Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Human Resources (Specialization in Leadership & Management)

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Faith-Based Human Resources

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 Business and Economics

Total credits

60

Duration

2 years

• Analyze the principles of organizational behavior to enhance workforce engagement and institutional morale.
• Apply ethical decision-making frameworks to resolve complex personnel challenges in a nonprofit context.
• Design effective recruitment and retention strategies that honor the mission and culture of faith-based institutions.
• Evaluate current labor laws and employment regulations within the context of organizational stewardship.
• Communicate professional policies and procedures with transparency, empathy, and clarity to diverse organizational stakeholders.
• Integrate the values of servant leadership into daily administrative and personnel oversight functions.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• BUS101
• Principles of Management
• 4
• None
• ENG101
• College Composition
• 3
• None
• PSY105
• Introduction to Psychology
• 3
• None
• THE101
• Foundations of Ethical Reasoning
• 3
• None
• BUS101 — Principles of Management: This course covers foundational management theories including planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. It emphasizes ethical leadership as the basis for effective organizational management. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ENG101 — College Composition: Students develop proficiency in writing academic papers with a focus on argumentation and research. The course encourages clarity, tone, and professional communication styles. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY105 — Introduction to Psychology: This course explores the biological, cognitive, and social aspects of human behavior. It provides insights into individual motivation and social interactions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE101 — Foundations of Ethical Reasoning: This course investigates the theoretical and practical foundations of Christian ethics and character development. It explores the application of integrity in modern decision-making. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• HRM201
• Human Resource Management Fundamentals
• 4
• BUS101
• COM120
• Organizational Communication
• 3
• None
• MAT150
• Introduction to Data Analysis
• 3
• None
• MIN110
• Principles of Servant Leadership
• 3
• THE101
• HRM201 — Human Resource Management Fundamentals: This course provides an overview of essential human resource functions, including job analysis, recruitment, and onboarding. It explores the importance of fair and equitable administrative practices. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM120 — Organizational Communication: This course examines communication strategies within an organization to foster productivity and harmony. It emphasizes interpersonal skills and professional transparency. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MAT150 — Introduction to Data Analysis: This course covers the basics of statistical interpretation and data management for decision-making. It highlights the use of data to improve organizational efficiency and resource allocation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN110 — Principles of Servant Leadership: This course explores the concept of leadership as service, emphasizing humility, empathy, and support for the collective good. It bridges leadership theory with social practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• HRM250
• Employee Relations and Conflict Resolution
• 4
• HRM201
• SOC210
• Sociology of Organizations
• 3
• None
• BUS220
• Budgeting and Resource Stewardship
• 3
• MAT150
• EDU205
• Training and Development
• 3
• HRM201
• HRM250 — Employee Relations and Conflict Resolution: This course focuses on managing relationships between employers and employees, including mediation and grievance processes. It emphasizes grace, equity, and restorative practices. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC210 — Sociology of Organizations: This course examines the social structures of organizations and how group dynamics influence productivity. It explores how cultural and community factors shape organizational climate. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS220 — Budgeting and Resource Stewardship: This course covers fundamental financial concepts and the ethical stewardship of organizational resources. It emphasizes transparency and responsible fiscal management. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU205 — Training and Development: This course discusses methodologies for assessing needs and implementing professional development programs for staff. It focuses on empowering employees to achieve their full potential. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP299
• Capstone Project
• 4
• All Core Courses
• HRM310
• Legal Issues in Human Resources
• 3
• HRM201
• CHR230
• Community Engagement and Service
• 3
• None
• BUS250
• Organizational Change and Development
• 3
• BUS101
• CAP299 — Capstone Project: This course serves as the final integration of disciplinary knowledge, where students complete an original project addressing a real-world HR organizational challenge. It emphasizes the application of faith-based ethics and servant leadership in professional settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HRM310 — Legal Issues in Human Resources: This course surveys federal and state employment regulations, focusing on compliance, safety, and individual rights. It addresses the legal duties of employers within the context of organizational integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR230 — Community Engagement and Service: This course examines the role of nonprofits in society and the importance of active community involvement. It highlights strategies for building partnerships that support the common good. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS250 — Organizational Change and Development: This course covers the processes involved in managing change within an organization to ensure long-term stability and effectiveness. It explores techniques for fostering innovation while maintaining core values. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must provide proof of high school graduation or the equivalent (GED) with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Prospective students should submit an official transcript from their secondary institution, a personal statement detailing their commitment to ethical service, and one letter of recommendation that speaks to the candidate's character and potential for academic success in a faith-based educational environment. Culminating Project The Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience for the Associate of Arts program, requiring students to synthesize their learning across all disciplinary areas. Students must identify a specific organizational challenge—such as personnel retention, training development, or conflict resolution—and design a comprehensive, research-informed strategy to address it. This project requires the application of professional HR best practices integrated with a clearly articulated framework of biblical stewardship and servant leadership. Deliverables include a formal proposal, a literature review, and an implementation plan that demonstrates academic rigor and professional insight. The project must explicitly illustrate how proposed human resource policies and management practices reflect the ethical character and foundational mission of a faith-based entity. Upon completion, students defend their project before a faculty panel, demonstrating their readiness to engage in professional service through a lens of integrity and faith-informed decision-making.

• To graduate with an Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Human Resources, students must complete a total of 60 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Graduation is contingent upon the successful completion of all core coursework, general education requirements, and a satisfactory defense of the Capstone Project. Beyond technical mastery, candidates must demonstrate alignment with the university's commitment to character development and ethical integrity throughout their academic journey.
• Furthermore, students are expected to participate in community engagement and spiritual formation activities as defined by the university’s mission. This holistic approach ensures that graduates are not only professionally prepared but also possess the personal maturity and servant-hearted dedication required for leadership in ministry-focused and nonprofit settings. Completion of the program indicates a readiness to serve in roles that prioritize both human capital excellence and moral stewardship.
• Career Opportunities
• Human Resources Coordinator for Nonprofits
• Church Administrative Assistant
• Ministry Operations Coordinator
• Nonprofit Volunteer Relations Manager
• Employee Benefits Liaison for Faith-Based Agencies
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• HR Assistant for Faith-Centered Educational Institutions
• 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 Human Resources
• Total program length | 60 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years
• General education | 18 credit hours
• Faith-Based Human Resources core | 30 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 9 credit hours
• Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BUS101 | Principles of Management | 4 | None
• ENG101 | College Composition | 3 | None
• PSY105 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• THE101 | Foundations of Ethical Reasoning | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HRM201 | Human Resource Management Fundamentals | 4 | BUS101
• COM120 | Organizational Communication | 3 | None
• MAT150 | Introduction to Data Analysis | 3 | None
• MIN110 | Principles of Servant Leadership | 3 | THE101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HRM250 | Employee Relations and Conflict Resolution | 4 | HRM201
• SOC210 | Sociology of Organizations | 3 | None
• BUS220 | Budgeting and Resource Stewardship | 3 | MAT150
• EDU205 | Training and Development | 3 | HRM201
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP299 | Capstone Project | 4 | All Core Courses
• HRM310 | Legal Issues in Human Resources | 3 | HRM201
• CHR230 | Community Engagement and Service | 3 | None
• BUS250 | Organizational Change and Development | 3 | BUS101