Master of Arts in Faith-Based Community Leadership

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Community Leadership

Total program length

48 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Community Leadership core

15 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's of Arts in Community Leadership with a Minor in Christian Ministry Studies equips students with the skills and knowledge to lead effectively in diverse community settings. The program emphasizes theories and practices of community organization, leadership development, and the integration of Christian values in social change initiatives. Students will engage in hands-on learning through projects, case studies, and community partnerships, preparing them for impactful careers in nonprofit organizations, faith-based ministries, and community advocacy. This program is designed for those seeking to cultivate leadership skills while fostering social justice and community wellness, instilling a sense of ethical responsibility and global awareness in future leaders.

The 48-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in Faith-Based Community Leadership theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based community leadership-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based community leadership-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 48-credit requirement is an institutional academic standard that exceeds that minimum.

Program Details

• Total Credits: 48
• Duration: 2 years
• Degree Level: Master

Career Opportunities

• Community Development Coordinator
• Nonprofit Organization Manager
• Faith-Based Program Director
• Social Justice Advocate
• Community Outreach Specialist
• Youth Ministry Leader
• Church Administrator

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 Community Leadership
• Total program length | 48 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Community Leadership core | 15 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
• Eng 101 | English Composition | 3 | None
• SPCH 500 | Introduction to Speech | 3 | None
• GRAD 501 | Graduate Academic Writing | 3 | Undergraduate
• GEN 502 | Graduate, Professionalism, Ethics and Research Literacy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES 510 | Research Methods for Community Leaders (Qualitative & Quantitative Basics) | 3 | None
• LDR 601 | Advanced Leadership and Practice | 3 | None
• ORGL 601 | Foundation of Organizational Leadership | 3 | Foundation Courses SPCh 500, GEN 502, GRAD 501 and MADC 500
• SLDR 601 | Leadership Ethics and Character Development | 3 | Undergraduate
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CMS 610 | Foundation of Christian Ministry | 3 | Foundation Courses SPCh 500, GEN 502, GRAD 501 and MADC 500
• CML 620 | Community Development and Social Transformation | 3 | Foundation Courses SPCh 500, GEN 502, GRAD 501 and MADC 500
• MIN 623 | Pastoral Care, Counseling Skills, and Helping Relationships (Minor) | 3 | None
• ETH 630 | Ethics, Accountability and Public Service Leadership | 3 | Foundation Courses SPCh 500, GEN 502, GRAD 501 and MADC 500
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• NPA 635 | Nonprofit Governance, Ethics and Accountability | 3 | Foundation Courses SPCh 500, GEN 502, GRAD 501 and MADC 500
• ENG 800 | Doctoral Academic Writing and Scholarly Communication | 3 | Masters
• GRD 800 | Advanced Scholarly Communication and Presentation | 3 | Masters Degree
• EDU 904 | Educational Leadership and Organizational Change | 3 | Foundation