Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Agribusiness, Specialization in Non-Profit Sustainable Community Development

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Agribusiness

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 Business and Project Management

Total credits

120

Duration

4 years

• Apply principles of agricultural resource management to sustainable community development projects.
• Evaluate the economic and social impact of non-profit organizational strategies on local food security.
• Design comprehensive community development plans that integrate ecological health with organizational mission objectives.
• Analyze the ethical dimensions of agricultural enterprise and their influence on community social structures.
• Integrate research methodologies to identify and mitigate risks in non-profit community development initiatives.
• Demonstrate effective leadership strategies rooted in servant-oriented and ethical decision-making frameworks.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ENG101
• Academic Writing and Rhetoric
• 4
• None
• BUS105
• Foundations of Business Management
• 4
• None
• BIO110
• Principles of Environmental Science
• 3
• None
• SOC101
• Foundations of Social Identity and Civic Engagement
• 3
• None
• ENG101 — Academic Writing and Rhetoric: This course develops skills in critical analysis, research documentation, and professional communication through various academic genres. It emphasizes clarity, coherence, and the logical development of arguments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS105 — Foundations of Business Management: An introduction to management functions including planning, organizing, leading, and controlling in the context of organizational structure. Focuses on the role of management in achieving institutional goals through ethical leadership. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BIO110 — Principles of Environmental Science: Explores the fundamental principles of ecological systems, natural resource management, and biodiversity. Examines the impact of human activity on the biosphere through a lens of ecological sustainability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC101 — Foundations of Social Identity and Civic Engagement: This course examines the social, cultural, and psychological factors that shape individual identity and civic participation within diverse communities. Students explore theoretical frameworks for community belonging and active citizenship in a pluralistic society. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MAT120
• Applied Statistics for Social Sciences
• 4
• None
• SOC150
• Sociology of Community Development
• 4
• None
• BUS120
• Non-Profit Financial Management
• 3
• BUS105
• HUM110
• Ethics in Professional Practice
• 3
• None
• MAT120 — Applied Statistics for Social Sciences: Introduces statistical methods and data analysis techniques essential for research in social and agricultural contexts. Covers descriptive and inferential statistics as tools for evidence-based decision making. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC150 — Sociology of Community Development: Examines the sociological factors influencing community structure, social change, and human cooperation. Focuses on the dynamics of social organizations and their role in addressing systemic challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS120 — Non-Profit Financial Management: Covers the fundamental principles of accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting within the non-profit sector. Highlights the importance of transparency and stewardship in managing organizational resources. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM110 — Ethics in Professional Practice: Explores major ethical theories and their application to complex dilemmas in the workplace. Analyzes how virtue and moral reasoning inform organizational decision-making processes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• AGR201
• Sustainable Agricultural Systems
• 4
• BIO110
• MGT210
• Principles of Organizational Leadership
• 4
• BUS105
• ECO210
• Microeconomics of Development
• 3
• MAT120
• RES200
• Research Methods for Social Impact
• 3
• MAT120
• AGR201 — Sustainable Agricultural Systems: Provides an overview of sustainable farming techniques, soil health, and water management in various ecological contexts. Discusses the role of agricultural technology in enhancing yield while preserving natural capital. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT210 — Principles of Organizational Leadership: Studies the evolution of leadership theories with an emphasis on servant leadership and stakeholder management. Equips students with strategies for fostering collaboration within diverse teams. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ECO210 — Microeconomics of Development: Applies microeconomic principles to understand supply, demand, and market structures within agricultural and community settings. Explores the impact of economic policy on small-scale community enterprises. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES200 — Research Methods for Social Impact: Covers quantitative and qualitative research methodologies used to evaluate community initiatives. Emphasizes the design of studies that measure programmatic effectiveness and impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• AGR220
• Soil and Water Conservation
• 4
• AGR201
• COM250
• Public Communication for Organizations
• 4
• ENG101
• BUS240
• Grant Writing and Fundraising
• 3
• BUS120
• ENV220
• Principles of Resource Management and Sustainability
• 3
• THE101
• AGR220 — Soil and Water Conservation: Focuses on the technical aspects of conserving land and water resources to maintain agricultural productivity. Investigates the environmental impacts of various land-use patterns on local community health. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM250 — Public Communication for Organizations: Develops professional communication skills for engaging with stakeholders, donors, and community members. Emphasizes narrative construction and audience-centric communication strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS240 — Grant Writing and Fundraising: Provides a practical foundation in identifying funding opportunities, crafting grant proposals, and developing sustainable fundraising models. Discusses the ethical considerations associated with resource acquisition. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ENV220 — Principles of Resource Management and Sustainability: This course provides an overview of environmental resource management, focusing on the ethical and efficient use of natural and community assets. Students learn strategies for sustainable consumption and the long-term maintenance of essential social and ecological resources. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• AGR310
• Crop Management and Distribution
• 4
• AGR220
• MGT320
• Strategic Planning in Non-Profits
• 4
• MGT210
• BUS330
• Community Economic Development
• 3
• ECO210
• PSY310
• Psychology of Motivation and Change
• 3
• None
• AGR310 — Crop Management and Distribution: Explores the logistics of agricultural production cycles and supply chain management for local distribution. Examines the impact of transport and storage on post-harvest waste reduction. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT320 — Strategic Planning in Non-Profits: Teaches the process of strategic visioning, objective setting, and implementation within the non-profit sector. Focuses on aligning organizational activities with long-term mission goals. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS330 — Community Economic Development: Analyzes the strategies used to stimulate local economies through community-led agricultural and non-profit projects. Studies the relationship between social capital and economic growth. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY310 — Psychology of Motivation and Change: Examines psychological theories regarding human motivation, behavior change, and group dynamics. Applies these concepts to community engagement and volunteer coordination. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• AGR350
• Livestock and Integrated Farming
• 4
• AGR310
• BUS360
• Non-Profit Operations and Logistics
• 4
• MGT320
• SOC340
• Community Advocacy and Policy
• 3
• SOC150
• CHR350
• Historical Perspectives on Social Justice
• 3
• HUM110
• AGR350 — Livestock and Integrated Farming: Integrates animal husbandry practices with plant production systems to create balanced agricultural ecosystems. Focuses on health, welfare, and productivity in small-scale farming contexts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS360 — Non-Profit Operations and Logistics: Covers the operational aspects of managing facilities, technology, and workflows for non-profit entities. Focuses on optimizing systems for improved service delivery. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC340 — Community Advocacy and Policy: Examines how to advocate for effective agricultural policy through community engagement and legislative awareness. Discusses the ethical duty to advocate for the marginalized within the context of rural and urban food systems. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR350 — Historical Perspectives on Social Justice: Traces the historical role of organizations in addressing societal inequities and poverty alleviation. Provides a critical analysis of past successes and failures in community-based initiatives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 7 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• AGR410
• Advanced Sustainable Development
• 4
• AGR350
• BUS420
• Human Resource Management in Non-Profits
• 4
• MGT320
• BUS440
• Risk Management and Evaluation
• 3
• RES200
• CAP400
• Capstone Proposal Development
• 3
• RES200
• AGR410 — Advanced Sustainable Development: Synthesizes advanced concepts in ecological sustainability and community development to create resilient systems. Discusses the role of future-proofing agricultural organizations against climate and economic volatility. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS420 — Human Resource Management in Non-Profits: Examines recruitment, retention, and leadership of paid staff and volunteers in mission-driven organizations. Emphasizes cultivating a culture of service and accountability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS440 — Risk Management and Evaluation: Develops skills in assessing project-based risks and implementing contingency plans in non-profit operations. Focuses on qualitative and quantitative evaluation for sustainable performance improvement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP400 — Capstone Proposal Development: Students begin the formal planning process for their senior capstone by identifying a project site and conducting a needs assessment. Focuses on structural design, resource planning, and ethical framing for the project. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 8 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP499
• Senior Capstone Project
• 4
• CAP400
• MGT450
• Non-Profit Board Governance and Regulatory Compliance
• 4
• MGT320
• BUS460
• Marketing for Community Impact
• 3
• COM250
• MGT450
• Leadership Models in Social Service Administration
• 3
• MIN220
• CAP499 — Senior Capstone Project: The final execution of the student's community development initiative, involving implementation, monitoring, and final reporting. Demonstrates the integration of agricultural technical knowledge with organizational and ethical proficiency. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT450 — Non-Profit Board Governance and Regulatory Compliance: This course explores the structures and responsibilities of non-profit boards, including legal obligations, financial oversight, and policy implementation. Students analyze best practices for transparency, accountability, and the effective administration of tax-exempt entities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS460 — Marketing for Community Impact: Explores marketing and public relations strategies tailored to communicate the mission and effectiveness of non-profit initiatives to diverse stakeholders. Focuses on ethical promotion and building community partnerships. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT450 — Leadership Models in Social Service Administration: This course reviews contemporary leadership theories and their application within the context of social service and human development organizations. Topics include team management, emotional intelligence, and collaborative decision-making in high-impact professional settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must provide evidence of a high school diploma or equivalent certification from an accredited institution. Admission requirements include a completed application form, official academic transcripts, and a personal statement outlining the student's interest in sustainable community development and their commitment to the institutional mission of service and stewardship. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project represents the culminating academic achievement of the Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Agribusiness. This 4-credit course requires students to conceptualize, design, and propose a sustainable community development project that addresses a specific need within an agricultural or food-security context. Students must demonstrate mastery of program objectives by applying economic analysis, agricultural sustainability science, and non-profit management principles to a real-world scenario. The project serves as an integration point where students synthesize their academic competence with their personal faith-informed character development. By applying ethical reasoning, biblical stewardship, and servant leadership, students demonstrate how their professional work serves as an extension of their vocational calling. Deliverables include a comprehensive strategic proposal, a financial management plan, and an analysis of potential community impact, ensuring readiness for responsible engagement in faith-based community service.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. In addition to academic coursework, students must demonstrate completion of all program-specific requirements, including the Senior Capstone Project and mandatory participation in designated spiritual formation seminars and institutional service requirements.
• Beyond technical mastery, graduation recognizes the attainment of spiritual maturity and ethical integrity. Students must verify their engagement in community outreach initiatives that embody the university’s commitment to service. The awarding of the degree signifies that the student is academically prepared for professional excellence and spiritually grounded for a life of intentional, faith-informed service to their community.
• Career Opportunities
• Non-Profit Program Coordinator
• Sustainable Agricultural Consultant
• Community Development Liaison
• Food Security Project Manager
• Non-Profit Grant Coordinator
• Rural Development Specialist
• Faith-Based Organizational Director
• 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 Agribusiness
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years
• General education | 36 credit hours
• Faith-Based Agribusiness and Sustainable Development 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
• BUS105 | Foundations of Business Management | 4 | None
• BIO110 | Principles of Environmental Science | 3 | None
• SOC101 | Foundations of Social Identity and Civic Engagement | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MAT120 | Applied Statistics for Social Sciences | 4 | None
• SOC150 | Sociology of Community Development | 4 | None
• BUS120 | Non-Profit Financial Management | 3 | BUS105
• HUM110 | Ethics in Professional Practice | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• AGR201 | Sustainable Agricultural Systems | 4 | BIO110
• MGT210 | Principles of Organizational Leadership | 4 | BUS105
• ECO210 | Microeconomics of Development | 3 | MAT120
• RES200 | Research Methods for Social Impact | 3 | MAT120
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• AGR220 | Soil and Water Conservation | 4 | AGR201
• COM250 | Public Communication for Organizations | 4 | ENG101
• BUS240 | Grant Writing and Fundraising | 3 | BUS120
• ENV220 | Principles of Resource Management and Sustainability | 3 | THE101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• AGR310 | Crop Management and Distribution | 4 | AGR220
• MGT320 | Strategic Planning in Non-Profits | 4 | MGT210
• BUS330 | Community Economic Development | 3 | ECO210
• PSY310 | Psychology of Motivation and Change | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• AGR350 | Livestock and Integrated Farming | 4 | AGR310
• BUS360 | Non-Profit Operations and Logistics | 4 | MGT320
• SOC340 | Community Advocacy and Policy | 3 | SOC150
• CHR350 | Historical Perspectives on Social Justice | 3 | HUM110
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• AGR410 | Advanced Sustainable Development | 4 | AGR350
• BUS420 | Human Resource Management in Non-Profits | 4 | MGT320
• BUS440 | Risk Management and Evaluation | 3 | RES200
• CAP400 | Capstone Proposal Development | 3 | RES200
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP499 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | CAP400
• MGT450 | Non-Profit Board Governance and Regulatory Compliance | 4 | MGT320
• BUS460 | Marketing for Community Impact | 3 | COM250
• MGT450 | Leadership Models in Social Service Administration | 3 | MIN220