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Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Urban Planning (Specialization in Housing, Community Development)

Academic unitHBIU College of Business and EconomicsTotal credits60Estimated duration2 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Faith-Based Urban Planning

Total program length

60 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years

General education

18 credit hours

Faith-Based Urban Planning core

30 credit hours

Professional application courses

9 credit hours

Capstone requirement

3 credit hours

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Urban Planning with a specialization in Housing and Community Development offers a foundational academic framework for students seeking to understand the complexities of metropolitan growth, sustainable housing, and community revitalization. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the program balances technical proficiency in planning theory with an emphasis on ethical stewardship and servant leadership. Students are encouraged to view urban environments as social ecosystems requiring thoughtful management, equitable distribution of resources, and restorative development practices.

Students engage in rigorous study of social dynamics, economic trends, and spatial planning, all viewed through the lens of institutional integrity and social responsibility. The curriculum is designed to foster a balanced perspective that honors community history while navigating modern policy challenges. By integrating critical inquiry with a commitment to human flourishing, the program prepares graduates to contribute meaningfully to urban landscapes as agents of ethical change and community support.

The Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Urban Planning provides a foundational study in the intersection of urban development and community stewardship. The curriculum integrates principles of human development, effective communication, and organizational ethics to prepare students for service in diverse settings. By exploring the management of community resources and the implementation of supportive service practices, students gain a holistic perspective on fostering sustainable and compassionate housing and community initiatives.

Program Facts

Program facts

Degree abbreviation
A.A. in Faith-Based Urban Planning
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

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Analyze contemporary urban planning theories and their impact on local housing policy.
  • Evaluate socioeconomic data to design strategies for equitable community development.
  • Apply ethical frameworks and servant leadership principles to resolve complex urban challenges.
  • Communicate effectively with diverse community stakeholders to identify needs and propose sustainable solutions.
  • Integrate Christian perspectives on stewardship and justice into the assessment of housing accessibility.
  • Develop a comprehensive project proposal that addresses a specific community development goal.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • ENG101
  • Academic Writing and Research
  • 4
  • None
  • SOC101
  • Introduction to Sociology
  • 4
  • None
  • PHI101
  • Principles of Social and Professional Ethics
  • 4
  • None
  • MAT110
  • Data Analysis for Social Sciences
  • 4
  • None
  • ENG101 — Academic Writing and Research: This course develops advanced skills in academic research, critical analysis, and formal composition. Students learn to construct persuasive arguments supported by scholarly evidence. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SOC101 — Introduction to Sociology: An examination of social structures, human interaction, and the cultural foundations of community life. Students explore the sociological imagination and its application to modern social issues. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PHI101 — Principles of Social and Professional Ethics: This course examines major ethical frameworks and their application to social issues, governance, and public policy. Students analyze moral decision-making processes in diverse civic environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MAT110 — Data Analysis for Social Sciences: Focuses on statistical methods, data interpretation, and research applications in social science fields. Students analyze trends through quantitative measurement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • BUS200
  • Principles of Management
  • 4
  • None
  • HIS210
  • History of Urban Development
  • 4
  • None
  • COM220
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • 4
  • None
  • MIN205
  • Servant Leadership in Practice
  • 4
  • None
  • BUS200 — Principles of Management: Explores the fundamental theories of management, organizational behavior, and effective leadership practices. Students examine the application of management skills in diverse organizational contexts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • HIS210 — History of Urban Development: Surveys the evolution of cities, urban policy, and the growth of modern infrastructure. Students evaluate historical events that have shaped modern community layouts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COM220 — Interpersonal Communication: Examines the dynamics of communication within organizational and community settings. Focuses on active listening, conflict resolution, and collaborative engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MIN205 — Servant Leadership in Practice: Investigates the theory and practical application of servant leadership in a variety of institutional settings. Students analyze models of leadership that prioritize the needs of the community and stakeholders. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • ECO310
  • Resource Management and Sustainable Economics
  • 4
  • None
  • EDU305
  • Community Outreach Strategies
  • 4
  • None
  • SOC320
  • Urban Sociology and Housing
  • 4
  • SOC101
  • RES350
  • Research Design for Community Projects
  • 4
  • MAT110
  • ECO310 — Resource Management and Sustainable Economics: This course explores economic principles related to resource allocation, social equity, and long-term sustainability in urban development. Students evaluate strategies for managing community assets to foster equitable growth. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • EDU305 — Community Outreach Strategies: Studies methods for engaging with diverse populations to identify social needs and coordinate effective support programs. Focuses on building collaborative networks and public relations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SOC320 — Urban Sociology and Housing: Analyzes the sociological aspects of housing, urban poverty, and residential segregation in the modern era. Students evaluate structural factors influencing community development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • RES350 — Research Design for Community Projects: Introduces methodologies for conducting qualitative and quantitative research in a community-based setting. Students develop a research proposal that addresses current urban issues. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • BUS410
  • Sustainable Community Development
  • 4
  • None
  • CAP490
  • Capstone Project
  • 3
  • RES350
  • COU420
  • Conflict Resolution and Negotiation
  • 3
  • None
  • MGT450
  • Nonprofit Administration
  • 3
  • BUS200
  • BUS410 — Sustainable Community Development: Explores the principles of sustainable design, environmental impact, and economic sustainability in urban renewal. Focuses on long-term project planning for social and ecological health. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CAP490 — Capstone Project: A comprehensive project where students integrate their disciplinary learning, research skills, and ethical perspectives into a singular community intervention proposal. The project requires the development of a professional strategy for addressing an urban need. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COU420 — Conflict Resolution and Negotiation: Provides strategies for mediating conflicts between stakeholder groups in community planning environments. Focuses on negotiation tactics that prioritize consensus and mutual benefit. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT450 — Nonprofit Administration: Covers the foundations of nonprofit operations, including governance, fundraising, and regulatory compliance. Students study how to manage organizations that promote the common good. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must provide evidence of a high school diploma or state-recognized equivalent (GED). Admission is holistic, considering previous academic performance, a statement of purpose outlining professional interests, and a demonstrated commitment to community service and ethical development. English language proficiency is required for all international applicants. Culminating Project The Capstone Project serves as the final, integrative experience for the Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Urban Planning, requiring students to synthesize their knowledge of community development and housing policy. Over the course of a three-credit semester, students will identify a specific urban planning challenge in a local community, conduct a needs assessment, and develop a comprehensive, ethical intervention strategy that reflects servant leadership and responsible stewardship. The project deliverables include a formal research paper and a strategic implementation plan. This project assesses academic competence while emphasizing faith-informed character development, requiring students to demonstrate how their proposed solutions reflect biblical mandates for justice and community care. Through this process, students integrate their spiritual formation with their technical capabilities, producing a final work that is both analytically sound and morally informed, preparing them for dedicated service in professional environments.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • Graduation requires the successful completion of 60 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Students must earn a passing grade in all core and elective courses while demonstrating a commitment to academic integrity and professional growth. The curriculum ensures that every student remains engaged in their chosen field of study throughout their tenure, culminating in the successful defense of the Capstone Project.
  • Beyond academic milestones, graduation signifies a commitment to the mission of the institution, including participation in community service and institutional spiritual life requirements. This holistic approach ensures that students leave prepared not only with the analytical tools for urban planning but also with the ethical maturity and spiritual foundation necessary to lead with integrity in public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
  • Career Opportunities
  • Community Development Coordinator
  • Housing Assistance Program Assistant
  • Nonprofit Urban Project Liaison
  • Urban Outreach Specialist
  • Policy Research Assistant
  • Community Advocacy Representative
  • Neighborhood Revitalization Associate
  • 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 Urban Planning
  • Total program length | 60 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years
  • General education | 18 credit hours
  • Faith-Based Urban Planning core | 30 credit hours
  • Professional application courses | 9 credit hours
  • Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • ENG101 | Academic Writing and Research | 4 | None
  • SOC101 | Introduction to Sociology | 4 | None
  • PHI101 | Principles of Social and Professional Ethics | 4 | None
  • MAT110 | Data Analysis for Social Sciences | 4 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BUS200 | Principles of Management | 4 | None
  • HIS210 | History of Urban Development | 4 | None
  • COM220 | Interpersonal Communication | 4 | None
  • MIN205 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 4 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • ECO310 | Resource Management and Sustainable Economics | 4 | None
  • EDU305 | Community Outreach Strategies | 4 | None
  • SOC320 | Urban Sociology and Housing | 4 | SOC101
  • RES350 | Research Design for Community Projects | 4 | MAT110
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BUS410 | Sustainable Community Development | 4 | None
  • CAP490 | Capstone Project | 3 | RES350
  • COU420 | Conflict Resolution and Negotiation | 3 | None
  • MGT450 | Nonprofit Administration | 3 | BUS200

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Community Development Coordinator
  • Housing Assistance Program Assistant
  • Nonprofit Urban Project Liaison
  • Urban Outreach Specialist
  • Policy Research Assistant
  • Community Advocacy Representative
  • Neighborhood Revitalization Associate

Additional Official Information

Additional source information

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 Urban Planning
  • Total program length | 60 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years