Master of Arts in Faith-Based English Literature

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based English Literature

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based English Literature 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 English Literature provides a rigorous exploration of global literary traditions, critical theory, and the intersection of creative expression with ethical and theological inquiry. Students engage deeply with classical and contemporary texts to cultivate a sophisticated understanding of narrative structure, cultural influence, and historical context. The curriculum emphasizes the development of advanced research and analytical skills within a framework that encourages students to evaluate literature through the lenses of social responsibility, justice, and vocational service. By bridging the gap between historical literary movements and contemporary cultural challenges, the program prepares graduates to serve as discerning voices in scholarly and professional spheres. Beyond academic proficiency, the program encourages students to integrate their intellectual pursuit with personal and communal growth, fostering a deeper awareness of their role as stewards of language and storytelling in a diverse society.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based english literature-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

• 6
• RES505
• ENG680
• Pedagogy and Professional Writing
• 3
• None
• ENG690
• Literature and Community Engagement
• 3
• None
• ENG695
• Professional Development Internship
• 3
• None
• CAP699 — Thesis and Capstone Project: This culminating project requires students to produce a significant research-based work that integrates literary scholarship with practical and ethical application. Students demonstrate mastery of their academic focus and professional growth. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ENG680 — Pedagogy and Professional Writing: This course covers instructional methods for literature and the nuances of professional academic writing. Students learn to design curricula that foster critical thinking. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ENG690 — Literature and Community Engagement: Students examine the role of literature in community building and outreach. The course focuses on applying literary insights to solve real-world communication challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ENG695 — Professional Development Internship: Students participate in a professional field experience related to literary, educational, or communication work. The experience highlights servant leadership and practical skills application. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Capstone Project serves as the final academic demonstration of the student’s ability to synthesize literary theory, historical context, and ethical frameworks. This culminating experience requires the student to complete a comprehensive thesis or an applied scholarly project that reflects advanced competence in their chosen area of focus. Students are expected to demonstrate rigor in methodology and originality in contribution, while explicitly addressing how their research contributes to the public good and community enrichment. The project is weighted at 6 credits and requires approval from a faculty committee, ensuring it meets the rigorous standards of postsecondary scholarship.
• Beyond technical proficiency, the Capstone Project integrates faith-based perspectives by requiring students to reflect on the ethical implications of their research and its alignment with values of stewardship and servant leadership. Students must demonstrate how their work promotes intellectual honesty, respects the dignity of human expression, and encourages community engagement. This final requirement ensures that graduates leave the program as both scholars and practitioners, capable of applying a balanced worldview to the complex challenges of the contemporary cultural landscape.

Career Opportunities

• Educational Leadership and Curriculum Development
• Nonprofit Communications and Advocacy
• Editorial and Publishing Services
• Community Outreach Coordination
• Professional Writing and Content Strategy
• Humanities Research and Program Administration

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 English Literature
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based English Literature 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
• ENG501 | Advanced Literary Theory | 4 | None
• RES505 | Graduate Research Methodologies | 4 | None
• ENG510 | Classical Traditions in Literature | 4 | None
• HUM500 | Ethics and Humanities in Practice | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG520 | British Literature and Cultural History | 4 | ENG501
• ENG525 | American Literature and National Identity | 4 | ENG501
• COM515 | Communication for Social Change | 4 | None
• ENG530 | World Literatures and Globalization | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• LIT601 | Archetypal Structures in Global Narrative | 4 | ENG501
• ENG610 | Poetry and the Human Experience | 4 | None
• ENG620 | Contemporary Literary Criticism | 4 | ENG501
• ENG650 | Special Topics in Literature | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP699 | Thesis and Capstone Project | 6 | RES505
• ENG680 | Pedagogy and Professional Writing | 3 | None
• ENG690 | Literature and Community Engagement | 3 | None
• ENG695 | Professional Development Internship | 3 | None