Master of Arts in Faith-Based Digital Journalism, Media

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Digital Journalism, Media

Total program length

54 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Digital Journalism, Media core

27 credit hours

Research, assessment, and program evaluation

12 credit hours

Professional application and field experience

6 credit hours

Graduate capstone requirement

9 credit hours

The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Digital Journalism with a Minor in Faith-Based Digital Media is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of journalism and media. Through this program, students will gain expertise in digital content creation, multimedia storytelling, and social media engagement, with a unique focus on faith-based narratives. The curriculum emphasizes ethical journalism practices and the role of digital media in influencing public discourse. By integrating faith perspectives with journalistic integrity, graduates will be prepared for various professional paths. The program not only fosters critical thinking and creativity but also enhances technical skills essential for today’s media professionals, making students valuable assets in the job market. With hands-on projects, collaborative workshops, and exposure to industry leaders, this program is tailored to prepare aspiring journalists for meaningful careers that bridge faith and media.

The 54-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in faith-based digital journalism, media theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based digital journalism, media-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based digital journalism, media-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 54-credit requirement is an institutional academic standard that exceeds that minimum.

Program Details

• Total Credits: 54
• Duration: 2 years
• Degree Level: Master

Career Opportunities

• Digital Journalist
• Social Media Manager
• Content Creator
• Multimedia Producer
• Faith-Based Communications Director
• Online News Editor
• Public Relations 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 Digital Journalism, Media
• Total program length | 54 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Digital Journalism, Media core | 27 credit hours
• Research, assessment, and program evaluation | 12 credit hours
• Professional application and field experience | 6 credit hours
• Graduate capstone requirement | 9 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DJM 6XX | Graduate Journalism Elective II | 3 | None
• DJM 6XX | Graduate Journalism | 3 | None
• FDM 500 | Foundations of Faith-Based Digital Media | 3 | None
• FDM 510 | Media and Theology in Digital Contexts | 3 | None
• FDM 520 | Storytelling, Culture, and Faith | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• FDM 530 | Ethics and Leadership in Faith-Based Media | 3 | None
• FDM 540 | Production for Faith-Based Digital Media | 3 | None
• DJM 601 | Foundations of Digital Journalism | 3 | None
• DJM 602 | Reporting and Writing for Digital Platforms | 3 | None
• DJM 603 | Media Law and Journalism Ethics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DJM 610 | Multimedia Production for Journalism | 3 | None
• DJM 611 | Data Journalism and Visualization | 3 | None
• DJM 612 | Digital Audience Analytics | 3 | None
• DJM 620 | Digital Storytelling and Interactive Design | 3 | None
• DJM 621 | Social and Mobile Journalism | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DJM 622 | Research Methods in Digital Media | 3 | None
• DJM 630 | Emerging Media Technologies | 3 | None
• DJM 631 | Advanced Investigative Digital Reporting | 3 | None
• DJM 640 | Advanced Multimedia Production Lab | 3 | None
• DJM 641 | Strategic Digital Content Management | 3 | None