Associate of Arts in Biblical Study (Specialization in Education)

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Biblical Study

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

Unassigned Academic Unit

Total credits

60

Duration

2 years

• Analyze the historical and cultural context of foundational biblical texts to interpret their significance in modern society.
• Evaluate pedagogical theories and their application in educational ministry environments.
• Demonstrate proficiency in oral and written communication to present complex theological concepts clearly.
• Apply ethical decision-making frameworks to resolve challenges in community and ministry settings.
• Design inclusive and effective ministry initiatives that prioritize servant leadership principles.
• Integrate biblical scholarship with contemporary issues to foster personal and organizational growth.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ENG101
• Academic Composition
• 4
• None
• THE101
• Foundations of Biblical Study
• 4
• None
• SOC101
• Introduction to Sociology
• 4
• None
• COM110
• Public Communication
• 4
• None
• ENG101 — Academic Composition: This course develops advanced writing skills through research and critical analysis of complex texts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE101 — Foundations of Biblical Study: An introduction to the historical and literary landscape of sacred texts and their modern interpretive frameworks. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC101 — Introduction to Sociology: This course examines social structures, human interaction, and the dynamics of community life. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM110 — Public Communication: Students learn to articulate ideas effectively in public settings through formal presentations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CHR120
• Ethics and Character Development
• 4
• THE101
• MIN150
• Principles of Ministry Leadership
• 4
• None
• EDU200
• Foundations of Instructional Design
• 4
• None
• HIS210
• World History and Cultural Context
• 4
• None
• CHR120 — Ethics and Character Development: This course provides an overview of ethical theories and their application to professional character. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN150 — Principles of Ministry Leadership: An examination of organizational leadership theories with a focus on servant leadership models. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU200 — Foundations of Instructional Design: Students explore learning theories and techniques for developing effective educational curriculum. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS210 — World History and Cultural Context: This course surveys global historical movements and their influence on contemporary social issues. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• THE220
• Hermeneutics and Interpretation
• 4
• THE101
• EDU250
• Educational Ministry Practice
• 4
• EDU200
• MIN260
• Nonprofit Organizational Management
• 4
• MIN150
• PSY101
• Introduction to Psychology
• 4
• None
• THE220 — Hermeneutics and Interpretation: Advanced methods for interpreting and contextualizing historical texts for contemporary application. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU250 — Educational Ministry Practice: Application of educational strategies within the context of faith-based organizations and community education programs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN260 — Nonprofit Organizational Management: Students investigate the operational, financial, and regulatory aspects of managing nonprofit entities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY101 — Introduction to Psychology: A study of human development and psychological processes as they relate to social environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES280
• Research Methodology
• 4
• None
• BUS230
• Organizational Stewardship
• 4
• None
• MIN290
• Community Engagement Strategies
• 4
• None
• CAP299
• Capstone Project
• 4
• RES280
• RES280 — Research Methodology: Techniques for data collection, research design, and formal analysis in organizational settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS230 — Organizational Stewardship: Principles of responsible resource management and strategic planning in mission-driven contexts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN290 — Community Engagement Strategies: This course analyzes effective communication and advocacy strategies for engaging local community networks. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP299 — Capstone Project: A comprehensive research project integrating faith-based perspectives, servant leadership, and disciplinary skills into a final service-based application. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or recognized equivalent with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Candidates are required to submit an application portfolio, which includes official transcripts and a personal statement reflecting on their commitment to academic study, ethical conduct, and community service. Culminating Project The Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience for the Associate of Arts program, requiring students to synthesize their learning from the areas of biblical education and ministry. Students are tasked with designing and implementing a service-based initiative that addresses a real-world need within a nonprofit or faith-based organization, demonstrating their ability to bridge theory and practice. This project demands a high level of academic rigor, requiring students to document their research, methodology, and the impact of their efforts, ultimately resulting in a formal final report and a professional presentation. Beyond academic competence, the Capstone emphasizes the integration of faith-informed character development, requiring students to document their engagement with principles of servant leadership and stewardship. Through this work, students must demonstrate how they have applied ethical reasoning and a consistent Christian worldview to their specific context, articulating how their project contributes to the holistic well-being of their community. This process encourages students to reflect on their vocational trajectory, ensuring that their work is marked by integrity, spiritual maturity, and a sustained commitment to serving the needs of others through their chosen field.

• Graduation from the Associate of Arts in Biblical Study requires the successful completion of 60 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Students must earn a passing grade in all core and elective courses, including the final Capstone Project, which demonstrates their ability to conduct independent, faith-integrated research and service. In addition to academic requirements, students must satisfy all institutional expectations for community engagement, demonstrating a commitment to ethical integrity and servant leadership throughout their residency.
• Spiritual formation is central to the degree, and students are expected to participate in community-wide service initiatives and reflective practice sessions that reinforce their academic training. Readiness for graduation is assessed not only through credit acquisition but also through evidence of the development of character and a professional disposition consistent with the institution’s values. Upon completion, graduates are prepared to enter their professional environments with a balanced understanding of academic discipline, theological depth, and a mandate for ethical, faith-informed service.
• Career Opportunities
• Ministry Program Coordinator
• Biblical Education Instructor
• Nonprofit Operations Assistant
• Youth and Family Ministry Associate
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Church Administrative Assistant
• Volunteer Services Director
• 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 Biblical Study
• Total program length | 60 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years
• General education | 18 credit hours
• Biblical Study core | 30 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 9 credit hours
• Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG101 | Academic Composition | 4 | None
• THE101 | Foundations of Biblical Study | 4 | None
• SOC101 | Introduction to Sociology | 4 | None
• COM110 | Public Communication | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CHR120 | Ethics and Character Development | 4 | THE101
• MIN150 | Principles of Ministry Leadership | 4 | None
• EDU200 | Foundations of Instructional Design | 4 | None
• HIS210 | World History and Cultural Context | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THE220 | Hermeneutics and Interpretation | 4 | THE101
• EDU250 | Educational Ministry Practice | 4 | EDU200
• MIN260 | Nonprofit Organizational Management | 4 | MIN150
• PSY101 | Introduction to Psychology | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES280 | Research Methodology | 4 | None
• BUS230 | Organizational Stewardship | 4 | None
• MIN290 | Community Engagement Strategies | 4 | None
• CAP299 | Capstone Project | 4 | RES280