Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Organizational Leadership, Specialization in Christian Ethics

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Organizational Leadership, Specialization in Christian Ethics

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 foundational theories of organizational behavior and their application in nonprofit settings.
• Evaluate the influence of Christian ethical frameworks on modern administrative decision-making.
• Design effective strategic plans for organizations based on principles of servant leadership and stewardship.
• Communicate complex ethical dilemmas clearly through both oral and written discourse.
• Integrate spiritual formation and character development into professional practice.
• Demonstrate proficiency in researching organizational trends and applying data-driven solutions.
• Interpret global and local societal needs through the lens of ethical responsibility and community engagement.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ENG 101
• Academic Composition
• 4
• None
• BUS 105
• Introduction to Business Administration
• 3
• None
• HIS 110
• History of Western Thought
• 3
• None
• MIN 101
• Spiritual Formation and Ethics
• 3
• None
• ENG 101 — Academic Composition: This course focuses on critical reading and professional writing strategies. It emphasizes clarity, argumentation, and research documentation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS 105 — Introduction to Business Administration: An overview of organizational structures and fundamental business operations. Topics include finance, marketing, and human resources. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS 110 — History of Western Thought: A study of key philosophical and cultural shifts that shaped Western history. Students examine how these ideas influence current institutions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN 101 — Spiritual Formation and Ethics: This course explores the theology of service and the integration of personal faith with professional life. It emphasizes internal character development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MAT 120
• Quantitative Reasoning
• 3
• None
• COM 150
• Organizational Communication
• 3
• ENG 101
• CHR 120
• Introduction to Christian Ethics
• 4
• MIN 101
• SOC 105
• Sociology of Communities
• 3
• None
• MAT 120 — Quantitative Reasoning: This course covers data analysis, statistical interpretation, and financial literacy. Students apply quantitative methods to solve management problems. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM 150 — Organizational Communication: An exploration of interpersonal communication, conflict resolution, and internal messaging in organizations. Focus is placed on clarity and consensus-building. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR 120 — Introduction to Christian Ethics: An examination of moral frameworks and their biblical foundations. The course addresses how to apply ethical reasoning to contemporary social issues. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC 105 — Sociology of Communities: Study of social structures, group dynamics, and the role of community-based institutions. Students identify ways to impact social systems positively. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MGT 201
• Principles of Management
• 3
• BUS 105
• PSY 205
• Principles of Organizational Psychology
• 3
• None
• CHR 210
• Biblical Stewardship and Economics
• 4
• CHR 120
• RES 200
• Research Methods
• 3
• MAT 120
• MGT 201 — Principles of Management: Core concepts of management including planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. Special focus is given to the unique needs of the nonprofit sector. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY 205 — Principles of Organizational Psychology: Examines human behavior within workplace environments, motivation, and group performance. Strategies for fostering productive workplace cultures are explored. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR 210 — Biblical Stewardship and Economics: Explores the relationship between resources, labor, and ethical management. Focuses on the concept of stewardship as a model for organizational sustainability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES 200 — Research Methods: Fundamental research methodologies for organizational analysis. Topics include survey design, data collection, and qualitative research. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MGT 250
• Nonprofit Financial Management
• 3
• MGT 201
• HUM 200
• Cultural History of Ethics
• 3
• HIS 110
• CHR 250
• Servant Leadership Principles
• 3
• CHR 120
• BUS 220
• Legal Environments of Organizations
• 4
• MGT 201
• MGT 250 — Nonprofit Financial Management: Foundations of budget planning, fundraising compliance, and fiscal accountability in the nonprofit sector. Emphasizes the ethical management of donor funds. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM 200 — Cultural History of Ethics: An interdisciplinary look at how different cultures have debated moral leadership over centuries. Encourages critical evaluation of current norms. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR 250 — Servant Leadership Principles: Deep dive into the philosophy of servant leadership as an administrative model. Students identify practical ways to model humble, effective authority. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS 220 — Legal Environments of Organizations: Examination of laws governing nonprofit status, human resources, and board governance. Includes exploration of regulatory compliance and duty of care. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MGT 301
• Strategic Human Resource Management
• 3
• MGT 201
• CHR 310
• Ethics of Social Justice
• 4
• CHR 210
• EDU 305
• Program Design and Assessment
• 3
• RES 200
• BUS 315
• Marketing and Donor Relations
• 3
• BUS 105
• MGT 301 — Strategic Human Resource Management: Focuses on recruitment, talent development, and volunteer coordination. Emphasizes cultivating professional staff with aligned values. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR 310 — Ethics of Social Justice: Evaluates moral arguments surrounding poverty, advocacy, and social equity. Students analyze how organizations can address systemic issues through ethical programming. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU 305 — Program Design and Assessment: Techniques for creating and measuring the success of community programming. Focuses on setting goals and evaluating objective outcomes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS 315 — Marketing and Donor Relations: Examination of ethical marketing techniques and sustainable fundraising strategies. Explores how to articulate an organization's story and mission effectively. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MGT 350
• Organizational Change and Development
• 3
• MGT 201
• CHR 350
• Christian Ethics and Public Policy
• 3
• CHR 250
• COU 320
• Conflict Management and Mediation
• 4
• COM 150
• HIS 350
• Global Perspectives on Humanitarianism
• 3
• HIS 110
• MGT 350 — Organizational Change and Development: Focuses on managing transitions, innovation, and institutional adaptation. Equips students to lead organizations through periods of instability and growth. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR 350 — Christian Ethics and Public Policy: Examines how moral convictions interface with legislation and public discourse. Students learn to advocate for ethical policies in their sectors. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU 320 — Conflict Management and Mediation: Study of techniques to resolve disputes within boards, staff, and community members. Emphasizes reconciliation and relational health. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS 350 — Global Perspectives on Humanitarianism: Review of the history of international aid and humanitarian assistance. Analyzes the ethical complexities of operating across cultural borders. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 7 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MGT 401
• Board Governance and Strategy
• 3
• MGT 301
• CHR 410
• Advanced Moral Philosophy
• 4
• CHR 310
• BUS 420
• Risk Management and Ethics
• 3
• BUS 220
• RES 400
• Applied Project Design
• 3
• RES 200
• MGT 401 — Board Governance and Strategy: Focuses on the responsibilities of leadership boards in faith-based organizations. Covers legal, financial, and ethical oversight roles. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR 410 — Advanced Moral Philosophy: Deep analysis of ethical theory and its application to modern professional dilemmas. Synthesizes knowledge from previous ethics coursework. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS 420 — Risk Management and Ethics: Evaluation of ethical risks in organizations, including fraud prevention, safeguarding, and liability. Promotes proactive safety cultures. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES 400 — Applied Project Design: Pre-capstone course focused on proposal development and literature review. Provides the foundational research for the final capstone project. 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
• 6
• RES 400
• MGT 450
• Professional Leadership Seminar
• 3
• MGT 401
• CHR 450
• Ethical Leadership Synthesis
• 3
• CHR 410
• SOC 405
• Community Engagement Practice
• 3
• SOC 105
• CAP 490 — Senior Capstone Project: The culminating project where students research, develop, and present a strategy for an organizational ethical challenge. This project integrates servant leadership with professional competence. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT 450 — Professional Leadership Seminar: Final review of leadership dynamics and networking strategies. Focuses on transition into professional service environments post-graduation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR 450 — Ethical Leadership Synthesis: Final integration seminar evaluating the intersection of faith, ethics, and administration. Consolidates student learning and prepares them for moral action. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC 405 — Community Engagement Practice: Analysis of community impact models and the role of social advocacy. Students refine their approach to authentic, service-oriented community involvement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must provide evidence of high school completion or an equivalent GED certification with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Prospective students must submit a personal statement outlining their professional goals and their commitment to exploring the intersection of ethics and leadership, alongside official transcripts and two letters of recommendation reflecting academic or volunteer experience. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience for the degree, requiring students to synthesize their learning across leadership, management, and ethical disciplines. Students must identify a real-world organizational challenge within a nonprofit or community-based setting and propose a rigorous, solution-oriented project that addresses this need through the framework of Christian organizational ethics. The scope includes a comprehensive research component, a strategic implementation plan, and an analysis of how the proposed solution aligns with institutional stewardship. This six-credit project demands that students demonstrate both academic competence and character development by explicitly mapping their findings to concepts of servant leadership and ethical integrity. Deliverables include a formal research thesis and an oral defense that reflects on the intersection of professional decision-making and spiritual formation. Through this experience, students confirm their capacity to serve as ethical, informed leaders ready for the complexities of modern community-based organizational life.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. In addition to academic coursework, students must achieve a satisfactory grade in the Senior Capstone Project, which serves as a definitive demonstration of their ability to apply program learning outcomes to practical settings.
• Beyond academic requirements, students must demonstrate ongoing commitment to the institutional mission through consistent participation in spiritual formation activities, community service, and ethical reflection workshops. These requirements ensure that graduates depart not only with intellectual mastery but also with the spiritual maturity, ethical integrity, and commitment to service necessary to advance their organizations in a manner consistent with their values.
• Career Opportunities
• Nonprofit Program Coordinator
• Church Administrative Director
• Community Outreach Manager
• Social Responsibility Consultant
• Christian Ministry Administrator
• Development Officer for NGOs
• Ethical Compliance Officer
• 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 Organizational Leadership, Specialization in Christian Ethics
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years
• General education | 36 credit hours
• Leadership and Christian ethics core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours
• Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG 101 | Academic Composition | 4 | None
• BUS 105 | Introduction to Business Administration | 3 | None
• HIS 110 | History of Western Thought | 3 | None
• MIN 101 | Spiritual Formation and Ethics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MAT 120 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | None
• COM 150 | Organizational Communication | 3 | ENG 101
• CHR 120 | Introduction to Christian Ethics | 4 | MIN 101
• SOC 105 | Sociology of Communities | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT 201 | Principles of Management | 3 | BUS 105
• PSY 205 | Principles of Organizational Psychology | 3 | None
• CHR 210 | Biblical Stewardship and Economics | 4 | CHR 120
• RES 200 | Research Methods | 3 | MAT 120
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT 250 | Nonprofit Financial Management | 3 | MGT 201
• HUM 200 | Cultural History of Ethics | 3 | HIS 110
• CHR 250 | Servant Leadership Principles | 3 | CHR 120
• BUS 220 | Legal Environments of Organizations | 4 | MGT 201
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT 301 | Strategic Human Resource Management | 3 | MGT 201
• CHR 310 | Ethics of Social Justice | 4 | CHR 210
• EDU 305 | Program Design and Assessment | 3 | RES 200
• BUS 315 | Marketing and Donor Relations | 3 | BUS 105
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT 350 | Organizational Change and Development | 3 | MGT 201
• CHR 350 | Christian Ethics and Public Policy | 3 | CHR 250
• COU 320 | Conflict Management and Mediation | 4 | COM 150
• HIS 350 | Global Perspectives on Humanitarianism | 3 | HIS 110
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT 401 | Board Governance and Strategy | 3 | MGT 301
• CHR 410 | Advanced Moral Philosophy | 4 | CHR 310
• BUS 420 | Risk Management and Ethics | 3 | BUS 220
• RES 400 | Applied Project Design | 3 | RES 200
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP 490 | Senior Capstone Project | 6 | RES 400
• MGT 450 | Professional Leadership Seminar | 3 | MGT 401
• CHR 450 | Ethical Leadership Synthesis | 3 | CHR 410
• SOC 405 | Community Engagement Practice | 3 | SOC 105