Master of Arts in Faith-Based Educational Leadership

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Educational Leadership

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced faith-based educational leadership 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 Educational Leadership is a rigorous graduate program designed to cultivate visionary administrators and scholars who are prepared to navigate the complexities of modern educational institutions. This program synthesizes advanced organizational theory, instructional leadership, and administrative strategy with a commitment to stewardship, ethical integrity, and servant leadership within the context of faith-informed service. By engaging with both scholarly research and practical administrative frameworks, students develop the competencies necessary to foster organizational excellence while upholding a strong moral and ethical foundation.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based educational 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 60-credit requirement is an institutional academic standard that exceeds that minimum.

Program Details

• Total Credits: 60
• Duration: 2 years
• Degree Level: Master

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Capstone Project serves as the definitive culmination of the Master of Arts in Faith-Based Educational Leadership, requiring students to synthesize their learning through the completion of an original, applied research or policy development project. Students are tasked with identifying a systemic challenge within a specific educational context and proposing a data-driven, ethically grounded solution that reflects principles of stewardship and sustainable organizational development. This 6-credit requirement challenges students to demonstrate advanced critical thinking, scholarly research capability, and the ability to apply professional leadership theory to real-world scenarios.
• The project deliverables include a formal manuscript or administrative portfolio that integrates disciplinary expertise with a critical examination of ethical and worldview implications. Beyond technical proficiency, the Capstone project requires students to articulate how their proposed leadership interventions foster institutional health, support human flourishing, and adhere to a commitment of service. By successfully defending their work, students demonstrate readiness to assume roles of significant responsibility within the educational landscape, embodying both academic competence and a character centered on professional integrity and communal stewardship.

Career Opportunities

• Educational Administrator
• Institutional Advancement Director
• Nonprofit Program Coordinator
• Director of Community Engagement
• Instructional Systems Designer
• Educational Policy Analyst
• Organizational Development Consultant

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 Educational Leadership
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced faith-based educational leadership 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
• EDU500 | Foundations of Educational Leadership | 4 | None
• RES510 | Educational Research Methodology | 4 | None
• MGT520 | Organizational Management and Strategy | 3 | None
• EDU530 | Ethical Leadership and Governance | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU540 | Curriculum Design and Instructional Leadership | 4 | EDU500
• SOC550 | Sociology of Educational Communities | 4 | None
• COM560 | Advanced Communication for Leaders | 3 | None
• EDU570 | Staff Development and Human Resources | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU600 | Advanced Instructional Assessment | 4 | RES510
• BUS610 | Institutional Financial Stewardship | 4 | MGT520
• EDU620 | Inclusive Educational Practices | 3 | None
• EDU630 | Legal and Regulatory Environments | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP690 | Master's Capstone Project | 6 | RES510, EDU600
• EDU650 | Change Management and Institutional Innovation | 4 | None
• EDU660 | Organizational Culture and Leadership Ethics | 3 | None
• EDU670 | Contemporary Issues in Education | 3 | None