Master of Arts in Faith-Based Archaeology, Cultural Heritage Preservation

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Archaeology, Cultural Heritage Preservation

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Archaeology, Cultural Heritage Preservation 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 Archaeology, Cultural Heritage Preservation program at HBI University offers advanced scholarship and applied research opportunities for students interested in the study of ancient pasts and the stewardship of their material remains. This interdisciplinary program integrates rigorous archaeological methodologies with an ethical framework derived from a Christian worldview, emphasizing responsible excavation, analysis, and preservation practices. Students will explore the intersection of historical inquiry, material culture, and the spiritual significance of ancient sites and artifacts within their broader cultural and religious contexts. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the critical thinking and practical skills necessary for impactful contributions to the field, grounded in principles of service and academic integrity.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in Faith-Based Archaeology, Cultural Heritage Preservation theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based archaeology, cultural heritage preservation-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based archaeology, cultural heritage preservation-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 or Capstone Project

• The culminating academic experience for the Master of Arts in Faith-Based Archaeology, Cultural Heritage Preservation is a comprehensive thesis or capstone project. This scholarly work provides students an opportunity to synthesize their learning, conduct original research or a significant preservation project, and demonstrate their mastery of program competencies. Students will select a topic relevant to faith-based archaeology or cultural heritage, develop a rigorous research design or project plan, and execute it under the guidance of a faculty advisor.
• The thesis or capstone project is designed to integrate academic rigor with the ethical imperatives of stewardship, servant leadership, and a Christian worldview. Students are expected to critically engage with their research area, considering its implications for ethical practice, community engagement, and the responsible management of cultural resources. The project will culminate in a substantial written document and a public defense, showcasing the student's ability to apply disciplinary knowledge, communicate complex ideas, and uphold the values of faithful scholarship. This endeavor serves as a testament to both intellectual growth and the development of a faith-informed character dedicated to serving and preserving the past.

Career Opportunities

• Archaeological Field Technician for cultural resource management firms.
• Museum Collections Manager for faith-based institutions or historical societies.
• Cultural Heritage Consultant for international development organizations.
• Research Assistant for archaeological research projects.
• Archivist for religious archives or historical collections.
• Site Preservation Officer for national parks or heritage sites.
• Educator or Program Developer for cultural heritage organizations.
• Nonprofit Program Manager focused on community heritage initiatives.

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 Archaeology, Cultural Heritage Preservation
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Archaeology, Cultural Heritage Preservation 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
• ARCH501 | Foundations of Archaeological Theory and Method | 3 | None
• HIS501 | Historical Research Methods | 3 | None
• RES501 | Research Design and Proposal Development | 3 | None
• PHI501 | Professional Ethics and Value Systems | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ARCH510 | Archaeological Field Techniques and Survey | 4 | ARCH501
• ARCH520 | Introduction to Cultural Heritage Management | 3 | ARCH501
• SOC505 | Sociology of Community and Belief Systems | 3 | None
• RES510 | Statistical Methods for Social Science Research | 3 | RES501
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ARCH530 | Artifact Analysis and Interpretation | 4 | ARCH510
• ARCH540 | Cultural Landscapes and Heritage Sites | 3 | ARCH501, SOC505
• HUM501 | Intercultural Communication and Diplomacy | 3 | None
• MGT510 | Nonprofit Management and Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ARCH699 | Master's Thesis or Capstone Project | 6 | ARCH530, ARCH540, RES510
• ARCH550 | Conservation and Preservation Technologies | 3 | ARCH510
• ANT560 | Community-Engaged Archaeology | 3 | ARCH540, SOC505
• BUS550 | Organizational Stewardship and Asset Management | 3 | THE501