Master of Arts in Faith-Based Broadcast Journalism

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Broadcast Journalism

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Broadcast Journalism 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 Broadcast Journalism is a graduate-level program designed to prepare students for the evolving landscape of digital and traditional media. Through a curriculum that balances technical proficiency in production with deep analytical inquiry into media ethics, students examine the intersection of communication theory, storytelling, and public discourse. The program emphasizes the role of the media professional as a steward of truth and a catalyst for positive cultural influence in a global society.

Students will engage with advanced techniques in journalistic inquiry, video production, and digital platform management while reflecting on the moral responsibilities inherent in public broadcasting. By cultivating a pedagogical framework of servant leadership and ethical decision-making, the program equips graduates to serve as effective communicators within secular and faith-informed media organizations, ensuring that their work remains grounded in both technical excellence and principled conduct.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based broadcast journalism-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 and Capstone Project

• 4
• All prior courses
• COM650
• Broadcast Production Residency
• 4
• COM520
• COM660
• Seminar in Media Management
• 3
• None
• HUM670
• Cultural Critique and Media Analysis
• 4
• None
• CAP690 — Thesis and Capstone Project: The final integration of technical, academic, and ethical proficiencies through the production of a professional project. This course functions as the capstone evaluation for the degree. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM650 — Broadcast Production Residency: A supervised field experience where students apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world broadcast setting. Students gain practical experience in operational management and content creation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM660 — Seminar in Media Management: A capstone seminar examining the financial and strategic sustainability of mission-based media organizations. Students analyze real-world case studies for operational excellence. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM670 — Cultural Critique and Media Analysis: A theoretical examination of how broadcast media shapes and reflects modern cultural shifts. Students learn to provide thoughtful, balanced analysis of complex social issues. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Master of Arts in Faith-Based Broadcast Journalism culminates in a final Thesis Project, a rigorous scholarly and creative endeavor that requires the synthesis of technical expertise and ethical reflection. Students will produce a professional-grade media project paired with a critical academic analysis that addresses a contemporary issue in broadcasting. This project is worth 4 credit hours and serves as the definitive demonstration of the student’s mastery in journalistic inquiry, technical production, and the application of ethical standards.
• Beyond technical competence, the project requires a substantive examination of the student's personal and professional values. Students must articulate how their work reflects servant leadership, biblical stewardship, and the commitment to truth that defines their vocational calling. Through this capstone, students demonstrate how faith-informed character development integrates with advanced academic scholarship to provide a foundation for meaningful service in the media field. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Career Opportunities

• Broadcast Producer
• Digital News Director
• Nonprofit Communications Strategist
• Media Relations Coordinator
• Public Affairs Specialist
• Content Strategy Director
• Journalistic Content Researcher

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 Broadcast Journalism
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Broadcast Journalism 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
• COM501 | Foundations of Broadcast Journalism | 4 | None
• COM510 | Digital Storytelling Techniques | 4 | None
• RES500 | Research Methods in Communication | 4 | None
• THE505 | Ethics and Stewardship in Media | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM520 | Advanced Audio and Video Production | 4 | COM510
• COM530 | Media Law and Regulatory Policy | 4 | COM501
• COM540 | Public Discourse and Community Engagement | 4 | None
• MIN510 | Leadership in Organizational Communication | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM601 | Investigative Journalism Practices | 4 | COM501, RES500
• COM610 | Social Media and Digital Audience Engagement | 4 | None
• COM620 | Global Communication Perspectives | 4 | None
• COM605 | Professional Ethics and Personal Development in Media | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP690 | Thesis and Capstone Project | 4 | All prior courses
• COM650 | Broadcast Production Residency | 4 | COM520
• COM660 | Seminar in Media Management | 3 | None
• HUM670 | Cultural Critique and Media Analysis | 4 | None