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Bachelors of Arts in Faith-Based Secondary Education Specialization in Trauma Informed Education

Academic unitHBIU College of Education and Human DevelopmentTotal credits120Estimated duration4 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Secondary Education Specialization in Trauma Informed Education

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Educational theory and practice core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education with a Specialization in Trauma-Informed Education provides a rigorous academic foundation for students aspiring to serve in secondary classroom settings. This program integrates pedagogical theory, subject-matter mastery, and an advanced understanding of the psychological impact of trauma on adolescent learners. Students are equipped to foster resilient learning environments that prioritize the well-being of the whole student through professional excellence and evidence-based practice.

Beyond traditional educational methods, this program emphasizes a commitment to servant leadership and the ethical responsibility inherent in the teaching profession. Through rigorous coursework and field-based observation, candidates develop the skills to design responsive curricula and establish supportive classroom climates. The program prepares graduates to serve their communities with wisdom, patience, and a commitment to human flourishing within the diverse secondary education landscape.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Secondary Education Specialization in Trauma Informed Education program combines a robust foundation in general education with comprehensive study in educational 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 Secondary Education Specialization in Trauma Informed Education
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 Education and Human Development
Total credits
120
Duration
4 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Analyze adolescent developmental theories to design effective, inclusive, and responsive secondary classroom environments.
  • Evaluate trauma-informed pedagogical strategies that support students facing emotional, behavioral, or environmental challenges.
  • Develop evidence-based curriculum plans that align with secondary state-level content standards.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in servant leadership by applying ethical frameworks to resolve complex classroom dilemmas.
  • Integrate a commitment to stewardship and justice into educational practice to address systemic barriers to student learning.
  • Communicate complex educational concepts clearly to diverse stakeholders, including families, administration, and community partners.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • ENG101
  • Academic Writing and Rhetoric
  • 4
  • None
  • EDU101
  • Foundations of American Education
  • 3
  • None
  • PSY101
  • General Psychology
  • 3
  • None
  • THE100
  • Biblical Foundations
  • 3
  • None
  • ENG101 — Academic Writing and Rhetoric: Focuses on the fundamentals of academic composition and research. Students learn to organize complex ideas and apply critical reasoning in written discourseThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • EDU101 — Foundations of American Education: Explores the history and philosophy of secondary education in the United States. Analyzes the social and ethical roles of educators in a democratic societyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • PSY101 — General Psychology: Introduces the study of human behavior and mental processes. Provides a foundational understanding of developmental stagesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • THE100 — Biblical Foundations: Examines the historical and theological development of biblical thought. Focuses on the application of ancient wisdom to contemporary ethical lifeThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • EDU120
  • Introduction to Secondary Pedagogy
  • 3
  • EDU101
  • MAT201
  • Statistics for Educators
  • 3
  • None
  • SOC105
  • Sociology of the Family
  • 4
  • None
  • COM101
  • Public Speaking and Communication
  • 3
  • None
  • EDU120 — Introduction to Secondary Pedagogy: Examines the role of the teacher in the classroom and basic instructional strategies. Focuses on the stewardship of the learning environmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • MAT201 — Statistics for Educators: Provides training in statistical analysis for the purpose of assessing student learning data. Emphasizes the ethical use of data in educationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • SOC105 — Sociology of the Family: Analyzes the dynamics of family life and the impact of social structures on youth. Explores how educators can support stable community foundationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • COM101 — Public Speaking and Communication: Develops oral presentation skills for various professional contexts. Emphasizes clarity, empathy, and professional integrityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • EDU210
  • Adolescent Development
  • 3
  • PSY101
  • EDU215
  • Trauma and the Developing Brain
  • 3
  • EDU210
  • CHR200
  • Ethics in Professional Practice
  • 3
  • THE100
  • BIO105
  • Human Biology
  • 4
  • None
  • EDU210 — Adolescent Development: Explores the psychological and emotional changes during adolescence. Identifies the needs of students within a secondary contextThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • EDU215 — Trauma and the Developing Brain: Investigates the neurobiological impact of adversity on adolescent learning. Focuses on how supportive relationships promote emotional regulationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • CHR200 — Ethics in Professional Practice: Evaluates moral frameworks for professional conduct. Connects virtue ethics with the responsibilities of the educator as a servant leaderThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • BIO105 — Human Biology: Provides an overview of the biological systems of the human body. Contextualizes the importance of health in long-term student successThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • EDU250
  • Curriculum Design
  • 3
  • EDU120
  • EDU260
  • Classroom Management and Restorative Justice
  • 3
  • EDU215
  • HIS210
  • World History and Culture
  • 3
  • None
  • EDU280
  • Educational Technology Integration
  • 4
  • EDU250
  • EDU250 — Curriculum Design: Teaches the process of creating scope and sequence for secondary classrooms. Emphasizes stewardship of academic time and resourcesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • EDU260 — Classroom Management and Restorative Justice: Focuses on building healthy classroom culture. Emphasizes restorative practices over punitive measures in managing behaviorThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • HIS210 — World History and Culture: Surveys global historical trends to foster cultural intelligence. Prepares educators to interact effectively with diverse student populationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • EDU280 — Educational Technology Integration: Explores tools for the modern classroom to enhance accessibility and engagement. Focuses on bridging the digital divideThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 5 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • EDU310
  • Differentiated Instruction
  • 3
  • EDU250
  • EDU320
  • Trauma-Informed School Environments
  • 3
  • EDU215
  • RES301
  • Research Methods in Education
  • 3
  • MAT201
  • EDU350
  • Literacy in the Secondary Content Areas
  • 4
  • EDU250
  • EDU310 — Differentiated Instruction: Strategies for adapting lesson content to meet the diverse needs of all learners. Focuses on equitable access to knowledgeThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • EDU320 — Trauma-Informed School Environments: Analysis of school-wide policies that support students experiencing trauma. Examines how safety and predictability are foundational to learningThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • RES301 — Research Methods in Education: Introduction to quantitative and qualitative research in educational settings. Prepares students for capstone project developmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • EDU350 — Literacy in the Secondary Content Areas: Focuses on literacy across disciplines to improve critical thinking. Emphasizes communication as a tool for personal empowermentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 6 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • EDU360
  • Assessment and Evaluation
  • 3
  • RES301
  • EDU370
  • Educational Law and Ethics
  • 3
  • CHR200
  • EDU385
  • Service Learning and Community Engagement
  • 4
  • EDU320
  • EDU390
  • Adolescent Mental Health and Collaboration
  • 3
  • EDU320
  • EDU360 — Assessment and Evaluation: Covers the design and interpretation of assessments to guide instruction. Focuses on fairness and objective measurement of student growthThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • EDU370 — Educational Law and Ethics: Examines the legal landscape of public schooling and the ethical duty of the educator to protect student rights and privacyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • EDU385 — Service Learning and Community Engagement: Combines coursework with field experience in community agencies. Emphasizes the teacher’s role in local community wellnessThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • EDU390 — Adolescent Mental Health and Collaboration: Discusses collaborative models between schools, families, and mental health professionals. Stresses the importance of building support systemsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 7 — Year 4
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • EDU410
  • Instructional Leadership
  • 3
  • EDU360
  • EDU420
  • Equity and Diversity in Education
  • 3
  • SOC105
  • EDU430
  • Special Education and Inclusion
  • 3
  • EDU310
  • EDU440
  • Contemporary Issues in Secondary Schools
  • 4
  • EDU370
  • EDU410 — Instructional Leadership: Studies the principles of leadership in the context of the classroom. Focuses on modeling integrity and visionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • EDU420 — Equity and Diversity in Education: Examines the role of the educator in advocating for equitable outcomes for marginalized studentsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • EDU430 — Special Education and Inclusion: Focuses on supporting students with varied learning abilities. Emphasizes individual dignity within a communal classroom settingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • EDU440 — Contemporary Issues in Secondary Schools: Seminar on current educational debates. Encourages synthesis of prior learning to address future challengesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 8 — Year 4
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CAP490
  • Senior Capstone Project
  • 4
  • RES301, Senior Standing
  • EDU480
  • Reflective Teaching Practicum
  • 3
  • EDU410
  • EDU485
  • Philosophy of Education and Stewardship
  • 3
  • CHR200
  • MIN400
  • Spiritual Formation and Vocation
  • 3
  • THE100
  • CAP490 — Senior Capstone Project: Culminating project requiring a pedagogical portfolio, research paper, and a reflection on faith-informed professional identityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • EDU480 — Reflective Teaching Practicum: Supervised experience in a secondary setting. Focuses on applying theoretical knowledge to professional practiceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • EDU485 — Philosophy of Education and Stewardship: Synthesizes the degree content to create a vision for teaching as a life-long ministry of serviceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • MIN400 — Spiritual Formation and Vocation: Explores the integration of belief and work. Focuses on the pursuit of personal excellence as a form of stewardshipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Admission to the Bachelor of Arts program requires a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must submit official transcripts, a personal statement reflecting their interest in secondary education and servant leadership, and two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with their academic or community service background. Prospective students must demonstrate the disposition and maturity necessary for a profession centered on service to youth. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project serves as the final, integrative experience for all bachelor candidates, requiring the demonstration of professional competence and character maturity. Students must develop a comprehensive pedagogical portfolio that includes a research-based instructional unit, a reflective analysis of trauma-informed interventions, and a philosophy of education statement rooted in ethical reasoning and servant leadership. This project carries 4 credit hours and serves as a synthesis of the candidate's four-year educational journey. Beyond demonstrating academic proficiency, students must articulate how their work reflects a commitment to biblical stewardship and spiritual formation. Through this final submission, candidates prove their readiness to enter the classroom as professionals who prioritize student dignity, advocate for restorative justice, and maintain the highest ethical standards in all educational engagements.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • To graduate with the Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education, students must successfully complete 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. In addition to academic coursework, graduates must provide evidence of their ongoing commitment to character development, including completion of mandatory community service hours and participation in regular institutional spiritual formation programming. These requirements reflect the university's mission to produce graduates who view their career as a ministry of service.
  • Graduation is contingent upon the successful defense and submission of the Senior Capstone Project, confirming that the student has met all competency benchmarks. Furthermore, candidates must demonstrate the alignment of their personal and professional lives with the institution’s core values of honesty, integrity, and grace. By fulfilling these requirements, students signify their preparation to serve their future communities with technical expertise and a matured faith-informed perspective.
  • Career Opportunities
  • Secondary School Teacher
  • Educational Interventionist
  • Youth and Community Program Coordinator
  • Alternative Education Specialist
  • School-Based Student Advocacy Coordinator
  • Instructional Designer for Non-Profits
  • Adolescent Ministry Educator
  • 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 Secondary Education Specialization in Trauma Informed Education
  • Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Four academic years
  • General education | 36 credit hours
  • Educational theory and practice core | 63 credit hours
  • Professional application courses | 15 credit hours
  • Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • ENG101 | Academic Writing and Rhetoric | 4 | None
  • EDU101 | Foundations of American Education | 3 | None
  • PSY101 | General Psychology | 3 | None
  • THE100 | Biblical Foundations | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • EDU120 | Introduction to Secondary Pedagogy | 3 | EDU101
  • MAT201 | Statistics for Educators | 3 | None
  • SOC105 | Sociology of the Family | 4 | None
  • COM101 | Public Speaking and Communication | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • EDU210 | Adolescent Development | 3 | PSY101
  • EDU215 | Trauma and the Developing Brain | 3 | EDU210
  • CHR200 | Ethics in Professional Practice | 3 | THE100
  • BIO105 | Human Biology | 4 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • EDU250 | Curriculum Design | 3 | EDU120
  • EDU260 | Classroom Management and Restorative Justice | 3 | EDU215
  • HIS210 | World History and Culture | 3 | None
  • EDU280 | Educational Technology Integration | 4 | EDU250
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • EDU310 | Differentiated Instruction | 3 | EDU250
  • EDU320 | Trauma-Informed School Environments | 3 | EDU215
  • RES301 | Research Methods in Education | 3 | MAT201
  • EDU350 | Literacy in the Secondary Content Areas | 4 | EDU250
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • EDU360 | Assessment and Evaluation | 3 | RES301
  • EDU370 | Educational Law and Ethics | 3 | CHR200
  • EDU385 | Service Learning and Community Engagement | 4 | EDU320
  • EDU390 | Adolescent Mental Health and Collaboration | 3 | EDU320
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • EDU410 | Instructional Leadership | 3 | EDU360
  • EDU420 | Equity and Diversity in Education | 3 | SOC105
  • EDU430 | Special Education and Inclusion | 3 | EDU310
  • EDU440 | Contemporary Issues in Secondary Schools | 4 | EDU370
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | RES301, Senior Standing
  • EDU480 | Reflective Teaching Practicum | 3 | EDU410
  • EDU485 | Philosophy of Education and Stewardship | 3 | CHR200
  • MIN400 | Spiritual Formation and Vocation | 3 | THE100

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Secondary School Teacher
  • Educational Interventionist
  • Youth and Community Program Coordinator
  • Alternative Education Specialist
  • School-Based Student Advocacy Coordinator
  • Instructional Designer for Non-Profits
  • Adolescent Ministry Educator

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 Secondary Education Specialization in Trauma Informed Education
  • Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Four academic years