Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Sociology, Specialization in Social Change Policy Reform

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Sociology

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 Science and Social Science

Total credits

120

Duration

4 years

• Analyze complex sociological phenomena using established research methodologies and theoretical frameworks.
• Evaluate the impact of social policy reform on diverse populations and institutional structures.
• Design ethical and evidence-based policy interventions that address systemic social challenges.
• Integrate a robust framework of servant leadership and biblical stewardship into professional social advocacy.
• Communicate research findings effectively to stakeholders in various academic, professional, and community settings.
• Demonstrate advanced competency in applying sociopolitical research to support the missions of community-based organizations.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• SOC 101
• Introduction to Sociology
• 4
• None
• ENG 101
• Academic Writing and Rhetoric
• 4
• None
• SOC 105
• Foundations of Social Ethics
• 3
• None
• MAT 120
• Statistics for Social Sciences
• 3
• None
• SOC 101 — Introduction to Sociology: This course examines the basic principles of social behavior, culture, and societal structures. It provides a foundation for analyzing how groups interact within society. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ENG 101 — Academic Writing and Rhetoric: Students focus on developing formal academic writing skills through logical argumentation and evidence-based research. Emphasis is placed on clarity, structure, and professional tone. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC 105 — Foundations of Social Ethics: This course examines the theoretical frameworks of ethical decision-making within pluralistic societies and their application to social policy challenges. Students analyze various moral philosophies and their impact on community behavior and public discourse. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MAT 120 — Statistics for Social Sciences: This course covers fundamental statistical concepts including descriptive statistics, probability, and hypothesis testing. Students learn to apply statistical methods to sociological data. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• SOC 150
• Sociological Theory I
• 4
• SOC 101
• PSY 101
• Introduction to Psychology
• 3
• None
• HIS 110
• World History and Social Change
• 4
• None
• ENG 102
• Research and Composition
• 3
• ENG 101
• SOC 150 — Sociological Theory I: An exploration of classical sociological perspectives and their relevance to historical and contemporary social structures. Students analyze the development of sociological thought. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY 101 — Introduction to Psychology: An overview of human behavior, cognition, and development through psychological lenses. Topics include social influence, personality, and emotional intelligence. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS 110 — World History and Social Change: A study of major global historical events and their influence on the development of current social policies. Students evaluate how past reforms have shaped modern society. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ENG 102 — Research and Composition: This course advances academic research skills and the effective documentation of scholarly sources. Students craft complex arguments for professional audiences. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• SOC 205
• Research Methods in Sociology
• 4
• SOC 101
• POL 210
• Policy Analysis Fundamentals
• 4
• SOC 101
• BUS 201
• Nonprofit Management
• 3
• None
• COM 220
• Communication for Social Advocacy
• 3
• ENG 101
• SOC 205 — Research Methods in Sociology: An investigation into qualitative and quantitative research designs. Students learn to gather and interpret empirical data for social analysis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• POL 210 — Policy Analysis Fundamentals: An introduction to the policy-making process and the tools used to evaluate legislative effectiveness. Students explore the lifecycle of public policy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS 201 — Nonprofit Management: An overview of the operational and administrative challenges faced by non-profit organizations. Emphasis is placed on governance, fundraising, and mission fulfillment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM 220 — Communication for Social Advocacy: This course focuses on persuasive communication strategies and media literacy in the context of community advocacy. Students refine their public speaking and messaging abilities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• SOC 250
• Social Stratification
• 4
• SOC 150
• RES 280
• Qualitative Research Design
• 4
• SOC 205
• MIN 250
• Principles of Servant Leadership
• 3
• CHR 101
• HUM 290
• Cultural Studies and Community Dynamics
• 3
• None
• SOC 250 — Social Stratification: A critical examination of social inequality based on class, race, and gender. Students analyze the impact of systemic barriers on marginalized communities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES 280 — Qualitative Research Design: Focuses on ethnographic, interview-based, and observation-based research techniques. Students apply these methods to understand complex community narratives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN 250 — Principles of Servant Leadership: An exploration of servant leadership models within organizational and community contexts. Students connect leadership theory with personal character formation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM 290 — Cultural Studies and Community Dynamics: This course examines the role of culture in shaping social norms and community interaction. Students explore how to navigate diverse sociocultural environments effectively. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• SOC 301
• Advanced Social Change Policy
• 4
• POL 210
• EDU 310
• Community Education and Outreach
• 3
• None
• CRJ 320
• Justice and Social Order
• 3
• SOC 250
• RES 350
• Data Analysis for Policy Reform
• 4
• RES 280
• SOC 301 — Advanced Social Change Policy: Students analyze contemporary policy challenges and design effective, sustainable reform proposals. Focus is placed on systemic solutions to persistent social issues. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU 310 — Community Education and Outreach: Strategies for community education and the mobilization of resources for public awareness. Students develop programs that engage local populations in meaningful change. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CRJ 320 — Justice and Social Order: This course investigates the sociological aspects of the justice system and its impact on marginalized groups. Emphasis is placed on reformative approaches to justice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES 350 — Data Analysis for Policy Reform: An advanced course in data interpretation and its application to legislative and organizational change. Students utilize software to perform predictive policy modeling. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• SOC 360
• Urban Sociology
• 3
• SOC 101
• MGT 330
• Organizational Stewardship
• 3
• BUS 201
• SOC 375
• Global Social Perspectives
• 3
• SOC 101
• COU 340
• Crisis Intervention and Community Support
• 3
• PSY 101
• SOC 360 — Urban Sociology: An examination of urbanization, community development, and housing policies in modern cities. Students analyze the challenges of urban environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT 330 — Organizational Stewardship: Focuses on the responsible management of resources and assets within a non-profit environment. Students learn to align organizational behavior with institutional values. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC 375 — Global Social Perspectives: Examines international social issues and the role of global policy in local communities. Students evaluate various models of international social reform. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU 340 — Crisis Intervention and Community Support: Introduces non-clinical methods for supporting individuals and families in crisis. Focuses on referral systems and long-term community social support structures. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 7 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• SOC 410
• Ethics in Social Advocacy
• 4
• CHR 101
• POL 420
• Public Sector Reform Strategies
• 3
• POL 210
• SOC 430
• Sociology of Development
• 3
• SOC 375
• CAP 480
• Senior Capstone Research I
• 4
• RES 350
• SOC 410 — Ethics in Social Advocacy: Advanced discussion on ethical dilemmas in social work and policy reform. Students evaluate their professional practices against a framework of integrity and fairness. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• POL 420 — Public Sector Reform Strategies: Evaluates strategies for reforming large-scale public policies. Students explore the interplay between government agencies and community-based initiatives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC 430 — Sociology of Development: Explores theories of development and their impact on community prosperity. Students analyze how to foster sustainable development in neglected areas. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP 480 — Senior Capstone Research I: Initial design and literature review phase of the senior project. Students select a research topic and develop a prospectus for policy analysis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 8 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• SOC 450
• Contemporary Issues in Sociology
• 3
• SOC 150
• MGT 460
• Strategic Leadership for Social Change
• 3
• MIN 250
• SOC 470
• Evaluation of Social Programs
• 3
• RES 350
• CAP 499
• Senior Capstone Project
• 4
• CAP 480
• SOC 450 — Contemporary Issues in Sociology: A seminar-style examination of current trends and challenges in the field of sociology. Students synthesize previous learning to address modern dilemmas. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT 460 — Strategic Leadership for Social Change: Focuses on strategic planning and leadership execution in community reform initiatives. Students apply leadership concepts to concrete social problems. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC 470 — Evaluation of Social Programs: Students evaluate the effectiveness of existing social programs using quantitative and qualitative tools. Emphasis is on improvement and scalability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP 499 — Senior Capstone Project: Final execution and presentation of the Senior Capstone Project. Students demonstrate their ability to integrate research, ethical analysis, and servant leadership in a professional context. 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 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Prospective students are required to submit an academic personal statement detailing their commitment to ethical community service and must meet the institution's standard requirements for university-level entrance, including proof of English proficiency. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience, requiring students to synthesize their sociological training with their ethical and spiritual formation. Students are tasked with identifying a specific social concern and designing a comprehensive policy reform proposal or an organizational service intervention. This project demands the integration of rigorous research methods, sociological theory, and the application of servant-leadership principles. Students must demonstrate how their proposed solutions reflect biblical stewardship and an commitment to social justice. The deliverables include a formal research paper and a comprehensive policy presentation, which are evaluated for academic rigor, strategic feasibility, and moral alignment. The project underscores the student's transition from theoretical learner to an ethically grounded practitioner prepared for professional service. This capstone requires 4 credits and evaluates the student’s ability to weave professional competence with spiritual maturity and character integrity.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. In addition to academic coursework, students must fulfill the Senior Capstone Project with a passing grade and meet all institutional requirements regarding chapel attendance and community service, which are designed to foster spiritual formation and demonstrate a commitment to faith-informed service. These requirements ensure that graduates possess both the academic acumen and the ethical character necessary to contribute meaningfully to their communities. Readiness for graduation is assessed by the faculty as an integration of cognitive mastery, personal integrity, and a demonstrated desire to serve society through professional excellence.
• Career Opportunities
• Nonprofit Program Coordinator
• Social Policy Analyst
• Community Outreach Specialist
• Case Management Director
• Advocacy Strategist
• Public Policy Consultant
• Grant Writer
• 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 Sociology
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years
• General education | 36 credit hours
• Faith-Based Sociology core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours
• Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 4 | None
• ENG 101 | Academic Writing and Rhetoric | 4 | None
• SOC 105 | Foundations of Social Ethics | 3 | None
• MAT 120 | Statistics for Social Sciences | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC 150 | Sociological Theory I | 4 | SOC 101
• PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• HIS 110 | World History and Social Change | 4 | None
• ENG 102 | Research and Composition | 3 | ENG 101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC 205 | Research Methods in Sociology | 4 | SOC 101
• POL 210 | Policy Analysis Fundamentals | 4 | SOC 101
• BUS 201 | Nonprofit Management | 3 | None
• COM 220 | Communication for Social Advocacy | 3 | ENG 101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC 250 | Social Stratification | 4 | SOC 150
• RES 280 | Qualitative Research Design | 4 | SOC 205
• MIN 250 | Principles of Servant Leadership | 3 | CHR 101
• HUM 290 | Cultural Studies and Community Dynamics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC 301 | Advanced Social Change Policy | 4 | POL 210
• EDU 310 | Community Education and Outreach | 3 | None
• CRJ 320 | Justice and Social Order | 3 | SOC 250
• RES 350 | Data Analysis for Policy Reform | 4 | RES 280
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC 360 | Urban Sociology | 3 | SOC 101
• MGT 330 | Organizational Stewardship | 3 | BUS 201
• SOC 375 | Global Social Perspectives | 3 | SOC 101
• COU 340 | Crisis Intervention and Community Support | 3 | PSY 101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC 410 | Ethics in Social Advocacy | 4 | CHR 101
• POL 420 | Public Sector Reform Strategies | 3 | POL 210
• SOC 430 | Sociology of Development | 3 | SOC 375
• CAP 480 | Senior Capstone Research I | 4 | RES 350
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC 450 | Contemporary Issues in Sociology | 3 | SOC 150
• MGT 460 | Strategic Leadership for Social Change | 3 | MIN 250
• SOC 470 | Evaluation of Social Programs | 3 | RES 350
• CAP 499 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | CAP 480