Master of Arts in Faith-Based Astronomy, Specialization in Space Education Public Outreach

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Astronomy

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Astronomy 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 Astronomy, Specialization in Space Education Public Outreach, is a multidisciplinary program designed to bridge the gap between rigorous astrophysical inquiry and effective public communication. Students engage with foundational astronomical concepts through a lens of stewardship and discovery, preparing them to lead public engagement initiatives that inspire awe and deeper understanding of the cosmos. By synthesizing pedagogical theory with scientific observation, graduates are equipped to serve in diverse educational settings, communicating complex information with integrity and accessibility. The curriculum focuses on both the technical mastery of space science and the socio-ethical implications of human engagement with the universe, grounding professional practice in a robust framework of servant leadership and ethical responsibility. Scholars will explore current frontiers in space exploration while developing programs that promote educational equity and intellectual growth within their communities.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based astronomy-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 in Space Education

• 4
• RES510, EDU620, MGT630
• AST650
• Contemporary Frontiers in Astrophysics
• 4
• AST610
• EDU660
• Inclusive Science Communication
• 3
• COM530
• BUS670
• Strategic Leadership for Outreach Programs
• 3
• MGT630
• CAP699 — Capstone Project in Space Education: The culminating project where students design and implement a comprehensive astronomical public outreach program within their community. The project includes a formal report and presentation on outcomes, demonstrating both technical mastery and ethical application. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• AST650 — Contemporary Frontiers in Astrophysics: An analysis of the most recent developments in astrophysics, including gravitational waves and dark matter, designed for dissemination to the public. The course encourages critical thinking regarding the nature of scientific discovery. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU660 — Inclusive Science Communication: Focuses on designing programming for diverse populations, including those with limited access to scientific resources. The curriculum addresses cultural competence and accessibility as foundations of educational equity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS670 — Strategic Leadership for Outreach Programs: Examines leadership styles and organizational management techniques essential for directing nonprofit educational programs. The course emphasizes building consensus and collaborative problem-solving skills. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The culminating experience for this Master's degree is a rigorous Capstone Project, weighted at 4 credit hours, requiring the development, implementation, and assessment of a comprehensive public outreach initiative. Students identify a community-based need, design an astronomical education program that addresses this need, and execute the project with professional rigor. This project serves as a synthesis of technical astronomical knowledge and pedagogical excellence, requiring students to document their impact through empirical evaluation and reflective analysis. The Capstone must demonstrate the student's ability to navigate the complexities of public education while maintaining high standards of ethical stewardship and scholarly inquiry. Students are expected to articulate how their work reflects their personal commitment to service, demonstrating that academic competence is intimately linked to the cultivation of professional character and community flourishing. This culminating project ensures that graduates leave with a tangible, evaluated contribution to the field of space education, firmly grounded in their identity as ethical leaders prepared to serve diverse populations with insight and integrity.

Career Opportunities

• Science Museum Education Director
• Planetarium Outreach Coordinator
• Faith-Based Non-Profit Science Program Manager
• Community Science Engagement Specialist
• Observatory Education Director
• Non-Formal Educational Consultant
• Science Communication Strategist

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 Astronomy
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Astronomy 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
• AST501 | Foundations of Galactic Science | 4 | None
• EDU505 | Principles of Educational Design | 4 | None
• RES510 | Research Methods in Science Education | 3 | None
• MIN515 | Servant Leadership and Stewardship | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• AST520 | Cosmology and Celestial Mechanics | 4 | AST501
• COM530 | Strategic Communication for Science Outreach | 4 | EDU505
• ETH540 | Ethics in Scientific Public Policy | 3 | MIN515
• SOC550 | Community Engagement Strategies | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• AST610 | Planetary Science and Astrobiology | 4 | AST520
• EDU620 | Advanced Instructional Strategies in Science | 4 | EDU505
• MGT630 | Nonprofit Resource Development | 3 | SOC550
• PRO640 | Professional Ethics and Organizational Leadership | 3 | MIN515
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP699 | Capstone Project in Space Education | 4 | RES510, EDU620, MGT630
• AST650 | Contemporary Frontiers in Astrophysics | 4 | AST610
• EDU660 | Inclusive Science Communication | 3 | COM530
• BUS670 | Strategic Leadership for Outreach Programs | 3 | MGT630