Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Strategic Leadership

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Strategic Leadership

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 leadership theories through the lens of servant leadership and ethical decision-making.
• Evaluate organizational structures to optimize resource allocation and community impact.
• Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders in both formal and informal professional settings.
• Develop strategic planning initiatives that align with institutional values and long-term sustainability.
• Integrate biblical stewardship principles into financial and operational management practices.
• Apply critical thinking to resolve interpersonal and structural conflicts within community environments.
• Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and spiritual maturity as a foundation for professional character.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ENG 101
• Academic Composition
• 3
• None
• PSY 101
• Foundations of Human Development
• 3
• None
• MAT 110
• Quantitative Reasoning
• 3
• None
• COM 101
• Principles of Communication
• 3
• None
• ENG 101 — Academic Composition: This course focuses on the development of critical thinking and written expression through research and argumentation. Students learn to synthesize diverse perspectives into coherent essays. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY 101 — Foundations of Human Development: This course examines the psychological and sociological theories governing individual growth and personal identity development across the lifespan. It emphasizes reflective self-assessment and the cultivation of interpersonal competencies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MAT 110 — Quantitative Reasoning: This course covers fundamental algebraic concepts and statistical analysis relevant to administrative decision-making. Students apply mathematical models to solve common organizational problems. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM 101 — Principles of Communication: An exploration of interpersonal, small group, and public speaking techniques necessary for professional influence. Students learn to tailor their message for various community audiences. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• HIS 120
• World History and Culture
• 3
• None
• PSY 150
• Introduction to Psychology
• 3
• None
• BUS 150
• Introduction to Management
• 3
• None
• PHI 150
• Introduction to Philosophy and Ethics
• 3
• None
• HIS 120 — World History and Culture: A survey of significant historical developments that have shaped modern societal and institutional norms. Students analyze cultural shifts and their influence on contemporary community needs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY 150 — Introduction to Psychology: An overview of psychological principles including motivation, personality, and social interaction. This course highlights the factors that influence individual and group behaviors. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS 150 — Introduction to Management: Examines the fundamental functions of management including planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. Students study standard practices for operational success in a business context. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PHI 150 — Introduction to Philosophy and Ethics: This course provides an overview of major philosophical traditions, logical reasoning, and foundational ethical frameworks. It encourages critical analysis of value systems and their application to contemporary social issues. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• SOC 210
• Sociology of Communities
• 3
• None
• MGT 220
• Organizational Behavior
• 3
• BUS 150
• BUS 230
• Business Ethics
• 3
• None
• ENG 220
• Technical Writing
• 3
• ENG 101
• SOC 210 — Sociology of Communities: Focuses on the social structures and dynamics that characterize modern community life. Students learn to identify social issues and evaluate potential avenues for assistance. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT 220 — Organizational Behavior: Explores the psychological and systemic factors that impact individual and collective productivity within organizations. Students learn to apply motivation theories to leadership. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS 230 — Business Ethics: Examines ethical frameworks for decision-making in professional and public environments. Students apply moral reasoning to case studies regarding organizational integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ENG 220 — Technical Writing: Focuses on writing grants, reports, and professional correspondence for the nonprofit sector. Students gain proficiency in documentation and communication strategy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES 250
• Research Methods
• 4
• MAT 110
• MIN 250
• Servant Leadership Theory
• 3
• CHR 101
• BUS 260
• Financial Stewardship
• 3
• MAT 110
• HUM 280
• Global Perspectives on Culture
• 3
• None
• RES 250 — Research Methods: Provides an introduction to qualitative and quantitative research design for organizational assessment. Students learn to gather and interpret data to inform strategic planning. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN 250 — Servant Leadership Theory: Analyzes the principles of servant leadership and its application within professional settings. Students explore models for humble and effective influence. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS 260 — Financial Stewardship: Covers basics of budgeting, accounting, and fiscal accountability within non-profit entities. Students learn how to manage financial resources ethically. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM 280 — Global Perspectives on Culture: Examines cultural diversity and its influence on global organizational missions. Students develop an appreciation for inclusivity and pluralism. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MGT 310
• Nonprofit Administration
• 3
• BUS 150
• COU 320
• Conflict Resolution
• 3
• PSY 150
• BUS 330
• Marketing for Missions
• 3
• COM 101
• SOC 350
• Cross-Cultural Communication and Social Dynamics
• 3
• THE 150
• MGT 310 — Nonprofit Administration: Provides a deep dive into the governance, legal, and operational structures of 501(c)(3) organizations. Students examine strategic development in the nonprofit sector. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU 320 — Conflict Resolution: Equips students with the tools to navigate interpersonal and systemic conflict in the workplace. Focuses on mediation, negotiation, and reconciliation practices. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS 330 — Marketing for Missions: Teaches the fundamentals of advocacy, public relations, and resource mobilization for organizations. Students design campaigns to promote mission-driven initiatives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC 350 — Cross-Cultural Communication and Social Dynamics: This course explores the complexities of interacting within diverse social environments and the mechanisms of effective cross-cultural communication. Students will analyze how cultural perceptions influence organizational behavior and community engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MGT 360
• Human Resource Strategy
• 3
• MGT 220
• EDU 370
• Curriculum Design for Adult Learning
• 3
• None
• BUS 380
• Project Management
• 3
• BUS 150
• RES 390
• Advanced Data Analysis
• 4
• RES 250
• MGT 360 — Human Resource Strategy: Covers recruitment, training, and team building within volunteer and professional work environments. Emphasizes the importance of organizational culture and employee well-being. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU 370 — Curriculum Design for Adult Learning: Focuses on pedagogical approaches suitable for adult learners in community and leadership training. Students develop strategies for knowledge transfer and skills development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS 380 — Project Management: Introduces systematic methods for managing projects from inception to evaluation. Focuses on logistics, scope management, and goal-oriented execution. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES 390 — Advanced Data Analysis: Extends the knowledge of statistical tools used to evaluate project success and community trends. Students engage in advanced interpretation of data. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 7 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MGT 410
• Strategic Leadership
• 3
• MGT 310
• BUS 420
• Sustainable Fundraising
• 3
• BUS 260
• CRJ 430
• Risk Management and Compliance
• 3
• MGT 310
• THE 450
• Leadership Ethics
• 3
• THE 350
• MGT 410 — Strategic Leadership: Analyzes the high-level decision-making processes required to lead effective institutions. Focuses on mission alignment and long-term visioning. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS 420 — Sustainable Fundraising: Examines the diverse strategies for securing financial stability through donations, grants, and social enterprise. Focuses on building long-term donor relationships. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CRJ 430 — Risk Management and Compliance: Discusses legal, safety, and regulatory compliance requirements for community-based organizations. Students learn how to mitigate institutional risks responsibly. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE 450 — Leadership Ethics: Integrates high-level ethical theory with practical leadership challenges. Students discuss the moral responsibilities of leaders to the communities they serve. 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
• All Core Courses
• MGT 480
• Organizational Change
• 3
• MGT 360
• BUS 470
• Advanced Stewardship Seminar
• 3
• BUS 260
• SOC 495
• Contemporary Social Issues
• 3
• SOC 210
• CAP 490 — Senior Capstone Project: Students complete a comprehensive project demonstrating their ability to address organizational challenges with strategic insight and moral grounding. The project includes a formal report and presentation on their proposed solutions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT 480 — Organizational Change: Explores the theories and practices of leading change in established organizations. Students learn how to shepherd teams through transitions with integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS 470 — Advanced Stewardship Seminar: A seminar course that reflects on the philosophy of stewardship and its practical application in leadership. Focuses on the legacy and impact of mission-based work. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC 495 — Contemporary Social Issues: Analyzes pressing social challenges and the role of leadership in advocating for justice and wellbeing. Students apply their disciplinary knowledge to address these issues. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Prospective students must provide evidence of a high school diploma or equivalent qualification, demonstrating a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. Applicants are expected to submit a personal statement outlining their commitment to ethical leadership, along with letters of recommendation that speak to their character and community engagement. All candidates must complete an institutional entrance interview to ensure alignment with the values and mission of HBI University. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project serves as the final academic experience, requiring students to synthesize four years of study into a comprehensive organizational analysis or strategic plan. Students identify a real-world problem within a community-focused organization and develop a robust, researched-based solution that incorporates ethical reasoning, financial sustainability, and effective stakeholder management. This project is worth 4 credit hours and represents the culmination of academic competence and professional readiness. Central to the capstone is the integration of faith-based perspectives, where students must articulate how their proposed solutions reflect biblical stewardship, servant leadership, and spiritual formation. The project deliverables include a formal written thesis and an oral presentation evaluated by faculty to ensure the student can articulate the relationship between technical strategy and ethical character development. This requirement ensures that graduates leave HBI University prepared to offer meaningful, values-driven contributions to their future professional roles.

• Graduation 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 and elective courses, specifically meeting all competencies outlined in the Senior Capstone Project. In addition to academic performance, students are expected to maintain standards of character development and ethical integrity as defined by the university’s community lifestyle standards.
• Spiritual formation is integrated into the degree through required community service hours and regular participation in institutional engagement forums. Students must demonstrate both the technical skills required for leadership and the internal maturity necessary for service, showing that they are prepared to engage with their communities with humility, persistence, and unwavering moral character.
• Career Opportunities
• Nonprofit Program Administrator
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Church Administrative Director
• Strategic Operations Manager
• Volunteer Services Director
• Donor Relations Specialist
• Human Resources Liaison for Nonprofits
• 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 Strategic Leadership
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years
• General education | 36 credit hours
• Faith-based strategic leadership core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours
• Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG 101 | Academic Composition | 3 | None
• PSY 101 | Foundations of Human Development | 3 | None
• MAT 110 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | None
• COM 101 | Principles of Communication | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS 120 | World History and Culture | 3 | None
• PSY 150 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• BUS 150 | Introduction to Management | 3 | None
• PHI 150 | Introduction to Philosophy and Ethics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC 210 | Sociology of Communities | 3 | None
• MGT 220 | Organizational Behavior | 3 | BUS 150
• BUS 230 | Business Ethics | 3 | None
• ENG 220 | Technical Writing | 3 | ENG 101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES 250 | Research Methods | 4 | MAT 110
• MIN 250 | Servant Leadership Theory | 3 | CHR 101
• BUS 260 | Financial Stewardship | 3 | MAT 110
• HUM 280 | Global Perspectives on Culture | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT 310 | Nonprofit Administration | 3 | BUS 150
• COU 320 | Conflict Resolution | 3 | PSY 150
• BUS 330 | Marketing for Missions | 3 | COM 101
• SOC 350 | Cross-Cultural Communication and Social Dynamics | 3 | THE 150
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT 360 | Human Resource Strategy | 3 | MGT 220
• EDU 370 | Curriculum Design for Adult Learning | 3 | None
• BUS 380 | Project Management | 3 | BUS 150
• RES 390 | Advanced Data Analysis | 4 | RES 250
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT 410 | Strategic Leadership | 3 | MGT 310
• BUS 420 | Sustainable Fundraising | 3 | BUS 260
• CRJ 430 | Risk Management and Compliance | 3 | MGT 310
• THE 450 | Leadership Ethics | 3 | THE 350
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP 490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | All Core Courses
• MGT 480 | Organizational Change | 3 | MGT 360
• BUS 470 | Advanced Stewardship Seminar | 3 | BUS 260
• SOC 495 | Contemporary Social Issues | 3 | SOC 210