Master of Arts in Faith-Based Alternative Medicine, Holistic Health Care

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Alternative Medicine, Holistic Health Care

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Alternative Medicine, Holistic Health Care 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 Alternative Medicine and Holistic Health Care is a comprehensive graduate program designed to explore the intersection of wellness, spiritual stewardship, and integrative health practices. Students engage in rigorous academic inquiry regarding the biological, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of human health, focusing on evidence-based holistic paradigms that prioritize preventative care and comprehensive wellbeing. The curriculum encourages students to examine diverse health traditions while grounding their practice in ethical stewardship and servant leadership.

By fostering an environment of interdisciplinary learning, the program invites participants to synthesize theoretical knowledge of holistic health with practical applications suited for community-based support. Students are encouraged to develop a professional identity characterized by compassionate service, analytical rigor, and a commitment to the flourishing of individuals and communities within a diverse society.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in faith-based alternative medicine, holistic health care theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based alternative medicine, holistic health care-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based alternative medicine, holistic health care-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

Capstone Project

• 4
• RES500
• BUS650
• Ethics and Resource Stewardship
• 3
• MGT550
• SOC660
• Global Perspectives on Health
• 3
• None
• COU670
• Crisis Intervention and Psychological First Aid
• 3
• COU540
• CAP800 — Capstone Project: Students conduct an original project to address a health-related challenge in a community setting. The final product includes a written report and oral defense. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS650 — Ethics and Resource Stewardship: Focuses on the responsible management of financial and human resources within nonprofit organizations. Examines fiscal accountability and ethical governance. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC660 — Global Perspectives on Health: An analysis of health issues on a global scale with an emphasis on mission-based service. Evaluates cross-cultural approaches to holistic support. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU670 — Crisis Intervention and Psychological First Aid: This course provides an overview of theoretical frameworks and evidence-based techniques for intervention during acute psychological distress. Emphasis is placed on stabilization, assessment, and the facilitation of adaptive coping mechanisms for individuals and families in crisis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Capstone Project serves as the final, rigorous academic experience for the Master of Arts program, requiring students to synthesize their coursework through a substantive applied project. Students are expected to identify a critical need within a community or faith-based organization and design a evidence-based, holistic health intervention that reflects principles of stewardship and ethical excellence.
• The project culminates in a formal written thesis and a professional presentation. Through this process, students demonstrate their ability to apply advanced disciplinary knowledge while showcasing spiritual maturity and leadership skills. This deliverable serves as evidence of the student's readiness to contribute to the field with integrity, balancing academic rigor with a mission-driven approach to community wellness.

Career Opportunities

• Community Health Program Coordinator
• Faith-Based Wellness Ministry Director
• Nonprofit Health Education Consultant
• Holistic Health Policy Researcher
• Community Outreach Liaison
• Spiritual Formation and Wellbeing Specialist

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 Alternative Medicine, Holistic Health Care
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Alternative Medicine, Holistic Health Care 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
• RES500 | Research Methods in Holistic Health | 4 | None
• BIO510 | Human Physiology and Holistic Systems | 4 | None
• THE520 | Stewardship and Ethics in Health | 4 | None
• SOC530 | Sociology of Wellness and Community | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU540 | Counseling and Compassionate Care | 4 | None
• MGT550 | Nonprofit Leadership in Health | 4 | None
• PSY560 | Psychology of Holistic Wellness | 4 | None
• PSY570 | Positive Psychology and Well-being | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO610 | Nutritional Science and Lifestyle | 3 | BIO510
• COM620 | Health Communication Strategies | 3 | None
• EDU630 | Pedagogy for Community Education | 3 | None
• HIS640 | History of Holistic Medicine | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP800 | Capstone Project | 4 | RES500
• BUS650 | Ethics and Resource Stewardship | 3 | MGT550
• SOC660 | Global Perspectives on Health | 3 | None
• COU670 | Crisis Intervention and Psychological First Aid | 3 | COU540