Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Iconic Leadership, Specialization in Leadership

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Iconic 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 paradigms through the integration of ethical reasoning and organizational development theories.
• Evaluate the impact of servant leadership models on organizational culture and team productivity.
• Apply principles of biblical stewardship to the management of human, financial, and temporal resources.
• Develop strategies for navigating complex interpersonal dynamics within diverse organizational settings.
• Integrate a Christian worldview into the systematic practice of professional management and administrative functions.
• Communicate complex ideas effectively through professional research, writing, and presentation methods.
• Design comprehensive project plans that align institutional goals with values-based community impact initiatives.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ENG101
• College Composition
• 4
• None
• HIS105
• History of Western Ethics
• 3
• None
• COM110
• Introduction to Human Communication
• 3
• None
• MAT120
• Quantitative Reasoning
• 3
• None
• ENG101 — College Composition: This course focuses on developing academic writing skills through analysis and argumentation. Students practice critical reading and formal prose. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS105 — History of Western Ethics: An investigation into the foundational ethical systems of Western society. The course highlights key historical developments in moral philosophy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM110 — Introduction to Human Communication: Studies the dynamics of interpersonal communication and effective public speaking. Focus is placed on clarity and audience engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MAT120 — Quantitative Reasoning: Introduction to fundamental statistical analysis and mathematical logic. Students apply numerical data to solve real-world problems. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• SOC150
• Sociology of Community
• 3
• None
• BUS110
• Introduction to Organizational Systems
• 4
• None
• ENG102
• Research Writing
• 3
• ENG101
• THE101
• Foundations of Ethical Thought
• 3
• None
• SOC150 — Sociology of Community: Examines social structures and the function of community organizations within society. Discussion centers on communal health and development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS110 — Introduction to Organizational Systems: Overview of administrative structures and business operations. Focus is on efficiency and internal organizational health. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ENG102 — Research Writing: Advanced instruction in literature review, data synthesis, and formal citation standards. Students conduct original research in social sciences. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE101 — Foundations of Ethical Thought: An introductory exploration of ethical frameworks relevant to personal and professional life. Students reflect on values and decision-making. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MGT210
• Principles of Management
• 3
• BUS110
• PSY220
• Human Behavior in Organizations
• 3
• None
• CHR205
• Servant Leadership Principles
• 3
• THE101
• HUM210
• Cultural Studies and Diversity
• 4
• None
• MGT210 — Principles of Management: Explores the fundamental roles of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling within an organization. Students examine management as a service to the team. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY220 — Human Behavior in Organizations: Applies psychological concepts to the workplace environment, including motivation, stress, and group dynamics. Focus is placed on interpersonal health. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR205 — Servant Leadership Principles: Analyzes the philosophy of leadership that prioritizes the growth and well-being of others. Students practice collaborative decision-making techniques. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM210 — Cultural Studies and Diversity: Provides a lens for understanding diverse backgrounds and global perspectives. Focuses on fostering inclusivity and mutual respect within organizations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• BUS230
• Nonprofit Administration
• 3
• MGT210
• RES250
• Introduction to Applied Research
• 3
• ENG102
• MGT250
• Operations and Stewardship
• 3
• BUS230
• SOC220
• Sociology of Service Learning
• 4
• CHR205
• BUS230 — Nonprofit Administration: Covers the unique legal, financial, and operational aspects of nonprofit entities. Students investigate governance and mission alignment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES250 — Introduction to Applied Research: Introduces methodologies for conducting organizational and social research. Focus is on data collection and interpretation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT250 — Operations and Stewardship: Focuses on the ethical management of institutional resources and physical assets. Emphasizes sustainability and long-term planning. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC220 — Sociology of Service Learning: This course examines the theoretical foundations of civic engagement and the impact of community service on social structures. Students analyze volunteerism models and their effectiveness within various community settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MGT310
• Strategic Leadership
• 3
• MGT210
• BUS320
• Financial Stewardship for Nonprofits
• 3
• MGT250
• COU305
• Conflict Resolution and Mediation
• 3
• PSY220
• BUS350
• Professional Ethics and Law
• 4
• BUS230
• MGT310 — Strategic Leadership: Develops advanced strategies for organizational planning and visionary leadership. Addresses change management and long-term mission fulfillment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS320 — Financial Stewardship for Nonprofits: Examines budgeting, grant writing, and financial oversight within the context of ethical stewardship. Highlights transparency and accountability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU305 — Conflict Resolution and Mediation: Teaches techniques for de-escalating interpersonal and group conflict. Focuses on reconciliation and restorative justice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS350 — Professional Ethics and Law: Analyzes the regulatory environment for nonprofits and professional conduct expectations. Discusses legal duties and ethical compliance. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MGT360
• Team Dynamics and Empowerment
• 3
• MGT310
• BUS380
• Fundraising and Resource Development
• 3
• BUS320
• RES390
• Applied Project Management
• 3
• RES250
• PSY350
• Psychology of Professional Development
• 4
• CHR220
• MGT360 — Team Dynamics and Empowerment: Focuses on the practical mechanics of team building and the empowerment of staff and volunteers. Examines leadership styles in high-stakes environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS380 — Fundraising and Resource Development: Explores ethical approaches to institutional advancement and donor engagement. Students analyze donor relations and resource acquisition. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES390 — Applied Project Management: Instruction on tools and techniques for overseeing complex projects from conception to conclusion. Emphasizes efficiency and accountability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY350 — Psychology of Professional Development: This course explores the psychological frameworks of personal growth, character development, and self-regulation in leadership roles. Students assess emotional intelligence and interpersonal efficacy within high-pressure professional environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 7 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MGT410
• Advanced Organizational Theory
• 3
• MGT360
• BUS420
• Human Resource Management
• 3
• BUS350
• SOC430
• Social Innovation and Impact
• 3
• SOC150
• ELECTIVE1
• Leadership Elective I
• 3
• None
• MGT410 — Advanced Organizational Theory: Critically evaluates contemporary theories on organizational design and culture. Students apply these to existing institutional models. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS420 — Human Resource Management: Focuses on talent acquisition, staff training, and the equitable treatment of organizational employees. Discusses HR from an ethical perspective. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC430 — Social Innovation and Impact: Analyzes how nonprofit leadership can effect societal change. Students draft models for sustainable social programs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ELECTIVE1 — Leadership Elective I: An upper-level course focused on specialized leadership applications within the community. Topics vary by student track. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 8 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP490
• Senior Capstone Project
• 4
• RES390, MGT410
• MGT450
• Leadership Ethics and Future Trends
• 3
• MGT410
• ELECTIVE2
• Leadership Elective II
• 3
• None
• BUS480
• Seminar in Organizational Governance
• 3
• MIN350
• CAP490 — Senior Capstone Project: Final synthesis of the degree through a formal thesis and project defense. Integrates all previous learning regarding ethical, professional, and spiritual development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT450 — Leadership Ethics and Future Trends: Provides a final analysis of shifting trends in leadership and the evolving ethical landscape of the workplace. Focuses on future-ready strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ELECTIVE2 — Leadership Elective II: A second upper-level course providing practical leadership applications. Students focus on a selected area of institutional interest. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS480 — Seminar in Organizational Governance: This seminar provides a comprehensive overview of governance, accountability, and ethical administration in the non-profit sector. Students analyze organizational sustainability and legal compliance through case studies of community-focused entities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must provide evidence of a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent, such as a GED, with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Prospective students should submit a personal statement reflecting on their commitment to ethical leadership, academic inquiry, and the university's mission of service, along with official transcripts from all previously attended secondary or postsecondary institutions. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience for the degree, requiring students to synthesize four years of learning into a comprehensive analysis of a contemporary leadership challenge. Students will identify an organizational issue and develop a research-based, actionable solution that incorporates concepts of ethical reasoning, servant leadership, and stewardship. This project demonstrates the student's capacity to engage in rigorous intellectual inquiry while maintaining a commitment to faith-informed professional practice. Weighting 4 credits, the project requires the development of a formal thesis, a strategic implementation plan, and an oral defense. The integration of faith-based perspectives is central, as students must explicitly articulate how their proposed interventions honor principles of integrity, communal responsibility, and holistic organizational well-being, effectively bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical, character-driven service.

• Graduation requires the completion of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, ensuring mastery of core disciplinary content. Students must demonstrate competency in all required courses, including the successful defense of the Senior Capstone Project. Beyond academic achievement, students are expected to participate in institutional formation activities, including regular community engagement hours and reflective spiritual development sessions that bridge academic growth with ethical maturity.
• This holistic approach ensures that graduates are prepared for professional practice while being anchored in a strong ethical framework. Students must exhibit a commitment to integrity, evidenced by consistent participation in campus community life and completion of all service-learning requirements, reflecting a readiness to contribute to the common good through faith-informed leadership.
• Career Opportunities
• Nonprofit Organization Director
• Human Resources Coordinator
• Community Outreach Manager
• Organizational Development Consultant
• Church Administrator
• Public Policy Researcher
• Volunteer Program Coordinator
• 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 Iconic Leadership
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years
• General education | 36 credit hours
• Faith-based iconic leadership core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours
• Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG101 | College Composition | 4 | None
• HIS105 | History of Western Ethics | 3 | None
• COM110 | Introduction to Human Communication | 3 | None
• MAT120 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC150 | Sociology of Community | 3 | None
• BUS110 | Introduction to Organizational Systems | 4 | None
• ENG102 | Research Writing | 3 | ENG101
• THE101 | Foundations of Ethical Thought | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT210 | Principles of Management | 3 | BUS110
• PSY220 | Human Behavior in Organizations | 3 | None
• CHR205 | Servant Leadership Principles | 3 | THE101
• HUM210 | Cultural Studies and Diversity | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BUS230 | Nonprofit Administration | 3 | MGT210
• RES250 | Introduction to Applied Research | 3 | ENG102
• MGT250 | Operations and Stewardship | 3 | BUS230
• SOC220 | Sociology of Service Learning | 4 | CHR205
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT310 | Strategic Leadership | 3 | MGT210
• BUS320 | Financial Stewardship for Nonprofits | 3 | MGT250
• COU305 | Conflict Resolution and Mediation | 3 | PSY220
• BUS350 | Professional Ethics and Law | 4 | BUS230
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT360 | Team Dynamics and Empowerment | 3 | MGT310
• BUS380 | Fundraising and Resource Development | 3 | BUS320
• RES390 | Applied Project Management | 3 | RES250
• PSY350 | Psychology of Professional Development | 4 | CHR220
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT410 | Advanced Organizational Theory | 3 | MGT360
• BUS420 | Human Resource Management | 3 | BUS350
• SOC430 | Social Innovation and Impact | 3 | SOC150
• ELECTIVE1 | Leadership Elective I | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | RES390, MGT410
• MGT450 | Leadership Ethics and Future Trends | 3 | MGT410
• ELECTIVE2 | Leadership Elective II | 3 | None
• BUS480 | Seminar in Organizational Governance | 3 | MIN350