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Master of Arts in Faith-Based Entrepreneurial Studies

Academic unitHBIU College of Business and EconomicsTotal credits60Estimated duration2 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Entrepreneurial Studies

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Entrepreneurial Studies 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 Entrepreneurial Studies provides a comprehensive graduate curriculum designed to equip leaders with the theoretical framework and practical competencies necessary for launching, managing, and sustaining mission-driven enterprises. The program bridges rigorous business administration principles with ethical leadership frameworks, emphasizing the role of stewardship and organizational health in diverse economic environments. Through a multidisciplinary approach, students explore the intersection of strategic management, social innovation, and organizational behavior within a global context. This program empowers scholars to navigate the complexities of contemporary entrepreneurship while maintaining a commitment to ethical integrity and servant leadership. By integrating advanced business analytics with principles of community development, graduates are prepared to address systemic challenges through sustainable organizational models. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based entrepreneurial studies-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 Facts

Program facts

Degree abbreviation
M.A. in Faith-Based Entrepreneurial Studies
Total program length
60 graduate semester credit hours
Normal completion time
Two academic years of full-time study
Academic unit
HBIU College of Business and Economics
Total credits
60
Duration
2 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Analyze complex business environments to identify opportunities for sustainable entrepreneurial ventures.
  • Evaluate organizational governance models through the lens of ethical reasoning and long-term stewardship.
  • Design comprehensive business strategies that demonstrate social responsibility and community impact.
  • Integrate servant leadership principles into organizational culture and human resource management.
  • Demonstrate advanced communication skills to effectively articulate organizational mission and impact to stakeholders.
  • Apply rigorous quantitative and qualitative research methods to inform data-driven decision-making.
  • Develop a strategic business plan that reflects fiscal sustainability and alignment with organizational values.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • BUS501
  • Principles of Strategic Management
  • 4
  • None
  • MGT510
  • Organizational Leadership and Culture
  • 4
  • None
  • RES505
  • Research Methods for Social Innovation
  • 4
  • None
  • BUS520
  • Economic Stewardship and Finance
  • 3
  • None
  • BUS501 — Principles of Strategic Management: This course examines the processes of strategy formulation and implementation in competitive environments. Students analyze case studies to understand long-term organizational success through the lens of ethical stewardship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT510 — Organizational Leadership and Culture: Students investigate how leadership styles influence organizational culture and employee engagement. Emphasis is placed on servant leadership models that foster integrity and community. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • RES505 — Research Methods for Social Innovation: This course covers quantitative and qualitative research methodologies essential for assessing social outcomes. Students learn to evaluate the effectiveness of programs through rigorous data collection. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS520 — Economic Stewardship and Finance: An introduction to financial planning and fiscal responsibility in an entrepreneurial setting. Students explore how to manage resources in a way that prioritizes institutional sustainability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • BUS530
  • Social Innovation and Enterprise Design
  • 4
  • BUS501
  • ETH540
  • Ethics and Professional Responsibility
  • 4
  • None
  • MGT550
  • Human Resource Strategy and Talent Development
  • 4
  • MGT510
  • BUS560
  • Marketing for Impact
  • 3
  • None
  • BUS530 — Social Innovation and Enterprise Design: Students explore the development of business models that address social problems through sustainable ventures. This course emphasizes the integration of mission-driven objectives into business operations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • ETH540 — Ethics and Professional Responsibility: This course provides an intensive review of ethical dilemmas in modern business. Students analyze the impact of personal integrity and ethical reasoning on organizational decision-making. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT550 — Human Resource Strategy and Talent Development: This course examines the recruitment, retention, and development of personnel in mission-aligned organizations. Focus is placed on fostering professional growth and ethical standards within the workforce. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS560 — Marketing for Impact: Students learn to craft communication strategies that effectively share the organizational mission with diverse stakeholders. The course explores branding and messaging based on transparency and community engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • BUS601
  • Advanced Business Analytics
  • 4
  • RES505
  • MGT610
  • Conflict Resolution and Negotiation
  • 4
  • None
  • BUS620
  • Global Perspectives on Development
  • 4
  • None
  • BUS630
  • Nonprofit Governance and Law
  • 3
  • None
  • BUS601 — Advanced Business Analytics: This course utilizes advanced statistical methods to analyze organizational performance. Students learn to translate data into actionable insights for improved stewardship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT610 — Conflict Resolution and Negotiation: An examination of techniques for navigating organizational conflicts through consensus-building and mediation. The course highlights the importance of empathy and integrity in reconciliation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS620 — Global Perspectives on Development: This course evaluates how cross-cultural dynamics influence the development and management of social ventures globally. Students analyze strategies for cross-cultural partnership and servant leadership. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS630 — Nonprofit Governance and Law: An in-depth look at the legal and regulatory frameworks governing nonprofit and social enterprises. Students learn about fiduciary duties and board development in accordance with best practices. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CAP800
  • Capstone: Integrative Project
  • 6
  • All previous courses
  • MGT640
  • Advanced Organizational Behavior and Employee Development
  • 4
  • None
  • BUS650
  • Strategic Partnerships and Community Engagement
  • 3
  • None
  • BUS660
  • Organizational Sustainability Seminar
  • 4
  • None
  • CAP800 — Capstone: Integrative Project: The culmination of the program where students design and present a viable entrepreneurial plan. This project requires the synthesis of all prior academic work and faith-based ethical principles. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT640 — Advanced Organizational Behavior and Employee Development: This course examines psychological and sociological frameworks of leadership, focusing on motivation, team dynamics, and the personal growth of professionals within complex institutional environments. It provides tools for cultivating organizational health and effective management practices. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS650 — Strategic Partnerships and Community Engagement: Focuses on the art of coalition-building and community partnership as a key driver of mission success. Students learn to leverage external networks for the benefit of the organization. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS660 — Organizational Sustainability Seminar: An intensive seminar on the long-term viability of mission-driven ventures in a fluctuating economic market. Students develop final risk management and sustainability frameworks for their careers. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The application package must include official transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining professional goals, two letters of professional or academic recommendation, and a current curriculum vitae. Candidates should demonstrate a foundational understanding of business principles and an aptitude for graduate-level research. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions. Thesis or Capstone Project The Master of Arts in Faith-Based Entrepreneurial Studies culminates in a comprehensive Capstone Project, a 6-credit requirement that serves as the definitive demonstration of professional and academic proficiency. Students are expected to design, research, and present an original entrepreneurial proposal or organizational assessment that addresses a tangible social or community challenge. This project requires the synthesis of theoretical concepts learned throughout the curriculum, demanding an application of ethical decision-making frameworks, financial modeling, and strategic leadership planning. By integrating these elements, students demonstrate how their organizational model reflects biblical stewardship and a commitment to serving the common good. The final deliverable must undergo a formal defense before a faculty committee, providing an opportunity for scholarly dialogue on the viability and character-driven nature of the proposed venture. This process not only confirms academic competence but also evaluates the student's readiness to apply faith-informed character to complex professional environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • To qualify for the Master of Arts in Faith-Based Entrepreneurial Studies, students must successfully complete the prescribed 60 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. In addition to academic coursework, candidates must complete the 6-credit Capstone Project, demonstrating mastery of the program's learning outcomes. Beyond technical proficiency, graduation requirements include participation in integrated spiritual formation seminars, which are designed to foster professional ethics, integrity, and reflection on the role of leadership in service. The graduation criteria ensure that each student possesses both the cognitive framework and the behavioral maturity required for effective, faith-informed service in their chosen professional fields. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Career Opportunities
  • Social Entrepreneur
  • Nonprofit Executive Director
  • Organizational Development Consultant
  • Community Development Manager
  • Social Enterprise Business Analyst
  • Director of Operations for Faith-Based Organizations
  • Strategic Planning Coordinator
  • 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 Entrepreneurial Studies
  • Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
  • Advanced Faith-Based Entrepreneurial Studies 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
  • BUS501 | Principles of Strategic Management | 4 | None
  • MGT510 | Organizational Leadership and Culture | 4 | None
  • RES505 | Research Methods for Social Innovation | 4 | None
  • BUS520 | Economic Stewardship and Finance | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BUS530 | Social Innovation and Enterprise Design | 4 | BUS501
  • ETH540 | Ethics and Professional Responsibility | 4 | None
  • MGT550 | Human Resource Strategy and Talent Development | 4 | MGT510
  • BUS560 | Marketing for Impact | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BUS601 | Advanced Business Analytics | 4 | RES505
  • MGT610 | Conflict Resolution and Negotiation | 4 | None
  • BUS620 | Global Perspectives on Development | 4 | None
  • BUS630 | Nonprofit Governance and Law | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP800 | Capstone: Integrative Project | 6 | All previous courses
  • MGT640 | Advanced Organizational Behavior and Employee Development | 4 | None
  • BUS650 | Strategic Partnerships and Community Engagement | 3 | None
  • BUS660 | Organizational Sustainability Seminar | 4 | None

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Social Entrepreneur
  • Nonprofit Executive Director
  • Organizational Development Consultant
  • Community Development Manager
  • Social Enterprise Business Analyst
  • Director of Operations for Faith-Based Organizations
  • Strategic Planning Coordinator

Additional Official Information

Additional source information

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 Entrepreneurial Studies
  • Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
  • Advanced Faith-Based Entrepreneurial Studies 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
  • BUS501 | Principles of Strategic Management | 4 | None
  • MGT510 | Organizational Leadership and Culture | 4 | None
  • RES505 | Research Methods for Social Innovation | 4 | None
  • BUS520 | Economic Stewardship and Finance | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BUS530 | Social Innovation and Enterprise Design | 4 | BUS501
  • ETH540 | Ethics and Professional Responsibility | 4 | None
  • MGT550 | Human Resource Strategy and Talent Development | 4 | MGT510
  • BUS560 | Marketing for Impact | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BUS601 | Advanced Business Analytics | 4 | RES505
  • MGT610 | Conflict Resolution and Negotiation | 4 | None
  • BUS620 | Global Perspectives on Development | 4 | None
  • BUS630 | Nonprofit Governance and Law | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP800 | Capstone: Integrative Project | 6 | All previous courses
  • MGT640 | Advanced Organizational Behavior and Employee Development | 4 | None
  • BUS650 | Strategic Partnerships and Community Engagement | 3 | None
  • BUS660 | Organizational Sustainability Seminar | 4 | None