← Programs CatalogAuthoritative HBIU program data

degree · Associate · v1

Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Public Administration (Specialization in Public Policy)

Academic unitHBIU College of Business and EconomicsTotal credits60Estimated duration2 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Faith-Based Public Administration

Total program length

60 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years

General education

18 credit hours

Faith-Based Public Administration core

30 credit hours

Professional application courses

9 credit hours

Capstone requirement

3 credit hours

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Public Administration offers an interdisciplinary foundation in the principles of governance, public policy, and organizational management. Grounded in the College of Business & Economics, the program explores the intersection of professional administrative practices and the ethical demands of service within the public and non-profit sectors. Students gain essential insights into how administrative frameworks support community development and societal flourishing through responsible stewardship.

The curriculum emphasizes the application of analytical skills to real-world policy challenges, encouraging students to develop a comprehensive understanding of public sector dynamics. By integrating professional management theory with a commitment to integrity and community-oriented leadership, the program prepares individuals to address complex social issues. This degree serves as a cornerstone for students dedicated to applying vocational excellence to the advancement of the common good.

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Public Administration provides a comprehensive foundational study in public policy and administrative frameworks integrated with biblical principles. Students explore human development, professional communication, organizational ethics, community resource management, and effective supportive service practices designed to prepare individuals for service within diverse public and faith-based institutional contexts.

Program Facts

Program facts

Degree abbreviation
A.A. in Faith-Based Public Administration
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

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Analyze foundational concepts of public policy and administrative governance.
  • Evaluate the ethical dimensions of leadership within diverse organizational settings.
  • Apply principles of servant leadership to address community-specific administrative challenges.
  • Communicate complex public policy information effectively through written and oral formats.
  • Integrate organizational management theories with the practice of professional stewardship.
  • Develop strategic frameworks for implementing community outreach and support programs.
  • Interpret legal and social environments that influence the operation of public and nonprofit organizations.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • ENG101
  • Academic Writing and Rhetoric
  • 4
  • None
  • BUS105
  • Introduction to Public Administration
  • 4
  • None
  • MAT110
  • Quantitative Reasoning for Policy
  • 4
  • None
  • SOC101
  • Introduction to Professional Service and Civic Duty
  • 4
  • None
  • ENG101 — Academic Writing and Rhetoric: This course provides intensive practice in academic writing, critical reading, and rhetorical analysis. Students learn to articulate complex ideas with clarity and professional rigor. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS105 — Introduction to Public Administration: This course covers the history and theory of public administration and its impact on modern society. Students explore the roles of public agencies and their duty to the citizenry. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MAT110 — Quantitative Reasoning for Policy: Students analyze data sets and statistical models to inform public policy decision-making. The course emphasizes objective interpretation and logical application of quantitative evidence. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SOC101 — Introduction to Professional Service and Civic Duty: This course examines the role of civil service and professional career development within the framework of modern democratic societies. Students explore the historical and sociological foundations of public duty and institutional responsibility. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • BUS201
  • Principles of Management
  • 4
  • BUS105
  • SOC210
  • Social Systems and Policy
  • 4
  • None
  • COM205
  • Organizational Communication
  • 4
  • ENG101
  • HIS220
  • History of Civic Engagement
  • 4
  • None
  • BUS201 — Principles of Management: Students investigate core management functions including planning, organizing, leading, and controlling in a professional setting. The focus remains on sustainable organizational health and productivity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SOC210 — Social Systems and Policy: This course evaluates how social structures influence policy outcomes and community wellbeing. Students analyze the impact of public policy on vulnerable populations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COM205 — Organizational Communication: This course develops skills in professional communication, media relations, and stakeholder engagement. Students learn to convey organizational goals effectively to diverse audiences. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • HIS220 — History of Civic Engagement: This course surveys the historical development of civic participation and the role of voluntary associations in societal development. Students draw parallels to contemporary administrative challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • BUS305
  • Ethics in Public Administration
  • 4
  • BUS201
  • RES310
  • Research Methods for Public Policy
  • 4
  • MAT110
  • MGT320
  • Nonprofit Administration
  • 4
  • BUS201
  • PSY330
  • Behavioral Foundations of Leadership
  • 4
  • None
  • BUS305 — Ethics in Public Administration: This course explores normative ethical frameworks for decision-making in public and nonprofit roles. Students critically evaluate challenges related to conflict of interest and moral leadership. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • RES310 — Research Methods for Public Policy: Students study qualitative and quantitative research designs useful for evaluating organizational program effectiveness. The focus is on valid and reliable data gathering techniques. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT320 — Nonprofit Administration: This course covers the unique administrative requirements of nonprofit entities including fiscal management and volunteer coordination. It balances operational efficiency with mission-driven objectives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PSY330 — Behavioral Foundations of Leadership: Students investigate psychological theories of motivation, leadership, and team dynamics within professional environments. The course promotes a relational approach to administrative authority. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • BUS410
  • Public Policy Development
  • 4
  • RES310
  • BUS415
  • Financial Stewardship for Organizations
  • 4
  • BUS201
  • COM420
  • Strategic Leadership and Advocacy
  • 4
  • COM205
  • CAP490
  • Capstone in Administrative Leadership
  • 4
  • All Core Courses
  • BUS410 — Public Policy Development: Students examine the policy cycle from agenda setting to implementation and evaluation. The course emphasizes how policy serves as a tool for public service. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS415 — Financial Stewardship for Organizations: This course covers the basics of budgeting, accounting, and fiscal accountability within administrative settings. It emphasizes the ethical importance of managing institutional resources wisely. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COM420 — Strategic Leadership and Advocacy: Students study strategies for organizational advocacy and influence within the public policy sphere. The course highlights effective engagement with government and community stakeholders. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CAP490 — Capstone in Administrative Leadership: This capstone project involves the application of administrative theory to a specific community issue, demonstrating professional competence and ethical alignment. Students produce a final scholarly portfolio documenting their analysis and project outcomes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Prospective students must possess a high school diploma or an equivalent state-recognized high school equivalency credential. Applicants are required to submit official transcripts indicating a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher. Admission to the program requires an evaluation of the applicant's academic readiness and a statement of interest expressing how their personal values align with the program's emphasis on ethical service and leadership development. Culminating Project The Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience for the Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Public Administration. This project requires students to synthesize the knowledge, skills, and ethical frameworks acquired throughout the program to address a real-world administrative or policy-oriented problem within a community organization. Students are expected to produce a formal research paper and a comprehensive project implementation plan that demonstrates mastery of administrative theory and professional research standards. Substantively, the project mandates the integration of faith-informed ethical reasoning and servant leadership principles. Students must evaluate how their proposed solutions reflect biblical stewardship and an commitment to social justice, ensuring their work aligns with the values of integrity and human dignity. Through this capstone, students demonstrate academic competence by designing a project that bridges the gap between theoretical governance and the practical application of vocational ethics, ultimately preparing them for transformative engagement in their future professional spheres.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • To graduate, students must successfully complete 60 credit hours with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0. Graduates must demonstrate proficiency in all core coursework and receive a passing grade on the final Capstone Project. Beyond academic attainment, students are expected to show evidence of growth in ethical integrity and a professional demeanor consistent with the institution's commitment to community service.
  • The program emphasizes that spiritual maturity and professional readiness are intertwined. Students are encouraged to participate in ongoing community service and reflect on how their academic work fosters a posture of humble, informed service to others. Successful graduates will have paired their rigorous academic training with a deep commitment to serving their neighbors, demonstrating readiness to enter professional roles with a sense of calling, moral clarity, and a heart for constructive societal impact.
  • Career Opportunities
  • Nonprofit Program Coordinator
  • Civic Engagement Associate
  • Public Policy Assistant
  • Community Outreach Coordinator
  • Administrative Assistant in Faith-Based Organizations
  • Grant Writing Assistant
  • Government Relations Liaison
  • 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 Public Administration
  • Total program length | 60 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years
  • General education | 18 credit hours
  • Faith-Based Public Administration core | 30 credit hours
  • Professional application courses | 9 credit hours
  • Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • ENG101 | Academic Writing and Rhetoric | 4 | None
  • BUS105 | Introduction to Public Administration | 4 | None
  • MAT110 | Quantitative Reasoning for Policy | 4 | None
  • SOC101 | Introduction to Professional Service and Civic Duty | 4 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BUS201 | Principles of Management | 4 | BUS105
  • SOC210 | Social Systems and Policy | 4 | None
  • COM205 | Organizational Communication | 4 | ENG101
  • HIS220 | History of Civic Engagement | 4 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BUS305 | Ethics in Public Administration | 4 | BUS201
  • RES310 | Research Methods for Public Policy | 4 | MAT110
  • MGT320 | Nonprofit Administration | 4 | BUS201
  • PSY330 | Behavioral Foundations of Leadership | 4 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BUS410 | Public Policy Development | 4 | RES310
  • BUS415 | Financial Stewardship for Organizations | 4 | BUS201
  • COM420 | Strategic Leadership and Advocacy | 4 | COM205
  • CAP490 | Capstone in Administrative Leadership | 4 | All Core Courses

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Nonprofit Program Coordinator
  • Civic Engagement Associate
  • Public Policy Assistant
  • Community Outreach Coordinator
  • Administrative Assistant in Faith-Based Organizations
  • Grant Writing Assistant
  • Government Relations Liaison

Additional Official Information

Additional source information

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 Public Administration
  • Total program length | 60 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years