Master of Arts in Faith-Based Anthropology, Community Development Cultural Awareness

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Anthropology, Community Development Cultural Awareness

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Anthropology, Community Development Cultural Awareness 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 Anthropology and Community Development is a comprehensive graduate program designed to integrate cultural analysis with practical community advancement strategies. Students explore the intersection of human social structures, historical development, and effective service delivery through a lens of stewardship and ethical responsibility. The curriculum provides a rigorous academic foundation that enables graduates to engage with diverse populations through empathetic understanding and informed leadership. By combining theoretical frameworks in anthropology with actionable methodologies for community growth, the program equips scholars to address systemic challenges within modern societies. Graduates emerge with the expertise to navigate complex social landscapes while maintaining a steadfast commitment to moral integrity and servant leadership in their professional endeavors.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in Faith-Based Anthropology, Community Development Cultural Awareness theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based anthropology, community development cultural awareness-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based anthropology, community development cultural awareness-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
• RES 520, MGT 640, HUM 620
• HIS 670
• History of Social Reform Movements
• 4
• None
• COU 680
• Conflict Resolution in Diverse Communities
• 4
• COM 510
• SOC 690
• Professional Identity and Social Advocacy
• 3
• CHR 550
• CAP 700 — Capstone Project: A comprehensive, research-based project requiring the integration of anthropological knowledge and community development best practices. This serves as the final graduate demonstration. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS 670 — History of Social Reform Movements: Examines historical efforts to improve social conditions through community organizing and civic engagement. Draws lessons from past successes and failures. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU 680 — Conflict Resolution in Diverse Communities: Practical study of methods for mediating conflict within diverse population groups. Focuses on peaceful reconciliation and collaborative negotiation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC 690 — Professional Identity and Social Advocacy: This course examines the development of professional identity, ethics, and civic responsibility within the context of social justice and advocacy work. Students analyze the intersection of personal values and organizational mandates to refine their roles as change agents. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic achievement, requiring students to conduct an original, research-based intervention study or an in-depth organizational assessment. This project is worth 4 credit hours and demands the application of comprehensive anthropological theory to a real-world community challenge. Students must demonstrate their ability to synthesize scholarly research with practical implementation, providing a final report that details their methodology, findings, and recommended organizational outcomes.
• Beyond academic rigor, the Capstone integrates faith-informed perspectives by requiring students to reflect on the ethical implications of their work. Students must explicitly address how concepts of biblical stewardship, servant leadership, and personal integrity guide their proposed interventions. Through this process, the project serves as a demonstration of both professional competence and character development, confirming that the graduate is prepared to act as a moral steward in the complex environment of community development.

Career Opportunities

• Community Development Director
• Nonprofit Program Coordinator
• Social Policy Researcher
• Cultural Liaison Specialist
• International Relief Program Manager
• Urban Planning Consultant
• Community Outreach Officer

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 Anthropology, Community Development Cultural Awareness
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Anthropology, Community Development Cultural Awareness 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
• ANT 501 | Foundations of Cultural Anthropology | 4 | None
• COM 510 | Cross-Cultural Communication | 4 | None
• RES 520 | Research Methods in Social Sciences | 4 | None
• MIN 505 | Principles of Servant Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC 601 | Sociology of Community Development | 4 | ANT 501
• BUS 615 | Nonprofit Organizational Management | 4 | None
• HUM 620 | Ethics in Social Practice | 4 | MIN 505
• ECO 550 | Resource Management and Sustainability | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ANT 630 | Advanced Ethnographic Fieldwork | 4 | RES 520
• MGT 640 | Strategic Planning for Social Impact | 4 | BUS 615
• SOC 650 | Globalization and Community Change | 4 | SOC 601
• PSY 660 | Psychology of Community Resilience | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP 700 | Capstone Project | 4 | RES 520, MGT 640, HUM 620
• HIS 670 | History of Social Reform Movements | 4 | None
• COU 680 | Conflict Resolution in Diverse Communities | 4 | COM 510
• SOC 690 | Professional Identity and Social Advocacy | 3 | CHR 550