Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Leadership Studies (Specialization in Organizational Leadership)

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Faith-Based Leadership Studies

Total program length

60 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years

General education

18 credit hours

Professional application courses

9 credit hours

Capstone requirement

3 credit hours

Academic unit

HBIU College of Leadership

Total credits

60

Duration

2 years

• Analyze contemporary organizational leadership theories and their application in community-based environments.
• Evaluate the impact of ethical decision-making frameworks on organizational culture and performance.
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal and professional communication skills in team-oriented settings.
• Integrate principles of servant leadership and stewardship into strategic administrative planning.
• Develop a capstone project that addresses a real-world organizational challenge through a scholarly and ethical lens.
• Communicate institutional mission and vision effectively to diverse stakeholders.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ENG101
• Composition I
• 3
• None
• BUS110
• Introduction to Business Management
• 4
• None
• THE105
• Foundations of Ethical Thought
• 4
• None
• COM120
• Interpersonal Communication
• 3
• None
• ENG101 — Composition I: This course focuses on the development of academic writing skills through critical analysis and research. Students will refine their ability to draft clear, persuasive prose. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS110 — Introduction to Business Management: An introductory exploration of business structures, operations, and management roles. It highlights the importance of ethical governance in diverse environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE105 — Foundations of Ethical Thought: This course examines major ethical theories and their application to contemporary moral dilemmas. It emphasizes the development of a personal code of conduct rooted in integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM120 — Interpersonal Communication: Study of communication dynamics in one-on-one and small group interactions. The course emphasizes active listening, clarity, and empathy in professional discourse. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ENG102
• Composition II
• 3
• ENG101
• MGT210
• Principles of Servant Leadership
• 3
• None
• SOC150
• Sociology of Community
• 3
• None
• MAT201
• Quantitative Reasoning
• 3
• None
• ENG102 — Composition II: Continuation of writing techniques with a focus on argumentation and scholarly documentation. Students will develop advanced skills in rhetoric and critical inquiry. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT210 — Principles of Servant Leadership: Analysis of the servant leadership model as a philosophy for effective organizational management. It explores the relationship between service and institutional success. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC150 — Sociology of Community: An investigation into the structures and dynamics of community life and social service institutions. Students evaluate the role of collective action in meeting social needs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MAT201 — Quantitative Reasoning: Application of mathematical concepts to interpret data and support organizational decision-making. Topics include statistics, logic, and resource allocation analysis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• BUS220
• Nonprofit Financial Management
• 4
• BUS110
• MGT230
• Organizational Behavior
• 3
• None
• HIS205
• History of Social Reform
• 3
• None
• RES200
• Research Methods for Leadership
• 3
• None
• BUS220 — Nonprofit Financial Management: An introduction to the financial principles and stewardship practices necessary for managing nonprofit organizations. This course covers budgeting, accountability, and fiscal responsibility. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT230 — Organizational Behavior: Examination of human behavior in professional settings and how individuals impact organizational efficiency. It covers motivation, conflict resolution, and team dynamics. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS205 — History of Social Reform: A study of the historical influence of faith-based and secular movements on community development and social change. Students analyze successful historical leadership models. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES200 — Research Methods for Leadership: Fundamental techniques for conducting qualitative and quantitative research in leadership settings. This course covers research design, ethics, and data collection. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MGT240
• Strategic Volunteer Management
• 3
• None
• BUS250
• Professionalism and Ethics
• 3
• None
• PSY215
• Personal Development and Leadership Identity
• 3
• None
• CAP299
• Leadership Capstone Project
• 4
• RES200
• MGT240 — Strategic Volunteer Management: This course covers the recruitment, training, and retention of volunteers. It examines the alignment of human capital with organizational goals. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS250 — Professionalism and Ethics: Advanced focus on the intersection of professional etiquette, legal compliance, and moral responsibility. Students develop strategies for navigating workplace dilemmas. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY215 — Personal Development and Leadership Identity: This course examines the psychological foundations of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal character development in a professional context. Students explore theories of personal growth and professional identity to enhance their efficacy as team-oriented leaders. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP299 — Leadership Capstone Project: The capstone project requires the synthesis of all prior coursework to address an organizational challenge through research and ethical analysis. Students produce a comprehensive project demonstrating leadership competency and faith-informed stewardship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or recognized equivalent with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Prospective students are required to submit an application packet including official transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining their professional goals, and two professional or academic references. Candidates are expected to demonstrate an aptitude for academic study and a commitment to the mission of HBI University. Culminating Project The Capstone Project serves as the final academic demonstration of the student’s mastery within the Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Leadership Studies. This project requires students to identify a substantive administrative or leadership challenge within an existing community organization and propose a research-based solution. The project scope involves data collection, organizational analysis, and the development of a comprehensive strategy that reflects both academic rigor and ethical considerations. The primary deliverable is a formal capstone paper, worth 4 credit hours, accompanied by a strategic implementation plan. Through this endeavor, students explicitly integrate their learning regarding servant leadership, biblical stewardship, and ethical reasoning, demonstrating how their faith-informed worldview shapes their practical approach to problem-solving. This project underscores the synthesis of academic competence with character development, confirming the student’s readiness to lead with integrity and purpose. By aligning their recommendations with the organization’s mission, students demonstrate the ability to serve as responsible stewards in their vocational contexts.

• Graduation from the program requires the successful completion of 60 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Students must earn a passing grade in all core, elective, and capstone requirements, ensuring academic mastery of the curriculum. In addition to coursework, students must demonstrate growth in spiritual maturity and ethical integrity, documented through active participation in institutional community service initiatives and verified completion of all character formation requirements. The final graduation requirement includes the successful defense or submission of the Capstone Project, which validates the student’s integration of professional knowledge and faith-based values. This comprehensive approach ensures that graduates possess both the scholarly acumen and the moral fortitude to serve effectively in diverse leadership capacities. Upon completion, candidates are prepared to pursue their professional callings with a commitment to excellence, service, and ongoing personal development.
• Career Opportunities
• Non-Profit Program Coordinator
• Community Outreach Liaison
• Church Administrative Assistant
• Volunteer Services Manager
• Organizational Development Associate
• Mission-Driven Project Assistant
• Community Relations Representative
• 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 | A.A. in Faith-Based Leadership Studies
• Total program length | 60 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years
• General education | 18 credit hours
• Faith-Based Leadership Studies core | 30 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 9 credit hours
• Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG101 | Composition I | 3 | None
• BUS110 | Introduction to Business Management | 4 | None
• THE105 | Foundations of Ethical Thought | 4 | None
• COM120 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG102 | Composition II | 3 | ENG101
• MGT210 | Principles of Servant Leadership | 3 | None
• SOC150 | Sociology of Community | 3 | None
• MAT201 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BUS220 | Nonprofit Financial Management | 4 | BUS110
• MGT230 | Organizational Behavior | 3 | None
• HIS205 | History of Social Reform | 3 | None
• RES200 | Research Methods for Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT240 | Strategic Volunteer Management | 3 | None
• BUS250 | Professionalism and Ethics | 3 | None
• PSY215 | Personal Development and Leadership Identity | 3 | None
• CAP299 | Leadership Capstone Project | 4 | RES200