Master of Arts in Faith-Based Film Production, Specialization in Documentary Filmmaking Media Activism

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Film Production

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Film Production 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 Film Production with a specialization in Documentary Filmmaking and Media Activism is a comprehensive graduate program designed to bridge the gap between technical cinematic artistry and ethical storytelling. Students engage in advanced study of non-fiction narrative structures, digital cinematography, and critical media theory, while exploring the intersection of creative expression and social responsibility. This program fosters a rigorous academic environment where students develop the professional acumen necessary to produce high-impact documentary content that reflects values of social justice and stewardship.

The curriculum emphasizes the development of a professional portfolio through both individual and collaborative production projects. By integrating theoretical discourse with hands-on practice, candidates are empowered to critically analyze how media shapes cultural perceptions and to design projects that serve the common good. Graduates emerge as reflective practitioners capable of applying sophisticated media techniques to address complex contemporary issues with integrity and excellence.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based film production-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 Final Documentary Production

• 6
• FIL601, FIL610
• FIL680
• Distribution and Outreach Strategies
• 4
• None
• FIL670
• Advanced Editing and Final Sound Mix
• 4
• FIL601
• MIN660
• Service and Professional Integration
• 3
• None
• CAP690 — Thesis and Final Documentary Production: The final project requires the completion of a professional-grade documentary and thesis paper. Students demonstrate all technical and theoretical skills acquired throughout the program. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• FIL680 — Distribution and Outreach Strategies: Students analyze methods for distributing and promoting documentaries for maximum social impact. Consideration is given to stewardship of digital reach. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• FIL670 — Advanced Editing and Final Sound Mix: Students refine their thesis documentary for final submission and exhibition. Advanced technical polish is required to meet industry standards. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN660 — Service and Professional Integration: This final seminar focuses on the application of faith-based principles in professional careers. Students reflect on their growth as ethical practitioners. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Master of Arts in Faith-Based Film Production culminates in a six-credit Thesis and Final Documentary Production, serving as the capstone for the degree. Students are required to conceptualize, produce, and distribute a long-form documentary project that addresses a specific community, social, or humanitarian issue. This project requires students to synthesize technical production skills with ethical reasoning, demonstrating a mature integration of their professional craft and their commitment to service.
• Beyond technical execution, the capstone demands a rigorous academic thesis documenting the research, production journey, and ethical considerations inherent in the project. Students are evaluated on their ability to display servant leadership throughout the production process, managing team resources with stewardship and engaging subjects with dignity and respect. The final deliverable reflects a synthesis of academic rigor and faith-informed character development, documenting how the filmmaker has fulfilled the calling to advocate for the marginalized and promote institutional missions.

Career Opportunities

• Documentary Director
• Nonprofit Communications Director
• Media Advocacy Coordinator
• Independent Production Consultant
• Social Impact Media Producer
• Community Outreach Filmmaker

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 Film Production
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Film Production 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
• FIL501 | Documentary Theory and History | 4 | None
• FIL502 | Advanced Digital Cinematography | 4 | None
• RES505 | Research Methods for Social Inquiry | 3 | None
• ETH510 | Ethical Stewardship in Media | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• FIL520 | Advanced Post-Production Editing | 4 | FIL502
• COM530 | Media Activism and Advocacy | 4 | None
• MGT540 | Production Management and Logistics | 3 | None
• HUM550 | Cultural Anthropology for Filmmakers | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• FIL601 | Narrative Design and Scripting | 4 | FIL501
• FIL610 | Documentary Field Production | 4 | FIL502
• SOC620 | Social Justice and Public Policy | 3 | None
• LED630 | Leadership in Creative Environments | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP690 | Thesis and Final Documentary Production | 6 | FIL601, FIL610
• FIL680 | Distribution and Outreach Strategies | 4 | None
• FIL670 | Advanced Editing and Final Sound Mix | 4 | FIL601
• MIN660 | Service and Professional Integration | 3 | None