Master of Arts in Faith-Based Education, Specialization in Diverse Education

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Education

Total program length

72 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced faith-based education 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 Education, Specialization in Diverse Education, is designed to empower educators to serve as catalysts for transformation within varied cultural landscapes through a distinctly Christian worldview. Students engage deeply with inclusive pedagogies and community-centered strategies, framed by the principles of biblical stewardship and ethical reasoning. By synthesizing academic rigor with spiritual formation, the program cultivates servant leaders who are equipped to address the complex challenges of multicultural environments. Graduates emerge with the theoretical insights and practical wisdom necessary to foster inclusive learning spaces that honor the inherent dignity of every individual, ensuring they act as faithful stewards of their calling in educational and ministry settings.

The 72-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in faith-based education theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based education-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based education-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 72-credit requirement is an institutional academic standard that exceeds that minimum.

Program Details

• Total Credits: 72
• Duration: 2 years
• Degree Level: Master

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The capstone project serves as the culminating demonstration of the student’s integration of theological scholarship and educational practice. Students must design and implement a substantive research or applied project that addresses a specific educational challenge within a diverse ministry context, reflecting a commitment to justice, mercy, and truth. Throughout this endeavor, students are required to articulate how their proposed solutions reflect biblical stewardship and the core tenets of their Christian faith. The capstone must be defended before a faculty committee, showcasing the candidate’s development as a servant leader capable of translating divine calling into tangible, effective, and ethically grounded pedagogical action.

Career Opportunities

• Educational Coordinator for Religious Organizations
• Diversity Education Director
• Youth Ministry Leader
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Adult Education Program Director
• Curriculum Developer for Faith-Based Institutions
• Intercultural Affairs Advisor

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 Education
• Total program length | 72 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced faith-based education 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
• ENG 101 | College Writing and Composition | 3 | None
• HIS 101 | World History I | 3 | None
• PSY 101 | General Psychology | 3 | None
• SCI 101 | Introduction to Biological Science | 3 | None
• SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• ENG 102 | Academic Research and Writing | 3 | None
• HIS 102 | World History II | 3 | None
• SCI 102 | Environmental Science | 3 | None
• COM 110 | Public Speaking | 3 | None
• HUM 110 | Introduction to Humanities | 3 | None
• MATH 115 | College Algebra | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM 205 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | None
• HUM 215 | Philosophy and Ethics | 3 | None
• MATH 220 | Statistics for Social Sciences | 3 | None
• EDU 301 | Classroom Management | 3 | None
• EDU 302 | Educational Assessment Practices | 3 | None
• EDU 303 | Child and Adolescent Development | 3 | None
• EDU 304 | Effective Instructional Techniques & Strategies | 3 | None
• EDU 305 | Instructional Strategy for ESOL Students | 3 | None
• EDU 306 | Instructional Practices in Reading | 3 | None
• ENG 1021 | Masters Internship | 4 | None
• ENG 1022 | Masters Research on Faith Literature | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENGL 1024 | Spanish 101 | 3 | None
• ENGL 6000 | American Literature Elective | 3 | None
• EDU 6001 | Principles of Faith-Based Education | 3 | None
• EDU 6002 | Biblical Perspectives on Teaching and Learning | 3 | None
• EDU 6003 | Diversity and Inclusion in Religious Education | 3 | None
• EDU 6004 | Educational Psychology and Spiritual Development | 3 | None
• EDU 6005 | Theology of Education and Discipleship | 3 | None
• EDU 6005 | Theology of Education and Discipleship | 3 | None
• EDU 6006 | Christian Ethics in Teaching | 3 | None
• EDU 6006 | Christian Ethics in Teaching | 3 | None
• ENGL 6010 | Introduction to Literary Research | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENGL 6412 | Modern Rhetoric and Writing | 3 | None
• ENGL 6414 | Scientific and Technical Writing | 3 | None
• ENGL 6420 | Linguistic History of English | 3 | None
• ENGL 6421 | Non-Fiction Workshop | 3 | None
• ENGL 6513 | Composition | 3 | None
• ENGL 7000 | Seminar Course | 3 | None
• ENGL 7011 | Studies in Criticism | 3 | None
• ENGL 7225 | Understanding Christian Literature 2.0 | 3 | None
• ENGL 7226 | Criticism and Christian Literature | 3 | None
• ENGL 7410 | Advanced Creative Writing Workshop | 3 | None