Master of Arts in Faith-Based Journalism, Specialization in Communication

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Journalism

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based 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 Journalism, Specialization in Communication, provides advanced graduate training for students seeking to excel in the evolving landscape of digital media and journalistic integrity. This program integrates rigorous investigative techniques with a robust ethical framework, emphasizing the role of the communicator as a steward of truth and societal narrative. Students engage with complex communication theories while honing their craft across multiple platforms, ensuring that their storytelling remains grounded in principled inquiry and societal contribution.

Designed for those who view communication as a vocation, this curriculum addresses the technical demands of contemporary media production alongside the philosophical foundations of human discourse. By merging professional best practices with the principles of servant leadership, the program cultivates professionals who are prepared to navigate the ethical tensions of the modern information age. Through a blend of advanced research, narrative development, and media strategy, graduates are equipped to communicate with clarity, precision, and moral foresight.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based 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 represents the synthesis of the student's academic and professional growth throughout the program. Students are tasked with conceptualizing, researching, and producing a comprehensive journalism or communication project that addresses a significant social or community challenge. This project serves as a demonstration of technical expertise, critical thinking, and the ability to apply ethical reasoning to real-world communication dilemmas. It is weighted at 4 credit hours and requires a formal defense before a faculty committee.
• Beyond technical execution, the capstone integrates the student's development in servant leadership and biblical stewardship. Students must articulate how their work reflects a commitment to truth-telling, the dignity of the individuals or communities covered, and the responsible use of media as a tool for public service. This culminating experience ensures that students leave the program not only as proficient media professionals but as individuals equipped to apply a rigorous, faith-informed worldview to their professional responsibilities, fostering integrity and excellence in every aspect of their work. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Career Opportunities

• Communications Director for Nonprofit Organizations
• Investigative Journalist
• Digital Content Strategist
• Public Relations Specialist for Faith-Based Ministries
• Media Production Manager
• Community Engagement Coordinator
• Editorial Director

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
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based 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
• COM501 | Advanced Communication Theory | 4 | None
• RES505 | Research Methods in Media | 4 | None
• COM510 | Ethical Frameworks in Journalism | 4 | None
• COM515 | Digital Storytelling and Media Production | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM520 | Investigative Journalism Strategies | 4 | RES505
• COM525 | Organizational Communication Strategy | 4 | COM501
• COM530 | Media Law and Social Policy | 4 | None
• COM535 | Audience Analysis and Engagement | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM601 | Advanced Editorial Leadership | 4 | COM520
• COM610 | Public Relations for Social Impact | 4 | COM525
• COM620 | Emerging Technologies in Communication | 4 | COM515
• COM630 | Global Communication and Cultural Context | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP690 | Master's Capstone Project | 4 | All prior coursework
• COM650 | Communication and Human Stewardship | 3 | None
• COM660 | Professional Development Seminar | 4 | None
• COM670 | Seminar in Social Advocacy | 4 | None