Master of Arts in Faith-Based Global Leadership, Specialization in Leadership Spirituality

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Global Leadership

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced faith-based global leadership 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 Global Leadership with a specialization in Leadership Spirituality provides a comprehensive framework for developing adaptive, ethical, and purpose-driven leaders within global contexts. The curriculum blends organizational theory, administrative expertise, and spiritual formation to equip students to navigate the complexities of international leadership while adhering to principles of stewardship and service. Students engage in rigorous academic inquiry into global systems, cross-cultural communication, and the intentional development of personal character as a foundation for effective administration. The program fosters a sophisticated understanding of the intersection between organizational health and human flourishing, emphasizing a holistic approach to leadership that respects diverse global landscapes. By integrating interdisciplinary research with praxis, the program prepares graduates to influence institutions with integrity, wisdom, and a commitment to sustainable community impact. This rigorous academic journey encourages students to analyze the structural and moral challenges of global engagement through the lenses of servant leadership and ethical responsibility.

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

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

Capstone: Global Leadership Thesis

• 6
• RES510, MGT530
• MGT650
• Advanced Leadership Seminar
• 3
• All Core Courses
• THE660
• Vocation and Lifelong Service
• 3
• None
• BUS670
• Nonprofit Governance and Law
• 3
• None
• CAP699 — Capstone: Global Leadership Thesis: In this final project, students execute an independent study addressing a specific organizational challenge, utilizing all acquired leadership and analytical skills. The result is a formal defense of their research and proposed intervention strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT650 — Advanced Leadership Seminar: A synthetic final seminar that explores emerging trends in global leadership and the future of institutional stewardship. Students synthesize their learning into a final personal leadership mission statement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE660 — Vocation and Lifelong Service: This concluding course focuses on maintaining spiritual and professional integrity throughout a career. Students develop long-term strategies for avoiding burnout while remaining committed to their vocations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS670 — Nonprofit Governance and Law: This course covers the legal and regulatory frameworks governing international non-profit organizations and governance standards. It ensures that students understand the compliance requirements and responsibilities of board leadership. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Master’s Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience, requiring students to identify a critical challenge within a global or community-based organization and design a research-based, sustainable intervention. This project demands a high level of scholarly rigor, integrating empirical research with an ethical analysis grounded in servant leadership and biblical stewardship. Students must synthesize their coursework in leadership theory and spiritual formation to demonstrate how their proposed solutions reflect institutional integrity and moral foresight. Deliverables include a comprehensive formal research paper and a strategic implementation plan that addresses organizational gaps while fostering long-term community growth. The project is worth 6 credits and is evaluated based on its academic quality, professional relevance, and potential for generating positive social impact. Through this process, students must demonstrate that their leadership capabilities are inseparable from their character development, showing a commitment to serving organizations with both intelligence and heart.

Career Opportunities

• International Non-Profit Director
• Global Ministry Administrator
• Organizational Development Consultant
• Cross-Cultural Program Manager
• Faith-Based Social Entrepreneur
• Community Engagement Strategist
• Institutional Chaplain and Leader

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 Global Leadership
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced faith-based global leadership 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
• MGT500 | Foundations of Servant Leadership | 4 | None
• PSY505 | Foundations of Professional Identity and Development | 4 | None
• RES510 | Global Research Methods | 3 | None
• COM520 | Intercultural Communication Strategy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT530 | Strategic Organizational Planning | 4 | MGT500
• THE540 | Ethics and Moral Decision Making | 4 | THE505
• BUS550 | Nonprofit Fiscal Stewardship | 3 | None
• SOC560 | Global Social Systems and Change | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT600 | Global Conflict and Negotiation | 4 | COM520
• COM610 | Crisis Management and Organizational Communication | 4 | THE540
• MGT620 | Managing Diversity and Inclusion | 3 | None
• EDU630 | Mentorship and Human Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP699 | Capstone: Global Leadership Thesis | 6 | RES510, MGT530
• MGT650 | Advanced Leadership Seminar | 3 | All Core Courses
• THE660 | Vocation and Lifelong Service | 3 | None
• BUS670 | Nonprofit Governance and Law | 3 | None