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Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Government, Public Affairs, Specialization in Laws that Governs Nonprofits

Academic unitHBIU College of Business and EconomicsTotal credits120Estimated duration4 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Government, Public Affairs, Specialization in Laws that Governs Nonprofits

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Government and Public Affairs core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Government and Public Affairs is a comprehensive undergraduate program designed for students seeking to integrate rigorous academic inquiry in political science with the principles of ethical stewardship and servant leadership. The curriculum explores the mechanisms of governance, public policy development, and the specific regulatory frameworks surrounding the nonprofit sector. Students will engage with historical foundations of law, contemporary administrative practices, and the socio-economic impact of civic organizations within a global context.

By fostering a curriculum rooted in critical thinking and academic excellence, the program prepares graduates to navigate the complexities of public administration while upholding high standards of integrity. Through the lens of professional responsibility and ethical governance, students are equipped to analyze societal challenges and contribute meaningfully to the nonprofit and public sectors, ensuring that their work is characterized by transparency, accountability, and commitment to the common good.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Government, Public Affairs, Specialization in Laws that Governs Nonprofits combines a broad foundational general education with a comprehensive study of the subject theory, behavioral science, human development, ethics, research, crisis awareness, referral, program development, and community-based support. This program is designed to provide students with the theoretical and practical framework necessary to engage in public affairs and nonprofit governance within a faith-based context.

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 Government, Public Affairs, Specialization in Laws that Governs Nonprofits
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 the structural and functional frameworks of government institutions at the local, state, and national levels.
  • Evaluate the legal requirements, compliance standards, and regulatory landscapes governing the nonprofit sector.
  • Apply ethical reasoning and servant leadership models to navigate complex administrative and public policy dilemmas.
  • Design effective organizational strategies that demonstrate responsible stewardship of public and charitable resources.
  • Communicate complex political and administrative issues clearly through scholarly writing and professional discourse.
  • Integrate a foundation of ethical integrity and community engagement into professional public service practices.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • ENG101
  • Academic Writing and Rhetoric
  • 3
  • None
  • HIS105
  • History of Western Political Thought
  • 4
  • None
  • BUS110
  • Introduction to Business Administration
  • 3
  • None
  • SOC101
  • Principles of Sociology
  • 3
  • None
  • ENG101 — Academic Writing and Rhetoric: Focuses on the development of critical thinking and effective communication through scholarly essay compositionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • HIS105 — History of Western Political Thought: Examines the development of political ideals from classical antiquity through the modern eraThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • BUS110 — Introduction to Business Administration: An overview of organizational structures, management functions, and the role of business in societyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • SOC101 — Principles of Sociology: Introduces the study of social structures, institutions, and human interaction patternsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • MAT120
  • Quantitative Reasoning
  • 3
  • None
  • COM150
  • Public Speaking and Persuasion
  • 3
  • None
  • POL110
  • American Government and Public Policy
  • 4
  • None
  • CHR120
  • Ethics and Stewardship
  • 3
  • None
  • MAT120 — Quantitative Reasoning: Develops analytical skills through the application of statistics and data interpretationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • COM150 — Public Speaking and Persuasion: Refines oral communication skills for effective professional and public advocacyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • POL110 — American Government and Public Policy: Surveys the structure of the American political system and the policy-making processThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • CHR120 — Ethics and Stewardship: Explores the intersection of personal moral character and professional responsibilityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • BUS205
  • Principles of Management
  • 3
  • BUS110
  • POL210
  • Administrative Law
  • 3
  • POL110
  • RES200
  • Research Methods for Social Sciences
  • 4
  • MAT120
  • ECO210
  • Macroeconomics
  • 3
  • None
  • BUS205 — Principles of Management: Analyzes the essential functions of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling in organizationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • POL210 — Administrative Law: Covers the legal frameworks regulating government agencies and administrative proceduresThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • RES200 — Research Methods for Social Sciences: Provides training in qualitative and quantitative research design and data gatheringThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • ECO210 — Macroeconomics: Introduces the principles of national and global economic systems and their impact on policyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • POL225
  • Nonprofit Governance and Law
  • 4
  • POL210
  • MGT250
  • Organizational Leadership
  • 3
  • BUS205
  • POL260
  • Public Finance and Budgeting
  • 3
  • ECO210
  • HIS280
  • World History and Civilizations
  • 3
  • None
  • POL225 — Nonprofit Governance and Law: Examines the legal requirements for tax-exempt organizations and corporate governance standardsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • MGT250 — Organizational Leadership: Investigates servant leadership models in the context of institutional growth and managementThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • POL260 — Public Finance and Budgeting: Focuses on the complexities of public sector budgeting and fiscal accountabilityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • HIS280 — World History and Civilizations: Broad analysis of historical developments and their influence on contemporary global societiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 5 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • POL310
  • Regulatory Compliance for Nonprofits
  • 4
  • POL225
  • BUS320
  • Financial Management for Nonprofits
  • 3
  • POL260
  • POL330
  • Legislative Process
  • 3
  • POL110
  • ENG305
  • Professional and Technical Writing
  • 3
  • ENG101
  • POL310 — Regulatory Compliance for Nonprofits: Detailed study of state and federal regulations impacting non-profit organizational operationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • BUS320 — Financial Management for Nonprofits: Covers accounting standards and fiscal stewardship specific to charitable organizationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • POL330 — Legislative Process: Provides insight into how bills become law and the role of lobbyists and interest groupsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • ENG305 — Professional and Technical Writing: Advances the student's ability to produce professional documents and grant applicationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 6 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • POL350
  • International Relations and Global Affairs
  • 3
  • POL110
  • BUS360
  • Human Resources in the Public Sector
  • 3
  • BUS205
  • POL380
  • Constitutional Law
  • 4
  • POL110
  • PHI310
  • Philosophy of Ethics and Justice
  • 3
  • CHR120
  • POL350 — International Relations and Global Affairs: Analyzes global political dynamics and their effect on international NGO activityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • BUS360 — Human Resources in the Public Sector: Covers personnel management, labor regulations, and ethical staffing practicesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • POL380 — Constitutional Law: Examines the judicial interpretation of the constitution and its implications for policyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • PHI310 — Philosophy of Ethics and Justice: Explores major ethical theories and their application to current political challengesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 7 — Year 4
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • POL410
  • Advanced Policy Analysis
  • 4
  • RES200
  • BUS420
  • Strategic Planning in Nonprofits
  • 3
  • MGT250
  • POL430
  • Intergovernmental Relations
  • 3
  • POL110
  • HIS450
  • Global Development and Social Change
  • 3
  • POL350
  • POL410 — Advanced Policy Analysis: Applies rigorous evaluation techniques to contemporary public and nonprofit policy issuesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • BUS420 — Strategic Planning in Nonprofits: Focuses on developing long-term organizational strategy and sustainable community impactThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • POL430 — Intergovernmental Relations: Examines the collaborative relationships between federal, state, and local entitiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • HIS450 — Global Development and Social Change: Evaluates the historical impact of NGOs on global social and economic developmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 8 — Year 4
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CAP490
  • Senior Capstone Project
  • 4
  • All Core Courses
  • POL450
  • Professionalism and Civic Leadership
  • 3
  • Senior Standing
  • BUS480
  • Risk Management and Accountability
  • 3
  • BUS420
  • SOC420
  • Community Engagement Seminar
  • 3
  • SOC101
  • CAP490 — Senior Capstone Project: Final integration project requiring original research and policy proposal design with a focus on ethical governanceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • POL450 — Professionalism and Civic Leadership: Refines professional standards and identifies future roles in civic and community leadershipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • BUS480 — Risk Management and Accountability: Explores internal controls and risk mitigation strategies in public and non-profit settingsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • SOC420 — Community Engagement Seminar: Focuses on bridging organizational work with community-level service and outreachThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Government and Public Affairs must hold a high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Prospective students are required to submit an official transcript, a personal statement detailing their commitment to ethical public service, and two letters of recommendation from academic or professional references. Meeting these minimum criteria ensures that incoming students possess the academic readiness to engage with the rigorous interdisciplinary nature of the curriculum. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience for the program, requiring students to synthesize four years of coursework through an original research project or a comprehensive policy analysis. Students are tasked with identifying a critical issue within a real-world nonprofit organization or public agency and proposing a solution that reflects both technical expertise in the relevant law and a deep commitment to institutional stewardship. This capstone is worth 4 credit hours and requires extensive data analysis, literature review, and professional presentation. Beyond technical proficiency, the capstone project serves as a vehicle for integrating faith-based perspectives on justice, mercy, and professional integrity. Students must articulate how their proposed policy or administrative improvements embody servant leadership and biblical stewardship principles. The project deliverables include a formal written thesis and an oral defense, which together demonstrate the student's capacity for academic competence and the development of a professional identity rooted in ethical and faith-informed decision-making.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • To qualify for the Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Government and Public Affairs, students must complete a total of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. All core requirements, including the Senior Capstone Project, must be satisfied with a grade of C or better. Graduation represents not only the mastery of political and administrative disciplines but also the culmination of a journey toward professional maturity, ethical consistency, and service readiness.
  • In addition to academic achievement, graduation requirements include the completion of a prescribed series of spiritual formation seminars and a minimum requirement of community service hours. This holistic approach ensures that students leave the institution as individuals who have cultivated both their intellectual capacities and their sense of duty to their neighbors. Graduates are expected to demonstrate that their academic preparation is harmonized with a character grounded in faith, integrity, and a vocational commitment to the welfare of their communities.
  • Career Opportunities
  • Nonprofit Program Coordinator
  • Public Policy Analyst
  • Compliance Officer for Charitable Organizations
  • Grant Writer and Development Manager
  • Legislative Aide
  • Community Development Specialist
  • Public Relations Officer in Public Affairs
  • 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 Government, Public Affairs, Specialization in Laws that Governs Nonprofits
  • Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Four academic years
  • General education | 36 credit hours
  • Faith-Based Government and Public Affairs 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
  • HIS105 | History of Western Political Thought | 4 | None
  • BUS110 | Introduction to Business Administration | 3 | None
  • SOC101 | Principles of Sociology | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MAT120 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | None
  • COM150 | Public Speaking and Persuasion | 3 | None
  • POL110 | American Government and Public Policy | 4 | None
  • CHR120 | Ethics and Stewardship | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BUS205 | Principles of Management | 3 | BUS110
  • POL210 | Administrative Law | 3 | POL110
  • RES200 | Research Methods for Social Sciences | 4 | MAT120
  • ECO210 | Macroeconomics | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • POL225 | Nonprofit Governance and Law | 4 | POL210
  • MGT250 | Organizational Leadership | 3 | BUS205
  • POL260 | Public Finance and Budgeting | 3 | ECO210
  • HIS280 | World History and Civilizations | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • POL310 | Regulatory Compliance for Nonprofits | 4 | POL225
  • BUS320 | Financial Management for Nonprofits | 3 | POL260
  • POL330 | Legislative Process | 3 | POL110
  • ENG305 | Professional and Technical Writing | 3 | ENG101
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • POL350 | International Relations and Global Affairs | 3 | POL110
  • BUS360 | Human Resources in the Public Sector | 3 | BUS205
  • POL380 | Constitutional Law | 4 | POL110
  • PHI310 | Philosophy of Ethics and Justice | 3 | CHR120
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • POL410 | Advanced Policy Analysis | 4 | RES200
  • BUS420 | Strategic Planning in Nonprofits | 3 | MGT250
  • POL430 | Intergovernmental Relations | 3 | POL110
  • HIS450 | Global Development and Social Change | 3 | POL350
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | All Core Courses
  • POL450 | Professionalism and Civic Leadership | 3 | Senior Standing
  • BUS480 | Risk Management and Accountability | 3 | BUS420
  • SOC420 | Community Engagement Seminar | 3 | SOC101

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Nonprofit Program Coordinator
  • Public Policy Analyst
  • Compliance Officer for Charitable Organizations
  • Grant Writer and Development Manager
  • Legislative Aide
  • Community Development Specialist
  • Public Relations Officer in Public Affairs

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 Government, Public Affairs, Specialization in Laws that Governs Nonprofits
  • Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Four academic years