Master of Arts in Faith-Based Epidemiology, Specialization in Public Health

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Epidemiology, Specialization in Public Health

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced faith-based epidemiology 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 Epidemiology, Specialization in Public Health, provides a comprehensive academic foundation in population health analysis, disease surveillance, and community health interventions. This program bridges the gap between rigorous epidemiological research and the ethical, stewardship-driven mission of faith-based nonprofit organizations. Students are equipped to analyze complex health data and design evidence-based strategies that improve community well-being while honoring the principles of service and compassion.

Through an intensive curriculum, the program emphasizes the application of quantitative methods to address health disparities within diverse populations. Students engage in a rigorous study of health promotion, social determinants, and policy development, ensuring that health solutions are not only data-driven but also aligned with ethical standards and institutional missions dedicated to the common good.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based epidemiology-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 is the culminating academic experience of the program, requiring students to execute an independent research project that addresses a specific public health challenge within a faith-based or community-based context. This project integrates statistical rigor with ethical reflection, requiring students to propose interventions that prioritize social justice, dignity, and stewardship of resources.
• Deliverables include a comprehensive research thesis, a community-informed health strategy, and a formal presentation. The project demands that students synthesize their coursework to demonstrate professional academic competence while articulating how their findings reflect a commitment to the mission of servant leadership and the advancement of health equity.

Career Opportunities

• Public Health Program Manager
• Community Health Coordinator
• Epidemiological Research Analyst
• Faith-Based Nonprofit Executive Director
• Health Policy Consultant
• Community Outreach Director

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 Epidemiology, Specialization in Public Health
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced faith-based epidemiology 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
• EPID 501 | Foundations of Epidemiology | 4 | None
• STAT 510 | Biostatistics for Health Science | 4 | None
• THEO 505 | Ethics and Stewardship in Health | 4 | None
• PUBH 520 | Social Determinants of Health | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EPID 602 | Advanced Epidemiological Methods | 4 | EPID 501
• PUBH 610 | Community Health Intervention Design | 4 | PUBH 520
• MGT 605 | Nonprofit Leadership and Governance | 4 | None
• RES 620 | Research Methodology | 3 | STAT 510
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PUBH 630 | Environmental Health and Policy | 4 | PUBH 520
• COM 640 | Health Communication | 4 | None
• EPID 650 | Disease Surveillance and Control | 4 | EPID 602
• SOC 660 | Vulnerable Populations and Equity | 4 | PUBH 520
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP 700 | Master's Thesis Project | 4 | RES 620
• PUBH 680 | Global Health Perspectives | 4 | None
• PUBH 690 | Organizational Leadership in Public Health | 3 | None
• PUBH 695 | Public Health Program Evaluation | 3 | PUBH 610