Master of Arts in Faith-Based Investigative Journalism

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Investigative Journalism

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced faith-based investigative journalism 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 Investigative Journalism is a graduate-level program designed to prepare media professionals to conduct rigorous, fact-based inquiry within a framework of ethical stewardship and service. Students engage in deep analysis of systemic societal issues, utilizing advanced research methods to uncover truth while maintaining a commitment to transparency and moral accountability. The curriculum bridges the gap between traditional investigative reporting techniques and the unique requirements of mission-driven, community-focused organizations. By combining empirical research methodologies with a critical analysis of media ethics, the program equips graduates to serve as catalysts for informed public discourse. Students will analyze the impact of narrative journalism and media production within diverse social landscapes, developing the professional capacity to lead media initiatives that prioritize the public good.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based investigative journalism-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 Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience for the program, requiring students to execute an original, in-depth investigative report on a significant community issue. Spanning 6 credits, this project mandates that students demonstrate both their technical proficiency in data gathering and their capacity for ethical, mission-centered storytelling. Students will conduct field research, perform rigorous fact-checking, and produce a long-form media product that addresses a specific need within a faith-based or nonprofit setting. The project scope is designed to ensure that scholarly excellence is matched with an understanding of social impact and community stewardship. The final deliverable requires a reflective component that explicitly connects the research process to the student’s own spiritual formation and commitment to servant leadership. By integrating biblical stewardship and ethical reasoning, students must explain how their work serves as a vehicle for truth-telling and organizational advancement, demonstrating both academic competence and faith-informed character development.

Career Opportunities

• Investigative Reporter for Faith-Based News Agencies
• Communications Director for International Relief Organizations
• Media Ethics Consultant for Nonprofit Institutions
• Advocacy Strategist for Community Engagement Foundations
• Public Policy Researcher for Ethical Oversight Groups
• Digital Content Producer for Mission-Driven Media Houses

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 Investigative Journalism
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced faith-based investigative journalism 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
• RES501 | Advanced Investigative Research Methods | 4 | None
• COM510 | Foundations of Ethical Media | 3 | None
• COM520 | Principles of Institutional Resource Management | 3 | None
• COM530 | Narrative Design and Storytelling | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES601 | Data Analytics and Investigative Tools | 4 | RES501
• COM610 | Law and Policy in Modern Media | 3 | COM510
• MGT620 | Organizational Leadership and Sustainability | 3 | None
• COM630 | Strategic Communication for Nonprofits | 3 | COM530
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES701 | Advanced Field Investigative Reporting | 4 | RES601
• COM710 | Global Media and Cross-Cultural Communication | 3 | None
• SOC720 | Sociology of Non-Profit and Civil Society Institutions | 3 | None
• COM730 | Digital Multimedia Production | 3 | COM530
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP800 | Master's Capstone Project | 6 | All Core Courses
• COM810 | Professional Development and Mentorship | 3 | None
• COM820 | Media Ethics in Practice Seminar | 3 | COM610
• HIS830 | Historical Contexts of Social Advocacy | 3 | None