Certificate in Faith Based Humanities 101 (Faith, Culture)

Total program length

18 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Six to nine months

General education

Not required

Professional application courses

3 credit hours

Academic unit

HBIU Training Institute

Total credits

18

Duration

1 years

• Analyze historical and cultural developments using standard social science research methods.
• Evaluate the role of ethical reasoning in professional decision-making within nonprofit settings.
• Demonstrate servant leadership through the application of stewardship principles in community projects.
• Communicate complex cultural themes clearly in both oral and written formats.
• Integrate a Christian worldview with academic disciplinary knowledge to address contemporary societal challenges.
• Develop a comprehensive capstone project that addresses a specific community need through a lens of service and faith-informed ethics.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• HUM101
• Foundations of Human Culture
• 2
• None
• SOC105
• Sociology of Community Service
• 2
• None
• HIS110
• Historical Perspectives on Philanthropy
• 2
• None
• COM120
• Professional Communication in Practice
• 3
• None
• HUM101 — Foundations of Human Culture: This course explores the evolution of cultural expressions and their influence on societal values. It encourages an appreciation for diverse perspectives while emphasizing ethical frameworks. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC105 — Sociology of Community Service: An introduction to the sociological study of volunteerism and social impact in local communities. Students analyze how collective action addresses systemic challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS110 — Historical Perspectives on Philanthropy: This course examines the history of institutional giving and social welfare development. It explores how historical trends continue to influence modern nonprofit structures. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM120 — Professional Communication in Practice: Focusing on effective interpersonal and organizational communication strategies, this course highlights clarity and integrity in discourse. Students practice writing reports and presentations that convey mission-driven objectives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ETH205
• Ethical Reasoning and Leadership
• 3
• HUM101
• MGT210
• Principles of Stewardship
• 2
• SOC105
• PSY220
• Psychology of Personal Development
• 2
• None
• CAP299
• Humanities Capstone Project
• 2
• Completion of all other courses
• ETH205 — Ethical Reasoning and Leadership: This course investigates the theoretical foundations of moral decision-making and servant leadership. Students explore how these concepts guide stewardship in professional and community settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT210 — Principles of Stewardship: An overview of organizational stewardship, focusing on the responsible management of resources to achieve mission objectives. It provides a foundational understanding of fiscal and social accountability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY220 — Psychology of Personal Development: This course examines the theories of individual growth, personality development, and the acquisition of core values in professional settings. It explores the psychological frameworks that foster personal integrity and resilience in collaborative environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP299 — Humanities Capstone Project: The capstone provides a synthesis of all previous learning through a significant, student-led community project. Students integrate academic research, ethical application, and service leadership in a final scholarly deliverable. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants seeking admission to the Certificate in Faith Based Humanities 101 must hold a high school diploma or its recognized equivalent. Candidates are required to submit an official application, which includes a personal statement reflecting their commitment to academic growth, ethical integrity, and community service. Preference is given to individuals who demonstrate a history of involvement in volunteerism or civic engagement, aligning with the institutional values of the HBIU Training Institute. Prospective students must meet the general academic standards established by the university for undergraduate certificate programs to ensure readiness for the rigors of the curriculum. Culminating Project The Capstone Project serves as the final academic demonstration of the student’s mastery of the program’s core competencies. Students will design and execute an original project that addresses a real-world social or cultural challenge, integrating the theories of humanities and ethical leadership studied throughout the program. The project requires students to synthesize academic research with a plan for community improvement, emphasizing biblical stewardship and servant leadership as the foundations of their work. The deliverables include a formal research paper and an executive presentation that outlines the project's methodology, ethical implications, and expected societal impact. By weaving faith-based perspectives into the fabric of the analysis, the project serves as a manifestation of the student’s spiritual formation and readiness for professional service. The capstone reflects the culmination of both academic competence and the development of a character grounded in integrity. This final endeavor validates the student’s capability to apply higher learning to real-world scenarios while upholding the standard of service inherent to faith-informed organizations.

• To graduate, students must complete the 18 credit hours prescribed by the program curriculum with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. In addition to academic coursework, graduation is contingent upon the satisfactory completion and successful defense of the Capstone Project. Each student must also demonstrate an ongoing commitment to spiritual formation and character development, which is evidenced through participation in community service initiatives and designated institutional engagement activities throughout the duration of the certificate. Candidates for graduation are expected to embody the values of the HBIU Training Institute by demonstrating how their professional skills will be utilized for the betterment of others. This holistic approach ensures that students leave the program not only as proficient thinkers but as ethically informed individuals prepared to serve with maturity, discernment, and a sense of call. Completion of these requirements marks a milestone in the student’s journey toward effective, faith-informed service in the public sphere.
• Career Opportunities
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Nonprofit Program Assistant
• Social Services Case Aide
• Volunteer Program Manager
• Humanitarian Aid Coordinator
• Advocacy and Public Liaison
• Church-based Ministry Support Specialist
• 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.
• Credential abbreviation | Certificate in Faith Based Humanities
• Total program length | 18 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Six to nine months
• General education | Not required
• Foundational faith-based humanities courses | 12 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 3 credit hours
• Final applied project | 3 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HUM101 | Foundations of Human Culture | 2 | None
• SOC105 | Sociology of Community Service | 2 | None
• HIS110 | Historical Perspectives on Philanthropy | 2 | None
• COM120 | Professional Communication in Practice | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ETH205 | Ethical Reasoning and Leadership | 3 | HUM101
• MGT210 | Principles of Stewardship | 2 | SOC105
• PSY220 | Psychology of Personal Development | 2 | None
• CAP299 | Humanities Capstone Project | 2 | Completion of all other courses