Associate of Science in Faith-Based Neuroscience (Specialization in Brain Health, Education)

Degree abbreviation

A.S. in Faith-Based Neuroscience

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 Education and Human Development

Total credits

60

Duration

2 years

• Analyze the fundamental structures and functions of the human nervous system as they relate to cognitive development and behavior.
• Evaluate the impact of environmental and educational factors on brain health across the human lifespan.
• Apply ethical principles to the stewardship of cognitive health and educational resources in community service settings.
• Communicate complex neuroscientific concepts effectively to diverse audiences for the purpose of community education and advocacy.
• Demonstrate a commitment to servant leadership by designing strategies that foster supportive environments for individuals facing cognitive challenges.
• Integrate a Christian worldview with contemporary neuroscientific research to address social and educational disparities.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• BIO101
• Introduction to Biology and Neuroscience
• 4
• None
• PSY110
• Foundations of Human Development
• 4
• None
• ENG101
• Academic Composition
• 3
• None
• PHI105
• Foundations of Professional Ethics
• 3
• None
• BIO101 — Introduction to Biology and Neuroscience: This course covers the biological basis of life with a focused introduction to the structure and function of the nervous system. Students examine the foundational concepts of cellular biology and neuroanatomy in relation to human behavior. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY110 — Foundations of Human Development: An overview of physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development across the human lifespan. The curriculum explores developmental theories as they apply to individuals and families within a community context. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ENG101 — Academic Composition: This course focuses on the development of clear, academic writing and analytical research skills. Emphasis is placed on structure, clarity, and the synthesis of information for professional reporting. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PHI105 — Foundations of Professional Ethics: This course explores normative ethical theories and their application to professional decision-making within the human services sector. Students analyze moral dilemmas and institutional codes of conduct to develop frameworks for ethical responsibility. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• PSY220
• Cognitive Science and Learning
• 4
• BIO101
• SOC205
• Sociology of Community Health
• 3
• None
• MAT200
• Introduction to Statistics
• 3
• None
• COM210
• Professional Communication
• 3
• ENG101
• PSY220 — Cognitive Science and Learning: Explores how the brain processes information, forms memories, and facilitates the learning process. Students analyze environmental and instructional factors that enhance cognitive wellness and academic engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC205 — Sociology of Community Health: Examines the role of social structures and community networks in promoting collective health and wellness. Emphasis is placed on the impact of environment and culture on human development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MAT200 — Introduction to Statistics: Introduces basic statistical methods used in research to analyze data and draw conclusions. Focuses on data interpretation relevant to social sciences and behavioral studies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM210 — Professional Communication: Develops verbal and written communication skills essential for work in professional and ministry settings. Covers strategies for clear, persuasive, and compassionate communication. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• EDU305
• Brain-Based Instructional Strategies
• 4
• PSY220
• COU310
• Principles of Supportive Engagement
• 3
• PSY110
• BUS320
• Stewardship in Nonprofit Management
• 3
• None
• RES350
• Research Methods in Human Services
• 3
• MAT200
• EDU305 — Brain-Based Instructional Strategies: Analyzes how neurobiological principles inform pedagogical techniques for diverse learners. Students explore practical strategies for facilitating education in community and classroom environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU310 — Principles of Supportive Engagement: Introduces non-clinical approaches to providing support, listening, and encouragement to individuals. Covers interpersonal skills necessary for working in service and ministry roles. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS320 — Stewardship in Nonprofit Management: Provides an introduction to the management and responsible stewardship of resources in nonprofit and community organizations. Focuses on ethical leadership and operational integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES350 — Research Methods in Human Services: Introduces the fundamentals of research design, data collection, and evaluation in the context of human service programs. Students learn to interpret literature and design studies for program improvement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• NEU400
• Senior Capstone: Neuroscience and Community Application
• 4
• RES350
• MIN410
• Servant Leadership and Social Advocacy
• 3
• THE105
• HUM420
• Human Development and Cultural Context
• 3
• PSY110
• PSY450
• Professional Identity and Ethical Leadership
• 3
• None
• NEU400 — Senior Capstone: Neuroscience and Community Application: Students integrate theoretical knowledge of neurobiology and cognitive development to propose solutions for community-based health initiatives. The project culminates in an empirical analysis or evidence-based program design relevant to public health outcomes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN410 — Servant Leadership and Social Advocacy: Examines models of servant leadership and the theological foundations of social advocacy. Students explore how to influence change and support human dignity in public and private institutions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM420 — Human Development and Cultural Context: Investigates the intersection of culture, community, and human development in diverse societies. Focuses on developing cultural competence for more effective community outreach and service. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY450 — Professional Identity and Ethical Leadership: This course examines the psychological dimensions of professional identity, self-regulation, and workplace integrity in the social and behavioral sciences. Students evaluate individual character development alongside standard institutional practices to ensure long-term professional sustainability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or state-recognized equivalent (GED) with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Prospective students are required to submit an application form, official academic transcripts, and a brief statement of purpose articulating their interest in the intersection of brain health and community service. Applicants should demonstrate readiness for undergraduate study and an alignment with the institution’s mission of faith-informed excellence. Culminating Project The Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience for the Associate of Arts program, requiring students to synthesize their learning through a comprehensive community-based case study or educational initiative. Students must design a project that addresses a specific need related to brain health or cognitive wellness within a non-clinical environment, applying evidence-based strategies to improve outcomes. This project challenges students to articulate how their proposed intervention reflects Christian values, such as the dignity of the person, stewardship of community resources, and the pursuit of justice and mercy. By conducting this work, students demonstrate their capacity for critical inquiry, ethical decision-making, and professional communication. The final deliverable includes a written report and a presentation that highlights the project’s objectives, theoretical foundation, and anticipated impact on community service. Through the integration of faith-informed character development and academic competence, the Capstone Project confirms the student's readiness to serve as a responsible steward of human potential. This project is worth 4 credit hours and is evaluated on the basis of academic rigor, practical feasibility, and the clear application of ethical, faith-based principles in a professional setting.

• Graduation from the Associate of Arts in Faith-Based Neuroscience requires the successful completion of 60 credit hours with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0. Students must earn a passing grade in all core and elective courses, including the Capstone Project, which demonstrates the mastery of program outcomes and the successful integration of scientific knowledge with ethical, faith-based service. In addition to academic achievement, students must fulfill requirements related to spiritual formation, which may include active participation in community service, chapel attendance, and the completion of personal character development assessments. These requirements ensure that graduates possess both the intellectual tools and the moral maturity necessary to excel in their chosen fields. By emphasizing integrity, servant leadership, and a commitment to the common good, the program prepares students to lead lives of purpose and service that honor both their academic discipline and their faith-based values.
• Career Opportunities
• Community Education Coordinator
• Nonprofit Program Assistant
• Faith-Based Advocacy Specialist
• Educational Support Consultant
• Youth Ministry Health Liaison
• Non-Clinical Case Manager
• Volunteer Services 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.
• Degree abbreviation | A.S. in Faith-Based Neuroscience
• Total program length | 60 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years
• General education | 18 credit hours
• Faith-Based Neuroscience core | 30 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 9 credit hours
• Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO101 | Introduction to Biology and Neuroscience | 4 | None
• PSY110 | Foundations of Human Development | 4 | None
• ENG101 | Academic Composition | 3 | None
• PHI105 | Foundations of Professional Ethics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY220 | Cognitive Science and Learning | 4 | BIO101
• SOC205 | Sociology of Community Health | 3 | None
• MAT200 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 | None
• COM210 | Professional Communication | 3 | ENG101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU305 | Brain-Based Instructional Strategies | 4 | PSY220
• COU310 | Principles of Supportive Engagement | 3 | PSY110
• BUS320 | Stewardship in Nonprofit Management | 3 | None
• RES350 | Research Methods in Human Services | 3 | MAT200
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• NEU400 | Senior Capstone: Neuroscience and Community Application | 4 | RES350
• MIN410 | Servant Leadership and Social Advocacy | 3 | THE105
• HUM420 | Human Development and Cultural Context | 3 | PSY110
• PSY450 | Professional Identity and Ethical Leadership | 3 | None