Master of Arts in Faith-Based Biochemistry, Specialization in Scientific Research Public Health

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Biochemistry

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Biochemistry 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 Biochemistry with a specialization in Scientific Research Public Health is an advanced interdisciplinary program designed to equip scholars with rigorous scientific inquiry skills while fostering an ethos of compassionate stewardship and servant leadership. The curriculum bridges the gap between complex biochemical mechanisms and the practical application of public health strategies, grounded in a framework of ethical integrity. Students engage in high-level laboratory research and community health analysis, preparing for leadership roles that demand both intellectual precision and a commitment to human flourishing within the global community.

By integrating advanced biochemical principles with public health methodology, the program provides a comprehensive understanding of the environmental and biological determinants of health. Students analyze scientific challenges through a lens of social responsibility and moral decision-making, ensuring that technological advancements are applied for the betterment of society. This program emphasizes the cultivation of character alongside academic proficiency, encouraging graduates to act as agents of change in their professional environments.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based biochemistry-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
• COM680
• Strategic Communication in Health
• 3
• None
• BIO650 — Advanced Clinical Chemistry: Advanced diagnostics and molecular screening techniques. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PUB660 — Environmental Health Policy: Impact of environmental factors on community wellbeing. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES670 — Thesis Development Seminar: Structuring the research proposal and preliminary data analysis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM680 — Strategic Communication in Health: Messaging for public health advocacy and education. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Master’s Thesis serves as the culminating academic experience for the degree, requiring students to execute an original research project that addresses a specific biochemical or public health challenge. Students are expected to demonstrate comprehensive mastery of their field by synthesizing experimental data with theoretical frameworks, while upholding the principles of academic rigor and intellectual honesty. The scope of the project must include a robust literature review, systematic methodology, and clear, evidence-based recommendations for public health improvement.
• Beyond technical achievement, the thesis necessitates a formal reflection on the integration of faith-based ethics and stewardship within the research process. Students must address how their findings reflect a commitment to servant leadership and the promotion of human dignity, ensuring that their work serves as a practical asset to community-based health initiatives. The thesis is a 6-credit endeavor that requires a successful oral defense before a faculty committee, validating the student’s readiness to contribute to the field with both scientific excellence and character-driven integrity.

Career Opportunities

• Biochemical Research Scientist
• Public Health Policy Analyst
• Community Health Program Coordinator
• Epidemiology Project Manager
• Environmental Health Advocate
• Nonprofit Health Services Director
• Science Education 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 Biochemistry
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Biochemistry 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
• BIO501 | Advanced Molecular Biochemistry | 4 | None
• RES505 | Research Design and Methodology | 4 | None
• PUB510 | Foundations of Public Health | 4 | None
• THE520 | Ethics in Biomedical Science | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO610 | Cellular Signaling and Disease | 4 | BIO501
• PUB620 | Epidemiological Analysis | 4 | RES505
• SOC630 | Community Health Systems | 4 | PUB510
• MGT640 | Nonprofit Leadership and Governance | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO650 | Advanced Clinical Chemistry | 4 | BIO610
• PUB660 | Environmental Health Policy | 4 | PUB620
• RES670 | Thesis Development Seminar | 4 | RES505
• COM680 | Strategic Communication in Health | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP700 | Master Thesis Project | 6 | RES670
• PUB710 | Global Health Stewardship | 3 | PUB660
• BIO720 | Biotechnology and Human Flourishing | 3 | BIO650
• CHR730 | Servant Leadership in Health Science | 3 | None