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Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Film Production, Specialization in Documentary Filmmaking Media Activism

Academic unitHBIU College of Arts and HumanitiesTotal credits120Estimated duration4 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Film Production, Specialization in Documentary Filmmaking Media Activism

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Film Production and Media Activism core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Film Production with a specialization in Documentary Filmmaking and Media Activism offers an interdisciplinary approach to visual storytelling. The program integrates technical proficiency in cinematography and non-linear editing with a rigorous exploration of social justice, ethics, and community advocacy. Students engage in the critical examination of media's role in public discourse while developing the skills necessary to produce compelling narratives that highlight human dignity and stewardship. Through a curriculum rooted in critical theory and technical practice, students learn to navigate the complexities of global media production from a lens of social responsibility and professional excellence. The program emphasizes the role of the filmmaker as a storyteller dedicated to truth, justice, and the betterment of marginalized communities. Students work within a collaborative framework that mirrors professional production environments, ensuring they are prepared for the diverse challenges of the modern media landscape.

This program combines a robust foundation in general education with a comprehensive study of film production theory, visual storytelling, ethics in media, documentary research methodologies, human development, crisis awareness, narrative development, and community-based media advocacy.

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 Film Production, Specialization in Documentary Filmmaking Media Activism
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 Arts and Humanities
Total credits
120
Duration
4 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Analyze the impact of documentary media on social discourse and public policy through a theoretical and ethical framework.
  • Apply technical proficiency in digital cinematography and post-production editing to produce professional-quality documentary films.
  • Evaluate the intersection of personal ethics, global justice, and the power of narrative storytelling.
  • Design comprehensive media campaigns that address community-specific social issues.
  • Integrate a commitment to stewardship and servant leadership into all phases of the creative production process.
  • Communicate complex social issues through visual storytelling that promotes empathy and understanding.
  • Demonstrate advanced project management skills required for the development and distribution of independent documentary work.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • COM101
  • Introduction to Visual Communication
  • 3
  • None
  • ENG101
  • Academic Writing and Rhetoric
  • 3
  • None
  • HUM101
  • Foundations of Ethical Inquiry
  • 3
  • None
  • COM105
  • Foundations of Communication Theory
  • 3
  • None
  • COM101 — Introduction to Visual Communication: Explores the fundamental theories of visual culture and communication. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • ENG101 — Academic Writing and Rhetoric: Focuses on structured academic inquiry and effective communication of ideas. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • HUM101 — Foundations of Ethical Inquiry: Examines core ethical frameworks and their application to modern society. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COM105 — Foundations of Communication Theory: This course introduces students to fundamental principles of interpersonal and intrapersonal communication within diverse social contexts. It examines the psychological and sociological underpinnings of personal development and identity formation as they relate to public messaging. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • FIL110
  • Foundations of Digital Production
  • 4
  • COM101
  • SOC101
  • Introduction to Sociology
  • 3
  • None
  • HIS102
  • World History and Social Change
  • 3
  • None
  • MAT105
  • Quantitative Reasoning
  • 2
  • None
  • FIL110 — Foundations of Digital Production: Provides hands-on training with production equipment and basic technical workflows. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SOC101 — Introduction to Sociology: Explores human society and social structures from an academic perspective. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • HIS102 — World History and Social Change: Surveys the historical progression of social movements and global events. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MAT105 — Quantitative Reasoning: Focuses on logical analysis and applied mathematical concepts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • FIL201
  • Cinematography and Lighting
  • 4
  • FIL110
  • COM210
  • Media Ethics and Law
  • 3
  • COM101
  • SOC205
  • Resource Management and Community Development
  • 3
  • THE101
  • ENG202
  • Narrative Structure and Screenwriting
  • 2
  • ENG101
  • FIL201 — Cinematography and Lighting: Deepens the technical understanding of camera work and visual aesthetics. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COM210 — Media Ethics and Law: Discusses the legal and moral responsibilities of media creators. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SOC205 — Resource Management and Community Development: This course explores the principles of sustainable resource allocation and civic engagement within community-based organizations. It analyzes the role of social responsibility and equitable distribution in fostering healthy, resilient communities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • ENG202 — Narrative Structure and Screenwriting: Focuses on the art of storytelling and script development for documentary. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • FIL220
  • Non-Linear Editing and Post-Production
  • 4
  • FIL110
  • PSY201
  • Human Development and Social Impact
  • 3
  • None
  • BUS210
  • Nonprofit Organizational Management
  • 3
  • None
  • COM220
  • Documentary Theory and History
  • 2
  • COM101
  • FIL220 — Non-Linear Editing and Post-Production: Develops advanced skills in editing and software workflows for documentary. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PSY201 — Human Development and Social Impact: Studies the psychological effects of media on audiences and communities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS210 — Nonprofit Organizational Management: Provides an overview of operations and leadership in the non-profit sector. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COM220 — Documentary Theory and History: Examines the evolution of the documentary film genre through analytical lenses. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 5 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • FIL301
  • Advanced Documentary Production
  • 4
  • FIL201
  • SOC310
  • Social Justice and Media Activism
  • 3
  • SOC101
  • MIN305
  • Servant Leadership in Practice
  • 3
  • CHR205
  • RES300
  • Applied Research Methods
  • 2
  • None
  • FIL301 — Advanced Documentary Production: Collaborative production course focusing on real-world storytelling projects. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SOC310 — Social Justice and Media Activism: Analyzes how media can be used to advocate for systemic social change. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MIN305 — Servant Leadership in Practice: Integrates leadership theory with models of service to community. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • RES300 — Applied Research Methods: Teaches research strategies for documentary filmmaking and social investigation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 6 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • FIL310
  • Sound Design and Audio Production
  • 4
  • FIL110
  • COM350
  • Global Communications and Culture
  • 3
  • COM101
  • MGT320
  • Strategic Project Management
  • 3
  • BUS210
  • EDU305
  • Teaching and Facilitating Through Media
  • 2
  • None
  • FIL310 — Sound Design and Audio Production: Focuses on the technical and creative role of sound in documentary storytelling. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COM350 — Global Communications and Culture: Explores cross-cultural narratives and the globalization of media. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT320 — Strategic Project Management: Covers logistics, budgeting, and planning for complex media projects. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • EDU305 — Teaching and Facilitating Through Media: Focuses on how to use media as a tool for public education and engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 7 — Year 4
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • FIL401
  • Pre-Production and Development
  • 4
  • FIL301
  • COM410
  • Advanced Media Advocacy
  • 3
  • SOC310
  • CHR402
  • Worldview and Public Life
  • 3
  • CHR205
  • CAP400
  • Capstone Proposal Development
  • 2
  • RES300
  • FIL401 — Pre-Production and Development: The initial phase of the senior capstone, focusing on research and planning. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COM410 — Advanced Media Advocacy: Explores the relationship between media, NGOs, and public policy advocacy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CHR402 — Worldview and Public Life: Examines how faith perspectives inform public life and professional conduct. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CAP400 — Capstone Proposal Development: Facilitates the formal proposal of the senior documentary capstone project. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 8 — Year 4
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CAP490
  • Senior Documentary Capstone Project
  • 4
  • CAP400
  • FIL420
  • Distribution and Professional Practice
  • 3
  • FIL301
  • COM450
  • Senior Professional Seminar
  • 3
  • Senior Standing
  • SOC405
  • Sociological Perspectives on Human Rights
  • 2
  • SOC101
  • CAP490 — Senior Documentary Capstone Project: The final production and exhibition of a documentary work involving critical reflection. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • FIL420 — Distribution and Professional Practice: Covers strategies for distributing media and entering the professional market. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COM450 — Senior Professional Seminar: Focuses on career transition, ethics, and professional development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SOC405 — Sociological Perspectives on Human Rights: Examines human rights issues through the lens of sociological research and policy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Prospective students must provide evidence of graduation from an accredited secondary school or equivalent high school credential. Applicants should submit official transcripts, a portfolio of creative work (such as writing samples, photography, or short video projects), and a personal statement reflecting their commitment to media-based community service. A minimum high school GPA of 2.5 is generally expected for consideration, and candidates must demonstrate readiness for undergraduate-level academic inquiry through professional references. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project serves as the final, integrative experience of the Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Film Production. This project requires students to conceptualize, film, and produce a feature-length or long-form documentary that addresses a significant social or community challenge. Students must demonstrate technical mastery, narrative depth, and the ability to manage a production from inception to final distribution, earning 4 credit hours for their scholarly and creative contributions. The scope of the project requires the application of ethical research methods, rigorous documentation, and professional-grade editing techniques. Beyond technical achievement, the capstone demands a formal reflection paper on how the student has integrated a Christian worldview into their creative practice. Students must articulate how their work reflects principles of servant leadership, the stewardship of truth, and a commitment to justice. This integrative approach ensures that the project serves as both a demonstration of academic competence and a testimony to the student’s growth in character, integrity, and their readiness to serve as a socially conscious practitioner in the field of documentary filmmaking.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • Graduation from the program requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Students must earn a passing grade in all core and elective courses, including the Senior Capstone Project, which is central to demonstrating professional readiness and academic development. In addition to academic requirements, students must participate in four years of designated chapel attendance and engage in at least 100 hours of community service, reflecting the institution's emphasis on spiritual formation and practical, faith-informed engagement.
  • Graduation signifies that a student has not only attained mastery in documentary production but has also cultivated the character necessary for ethical professional service. Through the completion of spiritual formation coursework and consistent involvement in university life, graduates are prepared to apply their skills with integrity. The university expects that all alumni will carry forward a spirit of humility, accountability, and excellence in their future endeavors, reflecting the core tenets of stewardship and ethical service in their professional and personal lives.
  • Career Opportunities
  • Documentary Producer
  • Non-profit Communications Director
  • Social Justice Media Consultant
  • Community Outreach Coordinator
  • Independent Filmmaker
  • Humanitarian Media Specialist
  • Advocacy Film Editor
  • 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 Film Production, Specialization in Documentary Filmmaking Media Activism
  • Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Four academic years
  • General education | 36 credit hours
  • Faith-Based Film Production and Media Activism core | 63 credit hours
  • Professional application courses | 15 credit hours
  • Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • COM101 | Introduction to Visual Communication | 3 | None
  • ENG101 | Academic Writing and Rhetoric | 3 | None
  • HUM101 | Foundations of Ethical Inquiry | 3 | None
  • COM105 | Foundations of Communication Theory | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • FIL110 | Foundations of Digital Production | 4 | COM101
  • SOC101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
  • HIS102 | World History and Social Change | 3 | None
  • MAT105 | Quantitative Reasoning | 2 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • FIL201 | Cinematography and Lighting | 4 | FIL110
  • COM210 | Media Ethics and Law | 3 | COM101
  • SOC205 | Resource Management and Community Development | 3 | THE101
  • ENG202 | Narrative Structure and Screenwriting | 2 | ENG101
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • FIL220 | Non-Linear Editing and Post-Production | 4 | FIL110
  • PSY201 | Human Development and Social Impact | 3 | None
  • BUS210 | Nonprofit Organizational Management | 3 | None
  • COM220 | Documentary Theory and History | 2 | COM101
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • FIL301 | Advanced Documentary Production | 4 | FIL201
  • SOC310 | Social Justice and Media Activism | 3 | SOC101
  • MIN305 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 3 | CHR205
  • RES300 | Applied Research Methods | 2 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • FIL310 | Sound Design and Audio Production | 4 | FIL110
  • COM350 | Global Communications and Culture | 3 | COM101
  • MGT320 | Strategic Project Management | 3 | BUS210
  • EDU305 | Teaching and Facilitating Through Media | 2 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • FIL401 | Pre-Production and Development | 4 | FIL301
  • COM410 | Advanced Media Advocacy | 3 | SOC310
  • CHR402 | Worldview and Public Life | 3 | CHR205
  • CAP400 | Capstone Proposal Development | 2 | RES300
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP490 | Senior Documentary Capstone Project | 4 | CAP400
  • FIL420 | Distribution and Professional Practice | 3 | FIL301
  • COM450 | Senior Professional Seminar | 3 | Senior Standing
  • SOC405 | Sociological Perspectives on Human Rights | 2 | SOC101

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Documentary Producer
  • Non-profit Communications Director
  • Social Justice Media Consultant
  • Community Outreach Coordinator
  • Independent Filmmaker
  • Humanitarian Media Specialist
  • Advocacy Film Editor

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 Film Production, Specialization in Documentary Filmmaking Media Activism
  • Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Four academic years