Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Occupational Therapy, Specialization in Rehabilitation Services

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Occupational Therapy

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 Health Science

Total credits

120

Duration

4 years

• Analyze the bio-psycho-social factors that influence human function and participation in daily life activities.
• Apply evidence-based rehabilitation support strategies to enhance individual autonomy and quality of life.
• Evaluate the impact of ethical reasoning and moral framework development on professional decision-making in human services.
• Design inclusive community programs that address the needs of diverse populations through effective resource stewardship.
• Demonstrate advanced communication skills necessary for interdisciplinary collaboration in non-clinical rehabilitative settings.
• Integrate spiritual formation and Christian worldview principles into the practice of vocational service and community leadership.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ENG 101
• Academic Writing and Rhetoric
• 4
• None
• PSY 101
• Introduction to Psychology
• 4
• None
• BIO 110
• Human Biology
• 3
• None
• PHI 105
• Foundations of Philosophical Inquiry
• 3
• None
• ENG 101 — Academic Writing and Rhetoric: This course focuses on advanced composition, research methods, and logical argumentation. Students develop the skills necessary to present complex ideas with clarity and professional rigor. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY 101 — Introduction to Psychology: An overview of the fundamental principles of human behavior, cognitive processes, and emotional development. This course provides a baseline for understanding human nature within the context of community care. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BIO 110 — Human Biology: This course explores the biological systems of the human body and their functional interaction with environmental factors. It emphasizes health maintenance and the biological basis of movement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PHI 105 — Foundations of Philosophical Inquiry: This course examines the fundamental branches of philosophy, including metaphysics, epistemology, and axiology, to develop critical thinking skills. Students analyze diverse systems of thought and their influence on contemporary global perspectives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• SOC 120
• Introduction to Sociology
• 3
• None
• MAT 150
• Statistics for the Social Sciences
• 3
• None
• COM 110
• Interpersonal Communication
• 3
• None
• MIN 120
• Principles of Servant Leadership
• 3
• None
• SOC 120 — Introduction to Sociology: An exploration of social structures, institutions, and the influence of culture on human interaction. Students analyze the role of social advocacy and collective impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MAT 150 — Statistics for the Social Sciences: A study of descriptive and inferential statistics applied to social and health data. Students learn to interpret quantitative findings to improve community service efficiency. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM 110 — Interpersonal Communication: Examination of communication patterns, conflict resolution, and empathy-based dialogue. This course builds the skills necessary for collaborative community engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN 120 — Principles of Servant Leadership: An investigation into the theoretical and practical application of leadership models focused on humble service. Students identify traits for effective, ethical management of volunteer teams. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU 210
• Developmental Psychology
• 3
• PSY 101
• BIO 220
• Anatomy and Physiology
• 4
• BIO 110
• HUM 205
• Ethics and Moral Decision Making
• 3
• THE 105
• BUS 201
• Nonprofit Resource Management
• 3
• None
• COU 210 — Developmental Psychology: Analysis of physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development across the lifespan. This foundational knowledge supports the design of age-appropriate community programming. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BIO 220 — Anatomy and Physiology: A detailed examination of human biological structures and physiological functions. This course emphasizes the mechanics of human performance and limitations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM 205 — Ethics and Moral Decision Making: Critical study of moral theories and their application to modern professional dilemmas. Students evaluate ethical frameworks for decision making in non-profit sectors. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS 201 — Nonprofit Resource Management: Introduction to financial stewardship, budgeting, and resource allocation in community-based organizations. Students learn to maximize impact through sound fiscal practices. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU 240
• Behavioral Health Interventions
• 3
• COU 210
• HIS 250
• History of Community Service
• 3
• None
• EDU 260
• Principles of Educational Programming
• 3
• None
• RES 200
• Research Methods
• 3
• MAT 150
• COU 240 — Behavioral Health Interventions: Study of non-clinical approaches to managing behavioral challenges in community settings. Focuses on promoting positive environments through support-based interventions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS 250 — History of Community Service: Analysis of the historical evolution of social welfare and faith-based institutional service. Examines the impact of historical movements on modern rehabilitative practices. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU 260 — Principles of Educational Programming: Exploration of methods for designing educational programs for diverse groups. Focuses on adapting content for different learning styles and abilities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES 200 — Research Methods: Introduction to quantitative and qualitative research methodologies used in social and health studies. Prepares students for evidence-based practice and future academic pursuits. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU 310
• Adaptive Living Strategies
• 3
• BIO 220
• MGT 320
• Organizational Leadership in Nonprofits
• 3
• MIN 120
• SOC 330
• Sociology of Disability and Inclusion
• 3
• SOC 120
• PSY 305
• Professional Identity and Career Development
• 3
• THE 105
• COU 310 — Adaptive Living Strategies: Application of principles for modifying environments to support individual independence. Focuses on tools and practices that increase accessibility for various populations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT 320 — Organizational Leadership in Nonprofits: Advanced study of leadership theories applied specifically to the management of nonprofit social service organizations. Emphasis is placed on organizational culture and stakeholder communication. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC 330 — Sociology of Disability and Inclusion: Analysis of social attitudes, systemic barriers, and policy impacts on individuals with disabilities. Focuses on strategies for fostering inclusive community environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY 305 — Professional Identity and Career Development: This course explores the intersection of personal values, professional identity, and career trajectories within the healthcare and social service sectors. Students engage in reflective exercises to align their professional goals with institutional and community objectives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU 350
• Group Facilitation and Dynamics
• 3
• COM 110
• CRJ 310
• Advocacy and Social Justice
• 3
• SOC 330
• BIO 350
• Health and Wellness Promotion
• 3
• BIO 220
• BUS 380
• Strategic Planning for Community Services
• 3
• BUS 201
• COU 350 — Group Facilitation and Dynamics: Study of how to lead, manage, and facilitate group sessions within rehabilitative contexts. Focuses on communication, conflict resolution, and creating supportive social environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CRJ 310 — Advocacy and Social Justice: Examination of systemic inequities and the role of the individual in promoting justice through community support. Focuses on advocacy strategies for marginalized populations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BIO 350 — Health and Wellness Promotion: Application of health theories to create wellness programs that address physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of life. Students develop initiatives to improve general community health. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS 380 — Strategic Planning for Community Services: Analysis of strategic planning frameworks used by organizations to identify goals, measure outcomes, and maintain mission alignment. Students learn to draft actionable service plans. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 7 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU 410
• Rehabilitation Support Environments
• 4
• COU 310
• MGT 430
• Grant Writing and Fundraising
• 3
• BUS 380
• EDU 420
• Inclusive Community Programming
• 3
• EDU 260
• RES 400
• Advanced Research and Data Evaluation
• 3
• RES 200
• COU 410 — Rehabilitation Support Environments: In-depth study of physical and social settings that influence recovery and independence. Students learn how to assess and modify these settings for maximum user participation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT 430 — Grant Writing and Fundraising: Technical training in securing funding for community rehabilitation programs. Emphasizes the ethical articulation of mission and the demonstration of social impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU 420 — Inclusive Community Programming: Exploration of universal design principles as applied to community-based programming. Students design events and services that ensure full accessibility for all participants. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES 400 — Advanced Research and Data Evaluation: Synthesis of research skills applied to evaluate program success within a nonprofit context. Focuses on data-informed decision making and service improvement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 8 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP 490
• Senior Capstone Project
• 4
• RES 400, MGT 430
• COU 450
• Professional Ethics and Law
• 3
• HUM 205
• SOC 460
• Community Resilience and Sustainability
• 3
• SOC 330
• MIN 480
• Leadership in Transition
• 3
• MIN 120
• CAP 490 — Senior Capstone Project: The culminating project where students design and implement a comprehensive service initiative. Students reflect on their academic growth and the integration of their faith in their professional practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU 450 — Professional Ethics and Law: Study of legal and ethical guidelines governing health and service-oriented work. Emphasizes the role of the individual as a steward of professional standards and community trust. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC 460 — Community Resilience and Sustainability: Examination of factors that build resilience in community organizations and the populations they serve. Focuses on long-term sustainability and stewardship of resources. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN 480 — Leadership in Transition: A final synthesis course preparing students for entry into the workforce as servant leaders. Focuses on career integration of professional knowledge and spiritual values. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or equivalent 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 desire to serve in community-based health settings, and two letters of recommendation from academic or professional references. Evidence of a commitment to ethical conduct and a readiness to engage in a rigorous curriculum centered on servant leadership is highly encouraged. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project represents the culminating academic experience for the Bachelor of Arts program, requiring students to synthesize their learning across four years of study. Worth 4 credit hours, this project necessitates the design and implementation of an original, service-oriented initiative that addresses a tangible need within a nonprofit or community rehabilitation setting. Students must demonstrate mastery of their discipline while articulating how their work reflects principles of biblical stewardship, servant leadership, and ethical integrity. Deliverables for this project include an academic thesis, a comprehensive project portfolio, and a final public presentation. Through this experience, students illustrate the synthesis of academic competence and spiritual maturity, documenting how their faith-informed character informs their approach to professional practice. The capstone serves as a bridge between the university environment and a lifetime of commitment to faith-integrated service.

• Graduation requires the completion of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Students must satisfy all core, specialization, and general education requirements, including the successful defense of the Senior Capstone Project. The program maintains high expectations for academic performance and the manifestation of professional standards, ensuring that every graduate is prepared to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
• Beyond academic success, students are expected to demonstrate ongoing commitment to spiritual formation and community service. This involves active participation in institutional chapel programs, completion of specified service-learning hours, and regular engagement with faculty mentors to foster character development. Graduates are recognized not only for their intellectual growth but also for their integrity, humility, and readiness to engage in faith-informed vocational service that mirrors the values of compassion and societal care.
• Career Opportunities
• Community Rehabilitation Coordinator
• Nonprofit Program Manager for Disability Services
• Adaptive Living Specialist
• Human Services Case Manager
• Geriatric Activity Coordinator
• Faith-Based Health Outreach Liaison
• Advocacy Specialist for Vulnerable Populations
• 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 Occupational Therapy
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years
• General education | 36 credit hours
• Faith-Based Occupational Therapy core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours
• Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG 101 | Academic Writing and Rhetoric | 4 | None
• PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 4 | None
• BIO 110 | Human Biology | 3 | None
• PHI 105 | Foundations of Philosophical Inquiry | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC 120 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• MAT 150 | Statistics for the Social Sciences | 3 | None
• COM 110 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | None
• MIN 120 | Principles of Servant Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU 210 | Developmental Psychology | 3 | PSY 101
• BIO 220 | Anatomy and Physiology | 4 | BIO 110
• HUM 205 | Ethics and Moral Decision Making | 3 | THE 105
• BUS 201 | Nonprofit Resource Management | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU 240 | Behavioral Health Interventions | 3 | COU 210
• HIS 250 | History of Community Service | 3 | None
• EDU 260 | Principles of Educational Programming | 3 | None
• RES 200 | Research Methods | 3 | MAT 150
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU 310 | Adaptive Living Strategies | 3 | BIO 220
• MGT 320 | Organizational Leadership in Nonprofits | 3 | MIN 120
• SOC 330 | Sociology of Disability and Inclusion | 3 | SOC 120
• PSY 305 | Professional Identity and Career Development | 3 | THE 105
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU 350 | Group Facilitation and Dynamics | 3 | COM 110
• CRJ 310 | Advocacy and Social Justice | 3 | SOC 330
• BIO 350 | Health and Wellness Promotion | 3 | BIO 220
• BUS 380 | Strategic Planning for Community Services | 3 | BUS 201
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU 410 | Rehabilitation Support Environments | 4 | COU 310
• MGT 430 | Grant Writing and Fundraising | 3 | BUS 380
• EDU 420 | Inclusive Community Programming | 3 | EDU 260
• RES 400 | Advanced Research and Data Evaluation | 3 | RES 200
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP 490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | RES 400, MGT 430
• COU 450 | Professional Ethics and Law | 3 | HUM 205
• SOC 460 | Community Resilience and Sustainability | 3 | SOC 330
• MIN 480 | Leadership in Transition | 3 | MIN 120