Master of Arts in Faith-Based Journalism Public Affairs, Specialization in Public Policy Media

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Journalism Public Affairs

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Journalism Public Affairs 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 Journalism and Public Affairs with a specialization in Public Policy Media is a rigorous graduate program designed to equip scholars and practitioners with the critical analytical tools necessary for engagement in the contemporary media landscape. By integrating advanced communication theory with comprehensive public policy analysis, the curriculum emphasizes the importance of objective, ethical reporting within the context of civic discourse and societal responsibility. Students examine the intersections of media structures, legislative processes, and cultural influence to foster an informed citizenry.

The program maintains a distinct commitment to the role of media as a platform for truth, stewardship, and community impact. Through a blend of theoretical inquiry and practical application, the curriculum invites students to analyze the complex pressures of global media environments while upholding professional integrity. The specialization provides a focused look at how policy-driven media strategies shape institutional agendas, community wellbeing, and the public square.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based journalism public affairs-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: Public Affairs Research Project

• 4
• RES510, COM520
• COM810
• Public Administration and Social Welfare
• 4
• POL610
• POL820
• Ethical Frameworks in Public Policy
• 3
• None
• COM830
• Policy Advocacy and Professional Practice
• 3
• None
• CAP800 — Capstone: Public Affairs Research Project: The culminating project where students execute an original investigative report on a pressing policy issue, defending their findings and ethical framework. This project demonstrates mastery of the program's core competencies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM810 — Public Administration and Social Welfare: This course examines the role of government and non-governmental entities in managing social welfare systems and the media's influence on these processes. Students assess policy outcomes in the context of community health. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• POL820 — Ethical Frameworks in Public Policy: This course examines the normative foundations of public policy and the moral dimensions of media reporting within democratic societies. It analyzes how journalists and policy professionals navigate competing values, public interests, and institutional accountability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM830 — Policy Advocacy and Professional Practice: A final practicum and seminar that bridges the gap between graduate study and professional practice, focusing on career readiness and moral navigation in the media industry. Students prepare professional portfolios and career strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Capstone Project serves as the final academic demonstration of a student's proficiency in media production, policy research, and ethical decision-making. Students are expected to complete an extensive, original investigative project that addresses a significant public policy challenge, synthesizing the research and communication skills acquired throughout the program. This project is a 4-credit requirement that must be defended before a faculty panel.
• Beyond technical and analytical rigor, the Capstone integrates the student's personal development by requiring a reflection on their professional ethics and commitment to service. Students must demonstrate how their research upholds the principles of biblical stewardship and servant leadership, addressing the needs of marginalized communities and fostering constructive dialogue. This culminating work certifies that the graduate is prepared to enter the media field with both technical competence and a character rooted in intellectual honesty and integrity.

Career Opportunities

• Public Policy Analyst
• Communications Director for Nonprofit Organizations
• Investigative Journalist
• Media Relations Consultant
• Policy Research Strategist
• Public Affairs Specialist
• Community Advocacy Coordinator
• Editorial Manager

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 Journalism Public Affairs
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Journalism Public Affairs 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
• COM500 | Advanced Media Ethics and Law | 4 | None
• RES510 | Research Methods for Public Policy | 4 | None
• COM520 | Principles of Investigative Journalism | 3 | None
• HIS530 | Historical Development of the Public Square | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM600 | Media, Technology, and Civic Culture | 4 | COM500
• POL610 | Legislative Processes and Policy Analysis | 4 | RES510
• COM620 | Advanced Multimedia Production | 3 | None
• COM630 | Strategic Communication and Crisis Management | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM700 | Globalization and International Media Policy | 4 | POL610
• COM710 | Journalism as Servant Leadership | 4 | None
• POL720 | Economic Policy and Media Narrative | 3 | RES510
• COM730 | Collaborative Media and Community Engagement | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP800 | Capstone: Public Affairs Research Project | 4 | RES510, COM520
• COM810 | Public Administration and Social Welfare | 4 | POL610
• POL820 | Ethical Frameworks in Public Policy | 3 | None
• COM830 | Policy Advocacy and Professional Practice | 3 | None