Master of Arts in Faith-Based Environmental Studies, Specialization in Environmental Sustainability Policy

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Environmental Studies

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced faith-based environmental 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 Environmental Studies, with a specialization in Environmental Sustainability Policy, offers a rigorous interdisciplinary approach to the complexities of ecological stewardship. This program investigates the intersection of environmental science, socio-economic policy, and ethical frameworks rooted in the conviction that environmental care is an essential responsibility of the human community. Students engage with current global ecological challenges through the lens of policy development, scientific analysis, and moral responsibility.

The curriculum is designed for scholars and practitioners who seek to bridge the gap between technical sustainability solutions and community-focused advocacy. By integrating systematic policy analysis with a commitment to ethical service, the program provides a comprehensive framework for addressing systemic environmental concerns. Graduates are equipped to serve in roles that demand both technical proficiency and a deep understanding of the moral imperatives driving modern environmental conservation efforts.

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

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

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

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Master’s Thesis serves as the culminating academic experience of the program, requiring students to execute a sustained, original investigation into a contemporary environmental policy issue. Students are expected to demonstrate advanced research methodology, critical synthesis of literature, and the capacity to apply ethical frameworks to real-world ecological challenges. The scope of the project requires the development of a policy proposal or a research study that addresses a specific need in a community, nonprofit, or international development setting.
• This project serves as a vehicle for integrating academic rigor with the student's development as a servant leader. Through the thesis, students explicitly articulate how a stewardship-based worldview informs their approach to policy advocacy and decision-making. Deliverables include a formal written document and an oral defense, both of which assess the student's ability to communicate complex ideas with integrity, wisdom, and a commitment to serving the common good.

Career Opportunities

• Environmental Policy Consultant for Faith-Based Organizations
• Sustainability Coordinator for Nonprofit Community Development Groups
• Advocacy Strategist for Ecological Stewardship NGOs
• Program Director for Christian Conservation Ministries
• Policy Analyst for Global Relief and Development Agencies
• Environmental Education Outreach 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 Environmental Studies
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced faith-based environmental 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
• ENV500 | Foundations of Environmental Stewardship | 4 | None
• RES510 | Research Methods in Environmental Policy | 4 | None
• SOC520 | Sociology of Environmental Justice | 4 | None
• BUS530 | Nonprofit Resource Management | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENV550 | Sustainable Environmental Policy | 4 | ENV500
• MGT560 | Leadership in Environmental Governance | 4 | None
• HIS570 | Global Ecology and Ethical History | 4 | None
• ENV580 | Applied Sustainability Metrics | 3 | RES510
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENV600 | Urban Sustainability Planning | 4 | ENV550
• SOC610 | Social Dynamics of Community Development | 4 | None
• ENV620 | Environmental Conflict Resolution | 4 | None
• RES630 | Advanced Research Seminar | 3 | RES510
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP690 | Master's Thesis Project | 4 | RES630
• ENV650 | Environmental Policy Seminar | 4 | ENV550
• COM660 | Strategic Environmental Communication | 3 | None
• MIN670 | Professional Formation and Service | 4 | None