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Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Recreation Management, Specialization in Community Sports Wellness

Academic unitHBIU College of Business and EconomicsTotal credits120Estimated duration4 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Recreation Management, Specialization in Community Sports Wellness

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Recreation Management and Community Sports Wellness core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Recreation Management, Specialization in Community Sports Wellness, provides a comprehensive academic foundation in the administration and delivery of athletic and recreational programs. This program integrates principles of organizational management, community health, and ethical stewardship to prepare graduates to manage facilities and programs that foster communal physical and social well-being. By examining the intersection of industry best practices and organizational mission, students develop a professional framework rooted in integrity, servant leadership, and the responsible management of human and capital resources. Students explore the dynamics of community wellness through a curriculum that balances operational technicality with a commitment to the holistic development of individuals. The program emphasizes the role of recreation as a vehicle for community building and social cohesion. Through rigorous academic inquiry, students are challenged to apply professional management theories to real-world recreational contexts while maintaining a commitment to ethical excellence and long-term sustainability within their organizations.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Recreation Management, Specialization in Community Sports Wellness combines essential general education with comprehensive study in recreation theory, behavioral science, human development, ethics, research, crisis awareness, referral, program development, and community-based support.

Florida's current standard establishes a minimum of 120 semester credits for a bachelor's degree and at least 30 general-education credits for a Bachelor of Arts. This curriculum exceeds the general-education minimum.

Program Facts

Program facts

Degree abbreviation
B.A. in Faith-Based Recreation Management, Specialization in Community Sports Wellness
Total program length
120 semester credit hours
Normal completion time
Four academic years
General education
36 credit hours
Professional application courses
15 credit hours
Capstone requirement
6 credit hours
Academic unit
HBIU College of Business and Economics
Total credits
120
Duration
4 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Analyze the management structures required to operate efficient and inclusive community sports and recreation facilities.
  • Evaluate the impact of community wellness initiatives on the long-term physical and social health of diverse populations.
  • Design comprehensive recreational programming that prioritizes accessibility, safety, and community engagement.
  • Apply ethical decision-making frameworks to resolve common management challenges within the sports and recreation sector.
  • Demonstrate effective servant leadership through the implementation of stewardship-focused resource management strategies.
  • Integrate a Christian worldview into the professional practice of recreation management to foster integrity and purpose in community outreach.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • ENG101
  • Academic Writing and Rhetoric
  • 3
  • None
  • SOC105
  • Foundations of Social Systems and Culture
  • 4
  • None
  • BUS110
  • Principles of Management
  • 3
  • None
  • MAT120
  • Quantitative Reasoning
  • 4
  • None
  • ENG101 — Academic Writing and Rhetoric: Explores the fundamental principles of academic prose, argument structure, and research methodology. Focuses on producing clear, professional communication suitable for university-level discourseThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • SOC105 — Foundations of Social Systems and Culture: This course examines the fundamental structures and theoretical frameworks that shape societal interactions and cultural development. Students explore how diverse social institutions influence organizational behaviors and community engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS110 — Principles of Management: Introduces the core functions of management, including planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. Discusses the application of these concepts in diverse organizational settingsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • MAT120 — Quantitative Reasoning: Focuses on mathematical applications for data analysis and financial literacy. Emphasizes problem-solving techniques essential for operational planning in recreation managementThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • REC150
  • Introduction to Recreation Management
  • 3
  • BUS110
  • COM120
  • Professional Communication
  • 3
  • ENG101
  • PSY110
  • Introduction to Psychology
  • 3
  • None
  • HIS200
  • History of Western Social Institutions
  • 3
  • None
  • REC150 — Introduction to Recreation Management: Surveys the history, philosophy, and professional development of the recreation industry. Introduces fundamental management theories applied specifically to recreational contextsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • COM120 — Professional Communication: Develops interpersonal and public communication skills vital for professional interactions. Focuses on clarity, active listening, and conflict resolutionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • PSY110 — Introduction to Psychology: Examines basic psychological theories and their application to human behavior and development. Provides insight into motivation and group dynamicsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • HIS200 — History of Western Social Institutions: Surveys major social and institutional shifts in Western history. Analyzes the evolution of civil and community structuresThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • REC210
  • Community Sports Programming
  • 4
  • REC150
  • BUS220
  • Financial Stewardship for Organizations
  • 3
  • BUS110
  • BIO205
  • Health and Human Wellness
  • 3
  • None
  • MIN210
  • Servant Leadership in Practice
  • 3
  • THE105
  • REC210 — Community Sports Programming: Covers the mechanics of organizing community-wide sporting events and ongoing programs. Addresses logistics, scheduling, and participant managementThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • BUS220 — Financial Stewardship for Organizations: Examines budgeting, resource allocation, and financial transparency. Emphasizes the ethical management of funds in non-profit and community organizationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • BIO205 — Health and Human Wellness: Studies the biological and lifestyle factors contributing to physical health. Discusses the role of recreation in promoting lifelong wellnessThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • MIN210 — Servant Leadership in Practice: Examines the theology and practical application of servant leadership. Explores models of service-oriented management in modern professional contextsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • REC240
  • Facilities and Risk Management
  • 3
  • REC210
  • SOC225
  • Sociology of Sport and Community
  • 3
  • PSY110
  • MGT250
  • Human Resources in Non-Profits
  • 3
  • BUS110
  • HUM210
  • Ethics in Professional Practice
  • 3
  • THE105
  • REC240 — Facilities and Risk Management: Focuses on the planning, maintenance, and safety assessment of recreational facilities. Covers legal liability and risk mitigation strategiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • SOC225 — Sociology of Sport and Community: Analyzes the cultural and sociological impact of sports on community identity. Discusses the role of recreation in promoting social unityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • MGT250 — Human Resources in Non-Profits: Introduces HR management, focusing on volunteer coordination, staff development, and organizational culture. Emphasizes ethical recruitment and retentionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • HUM210 — Ethics in Professional Practice: Explores ethical decision-making frameworks and their application to complex management dilemmas. Emphasizes character and personal integrityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 5 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • REC310
  • Principles of Community Wellness
  • 3
  • BIO205
  • BUS330
  • Marketing for Community Programs
  • 4
  • BUS110
  • MGT320
  • Operations Strategy
  • 3
  • BUS110
  • ECO350
  • Resource Management and Social Economics
  • 3
  • THE105
  • REC310 — Principles of Community Wellness: Evaluates strategies for implementing wellness programs across diverse demographics. Focuses on holistic approaches to community health improvementThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • BUS330 — Marketing for Community Programs: Studies communication and branding strategies to enhance program participation. Focuses on digital presence, public relations, and outreachThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • MGT320 — Operations Strategy: Advanced study of organizational efficiency and operational improvement techniques. Covers workflow design and process optimizationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • ECO350 — Resource Management and Social Economics: This course provides an overview of economic principles as they relate to the efficient allocation of resources within non-profit and community-oriented frameworks. Key topics include budgetary oversight, fiscal responsibility, and the evaluation of economic impacts on organizational sustainability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 6 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • REC350
  • Advanced Event Coordination
  • 3
  • REC210
  • BUS360
  • Strategic Fundraising and Development
  • 3
  • BUS220
  • RES300
  • Research Methods for Social Impact
  • 3
  • MAT120
  • EDU320
  • Leadership in Inclusive Environments
  • 3
  • PSY110
  • REC350 — Advanced Event Coordination: Covers high-level management of complex recreational events, from planning to post-event evaluation. Emphasizes teamwork and resource coordinationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • BUS360 — Strategic Fundraising and Development: Introduces methods for securing funding for recreational initiatives. Discusses donor relations, grant writing, and budget developmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • RES300 — Research Methods for Social Impact: Introduces qualitative and quantitative research techniques to evaluate program efficacy. Prepares students for the senior capstone projectThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • EDU320 — Leadership in Inclusive Environments: Explores strategies for leading diverse groups in recreational settings. Focuses on accessibility, cultural competence, and conflict resolutionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 7 — Year 4
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • REC410
  • Policy and Law in Recreation
  • 3
  • REC240
  • BUS420
  • Non-Profit Organizational Management
  • 4
  • BUS110
  • REC425
  • Wellness Program Assessment
  • 3
  • REC310
  • MGT400
  • Executive Leadership and Organizational Governance
  • 3
  • MIN210
  • REC410 — Policy and Law in Recreation: Examines the legal landscape affecting recreation facilities, including liability, public policy, and regulatory complianceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • BUS420 — Non-Profit Organizational Management: Focuses on the unique governance and management needs of non-profit organizations. Discusses board development and mission-based operationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • REC425 — Wellness Program Assessment: Applies evaluative research tools to measure the success of wellness programs. Focuses on data-driven improvement of program outcomesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • MGT400 — Executive Leadership and Organizational Governance: This capstone course focuses on the application of advanced leadership theories and governance strategies within professional organizational settings. Students synthesize their prior coursework to develop comprehensive management plans that address complex operational challenges and strategic institutional goals. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 8 — Year 4
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CAP490
  • Senior Capstone Project
  • 4
  • RES300, MIN400
  • BUS450
  • Professional Ethics and Global Stewardship
  • 3
  • HUM210
  • REC460
  • Contemporary Trends in Recreation
  • 3
  • REC150
  • BUS480
  • Organizational Sustainability
  • 3
  • MGT320
  • CAP490 — Senior Capstone Project: The culminating project where students design, budget, and outline a comprehensive community recreation initiative. Requires a written thesis, operational plan, and oral presentationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • BUS450 — Professional Ethics and Global Stewardship: Reflects on the long-term impact of professional decisions in a globalized world. Emphasizes the role of the recreation professional in global citizenshipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • REC460 — Contemporary Trends in Recreation: Surveys modern developments and technological shifts in the recreation and wellness industry. Analyzes future challenges and opportunitiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • BUS480 — Organizational Sustainability: Studies the environmental and organizational factors that contribute to the sustainability of community initiatives. Covers long-range planning and adaptive managementThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or equivalent with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Admissions committees evaluate the applicant's academic potential, commitment to the mission of the institution, and readiness to engage in rigorous interdisciplinary study. Submission of official transcripts and a personal statement outlining the student’s professional aspirations and ethical alignment with the program’s core values is required for consideration. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience for the Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Recreation Management, requiring students to synthesize their learning through the development of a comprehensive management plan for a community-based wellness initiative. Students must demonstrate proficiency in operational logistics, financial stewardship, program design, and ethical leadership. The project requires the submission of a detailed feasibility study, an operational budget, a risk management plan, and a strategic assessment of how the proposed initiative addresses community needs. This project serves as a bridge between theoretical academic discourse and practical professional execution, mandating that students address the real-world complexities of recreational management through a lens of professional integrity and service. Students are required to demonstrate how their chosen initiatives reflect biblical stewardship, promoting sustainability and the common good through careful planning and intentional leadership. This integration of faith-informed values with management expertise serves as a measurable demonstration of the student’s readiness to enter the workforce as an ethical professional.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • To qualify for graduation, students must successfully complete 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Graduation is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of the Senior Capstone Project and all core curriculum requirements. In addition to academic performance, students are expected to demonstrate consistent commitment to the institution's community standards, which include participation in spiritual formation activities and documentation of service learning hours. These requirements ensure that graduates have successfully paired their academic competencies with a foundation of spiritual maturity and ethical integrity, preparing them for a lifetime of service. Readiness for graduation is assessed not only through the mastery of disciplinary knowledge but also through the student's demonstration of character development, social responsibility, and a coherent application of faith to their professional discipline.
  • Career Opportunities
  • Community Recreation Center Director
  • Sports Program Coordinator
  • Municipal Parks and Recreation Manager
  • Youth Athletic Program Developer
  • Non-Profit Wellness Initiative Coordinator
  • Facility Operations Supervisor
  • Community Health and Fitness Liaison
  • 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 | B.A. in Faith-Based Recreation Management, Specialization in Community Sports Wellness
  • Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Four academic years
  • General education | 36 credit hours
  • Faith-Based Recreation Management and Community Sports Wellness core | 63 credit hours
  • Professional application courses | 15 credit hours
  • Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • ENG101 | Academic Writing and Rhetoric | 3 | None
  • SOC105 | Foundations of Social Systems and Culture | 4 | None
  • BUS110 | Principles of Management | 3 | None
  • MAT120 | Quantitative Reasoning | 4 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • REC150 | Introduction to Recreation Management | 3 | BUS110
  • COM120 | Professional Communication | 3 | ENG101
  • PSY110 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
  • HIS200 | History of Western Social Institutions | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • REC210 | Community Sports Programming | 4 | REC150
  • BUS220 | Financial Stewardship for Organizations | 3 | BUS110
  • BIO205 | Health and Human Wellness | 3 | None
  • MIN210 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 3 | THE105
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • REC240 | Facilities and Risk Management | 3 | REC210
  • SOC225 | Sociology of Sport and Community | 3 | PSY110
  • MGT250 | Human Resources in Non-Profits | 3 | BUS110
  • HUM210 | Ethics in Professional Practice | 3 | THE105
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • REC310 | Principles of Community Wellness | 3 | BIO205
  • BUS330 | Marketing for Community Programs | 4 | BUS110
  • MGT320 | Operations Strategy | 3 | BUS110
  • ECO350 | Resource Management and Social Economics | 3 | THE105
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • REC350 | Advanced Event Coordination | 3 | REC210
  • BUS360 | Strategic Fundraising and Development | 3 | BUS220
  • RES300 | Research Methods for Social Impact | 3 | MAT120
  • EDU320 | Leadership in Inclusive Environments | 3 | PSY110
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • REC410 | Policy and Law in Recreation | 3 | REC240
  • BUS420 | Non-Profit Organizational Management | 4 | BUS110
  • REC425 | Wellness Program Assessment | 3 | REC310
  • MGT400 | Executive Leadership and Organizational Governance | 3 | MIN210
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | RES300, MIN400
  • BUS450 | Professional Ethics and Global Stewardship | 3 | HUM210
  • REC460 | Contemporary Trends in Recreation | 3 | REC150
  • BUS480 | Organizational Sustainability | 3 | MGT320

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Community Recreation Center Director
  • Sports Program Coordinator
  • Municipal Parks and Recreation Manager
  • Youth Athletic Program Developer
  • Non-Profit Wellness Initiative Coordinator
  • Facility Operations Supervisor
  • Community Health and Fitness Liaison

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 | B.A. in Faith-Based Recreation Management, Specialization in Community Sports Wellness
  • Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Four academic years