Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Operational Management (Specialization in Operational Leadership Management)

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Faith-Based Operational Management, Leadership

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

HBIU College of Business and Economics

Total credits

60

Duration

2 years

• Analyze foundational theories of organizational management and leadership within diverse community environments.
• Apply principles of biblical stewardship and ethical decision-making to real-world administrative challenges.
• Evaluate the impact of servant leadership models on organizational culture and team performance.
• Design operational strategies to enhance the effectiveness of nonprofit programs and institutional resources.
• Communicate professional management principles effectively through oral and written mediums.
• Integrate core management concepts with faith-informed values to promote organizational sustainability.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ENG101
• Effective Professional Communication
• 3
• None
• MGT110
• Principles of Management
• 4
• None
• CHR105
• Foundations of Servant Leadership
• 4
• None
• SOC120
• Community Engagement
• 3
• None
• ENG101 — Effective Professional Communication: This course focuses on developing professional writing and oral communication skills appropriate for organizational settings. Students practice drafting reports, emails, and presentations for diverse stakeholders. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT110 — Principles of Management: An introduction to the fundamental functions of management including planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. Emphasis is placed on organizational structures and management efficiency. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR105 — Foundations of Servant Leadership: This course examines the biblical and historical roots of servant leadership as a model for organizational effectiveness. Students explore how to influence teams while maintaining humility and service as primary motivators. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC120 — Community Engagement: Students investigate the sociological dynamics of community building and the role of organizations in local development. The course highlights sustainable engagement strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• BUS201
• Principles of Financial Stewardship
• 4
• MGT110
• PSY210
• Organizational Behavior
• 3
• None
• MAT150
• Data Analysis for Decision Making
• 3
• None
• BUS215
• Ethics in Management
• 4
• None
• BUS201 — Principles of Financial Stewardship: This course provides an overview of budgeting, financial reporting, and the importance of fiscal accountability. Students learn to manage organizational resources with integrity and accuracy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY210 — Organizational Behavior: An analysis of individual and group behavior within organizations and how to create productive working environments. The course covers team dynamics, motivation, and conflict resolution. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MAT150 — Data Analysis for Decision Making: Students learn to collect and interpret data to inform administrative decisions and program efficacy. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based management practices. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS215 — Ethics in Management: This course addresses moral decision-making within the workplace and the development of ethical policies. Students evaluate real-world scenarios through a framework of virtue and accountability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MGT220
• Operations and Logistics
• 4
• MGT110
• COM230
• Public Relations and Advocacy
• 3
• ENG101
• PSY240
• Professional Development and Ethics
• 3
• None
• RES250
• Introduction to Applied Research
• 4
• MAT150
• MGT220 — Operations and Logistics: A study of the logistical processes necessary for running efficient nonprofit or institutional operations. Topics include resource allocation, facility management, and supply chain basics. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM230 — Public Relations and Advocacy: Examines the role of effective communication and advocacy in advancing an organization's public image and mission. Students create messaging strategies for donors and community members. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY240 — Professional Development and Ethics: This course examines the psychological foundations of professional identity, self-regulation, and interpersonal ethics within complex organizational settings. Students will evaluate personal integrity and collaborative behavior to foster effective workplace dynamics. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES250 — Introduction to Applied Research: This course introduces methods for assessing organizational performance and researching potential improvements. Students develop the foundation for their capstone project. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP299
• Capstone: Integrative Operational Project
• 4
• RES250
• MGT260
• Human Resource Management
• 4
• MGT110
• BUS270
• Marketing for Missions
• 3
• COM230
• HIS280
• Institutional History and Trends
• 3
• None
• CAP299 — Capstone: Integrative Operational Project: The culminating project where students demonstrate mastery of management principles by analyzing an actual organizational challenge. Final deliverables must include a comprehensive strategic recommendation document. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT260 — Human Resource Management: Explores the essential aspects of human resources including recruitment, training, performance management, and volunteer engagement. Students examine legal and relational aspects of staffing. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS270 — Marketing for Missions: Covers strategies for marketing and fundraising for faith-based and nonprofit causes. The course focuses on audience segmentation, digital presence, and impact storytelling. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS280 — Institutional History and Trends: Reviews the historical development of modern nonprofit organizations and current operational trends. This provides essential context for future leaders. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must provide evidence of a high school diploma or state-recognized equivalent (GED). Prospective students are evaluated based on their academic potential, personal character, and commitment to the mission of HBI University. A completed application, official transcripts, and an essay detailing the applicant's intent to engage in community-focused leadership and professional development are required for admission consideration. Culminating Project The Capstone Project serves as the final, integrative academic experience for the Associate of Arts program, requiring students to synthesize the knowledge, skills, and values acquired throughout their studies. Students are challenged to develop a comprehensive proposal or operational analysis for a faith-based or community organization, demonstrating their ability to apply management theory to authentic institutional needs. This project emphasizes the practical application of fiscal stewardship, strategic planning, and ethical oversight, encouraging students to reflect on how their personal leadership style aligns with the goals of service and integrity. The scope of the project requires both academic research and a reflective component that evaluates the integration of faith-informed character development with professional practice. By producing a final deliverable that outlines actionable strategies for organizational improvement, students demonstrate their readiness to engage in responsible, value-driven management. This project is a 4-credit requirement that confirms the student's mastery of the program's learning objectives, highlighting their capacity to operate as a thoughtful, ethical leader in a mission-driven environment.

• To qualify for the Associate of Arts degree, students must successfully complete 60 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. In addition to academic achievement, students must satisfy all institutional requirements for spiritual formation, which include participation in community engagement hours and regular attendance at campus formation gatherings. The graduation process ensures that students have demonstrated not only intellectual rigor but also a commitment to personal growth and ethical maturity. Graduates are expected to show evidence of readiness for service, marked by an understanding that professional excellence in management is fundamentally linked to integrity, stewardship, and a clear sense of vocation. Final clearance for graduation requires successful defense of the Capstone Project and compliance with all university policies regarding behavioral expectations and professional standards.
• Career Opportunities
• Church Operations Manager
• Nonprofit Program Assistant
• Faith-Based Community Development Coordinator
• Administrative Specialist for Mission Organizations
• Volunteer Services Manager
• Ministry Operations Analyst
• 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 Faith-Based Operational Management, Leadership
• Total program length | 60 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years
• General education | 18 credit hours
• Faith-Based Operational Management, Leadership core | 30 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 9 credit hours
• Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG101 | Effective Professional Communication | 3 | None
• MGT110 | Principles of Management | 4 | None
• CHR105 | Foundations of Servant Leadership | 4 | None
• SOC120 | Community Engagement | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BUS201 | Principles of Financial Stewardship | 4 | MGT110
• PSY210 | Organizational Behavior | 3 | None
• MAT150 | Data Analysis for Decision Making | 3 | None
• BUS215 | Ethics in Management | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT220 | Operations and Logistics | 4 | MGT110
• COM230 | Public Relations and Advocacy | 3 | ENG101
• PSY240 | Professional Development and Ethics | 3 | None
• RES250 | Introduction to Applied Research | 4 | MAT150
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP299 | Capstone: Integrative Operational Project | 4 | RES250
• MGT260 | Human Resource Management | 4 | MGT110
• BUS270 | Marketing for Missions | 3 | COM230
• HIS280 | Institutional History and Trends | 3 | None