Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Public Speaking, Specialization in Advocacy Training

Academic unitHBIU College of Communication and MediaTotal credits120Estimated duration4 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Public Speaking

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Public Speaking and advocacy core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Public Speaking with a specialization in Advocacy Training is designed to equip students with the rhetorical, analytical, and leadership skills necessary to influence public discourse through an ethical and values-driven lens. This program integrates rigorous communication theory with the practical application of advocacy strategies, enabling graduates to serve as effective, articulate, and principled voices in diverse professional and community settings. Students engage in a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes the intersection of persuasive communication, social responsibility, and servant leadership, preparing them to engage complex issues with integrity and clarity. By grounding oratorical training in the principles of ethical reasoning and community stewardship, the program cultivates leaders who are committed to the common good and prepared to translate moral convictions into impactful public action.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Public Speaking, Specialization in Advocacy Training, combines rigorous general education with a comprehensive study of faith-based public speaking theory, behavioral science, human development, communication ethics, research methodology, crisis awareness, referral protocols, 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 Speaking
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 Communication and Media
Total credits: 120
Duration: 4 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

Analyze complex social issues through the lens of ethical reasoning and servant leadership.
Develop evidence-based persuasive strategies to communicate effectively within diverse public and community forums.
Evaluate the impact of digital media and rhetoric on public perception and social policy.
Design comprehensive advocacy campaigns that address systemic community needs.
Integrate a Christian worldview into professional public speaking practice, prioritizing stewardship and integrity.
Demonstrate advanced proficiency in oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Apply conflict resolution and mediation principles to facilitate productive discourse in polarized environments.
Course Outline
Semester 1 — Year 1
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
ENG 101
Composition and Rhetoric I
4
None
COM 110
Foundations of Communication
3
None
HIS 105
World History to 1500
3
None
MIN 101
Introduction to Servant Leadership
2
None
ENG 101 — Composition and Rhetoric I: Explores the fundamentals of academic writing, focusing on structural clarity and logical flow. Students practice effective communication through diverse writing formatsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
COM 110 — Foundations of Communication: Surveys the history and theory of human communication. Addresses the role of ethics in interpersonal and public exchangesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
HIS 105 — World History to 1500: Examines the development of human societies and their cultural narratives. Provides a foundation for understanding historical changeThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
MIN 101 — Introduction to Servant Leadership: Introduces the principles of leadership grounded in service and ethical stewardship. Explores biblical frameworks for leading othersThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
Semester 2 — Year 1
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
ENG 102
Composition and Rhetoric II
4
ENG 101
COM 120
Public Speaking Fundamentals
3
None
MAT 150
Statistics for Social Sciences
3
None
PSY 101
Introduction to Psychology
2
None
ENG 102 — Composition and Rhetoric II: Advances student research and analytical writing skills. Focuses on argumentative structure and persuasive techniques in academic contextsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
COM 120 — Public Speaking Fundamentals: Develops core oral presentation skills, including delivery, tone, and audience analysis. Emphasizes structured and clear deliveryThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
MAT 150 — Statistics for Social Sciences: Provides analytical tools for interpreting quantitative data. Focuses on descriptive and inferential statistics as applied to social trendsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
PSY 101 — Introduction to Psychology: Covers the fundamental concepts of human behavior and development. Analyzes psychological factors in social interactionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
Semester 3 — Year 2
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
COM 210
Persuasive Communication
3
COM 120
SOC 201
Sociology of Community
3
None
THE 205
Ethics and Character
3
None
COM 230
Digital Media and Society
3
None
COM 210 — Persuasive Communication: Examines theories of persuasion and their application in social and public contexts. Analyzes methods of influencing public opinionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
SOC 201 — Sociology of Community: Investigates the dynamics of social groups and community structures. Explores how community engagement drives social changeThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
THE 205 — Ethics and Character: Examines classic ethical theories and their intersection with character formation. Discusses moral integrity in professional lifeThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
COM 230 — Digital Media and Society: Analyzes the influence of digital platforms on public discourse. Focuses on digital literacy and ethical media consumptionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
Semester 4 — Year 2
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
COM 250
Intercultural Communication
3
None
RES 210
Research Methods
4
MAT 150
POL 220
Political Communication
3
None
HUM 200
Philosophy of Stewardship
2
None
COM 250 — Intercultural Communication: Explores communication barriers and strategies in diverse cultural settings. Emphasizes empathy and respect in global contextsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
RES 210 — Research Methods: Introduces qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Prepares students to design and conduct ethical research projectsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
POL 220 — Political Communication: Analyzes the role of rhetoric and media in political processes. Examines policy advocacy from a balanced, academic perspectiveThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
HUM 200 — Philosophy of Stewardship: Investigates the philosophical underpinnings of personal and environmental stewardship. Explores responsibility to the futureThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
Semester 5 — Year 3
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
COM 310
Advanced Rhetorical Analysis
3
COM 210
BUS 315
Grant Writing and Non-Profit Management
4
None
COM 340
Organizational Communication
3
None
SOC 305
Community Organizing and Social Action
2
None
COM 310 — Advanced Rhetorical Analysis: Deepens skills in evaluating the effectiveness and ethical quality of public arguments. Critically examines historical and contemporary speechesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
BUS 315 — Grant Writing and Non-Profit Management: Provides practical knowledge on securing funding and managing community-focused organizations. Focuses on transparency and resource stewardshipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
COM 340 — Organizational Communication: Focuses on the flow of information within organizations. Explores internal and external messaging strategies for mission-driven entitiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
SOC 305 — Community Organizing and Social Action: This course examines the methodologies and theoretical frameworks utilized in grassroots community organizing and social movement building. Students explore the strategies for effective civic engagement and collective advocacy within diverse populations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
Semester 6 — Year 3
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
COM 360
Conflict Resolution and Mediation
3
None
COM 380
Advocacy Campaign Design
4
RES 210
SOC 350
Social Justice and Public Policy
3
None
HIS 330
History of Public Reform
2
None
COM 360 — Conflict Resolution and Mediation: Teaches strategies for de-escalation and facilitating dialogue. Focuses on finding common ground in polarized public settingsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
COM 380 — Advocacy Campaign Design: Applies theoretical concepts to create practical communication campaigns for community issues. Emphasizes messaging and strategic outreachThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
SOC 350 — Social Justice and Public Policy: Provides a comprehensive overview of policy impact on vulnerable populations. Examines legislative and social advocacy pathsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
HIS 330 — History of Public Reform: Analyzes historical social movements and the communication strategies that fueled change. Evaluates success and impactThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
Semester 7 — Year 4
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
COM 410
Ethics in Public Discourse
3
THE 205
COM 450
Strategic Communication Internship
4
Senior Standing
BUS 420
Strategic Leadership
3
None
EDU 405
Pedagogy and Public Education
2
None
COM 410 — Ethics in Public Discourse: Explores the intersection of morality, integrity, and public communication. Addresses the challenge of maintaining truth in advocacyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
COM 450 — Strategic Communication Internship: Provides professional field experience in an advocacy or non-profit setting. Integrates academic learning with practical field performanceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
BUS 420 — Strategic Leadership: Focuses on organizational leadership, mission-setting, and team building. Emphasizes servant leadership in professional environmentsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
EDU 405 — Pedagogy and Public Education: Examines methods for effectively educating the public on complex issues. Focuses on clear and accessible information disseminationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
Semester 8 — Year 4
Code
Title
Credits
Prerequisites
CAP 499
Senior Capstone Project
4
COM 450
COM 470
Advanced Public Presentation
3
COM 310
SOC 430
Contemporary Global Issues
3
None
BUS 490
Professional Ethics and Organizational Social Responsibility
2
None
CAP 499 — Senior Capstone Project: Culminating experience requiring the independent development and presentation of a research-based advocacy project. Integrates ethical, rhetorical, and professional skillsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
COM 470 — Advanced Public Presentation: Refines professional performance and delivery skills. Focuses on the integration of content depth and persuasive styleThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
SOC 430 — Contemporary Global Issues: Analyzes pressing international challenges and the role of communication in building global awareness and cooperationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
BUS 490 — Professional Ethics and Organizational Social Responsibility: This course investigates the intersection of corporate social responsibility and individual professional conduct within contemporary public-facing organizations. Students will analyze case studies regarding ethical decision-making in high-pressure institutional environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must provide evidence of a high school diploma or its equivalent, demonstrating a commitment to academic rigor. Admission to the program requires submission of official transcripts, a statement of personal purpose outlining the candidate's desire to serve the community, and at least one letter of recommendation reflecting the applicant's character and potential for leadership. A holistic review process ensures that all admitted students are prepared for the university's faith-informed academic community and the specific demands of the advocacy-focused curriculum. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project serves as the final academic demonstration of a student's proficiency, requiring the development, presentation, and defense of a scholarly advocacy project. Students identify a critical social or community challenge, conduct original research, and design a strategic communication framework intended to advance the common good. This project necessitates the synthesis of rhetorical theory, ethical deliberation, and practical application, ensuring that students can bridge academic theory with real-world complexities in a way that honors their commitment to service and stewardship. The capstone is weighted at 4 credit hours, reflecting its intensive research and performance requirements. Deliverables include a formal research paper, a multi-modal presentation, and a reflective analysis detailing the integration of faith-based principles into the advocacy strategy. This final project serves as a testament to the student's academic growth, moral maturity, and readiness to engage as a servant leader in their chosen field of influence.

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 qualify for graduation, students must complete a total of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Graduates must demonstrate not only academic success but also a commitment to spiritual and moral formation, evidenced by the satisfactory completion of all core coursework, general education requirements, and the final Senior Capstone Project. The degree recognizes the integration of scholarly achievement with character development, requiring students to participate in community engagement initiatives that mirror the university's mission of service and integrity. Graduation confirms that the candidate possesses the professional skills and ethical foundation necessary to provide leadership in various societal sectors, reflecting a life characterized by purpose, stewardship, and academic excellence.
Career Opportunities
Non-Profit Communications Director
Public Policy Advocacy Consultant
Corporate Social Responsibility Officer
Community Development Coordinator
Public Relations Specialist for Faith-Based Organizations
Legislative Aide
Communications Strategist for Humanitarian Agencies
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 Speaking
Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
Normal completion time | Four academic years
General education | 36 credit hours
Faith-Based Public Speaking and advocacy core | 63 credit hours
Professional application courses | 15 credit hours
Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
ENG 101 | Composition and Rhetoric I | 4 | None
COM 110 | Foundations of Communication | 3 | None
HIS 105 | World History to 1500 | 3 | None
MIN 101 | Introduction to Servant Leadership | 2 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
ENG 102 | Composition and Rhetoric II | 4 | ENG 101
COM 120 | Public Speaking Fundamentals | 3 | None
MAT 150 | Statistics for Social Sciences | 3 | None
PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 2 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
COM 210 | Persuasive Communication | 3 | COM 120
SOC 201 | Sociology of Community | 3 | None
THE 205 | Ethics and Character | 3 | None
COM 230 | Digital Media and Society | 3 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
COM 250 | Intercultural Communication | 3 | None
RES 210 | Research Methods | 4 | MAT 150
POL 220 | Political Communication | 3 | None
HUM 200 | Philosophy of Stewardship | 2 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
COM 310 | Advanced Rhetorical Analysis | 3 | COM 210
BUS 315 | Grant Writing and Non-Profit Management | 4 | None
COM 340 | Organizational Communication | 3 | None
SOC 305 | Community Organizing and Social Action | 2 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
COM 360 | Conflict Resolution and Mediation | 3 | None
COM 380 | Advocacy Campaign Design | 4 | RES 210
SOC 350 | Social Justice and Public Policy | 3 | None
HIS 330 | History of Public Reform | 2 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
COM 410 | Ethics in Public Discourse | 3 | THE 205
COM 450 | Strategic Communication Internship | 4 | Senior Standing
BUS 420 | Strategic Leadership | 3 | None
EDU 405 | Pedagogy and Public Education | 2 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
CAP 499 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | COM 450
COM 470 | Advanced Public Presentation | 3 | COM 310
SOC 430 | Contemporary Global Issues | 3 | None
BUS 490 | Professional Ethics and Organizational Social Responsibility | 2 | None

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

Non-Profit Communications Director
Public Policy Advocacy Consultant
Corporate Social Responsibility Officer
Community Development Coordinator
Public Relations Specialist for Faith-Based Organizations
Legislative Aide
Communications Strategist for Humanitarian Agencies

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 Speaking
Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
Normal completion time | Four academic years