Certificate in Faith Based Biblical Social Work, Human Services

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 the historical and theoretical foundations of social welfare policy and their impact on contemporary human service organizations.
• Evaluate the ethical dimensions of social work practice through the lens of institutional stewardship and servant leadership.
• Apply psychological and sociological research methods to assess social challenges within community settings.
• Design holistic intervention strategies that address the multi-faceted needs of vulnerable populations.
• Communicate complex social issues clearly and professionally to diverse stakeholders in various community contexts.
• Integrate a coherent worldview characterized by personal integrity and institutional accountability into all professional interactions.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• SOC101
• Certificate in Faith Based Foundations of Social Justice
• 2
• None
• PSY102
• Certificate in Faith Based Introduction to Psychology
• 3
• None
• SOC201
• Certificate in Faith Based Social Problems and Policy
• 2
• SOC101
• THE105
• Certificate in Faith Based Ethics and Servant Leadership
• 2
• None
• SOC101 — Certificate in Faith Based Foundations of Social Justice: Explores the fundamental concepts of social structures, institutions, and human interactions. Students analyze how societal forces shape individual behavior and group dynamicsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PSY102 — Certificate in Faith Based Introduction to Psychology: Examines the principles of human behavior, development, and mental processes. Focuses on understanding the individual within their unique environmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC201 — Certificate in Faith Based Social Problems and Policy: Investigates contemporary social challenges and the public policies created to address them. Evaluates the efficacy of various institutional approaches to social welfareThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• THE105 — Certificate in Faith Based Ethics and Servant Leadership: Explores the application of ethical theories in leadership roles, emphasizing stewardship and service. Students reflect on the integration of faith and professional conductThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COU210
• Certificate in Faith Based Human Services Delivery Systems
• 3
• SOC101
• SOC305
• Certificate in Faith Based Social Justice and Advocacy
• 2
• SOC201
• COM220
• Certificate in Faith Based Interpersonal Communication in Human Services
• 2
• None
• CAP400
• Certificate in Faith Based Advocacy Capstone Project
• 2
• Completion of all other program courses
• COU210 — Certificate in Faith Based Human Services Delivery Systems: Overview of the human services sector, focusing on service delivery models and community resources. Teaches students how to navigate and collaborate within professional networksThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC305 — Certificate in Faith Based Social Justice and Advocacy: Studies the biblical and sociological foundations of justice. Students develop strategies for advocating for vulnerable populations while maintaining professional boundariesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COM220 — Certificate in Faith Based Interpersonal Communication in Human Services: Develops essential communication skills for effective interaction in professional settings. Focuses on active listening, empathy, and clarity in complex environmentsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CAP400 — Certificate in Faith Based Advocacy Capstone Project: A comprehensive project requiring the design of an evidence-based service intervention. Integrates academic learning with personal reflections on faith, ethics, and characterThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Applicants must possess a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent such as a GED. Additionally, candidates are expected to demonstrate an interest in professional human service work and must submit an application that includes a personal statement outlining their motivations for pursuing the program and their professional goals. Prior academic performance, including official transcripts from any previously attended postsecondary institutions, will be reviewed as part of the holistic admissions process. Culminating Project The Capstone Project serves as the final academic milestone for the certificate, requiring students to synthesize their learning through the completion of a substantive service-based case study or community outreach proposal. This project focuses on identifying a pressing local social need and designing an evidence-based intervention that aligns with the values of stewardship, justice, and servant leadership. Students are expected to demonstrate academic rigor in their research, data collection, and proposed solutions while reflecting on how their Christian worldview informs their professional ethical framework. In addition to academic deliverables, students must submit a reflective portfolio documenting their personal growth, spiritual formation, and the development of their professional identity. This project serves as a comprehensive assessment of the student's ability to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practice, ensuring they are prepared to engage in human services with both competence and character. The project is graded on its academic quality, clear logic, integration of ethical principles, and evidence of a sustained commitment to serving others.

• To graduate from the Certificate in Biblical Social Work and Human Services, students must successfully complete the 18 credit hours prescribed by the program with a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0. All coursework must be passed with a grade of 'C' or better to ensure that students have attained the necessary level of competency in both foundational and applied concepts. Each student must also complete the Capstone Project with a passing grade to demonstrate their readiness for professional practice.
• Beyond academic attainment, students are expected to engage in ongoing character development through mandatory participation in institutional community life, including chapel services and organized community service projects. These requirements are designed to pair academic achievement with the cultivation of spiritual maturity, ethical integrity, and a heart for service. Graduation signifies that the student has not only mastered the academic content but has also demonstrated a commitment to living out their faith through responsible, effective, and ethical engagement with society.
• Career Opportunities
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Case Management Assistant
• Nonprofit Program Assistant
• Youth and Family Support Specialist
• Advocacy Specialist
• Residential Care Aide
• Volunteer Program Coordinator
• 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 Biblical Social Work, Human Services
• Total program length | 18 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Six to nine months
• General education | Not required
• Foundational faith based biblical social work, human services courses | 12 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 3 credit hours
• Final applied project | 3 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC101 | Certificate in Faith Based Foundations of Social Justice | 2 | None
• PSY102 | Certificate in Faith Based Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• SOC201 | Certificate in Faith Based Social Problems and Policy | 2 | SOC101
• THE105 | Certificate in Faith Based Ethics and Servant Leadership | 2 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU210 | Certificate in Faith Based Human Services Delivery Systems | 3 | SOC101
• SOC305 | Certificate in Faith Based Social Justice and Advocacy | 2 | SOC201
• COM220 | Certificate in Faith Based Interpersonal Communication in Human Services | 2 | None
• CAP400 | Certificate in Faith Based Advocacy Capstone Project | 2 | Completion of all other program courses