Master of Arts in Faith-Based Leadership Studies

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Leadership Studies

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced faith-based leadership studies 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 Leadership Studies is a comprehensive graduate program designed to equip individuals for effective administrative and strategic roles within mission-driven organizations. Grounded in the principles of organizational theory, ethical governance, and strategic management, the curriculum explores the intersection of professional leadership practices and the stewardship of organizational resources. Students engage with academic research and case studies to understand the complexities of leading within the non-profit sector while maintaining organizational health and integrity.

Throughout the program, participants analyze contemporary leadership challenges through the lenses of servant leadership and relational management. By examining institutional sustainability and community development, students prepare to influence social landscapes positively. The program emphasizes the integration of academic rigor with a commitment to service, fostering the development of leaders capable of navigating multifaceted organizational environments with wisdom and foresight.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based leadership studies-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: Strategic Leadership Intervention

• 3
• Completion of all core coursework
• MGT 650 — Crisis Management and Organizational Resilience: A study of techniques for managing institutional crises while maintaining stability and trust among stakeholders. Students evaluate historical case studies to develop proactive mitigation strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU 660 — Program Design and Assessment: Students learn to design mission-aligned programs and utilize assessment tools to track performance metrics. The focus is on iterative improvement through evidence-based analysis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM 670 — Global Perspectives on Social Stewardship: This course examines international models of social impact and the complexities of working within multicultural and global contexts. It promotes cultural intelligence and effective cross-cultural communication. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP 699 — Capstone Project: Strategic Leadership Intervention: The culminating project requiring students to apply all program learning to a real-world leadership challenge within an organization. Students produce a formal project report detailing their analysis, intervention, and ethical reflection. 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, requiring students to synthesize the theoretical knowledge and practical skills acquired throughout the program. Students are expected to identify a substantive leadership challenge within a nonprofit or community organization and design a research-based, sustainable intervention. This project demands a high level of academic rigor, requiring students to demonstrate proficiency in research methodology and professional communication.
• Beyond technical competence, the project integrates the student's mastery of faith-informed leadership by requiring a formal reflection on ethical reasoning and biblical stewardship. Students must articulate how their proposed intervention embodies servant leadership and aligns with a Christian worldview. This requirement ensures that graduates demonstrate not only the academic capacity to navigate complex management systems but also the spiritual maturity to lead with integrity, grace, and an enduring commitment to the common good.

Career Opportunities

• Nonprofit Executive Director
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Church Administrative Manager
• Organizational Development Consultant
• Ministry Operations Director
• Non-Profit Program Administrator
• Institutional Advancement Officer

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 Leadership Studies
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced faith-based leadership studies 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
• MGT 500 | Principles of Organizational Leadership | 4 | None
• RES 501 | Research Methods for Social Inquiry | 4 | None
• MIN 510 | Foundations of Servant Leadership | 4 | None
• BUS 520 | Financial Stewardship in Nonprofits | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT 530 | Strategic Human Resource Management | 4 | MGT 500
• COM 540 | Conflict Resolution and Mediation | 4 | None
• SOC 550 | Community Engagement and Development | 4 | None
• THE 560 | Ethics and Professional Governance | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT 600 | Advanced Strategic Planning | 4 | MGT 500
• BUS 610 | Marketing and Development for Nonprofits | 4 | None
• COU 620 | Group Dynamics and Facilitation | 4 | None
• PSY 630 | Interpersonal Dynamics and Organizational Leadership | 3 | MIN 510
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT 650 | Crisis Management and Organizational Resilience | 4 | None
• EDU 660 | Program Design and Assessment | 4 | RES 501
• HUM 670 | Global Perspectives on Social Stewardship | 4 | None
• CAP 699 | Capstone Project: Strategic Leadership Intervention | 3 | Completion of all core coursework