Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Business Management (Specialization in Business Management, Entrepreneurship)

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Faith-Based Business Management

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 Project Management

Total credits

60

Duration

2 years

• Analyze foundational business principles including accounting, marketing, and management strategies.
• Evaluate ethical decision-making frameworks within the context of organizational stewardship.
• Design effective business plans that incorporate sustainable practices and community impact goals.
• Demonstrate proficiency in communication strategies necessary for leading diverse teams effectively.
• Integrate concepts of servant leadership into administrative and operational decision-making processes.
• Apply financial management techniques to ensure the long-term viability of small businesses and nonprofit entities.
• Develop strategic responses to common operational challenges within a competitive marketplace.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• BUS101
• Principles of Management
• 4
• None
• ENG101
• Academic Writing and Rhetoric
• 3
• None
• MAT110
• Quantitative Business Analysis
• 3
• None
• BUS105
• Principles of Business Ethics
• 3
• None
• BUS101 — Principles of Management: This course covers foundational management functions including planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. Students examine organizational structures and the role of leadership in fostering a productive work environment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ENG101 — Academic Writing and Rhetoric: This course focuses on developing clear, professional writing skills through argumentation and research. Students learn to construct persuasive documents tailored to specific professional audiences. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MAT110 — Quantitative Business Analysis: This course introduces mathematical techniques used in business, including statistics, financial calculations, and data visualization. Students apply these methods to interpret organizational performance metrics. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS105 — Principles of Business Ethics: This course examines the role of moral philosophy and corporate social responsibility in modern business operations. Students will analyze ethical decision-making frameworks to address professional dilemmas in various organizational settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• BUS105
• Principles of Marketing
• 3
• None
• ACC110
• Introduction to Financial Accounting
• 4
• MAT110
• COM120
• Professional Communication
• 3
• None
• SOC101
• Introduction to Sociology
• 3
• None
• BUS105 — Principles of Marketing: This course examines the role of marketing in reaching target audiences and promoting organizational goals. Students analyze market research, branding strategies, and promotional tactics. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ACC110 — Introduction to Financial Accounting: This course provides an overview of accounting cycles, financial statements, and the recording of economic transactions. Students learn to interpret financial health through standardized reporting practices. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM120 — Professional Communication: This course develops skills in verbal, written, and digital communication within the workplace. Students learn to facilitate effective meetings and produce professional internal and external reports. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC101 — Introduction to Sociology: This course offers an analysis of social structures, institutions, and the dynamics of community interaction. Students explore how groups function and the impact of social policy on public life. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• BUS201
• Entrepreneurial Strategy
• 4
• BUS101
• MGT210
• Human Resource Management
• 3
• BUS101
• MIN205
• Leadership in Organizational Service
• 3
• None
• BUS220
• Business Law and Ethics
• 3
• None
• BUS201 — Entrepreneurial Strategy: This course focuses on the development of new business ideas, feasibility analysis, and the creation of venture plans. Students study the stages of entrepreneurship from inception to launch. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT210 — Human Resource Management: This course explores the complexities of managing personnel, including recruitment, training, performance evaluation, and labor relations. Students study the legal and ethical requirements of effective HR practices. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN205 — Leadership in Organizational Service: This course analyzes servant leadership models and their application in administrative and collaborative settings. Students explore strategies for motivating volunteers and staff toward shared goals. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS220 — Business Law and Ethics: This course provides an overview of legal frameworks affecting business operations, including contracts, liability, and regulatory compliance. Students evaluate ethical dilemmas through a legal and moral perspective. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP299
• Capstone Project: Strategic Organizational Planning
• 4
• BUS201, ACC110
• BUS250
• Financial Stewardship and Budgeting
• 3
• ACC110
• BUS260
• Project Management Foundations
• 3
• BUS101
• RES200
• Community Engagement Research
• 3
• None
• CAP299 — Capstone Project: Strategic Organizational Planning: Students integrate all previous learning to develop a comprehensive, ethical business model for a specific organization or project. This capstone requires research, financial modeling, and a strategic vision presentation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS250 — Financial Stewardship and Budgeting: This course covers the principles of budgeting, resource allocation, and cash flow management within resource-constrained environments. Students practice fiscal responsibility through simulation and case studies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS260 — Project Management Foundations: This course introduces techniques for planning, executing, and closing projects within budget and time constraints. Students learn to manage resources and mitigate risk in a project-based environment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES200 — Community Engagement Research: This course introduces students to research methods necessary for identifying and addressing community needs. Students learn to design surveys, conduct interviews, and synthesize data for organizational benefit. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or state-recognized equivalent (such as a GED) with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0. Additionally, candidates must submit a personal statement reflecting their academic goals and alignment with the mission of the institution, along with an official transcript from their secondary educational institution. Culminating Project The Capstone Project serves as the final academic milestone for the Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Business Management, requiring students to synthesize their learning through the creation of a comprehensive business proposal. This project challenges students to develop a detailed strategic plan for a mission-driven organization, addressing financial forecasting, marketing outreach, and operational logistics. The scope demands that students demonstrate both technical competence and a commitment to stewardship by incorporating ethical considerations into every phase of their design. Through this project, students are expected to articulate how their proposed business model addresses a community need while reflecting principles of servant leadership. The deliverables include a formal written proposal and an oral presentation evaluated by faculty. This capstone is worth 4 credit hours and emphasizes the integration of faith-informed character development, requiring students to reflect on how their personal values and sense of calling influence their professional decisions. By successfully executing this project, students demonstrate their readiness to enter the workforce as principled leaders who view their business activities as a platform for service and community enrichment.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of 60 credit hours with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0. Students must earn a passing grade in all core and elective coursework, including the successful defense of the Capstone Project. Beyond academic attainment, graduation is contingent upon meeting the institution's expectations for character development and ethical integrity. This includes active participation in community service requirements and spiritual formation activities designed to foster a balanced and holistic worldview. Through these requirements, the institution ensures that students are not only academically prepared but also demonstrate the maturity and commitment necessary for a life of principled service. Candidates for graduation are expected to reflect the values of honesty, diligence, and stewardship, affirming their readiness to apply their education to the betterment of their professional and local communities.
• Career Opportunities
• Nonprofit Program Coordinator
• Small Business Operations Assistant
• Church Administrative Associate
• Community Outreach Liaison
• Assistant Project Manager
• Entrepreneurial Venture Developer
• Human Resources Assistant
• 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 Business Management
• Total program length | 60 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years
• General education | 18 credit hours
• Business and management core | 30 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 9 credit hours
• Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BUS101 | Principles of Management | 4 | None
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Rhetoric | 3 | None
• MAT110 | Quantitative Business Analysis | 3 | None
• BUS105 | Principles of Business Ethics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BUS105 | Principles of Marketing | 3 | None
• ACC110 | Introduction to Financial Accounting | 4 | MAT110
• COM120 | Professional Communication | 3 | None
• SOC101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BUS201 | Entrepreneurial Strategy | 4 | BUS101
• MGT210 | Human Resource Management | 3 | BUS101
• MIN205 | Leadership in Organizational Service | 3 | None
• BUS220 | Business Law and Ethics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP299 | Capstone Project: Strategic Organizational Planning | 4 | BUS201, ACC110
• BUS250 | Financial Stewardship and Budgeting | 3 | ACC110
• BUS260 | Project Management Foundations | 3 | BUS101
• RES200 | Community Engagement Research | 3 | None