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Master of Arts in Faith-Based History, Specialization in Historical Preservation Museum Studies

Academic unitCollege of Arts and HumanitiesTotal credits60Estimated duration2 yearsSource documentMaster_of_Arts_in_Faith_Based_History__Specialization_in_Historical_Preservation.docx

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based History, Specialization in Historical Preservation Museum Studies

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based History and Museum 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 History with a specialization in Historical Preservation and Museum Studies is a rigorous graduate program designed to equip scholars and practitioners with the expertise required to manage, interpret, and preserve historical narratives. The curriculum bridges traditional archival methodologies with the practical demands of modern museum administration, emphasizing the ethical stewardship of cultural and religious heritage. Through interdisciplinary study, students explore the intersection of historical research and the evolving needs of contemporary institutions.

Students engage with historiographical frameworks and professional standards of preservation to ensure that institutional legacies remain both accessible and relevant. By prioritizing both academic excellence and ethical reflection, the program challenges students to consider the impact of historical interpretation on society. The curriculum emphasizes the responsible curation of material culture, encouraging a commitment to service and institutional integrity in every aspect of historical practice.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based history and museum 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 History, Specialization in Historical Preservation Museum Studies
Total program length: 60 graduate semester credit hours
Normal completion time: Two academic years of full-time study
Academic unit: College of Arts and Humanities
Total credits: 60
Duration: 2 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

Analyze complex historical narratives through the lens of ethical stewardship and primary source evaluation.
Evaluate museum best practices for the physical preservation and digital accessibility of diverse artifact collections.
Design comprehensive exhibition plans that reflect historical accuracy and engagement with community perspectives.
Integrate servant leadership principles into the governance and daily administration of nonprofit historical organizations.
Demonstrate advanced proficiency in digital archives and contemporary curation methodologies.
Communicate nuanced historical interpretations to diverse public audiences through various media.
Formulate research-based policies that promote the long-term sustainability of cultural and historical entities.

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. A strong background in history, humanities, or related social sciences is preferred. Prospective students are required to submit a statement of purpose outlining their commitment to professional ethics and community engagement, two letters of recommendation, and official academic transcripts reflecting their aptitude for graduate-level research.

Program Structure

Official program structure

Program Details

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

Semester-by-Semester Curriculum

Official course sequence

Year 1

Semester 1

15 credits

Code	Course Title	Credits	Prerequisite
HIS501	Historiography and Theory	4	None
View Description Course description not provided in source.
HIS505	Ethical Stewardship in History	4	None
View Description Course description not provided in source.
MGT510	Nonprofit Leadership and Governance	3	None
View Description Course description not provided in source.
RES520	Advanced Research Methods	4	None
View Description Course description not provided in source.

Semester 2

15 credits

Code	Course Title	Credits	Prerequisite
HIS610	Museum Curation and Exhibition Design	4	HIS 501
View Description Course description not provided in source.
HIS615	Digital Archives and Preservation	4	RES 520
View Description Course description not provided in source.
HIS620	Material Culture Analysis	3	None
View Description Course description not provided in source.
MGT630	Development and Community Outreach	4	MGT 510
View Description Course description not provided in source.

Semester 3

11 credits

Code	Course Title	Credits	Prerequisite
HIS640	Archival Management and Ethics	4	HIS 615
View Description Course description not provided in source.
HIS645	Public History and Community Memory	4	HIS 610
View Description Course description not provided in source.
HUM650	Cultural Heritage Advocacy	3	None
View Description Course description not provided in source.

Final Project Requirement

Final project requirement

Thesis Proposal and Preparation

3
RES 520
HIS 640 — Archival Management and Ethics: An investigation of the complex ethical issues surrounding the acquisition and deaccessioning of historical materials. Students analyze legal and professional standards for institutional archival management. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
HIS 645 — Public History and Community Memory: This course explores the role of the public historian in facilitating community dialogue through historical commemoration. Students assess the impact of memory and legacy on contemporary social and religious life. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
HUM 650 — Cultural Heritage Advocacy: Students develop strategies to advocate for the protection and preservation of cultural heritage at the community and national levels. The course focuses on building coalitions and fostering civic engagement through historical storytelling. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
HIS 690 — Thesis Proposal and Preparation: Students begin the formal development of their thesis project, establishing research questions and methodology. This phase ensures alignment with institutional values and professional research standards. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis Research and Writing

6
HIS 690
CAP 705

Capstone: Institutional Strategic Planning

3
MGT 630
HIS 710
Advanced Seminar in Museum Practice
3
All Core Courses
MGT 715
Leadership and Organizational Ethics
3
MGT 510
HIS 700 — Thesis Research and Writing: The final stage of the thesis process involving intensive research, peer review, and the production of a scholarly work. Students demonstrate their ability to synthesize theoretical knowledge with practical application in a professional setting. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
CAP 705 — Capstone: Institutional Strategic Planning: A comprehensive project involving the design of a strategic plan for a historical institution, focusing on sustainability and mission fulfillment. Students must integrate administrative, ethical, and historical principles throughout the process. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
HIS 710 — Advanced Seminar in Museum Practice: A reflection-based seminar discussing the challenges of modern museum management and the maintenance of ethical standards. Students participate in critical dialogue concerning the future of the field and professional responsibility. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
MGT 715 — Leadership and Organizational Ethics: An examination of the intersection of leadership and morality, focusing on how institutional culture is shaped by ethical values. Students develop frameworks for ethical decision-making within their respective fields. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

The Master's Thesis serves as the culminating academic experience of the program, requiring students to synthesize their historical research skills with the practical demands of museum administration. Students will identify a significant challenge in historical preservation or institutional interpretation, developing a research-based proposal that addresses this issue through the lens of servant leadership and ethical stewardship. This project provides a framework for integrating rigorous academic inquiry with a commitment to preserving cultural legacy for future generations.
The thesis must demonstrate both technical proficiency in historical methodology and a deep commitment to the ethical responsibilities inherent in managing public memory. Students are expected to articulate how their work reflects principles of biblical stewardship, showing how professional historical practice functions as a vocation of service. The final deliverable consists of a formal written thesis or a professional-grade archival exhibition portfolio, each weighted at 6 credit hours, demonstrating the student's readiness to contribute to the field with integrity and intellectual maturity.

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

Graduation from the Master of Arts in Faith-Based History requires the successful completion of 60 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students must fulfill all core and elective coursework while meeting the standards established for the culminating thesis project. Success in this program is measured not only by academic proficiency but also by the attainment of professional competency in the field of historical preservation.
Beyond academic success, students are expected to demonstrate consistent evidence of ethical integrity and spiritual maturity throughout their tenure. This includes active participation in community service initiatives and demonstrated growth in servant-led institutional management. Completion of the program signifies the student’s readiness to apply their interdisciplinary expertise in environments that prioritize faith-informed character, community engagement, and the diligent care of historical and cultural resources.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

Museum Curator
Archival Specialist
Nonprofit Historical Site Administrator
Collections Manager
Public Historian
Cultural Heritage Consultant
Nonprofit Organizational Director

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 History, Specialization in Historical Preservation Museum Studies
Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
Advanced Faith-Based History and Museum 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
HIS 501 | Historiography and Theory | 4 | None
HIS 505 | Ethical Stewardship in History | 4 | None
MGT 510 | Nonprofit Leadership and Governance | 3 | None
RES 520 | Advanced Research Methods | 4 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
HIS 610 | Museum Curation and Exhibition Design | 4 | HIS 501
HIS 615 | Digital Archives and Preservation | 4 | RES 520
HIS 620 | Material Culture Analysis | 3 | None
MGT 630 | Development and Community Outreach | 4 | MGT 510
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
HIS 640 | Archival Management and Ethics | 4 | HIS 615
HIS 645 | Public History and Community Memory | 4 | HIS 610
HUM 650 | Cultural Heritage Advocacy | 3 | None
HIS 690 | Thesis Proposal and Preparation | 3 | RES 520
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
HIS 700 | Thesis Research and Writing | 6 | HIS 690
CAP 705 | Capstone: Institutional Strategic Planning | 3 | MGT 630
HIS 710 | Advanced Seminar in Museum Practice | 3 | All Core Courses
MGT 715 | Leadership and Organizational Ethics | 3 | MGT 510