Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Public Relations, Specialization in Advocacy Media Outreach

Academic unitHBIU College of Business and EconomicsTotal credits120Estimated duration4 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Public Relations

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Public Relations core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Public Relations with a specialization in Advocacy Media Outreach is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to cultivate professional expertise in communication, strategic messaging, and public advocacy. The curriculum integrates rigorous media theory and professional practice with a strong emphasis on ethical stewardship and servant leadership, preparing students to navigate the complexities of the modern digital landscape. Students engage in multidisciplinary study, drawing upon sociology, communication ethics, and strategic planning to develop messages that serve the common good and advance institutional missions. By combining technical proficiency in media production with foundational principles of moral integrity, the program equips graduates to influence public discourse and manage organizational reputation through the lens of a commitment to service. The curriculum emphasizes the development of technical skills in public relations, including media writing, crisis communication, and campaign strategy, while maintaining a focus on the relational and ethical dimensions of professional advocacy.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Public Relations with a specialization in Advocacy Media Outreach integrates a robust liberal arts foundation with comprehensive study in public relations theory, behavioral science, human development, professional ethics, media research, crisis awareness, strategic referral, organizational program development, and community-based support systems.

Florida's current standard establishes a minimum of 120 semester credits for a bachelor's degree and at least 30 general-education credits for a Bachelor of Arts. This curriculum exceeds the general-education minimum.

Program Facts

Program facts

Degree abbreviation: B.A. in Faith-Based Public Relations
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 Economics
Total credits: 120
Duration: 4 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

Analyze communication strategies to ensure they align with organizational mission, ethical integrity, and community values.
Develop integrated media campaigns using contemporary digital platforms to reach diverse audiences effectively.
Apply ethical decision-making frameworks to resolve professional dilemmas in public relations and advocacy.
Communicate complex ideas through clear, persuasive writing across various media formats.
Evaluate the societal influence of media narratives on public opinion and institutional reputation.
Integrate principles of servant leadership into the management of organizational stakeholders and community relations.
Demonstrate proficiency in crisis communication, managing organizational response with transparency and responsibility.
Course Outline
Semester 1 — Year 1
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
ENG101
Academic Writing and Rhetoric
3
None
COM105
Introduction to Public Relations
3
None
PHI110
Introduction to Moral Philosophy
3
None
MAT120
Quantitative Reasoning for Social Sciences
3
None
ENG101 — Academic Writing and Rhetoric: Explores the fundamentals of academic composition, including argument development and source integration. Students practice clear and concise professional writingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
COM105 — Introduction to Public Relations: Provides an overview of the history, theory, and practice of public relations. Discusses the role of PR in modern organizational structuresThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
PHI110 — Introduction to Moral Philosophy: This course explores foundational ethical theories and the evolution of social value systems in western society. Students analyze the impact of philosophical frameworks on human behavior and organizational decision-making. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
MAT120 — Quantitative Reasoning for Social Sciences: Introduces basic statistical methods used in social research and communication analysis. Focuses on data interpretation and logicThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
Semester 2 — Year 1
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
COM115
Strategic Communication Principles
3
COM105
SOC101
Principles of Sociology
3
None
ENG102
Advanced Composition and Research
3
ENG101
BUS150
Principles of Management
3
None
COM115 — Strategic Communication Principles: Examines core theories of communication and their application to strategic messaging. Focuses on audience analysis and message tailoringThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
SOC101 — Principles of Sociology: Studies the structures, patterns, and functions of social institutions. Explores how communication impacts social changeThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
ENG102 — Advanced Composition and Research: Builds on foundational writing skills with a focus on advanced research methodologies and long-form reportingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
BUS150 — Principles of Management: Covers foundational management theories including leadership, organizational design, and stewardship of resourcesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
Semester 3 — Year 2
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
COM210
Digital Media Production
4
COM115
BUS220
Organizational Ethics
3
BUS150
HIS201
History of Western Social Thought
3
None
PSY210
Psychology of Social Influence
3
SOC101
COM210 — Digital Media Production: Provides hands-on experience with digital content creation, including photography, video editing, and graphic design software. Focuses on visual storytellingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
BUS220 — Organizational Ethics: Explores the ethical dimensions of corporate and non-profit governance. Applies moral frameworks to organizational decision-makingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
HIS201 — History of Western Social Thought: Surveys major intellectual movements and their impact on contemporary social structures. Focuses on the evolution of civil discourseThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
PSY210 — Psychology of Social Influence: Investigates the cognitive and social factors that influence opinion formation and collective behavior. Essential for public relations strategyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
Semester 4 — Year 2
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
COM230
Media Writing and Editing
4
ENG102
CHR240
Servant Leadership and Stewardship
3
THE110
COM250
Interpersonal and Group Communication
3
COM115
RES280
Research Methods in Communications
3
MAT120
COM230 — Media Writing and Editing: Focuses on writing for diverse platforms including press releases, blog posts, and social media. Emphasizes accuracy and ethical communicationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
CHR240 — Servant Leadership and Stewardship: Examines models of servant leadership and the theological concept of managing resources for the common good. Applies these to professional contextsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
COM250 — Interpersonal and Group Communication: Analyzes the dynamics of communication in professional teams and interpersonal encounters. Develops conflict resolution and negotiation skillsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
RES280 — Research Methods in Communications: Introduces qualitative and quantitative research methods appropriate for assessing public relations campaigns. Covers survey design and focus groupsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
Semester 5 — Year 3
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
COM310
Public Relations Campaigns
3
COM230
COM325
Crisis Communication and Reputation Management
3
COM230
BUS330
Non-profit Management
3
BUS150
SOC350
Sociology of Media and Social Movements
3
THE110
COM310 — Public Relations Campaigns: Students learn to design, implement, and evaluate comprehensive public relations campaigns. Includes budget management and timeline executionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
COM325 — Crisis Communication and Reputation Management: Focuses on identifying potential risks and creating strategies for professional responses. Emphasizes honesty and organizational accountabilityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
BUS330 — Non-profit Management: Addresses the specific challenges of managing non-profit entities, including donor relations, volunteer coordination, and board governanceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
SOC350 — Sociology of Media and Social Movements: This course examines the role of media in shaping public opinion and the development of grassroots advocacy campaigns. Students study how cultural messaging influences social perception and institutional participation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
Semester 6 — Year 3
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
COM360
Advocacy and Public Policy Outreach
3
COM310
COM370
Global Communication and Cultural Awareness
3
SOC101
COM380
Community Outreach and Public Relations
3
CHR240
BUS390
Digital Marketing Analytics
3
RES280
COM360 — Advocacy and Public Policy Outreach: Examines how to advocate for social causes within the public policy arena. Focuses on legislative communication and community coalition buildingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
COM370 — Global Communication and Cultural Awareness: Discusses communication strategies in an increasingly interconnected global society. Focuses on cultural competency and ethical cross-cultural engagementThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
COM380 — Community Outreach and Public Relations: This course focuses on building effective partnerships between organizations and the local community through intentional outreach strategies. Students learn to develop communication plans that foster stakeholder engagement and support social advocacy initiatives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
BUS390 — Digital Marketing Analytics: Teaches the use of data to measure the success of online outreach. Evaluates metrics for engagement and organizational impactThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
Semester 7 — Year 4
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
COM410
Professional Ethics and Law in Communication
3
COM325
COM420
Advanced Strategic Storytelling
3
COM230
BUS440
Organizational Leadership Development
3
BUS150
COM450
Social Media and Public Engagement
3
COM210
COM410 — Professional Ethics and Law in Communication: Explores the legal landscape of media, including libel, privacy, and intellectual property. Applies an ethical lens to legal complianceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
COM420 — Advanced Strategic Storytelling: Explores advanced narrative techniques for advocacy. Focuses on crafting compelling stories that drive action and support mission goalsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
BUS440 — Organizational Leadership Development: Focuses on personal and professional development for leaders. Examines the cultivation of integrity, foresight, and relational skillThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
COM450 — Social Media and Public Engagement: Examines the role of social media platforms in facilitating organizational dialogue and community mobilizationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
Semester 8 — Year 4
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
CAP490
Senior Capstone Project
4
Senior Status
COM480
Contemporary Issues in Public Relations
3
Senior Status
THE495
Senior Seminar: Vocation and Ethics
3
Senior Status
COM499
Professional Development and Portfolio Review
3
Senior Status
CAP490 — Senior Capstone Project: Culminating experience involving the design and presentation of a full-scale advocacy campaign. Integrates all previous learning and faith-based reflectionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
COM480 — Contemporary Issues in Public Relations: Addresses current challenges and trends in the profession, such as artificial intelligence and polarized discourse. Fosters critical thinkingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
THE495 — Senior Seminar: Vocation and Ethics: Integrates faith, ethics, and professional life. Prepares students for the transition to careers as service-oriented professionalsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
COM499 — Professional Development and Portfolio Review: Provides guidance on job search strategies and the compilation of a professional portfolio. Includes mock interviews and critical feedbackThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must provide official documentation of a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent, typically demonstrating a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Admissions committees evaluate the applicant's record of academic performance, extracurricular leadership, and a personal statement outlining their commitment to ethical practice and interest in the field of public relations. Prospective students are encouraged to demonstrate an aptitude for writing and social analysis, which may be assessed through a writing sample or an entrance interview conducted by faculty from the College of Business & Economics. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience for the Bachelor of Arts program, requiring students to synthesize their disciplinary knowledge, communication skills, and ethical formation into a practical, evidence-based advocacy campaign. Students are tasked with designing and presenting a comprehensive public relations strategy for an actual non-profit organization or a community-focused initiative. This project mandates the application of rigorous research, strategic planning, and media execution while requiring students to articulate how their proposed interventions honor principles of biblical stewardship, ethical transparency, and servant leadership. The capstone is a 4-credit course that serves as the final measure of student readiness for the professional field. Deliverables include an extensive strategic plan document, a professional media kit, and a formal defense presented to faculty and industry representatives. Beyond technical competence, the capstone demands a reflective component where students evaluate their growth in character development, explaining how their personal faith journey has informed their approach to public relations and their responsibility toward those they represent. This project is a rigorous demonstration of academic maturity, serving as the bridge between theoretical study and the vocation of faith-informed service.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

The complete HBIU curriculum is protected.

Program titles, descriptions, outcomes, admissions information, and career opportunities remain available publicly. The official semester-by-semester course sequence, credits, prerequisites, and internal curriculum requirements are available to verified applicants, enrolled students, and authorized university personnel.

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Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

To graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Public Relations, students must complete 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, ensuring that all core requirements and the capstone project are completed with a passing grade. Beyond academic achievement, students are expected to engage in the university's holistic formation requirements, which include active participation in community service, chapel attendance, and consistent involvement in spiritual formation seminars. These requirements ensure that graduates have cultivated the necessary character to sustain a career marked by ethical integrity and personal resilience. Graduation signifies more than the attainment of an academic degree; it represents a commitment to the university’s mission of preparing students for service and vocation. Candidates must also demonstrate growth in their ability to integrate their intellectual training with their personal moral framework, showing readiness to serve in various professional settings as principled, faith-informed leaders who are prepared to handle the complexities of the modern workplace with wisdom and humility.
Career Opportunities
Public Relations Coordinator for Faith-Based Non-profits
Advocacy Specialist for Community Engagement Organizations
Communications Director for Social Service Agencies
Media Strategist for Charitable Foundations
Crisis Communications Associate for Educational Institutions
Public Affairs Specialist for Mission-Driven Organizations
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 Public Relations
Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
Normal completion time | Four academic years
General education | 36 credit hours
Faith-Based Public Relations core | 63 credit hours
Professional application courses | 15 credit hours
Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
ENG101 | Academic Writing and Rhetoric | 3 | None
COM105 | Introduction to Public Relations | 3 | None
PHI110 | Introduction to Moral Philosophy | 3 | None
MAT120 | Quantitative Reasoning for Social Sciences | 3 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
COM115 | Strategic Communication Principles | 3 | COM105
SOC101 | Principles of Sociology | 3 | None
ENG102 | Advanced Composition and Research | 3 | ENG101
BUS150 | Principles of Management | 3 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
COM210 | Digital Media Production | 4 | COM115
BUS220 | Organizational Ethics | 3 | BUS150
HIS201 | History of Western Social Thought | 3 | None
PSY210 | Psychology of Social Influence | 3 | SOC101
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
COM230 | Media Writing and Editing | 4 | ENG102
CHR240 | Servant Leadership and Stewardship | 3 | THE110
COM250 | Interpersonal and Group Communication | 3 | COM115
RES280 | Research Methods in Communications | 3 | MAT120
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
COM310 | Public Relations Campaigns | 3 | COM230
COM325 | Crisis Communication and Reputation Management | 3 | COM230
BUS330 | Non-profit Management | 3 | BUS150
SOC350 | Sociology of Media and Social Movements | 3 | THE110
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
COM360 | Advocacy and Public Policy Outreach | 3 | COM310
COM370 | Global Communication and Cultural Awareness | 3 | SOC101
COM380 | Community Outreach and Public Relations | 3 | CHR240
BUS390 | Digital Marketing Analytics | 3 | RES280
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
COM410 | Professional Ethics and Law in Communication | 3 | COM325
COM420 | Advanced Strategic Storytelling | 3 | COM230
BUS440 | Organizational Leadership Development | 3 | BUS150
COM450 | Social Media and Public Engagement | 3 | COM210
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | Senior Status
COM480 | Contemporary Issues in Public Relations | 3 | Senior Status
THE495 | Senior Seminar: Vocation and Ethics | 3 | Senior Status
COM499 | Professional Development and Portfolio Review | 3 | Senior Status

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

Public Relations Coordinator for Faith-Based Non-profits
Advocacy Specialist for Community Engagement Organizations
Communications Director for Social Service Agencies
Media Strategist for Charitable Foundations
Crisis Communications Associate for Educational Institutions
Public Affairs Specialist for Mission-Driven Organizations

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 | B.A. in Faith-Based Public Relations
Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
Normal completion time | Four academic years