Master of Arts in Faith-Based Laws, Politics, Specialization in Laws that govern church state

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Laws, Politics, Specialization in Laws that govern church state

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced faith-based laws, politics, and church-state relations 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 Laws and Politics is a graduate-level program designed to provide students with a rigorous academic foundation in the intersection of legal systems, public policy, and institutional governance. This program investigates the nuanced historical and contemporary relationships between religious institutions and state regulatory frameworks. By analyzing constitutional mandates, civil statutes, and administrative procedures, students develop the analytical depth necessary to navigate the complex landscape of law and governance within a pluralistic society. The curriculum emphasizes the application of ethical stewardship and public policy analysis to promote the effective functioning of faith-informed organizations. Through interdisciplinary study, the program fosters a critical understanding of institutional responsibility and legal compliance. Students engage with foundational theories of jurisprudence and political science, applying these frameworks to real-world administrative and social challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based laws, politics, and church-state relations-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
• RES510, LAW601
• LAW650
• Advanced Seminar in Law and Public Policy
• 4
• LAW530
• POL660
• Public Policy and Social Equity
• 3
• POL540
• MGT670
• Institutional Strategy and Governance
• 3
• MGT550
• CAP699 — Capstone Project: The culminating project requiring an original analysis of a legal or policy issue relevant to a faith-based institution. Students synthesize their research and leadership training into a coherent professional thesis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LAW650 — Advanced Seminar in Law and Public Policy: This seminar focuses on the intersection of institutional legal status and public regulatory frameworks. Participants will analyze contemporary challenges in administrative law and the socio-legal dynamics impacting the autonomy and regulatory obligations of private entities in the public square. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• POL660 — Public Policy and Social Equity: Evaluates the impact of government policy on vulnerable populations and the role of social advocacy. Encourages a critical assessment of systemic inequalities and potential policy solutions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT670 — Institutional Strategy and Governance: Examines long-term organizational planning and the governance structures necessary to sustain a mission-driven organization. Focuses on legal and operational strategic planning. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience for the Master of Arts in Faith-Based Laws and Politics, requiring students to produce a substantive piece of research or a comprehensive policy analysis that addresses a specific legal or administrative challenge faced by a faith-informed organization. This 4-credit project enables students to demonstrate mastery of the program’s core competencies by applying legal theory to a practical, real-world scenario. Students are expected to conduct rigorous research, engage with existing literature, and present findings that reflect high academic standards and analytical precision.
• Beyond academic excellence, the Capstone integrates faith-based perspectives by requiring students to demonstrate how their proposed solutions reflect principles of ethical reasoning, servant leadership, and biblical stewardship. The project serves as an opportunity for students to document their personal and professional growth, illustrating how their scholarly work translates into meaningful service. By navigating the intersection of legal policy and organizational mission, students demonstrate the capacity to lead with integrity, ensuring their work supports the long-term sustainability and moral witness of the organizations they serve.

Career Opportunities

• Nonprofit Administrator
• Public Policy Analyst
• Legal Compliance Officer
• Church State Relations Specialist
• Advocacy Strategist for Social Services
• Institutional Consultant
• Community Relations 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 Laws, Politics, Specialization in Laws that govern church state
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced faith-based laws, politics, and church-state relations 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
• LAW501 | Foundations of Jurisprudence | 4 | None
• POL505 | Politics and Governance | 4 | None
• RES510 | Research Methods for Social Policy | 3 | None
• ETH520 | Ethics and Stewardship | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• LAW530 | Constitutional Law and First Amendment Protections | 4 | LAW501
• LAW535 | Administrative Law for Nonprofits | 4 | LAW501
• POL540 | Public Policy and Civil Society | 3 | POL505
• MGT550 | Organizational Leadership and Human Capital Management | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• LAW601 | International Human Rights Law and Policy | 4 | LAW530
• POL605 | Legislative Processes and Advocacy | 4 | POL540
• LAW610 | Employment Law for Organizations | 3 | LAW535
• COM620 | Strategic Communication and Crisis Management | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP699 | Capstone Project | 4 | RES510, LAW601
• LAW650 | Advanced Seminar in Law and Public Policy | 4 | LAW530
• POL660 | Public Policy and Social Equity | 3 | POL540
• MGT670 | Institutional Strategy and Governance | 3 | MGT550