RES305, POL360
• POL480 | Emerging Issues in Law and Policy | 3 | POL360
• CHR495 | Ethics in Public Service | 3 | CHR350
• MGT450 | Professional Development and Service | 3 | None