Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based African Studies, Specialization in Cultural Preservation Advocacy

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based African Studies

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 Arts and Humanities

Total credits

120

Duration

4 years

• Analyze the historical, social, and cultural complexity of various African regions using interdisciplinary frameworks.
• Evaluate the impact of historical and colonial systems on contemporary African society through an ethical and justice-oriented lens.
• Develop culturally sensitive strategies for the preservation and advocacy of indigenous cultural heritage.
• Integrate Christian ethical principles into the practices of community engagement and archival stewardship.
• Demonstrate advanced communication skills required to articulate cultural history in both academic and public spheres.
• Apply qualitative research methodologies to address challenges faced by contemporary African cultural institutions.
• Design collaborative outreach initiatives that reflect the values of servant leadership and social responsibility.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ENG101
• Academic Writing and Rhetoric
• 4
• None
• HIS105
• Introduction to African History
• 4
• None
• ENV110
• Environmental Sustainability and Resource Management
• 4
• None
• SOC120
• Principles of Social Engagement
• 4
• None
• ENG101 — Academic Writing and Rhetoric: Students focus on advanced composition, research methods, and rhetorical analysis to support clear, scholarly expression. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS105 — Introduction to African History: This course surveys the broad historical landscapes of the African continent from antiquity to the colonial era. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ENV110 — Environmental Sustainability and Resource Management: This course examines the principles of sustainable resource management and the ethical implications of human consumption on ecological stability. Students explore strategies for long-term ecological balance within communal settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC120 — Principles of Social Engagement: Explores the sociological factors influencing community cohesion and the role of the individual in service. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ENG102
• Research and Critical Inquiry
• 4
• ENG101
• HIS115
• African Diaspora Studies
• 4
• HIS105
• COM130
• Communication for Social Change
• 4
• None
• MAT150
• Quantitative Reasoning for Social Sciences
• 4
• None
• ENG102 — Research and Critical Inquiry: Development of investigative skills through library research and argumentative writing. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS115 — African Diaspora Studies: An examination of the global movement of African peoples and the influence of the diaspora on global culture. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM130 — Communication for Social Change: Strategies for effective oral and written communication in advocacy settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MAT150 — Quantitative Reasoning for Social Sciences: Applied statistics and logic for analyzing social data and demographic trends. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• HUM201
• African Cultural Traditions
• 4
• None
• RES210
• Qualitative Research Methods
• 4
• RES102
• MIN220
• Servant Leadership in Practice
• 4
• None
• SOC230
• Intercultural Relations
• 4
• None
• HUM201 — African Cultural Traditions: Study of indigenous African philosophical, artistic, and social traditions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES210 — Qualitative Research Methods: Introduction to field studies, interviewing, and narrative collection techniques. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN220 — Servant Leadership in Practice: Examination of servant leadership theories as applied to organizational management. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC230 — Intercultural Relations: Investigation of how cultural identities interact in globalized environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• HUM205
• Ethics of Cultural Preservation
• 4
• HUM201
• HIS250
• Colonialism and Decolonization
• 4
• HIS115
• SOC260
• Sociology of Social Justice
• 4
• THE110
• BUS270
• Nonprofit Organizational Management
• 4
• None
• HUM205 — Ethics of Cultural Preservation: Explores the moral imperatives and legal challenges of protecting material and intangible heritage. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS250 — Colonialism and Decolonization: Critical analysis of the shift from colonial rule to post-independence governance in Africa. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC260 — Sociology of Social Justice: This course provides a comprehensive analysis of the sociological frameworks regarding inequality, human rights, and systemic reform. It investigates the historical and contemporary movements that have shaped equity-based advocacy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS270 — Nonprofit Organizational Management: Overview of administrative, financial, and strategic functions within the nonprofit sector. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• HIS301
• African Intellectual History
• 4
• HIS250
• HUM310
• Digital Humanities and Archiving
• 4
• RES210
• COU320
• Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation
• 4
• SOC120
• MGT330
• Resource Development and Grant Writing
• 4
• BUS270
• HIS301 — African Intellectual History: Surveys the development of political and cultural thought across the African continent. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM310 — Digital Humanities and Archiving: Instruction on the use of digital tools to preserve and catalog cultural artifacts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU320 — Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation: Theories and practices of mediation in divided communities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT330 — Resource Development and Grant Writing: Practical training in the acquisition of funding for social and cultural projects. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• HUM350
• Museum Studies and Public History
• 4
• HUM310
• SOC360
• Global Development and African Economies
• 4
• SOC230
• PHI370
• Human Rights and Philosophical Ethics
• 4
• CHR260
• EDU380
• Community Education and Literacy
• 4
• None
• HUM350 — Museum Studies and Public History: Analysis of the curation process and the representation of African history in public spaces. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC360 — Global Development and African Economies: Critical study of economic policies and development projects in the African context. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PHI370 — Human Rights and Philosophical Ethics: This course explores the philosophical development of human rights and the ethical frameworks that protect individual and community autonomy. It focuses on the intersection of universal rights and cultural diverse practices globally. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU380 — Community Education and Literacy: Development of strategies to educate communities about heritage and cultural identity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 7 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• HIS401
• Seminar in African Cultural Advocacy
• 4
• HIS301
• HUM410
• Field Experience in Advocacy
• 4
• Senior Status
• ORG420
• Organizational Leadership and Professional Development
• 4
• MIN220
• BUS430
• Strategic Planning for Nonprofits
• 4
• MGT330
• HIS401 — Seminar in African Cultural Advocacy: Advanced seminar examining contemporary challenges to heritage preservation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM410 — Field Experience in Advocacy: Supervised experience in a community or organizational setting focusing on cultural heritage. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ORG420 — Organizational Leadership and Professional Development: This course focuses on the development of personal leadership efficacy, emotional intelligence, and professional growth in organizational environments. Students analyze effective management styles for fostering positive group dynamics and organizational growth. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS430 — Strategic Planning for Nonprofits: Focuses on long-term sustainability and goal alignment for mission-driven organizations. 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
• All Core Courses
• HUM440
• International Cultural Law
• 4
• None
• POL450
• Civic Engagement and Global Social Impact
• 4
• CHR370
• SOC460
• Seminar in Contemporary Social Issues
• 4
• None
• CAP490 — Senior Capstone Project: The culminating project requiring research, application, and analysis of cultural preservation within a specific community context. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM440 — International Cultural Law: Study of conventions and laws governing cultural property and human rights. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• POL450 — Civic Engagement and Global Social Impact: This course examines the role of non-governmental organizations and civic initiatives in addressing complex global challenges. It emphasizes the analytical skills required to assess the efficacy of advocacy programs on societal health. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC460 — Seminar in Contemporary Social Issues: Advanced discussion of current trends and ethical considerations in the field of African studies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must provide proof of high school graduation or the equivalent GED certificate with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Prospective students should submit a statement of purpose outlining their interest in cultural preservation and their commitment to the university’s mission of faith-informed education. Standardized test scores, while optional, may be submitted for placement purposes, and letters of recommendation from academic or community leaders are encouraged to provide evidence of the candidate's potential for rigorous undergraduate study. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project serves as the final, integrative experience for the Bachelor of Arts program, requiring students to synthesize their disciplinary knowledge in African studies with the practical demands of cultural preservation. Over the course of their final semester, students will conceive, execute, and present a substantial project that addresses a specific need within a cultural archive, community history project, or advocacy nonprofit. This experience requires students to demonstrate mastery in historical analysis, research design, and ethical decision-making while applying the principles of biblical stewardship to their professional deliverables. Beyond academic competence, the capstone project serves as a crucible for character development and spiritual formation. Students are expected to articulate how their work reflects their identity as servant leaders and their commitment to honoring the heritage of others. Deliverables include a comprehensive final report and a public presentation that outlines the scholarly grounding of the project, its community impact, and a reflection on how the student's faith-based worldview informed their approach to advocacy and responsible stewardship of cultural assets.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. All students must pass the Senior Capstone Project with a grade of C or better. Academic achievement is inseparable from the university's commitment to spiritual formation; therefore, students must demonstrate a consistent engagement with communal worship and participate in designated service hours that emphasize social outreach and ethical integrity throughout their tenure.
• In addition to curricular requirements, candidates for graduation must provide evidence of readiness for faith-informed service. This includes fulfilling institutional requirements for ethical reflection and community participation, which ensure that graduates are prepared to apply their knowledge with compassion and integrity. By aligning intellectual attainment with spiritual maturity, the university ensures that its graduates are well-equipped to serve with excellence in diverse professional and community-based contexts.
• Career Opportunities
• Cultural Heritage Consultant
• Nonprofit Program Coordinator
• Museum Curatorial Assistant
• International Development Aide
• Community Advocacy Representative
• Humanitarian Organization Researcher
• Historical Archive Administrator
• 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 African Studies
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years
• General education | 36 credit hours
• Faith-Based African Studies 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
• HIS105 | Introduction to African History | 4 | None
• ENV110 | Environmental Sustainability and Resource Management | 4 | None
• SOC120 | Principles of Social Engagement | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG102 | Research and Critical Inquiry | 4 | ENG101
• HIS115 | African Diaspora Studies | 4 | HIS105
• COM130 | Communication for Social Change | 4 | None
• MAT150 | Quantitative Reasoning for Social Sciences | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HUM201 | African Cultural Traditions | 4 | None
• RES210 | Qualitative Research Methods | 4 | RES102
• MIN220 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 4 | None
• SOC230 | Intercultural Relations | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HUM205 | Ethics of Cultural Preservation | 4 | HUM201
• HIS250 | Colonialism and Decolonization | 4 | HIS115
• SOC260 | Sociology of Social Justice | 4 | THE110
• BUS270 | Nonprofit Organizational Management | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS301 | African Intellectual History | 4 | HIS250
• HUM310 | Digital Humanities and Archiving | 4 | RES210
• COU320 | Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation | 4 | SOC120
• MGT330 | Resource Development and Grant Writing | 4 | BUS270
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HUM350 | Museum Studies and Public History | 4 | HUM310
• SOC360 | Global Development and African Economies | 4 | SOC230
• PHI370 | Human Rights and Philosophical Ethics | 4 | CHR260
• EDU380 | Community Education and Literacy | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS401 | Seminar in African Cultural Advocacy | 4 | HIS301
• HUM410 | Field Experience in Advocacy | 4 | Senior Status
• ORG420 | Organizational Leadership and Professional Development | 4 | MIN220
• BUS430 | Strategic Planning for Nonprofits | 4 | MGT330
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | All Core Courses
• HUM440 | International Cultural Law | 4 | None
• POL450 | Civic Engagement and Global Social Impact | 4 | CHR370
• SOC460 | Seminar in Contemporary Social Issues | 4 | None