Master of Arts in Faith-Based Iconic Leadership

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Iconic Leadership

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Iconic 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 Iconic Leadership is an interdisciplinary graduate program designed for professionals seeking to lead with integrity, foresight, and ethical responsibility in diverse organizational environments. By synthesizing contemporary management theory with foundational principles of servant leadership and stewardship, the curriculum addresses the complexities of modern administration through the lens of mission-driven values. Students explore the intersection of organizational behavior, strategic decision-making, and ethical governance to foster cultures of excellence and service within their respective spheres of influence. The program emphasizes a holistic approach to leadership that prioritizes the development of the individual leader's character alongside their analytical and operational competencies. Through rigorous academic inquiry and practical application, candidates engage with the challenges of guiding institutions through periods of growth, transition, and conflict. This degree provides a robust intellectual framework for individuals dedicated to influencing society through principled, faith-informed leadership that reflects enduring ethical commitments.

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

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

• 4
• All Core Courses
• BUS810
• Nonprofit Law and Regulatory Compliance
• 4
• None
• PSY820
• Interpersonal Dynamics in the Workplace
• 4
• None
• HIS830
• Globalization and Social Impact
• 3
• None
• CAP800 — Capstone Project: Students execute a comprehensive project that synthesizes their learning into a professional-grade strategic plan or research-based analysis. This project demonstrates mastery of leadership theory and practical application within a non-profit or institutional context. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS810 — Nonprofit Law and Regulatory Compliance: This course covers the legal landscape governing nonprofit and mission-driven institutions. Students learn to manage regulatory expectations while staying true to organizational purpose. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY820 — Interpersonal Dynamics in the Workplace: Students examine the psychological aspects of group dynamics, conflict resolution, and motivation in professional teams. The course provides tools for leaders to foster inclusive and productive environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS830 — Globalization and Social Impact: This course analyzes the impact of global trends on local nonprofit and institutional operations. Students consider the ethical implications of international engagement and long-term social impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Master of Arts in Faith-Based Iconic Leadership culminates in a comprehensive Capstone Project, a significant scholarly endeavor that requires students to integrate theoretical learning with practical, real-world application. Spanning the final semester and carrying 4 credit hours, this project serves as a demonstration of the candidate's ability to synthesize principles of ethical stewardship, servant leadership, and organizational strategy. Students are expected to identify a specific institutional challenge, conduct thorough research, and propose a data-informed intervention or strategic framework that honors the mission and values of their chosen organization. The Capstone project must demonstrate rigorous academic competency while illustrating how a leader's character and faith-informed worldview shape their professional practice. Through the final deliverable—typically a comprehensive research paper or a strategic organizational implementation plan—students must reflect on the interplay between their spiritual formation and their decision-making processes. This capstone serves as the ultimate assessment of the student’s readiness to lead with integrity, ensuring they possess the capacity to steward institutional resources and foster healthy organizational cultures with professional excellence.

Career Opportunities

• Nonprofit Executive Director
• Faith-Based Organizational Consultant
• Director of Community Development
• Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
• Director of Institutional Advancement
• Operations Manager for Religious or Educational Nonprofits
• Organizational Ethics 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 Iconic Leadership
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Iconic 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
• MGT501 | Principles of Organizational Leadership | 4 | None
• THE505 | Foundations of Ethical Governance | 4 | None
• RES510 | Research Methods for Organizational Analysis | 4 | None
• COM520 | Organizational Communication and Strategy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT602 | Strategic Human Resource Management | 4 | MGT501
• BUS610 | Financial Stewardship and Resource Management | 4 | MGT501
• SOC620 | Community Engagement and Social Change | 4 | None
• HIS630 | History of Non-Profit Institutional Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT705 | Managing Organizational Change | 4 | MGT501
• EDU710 | Program Development and Evaluation | 4 | RES510
• THE720 | Character Formation and Professional Integrity | 4 | THE505
• MIN730 | Advanced Leadership Seminar | 3 | MGT501
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP800 | Capstone Project | 4 | All Core Courses
• BUS810 | Nonprofit Law and Regulatory Compliance | 4 | None
• PSY820 | Interpersonal Dynamics in the Workplace | 4 | None
• HIS830 | Globalization and Social Impact | 3 | None