Master of Arts in Faith-Based African Studies, Specialization in Cultural Preservation Advocacy

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based African Studies

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based African Studies core

27 credit hours

Research, assessment, and program evaluation

12 credit hours

Professional application and field experience

12 credit hours

Graduate capstone requirement

9 credit hours

The Master of Arts in Faith-Based African Studies with a specialization in Cultural Preservation Advocacy is a comprehensive, interdisciplinary graduate program designed to equip scholars and practitioners with the expertise to safeguard African cultural heritage within global contexts. The curriculum integrates historical, sociological, and ethical frameworks to examine the preservation of cultural artifacts, oral traditions, and societal structures. Students engage in rigorous academic inquiry while developing practical strategies to address the contemporary challenges of heritage conservation and community empowerment.

Rooted in an academic commitment to stewardship and social responsibility, the program emphasizes the ethical dimensions of cultural advocacy. Scholars are challenged to apply analytical methodologies to identify, assess, and promote the integrity of African indigenous practices. Through this specialized study, graduates emerge prepared to facilitate initiatives that respect local autonomy and promote cross-cultural understanding within both secular and faith-based spheres of influence.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in Faith-Based African Studies theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based african studies-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based african studies-support program; A professional training manual; A program-development and evaluation project; Another faculty-approved scholarly project.

The program is designed for completion within two academic years by students maintaining the University's prescribed full-time course load. Part-time students may require additional time.

Florida establishes a minimum of 24 semester credits beyond the bachelor's degree for a master's program. The University's 60-credit requirement is an institutional academic standard that exceeds that minimum.

Program Details

• Total Credits: 60
• Duration: 2 years
• Degree Level: Master

Thesis Development Seminar

• 4
• RES505
• SOC640
• Community-Based Participatory Action
• 3
• None
• HIS610 — Case Studies in African Cultural Preservation: This course analyzes successful and failed preservation projects globally. It draws lessons for future advocacy initiatives and community development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU620 — Educational Models for Cultural Awareness: This course examines how communities can be educated to value their historical heritage. It discusses curriculum design and public awareness strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES630 — Thesis Development Seminar: This course provides structured support for defining research questions and methodologies. It assists students in preparing their thesis proposals for approval. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC640 — Community-Based Participatory Action: This course explores methods for collaborating with communities to identify preservation needs. It emphasizes empowerment and inclusive decision-making. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Master of Arts Thesis serves as the culminating academic experience for the program, requiring students to synthesize their disciplinary knowledge through a significant, independent research endeavor. This six-credit requirement allows students to select a specific topic within the domain of cultural preservation advocacy, such as the digital archiving of oral history, the ethical return of cultural artifacts, or the sustainability of traditional social institutions. Students are expected to produce a substantive scholarly work that contributes new insight to the field, demonstrating mastery of both analytical methods and subject matter.
• Throughout the process, students integrate faith-based perspectives by reflecting on the ethical responsibility of the scholar-practitioner to act as a steward of human heritage. The thesis must demonstrate how the student utilizes servant leadership principles to engage with community stakeholders, ensuring that research practices are collaborative and respectful. This experience marks the transition from academic learning to professional readiness, as students must present their findings and defend their arguments within an ethical framework that honors the dignity of the cultures they study.

Career Opportunities

• Cultural Heritage Consultant
• Nonprofit Program Director for International Development
• Archivist and Museum Collection Manager
• Advocacy Specialist for Cultural Preservation Organizations
• University Research Assistant or Academic Administrator
• Community Development Liaison for Faith-Based Agencies
• Policy Analyst for Cultural Heritage NGOs

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 | M.A. in Faith-Based African Studies
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based African Studies core | 27 credit hours
• Research, assessment, and program evaluation | 12 credit hours
• Professional application and field experience | 12 credit hours
• Graduate capstone requirement | 9 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS501 | Foundations of African Heritage | 4 | None
• RES505 | Advanced Research Methodologies | 4 | None
• CHR510 | Stewardship and Ethics in Professional Practice | 4 | None
• HUM520 | Sociology of Cultural Identity | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS530 | Oral Traditions and Digital Archiving | 4 | HIS501
• LAW540 | International Cultural Law and Advocacy | 4 | None
• COM550 | Intercultural Communication and Advocacy | 4 | None
• BUS560 | Nonprofit Leadership and Sustainable Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS610 | Case Studies in African Cultural Preservation | 4 | HIS501
• EDU620 | Educational Models for Cultural Awareness | 4 | None
• RES630 | Thesis Development Seminar | 4 | RES505
• SOC640 | Community-Based Participatory Action | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP699 | Master Thesis Project | 6 | RES630
• MGT650 | Strategic Resource Development | 4 | BUS560
• HUM660 | Ethics of Global Engagement | 3 | CHR510
• HIS670 | Advanced Seminar in Cultural Preservation | 2 | None