Associate of Arts in Ministry (Specialization in Leadership)

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Ministry

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 Seminary

Total credits

60

Duration

2 years

• Analyze foundational leadership theories and their application within organizational and community settings.
• Evaluate the intersection of personal character development and effective professional leadership.
• Apply ethical decision-making models to resolve common challenges found in non-profit and ministerial environments.
• Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills in both collaborative and individual professional contexts.
• Develop strategic approaches to organizational stewardship that align with mission-driven objectives.
• Integrate historical and theological frameworks into a coherent personal philosophy of leadership.
• Design an organizational project that addresses a specific community or institutional need.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ENG101
• Academic Writing and Communication
• 4
• None
• MIN110
• Introduction to Ministry Foundations
• 4
• None
• HIS120
• World History and Cultural Perspectives
• 4
• None
• MAT105
• Quantitative Reasoning
• 4
• None
• ENG101 — Academic Writing and Communication: This course focuses on advanced reading, analytical writing, and research skills necessary for university success. Students will learn to construct evidence-based arguments and utilize appropriate academic citations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN110 — Introduction to Ministry Foundations: This course provides an overview of the history, development, and current structures of ministerial organizations. Students will examine key functions of leadership within these institutions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS120 — World History and Cultural Perspectives: A comprehensive survey of major historical events and social developments that have shaped modern global cultures. Students will analyze the impact of these events on contemporary leadership challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MAT105 — Quantitative Reasoning: This course covers fundamental mathematical concepts and their application in decision-making and problem-solving. Students will learn to analyze data sets relevant to non-profit administration. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• PSY201
• Introduction to Psychology
• 4
• None
• MGT210
• Principles of Management
• 4
• None
• SOC205
• Introduction to Sociology
• 4
• None
• THE220
• Theological Foundations for Leadership
• 4
• MIN110
• PSY201 — Introduction to Psychology: This course introduces the foundational principles of human behavior, cognitive processes, and emotional development. Emphasis is placed on applying psychological concepts to interpersonal relations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT210 — Principles of Management: An introduction to the primary functions of management, including planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. Students will examine effective organizational structures. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC205 — Introduction to Sociology: This course examines the study of social structures, institutions, and the dynamics of human interaction within groups. Students will explore the relationship between social change and community development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE220 — Theological Foundations for Leadership: Students will engage in a critical analysis of historical theological themes and their influence on leadership ethics. The course emphasizes servant-based models of authority. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COM301
• Organizational Communication
• 3
• ENG101
• MGT320
• Organizational Leadership and Ethics
• 3
• MGT210
• CHR310
• Spiritual Formation and Character Development
• 3
• THE220
• RES300
• Research Methods for Community Analysis
• 3
• MAT105
• COM301 — Organizational Communication: This course examines the role of communication in organizational efficiency, focusing on conflict resolution and team dynamics. Students will develop skills for effective public speaking and internal reporting. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT320 — Organizational Leadership and Ethics: An investigation into leadership styles, ethical decision-making, and organizational culture. Students will practice applying moral frameworks to professional dilemmas. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR310 — Spiritual Formation and Character Development: A study of personal discipline and interior development as essential components of long-term leadership effectiveness. Students will assess their own values and formation goals. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES300 — Research Methods for Community Analysis: This course introduces qualitative and quantitative research techniques for evaluating community needs and organizational effectiveness. Students will refine their skills in data collection and assessment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MIN401
• Non-Profit Stewardship and Financial Management
• 3
• MGT210
• BUS405
• Strategic Planning for Service Organizations
• 3
• MGT320
• CAP490
• Capstone Project: Leadership in Practice
• 4
• RES300
• EDU410
• Educational Theory and Leadership Development
• 3
• PSY201
• MIN401 — Non-Profit Stewardship and Financial Management: A study of the principles of fiscal responsibility, fundraising, and the sustainable management of non-profit resources. Students will create basic financial strategies for organizational stability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS405 — Strategic Planning for Service Organizations: This course addresses the formulation and execution of long-term strategy for mission-driven organizations. Students will analyze case studies of organizational growth and impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP490 — Capstone Project: Leadership in Practice: The final capstone project requires the application of leadership theory to an identified organizational or community challenge. Students will deliver a comprehensive project report that includes evidence-based recommendations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU410 — Educational Theory and Leadership Development: This course covers the principles of adult learning and training development, allowing leaders to mentor and train others effectively. Students will design a staff or volunteer development program. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must possess a high school diploma or an equivalent state-recognized credential, such as a GED. Prospective students are required to submit an official application, academic transcripts from all previous institutions attended, and a personal statement outlining their professional and academic goals. HBI University evaluates candidates based on their potential for academic success, commitment to the institutional mission, and readiness for rigorous college-level study. Culminating Project The Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience for the Associate of Arts in Ministry, requiring students to synthesize their learning through the development of a comprehensive organizational leadership plan. This project encourages students to address a real-world problem or opportunity within a ministry or non-profit context, applying the theories and skills acquired throughout the program. Students are expected to produce a detailed strategy that incorporates ethical analysis, resource management, and strategic planning. The project integrates faith-based perspectives by requiring students to articulate how their proposed solutions reflect principles of servant leadership and biblical stewardship. Students must demonstrate both academic rigor and spiritual maturity, grounding their practical recommendations in an ethical framework that prioritizes the welfare of the organization and the community it serves. The deliverables consist of a project proposal, a strategic implementation plan, and a reflective essay connecting their professional work to their personal character development, carrying a total weight of 4 credit hours.

• Graduation from the Associate of Arts in Ministry program requires the successful completion of 60 total credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Students must earn a passing grade in all core and elective coursework, including the successful defense or submission of the final Capstone Project. The program demands a commitment to academic excellence alongside personal growth, ensuring that graduates meet the high standards of integrity expected by the institution.
• Beyond academic requirements, students must demonstrate alignment with institutional values regarding character development, spiritual formation, and community engagement. Graduation signifies that the student has paired professional competence with a commitment to service, demonstrating readiness to apply their education to the betterment of their communities. Fulfillment of these criteria indicates the graduate's ability to act as a mission-focused, ethical leader in a variety of institutional settings.
• Career Opportunities
• Non-profit Program Coordinator
• Church Operations Manager
• Community Outreach Specialist
• Ministry Administrative Assistant
• Volunteer Services Coordinator
• Social Service Case Aide
• Development and Fundraising Assistant
• 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 Ministry
• Total program length | 60 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years
• General education | 18 credit hours
• Ministry and leadership core | 30 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 9 credit hours
• Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Communication | 4 | None
• MIN110 | Introduction to Ministry Foundations | 4 | None
• HIS120 | World History and Cultural Perspectives | 4 | None
• MAT105 | Quantitative Reasoning | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY201 | Introduction to Psychology | 4 | None
• MGT210 | Principles of Management | 4 | None
• SOC205 | Introduction to Sociology | 4 | None
• THE220 | Theological Foundations for Leadership | 4 | MIN110
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM301 | Organizational Communication | 3 | ENG101
• MGT320 | Organizational Leadership and Ethics | 3 | MGT210
• CHR310 | Spiritual Formation and Character Development | 3 | THE220
• RES300 | Research Methods for Community Analysis | 3 | MAT105
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MIN401 | Non-Profit Stewardship and Financial Management | 3 | MGT210
• BUS405 | Strategic Planning for Service Organizations | 3 | MGT320
• CAP490 | Capstone Project: Leadership in Practice | 4 | RES300
• EDU410 | Educational Theory and Leadership Development | 3 | PSY201