Master of Arts in Faith-Based Life Coaching, Specialization in Counseling Mentoring

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Life Coaching

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Life Coaching 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 Life Coaching with a specialization in Counseling Mentoring is a rigorous graduate program designed for professionals seeking to integrate ethical, biblically-informed principles with contemporary coaching and mentoring methodologies. The curriculum focuses on the development of servant-leadership, restorative interpersonal communication, and organizational stewardship, providing students with a theoretical and practical framework for holistic personal and community development. This program emphasizes the cultivation of character and wisdom as essential components of professional practice in diverse service settings.

Students will engage with advanced academic research and practice-based learning that explores the intersection of human development, ethics, and community advocacy. By synthesizing pedagogical insights with reflective practice, graduates are prepared to facilitate growth in individuals and groups while adhering to high standards of professional integrity. The program fosters a scholarly environment that values academic excellence as a means to fulfill a calling toward service and stewardship within the global community.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based life coaching-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: Integrative Mentoring Project

• 4
• All Core Courses
• COU620
• Professional Ethics and Law
• 4
• None
• MGT625
• Leading Through Conflict and Change
• 4
• None
• SOC630
• Global Perspectives on Service
• 4
• None
• CAP699 — Capstone: Integrative Mentoring Project: A culminating project requiring the integration of theory, ethics, and practice in a community-based setting. Students present findings that reflect their professional and ethical development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU620 — Professional Ethics and Law: Examination of ethical codes, legal liabilities, and professional boundaries in the helping professions. Students evaluate dilemmas through a framework of virtue ethics. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT625 — Leading Through Conflict and Change: Analysis of organizational leadership strategies for navigating periods of transition and interpersonal friction. Focuses on the role of the mentor as a stabilizer and facilitator of constructive growth. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC630 — Global Perspectives on Service: A critical review of cultural dynamics and international models of service and community stewardship. Students develop a cross-cultural perspective on the role of the mentor. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Master’s Capstone Project represents the final synthesis of the student's academic, professional, and spiritual development within the program. Spanning the final semester, this 4-credit course requires students to design and implement a project that addresses a specific need within a community or organizational setting, demonstrating both theoretical command of their discipline and practical application of servant leadership principles.
• Deliverables include a formal research paper and a comprehensive project report that justifies the intervention using current literature and ethical frameworks. The project requires students to articulate how their work reflects a commitment to biblical stewardship and the advancement of human flourishing. Through this experience, students demonstrate their ability to bridge the gap between academic theory and the complexities of real-world service, reflecting a high degree of maturity and readiness for professional leadership.

Career Opportunities

• Mentoring Program Coordinator
• Faith-Based Community Coach
• Nonprofit Leadership Consultant
• Staff Development Specialist
• Family Support Advocate
• Youth Ministry Consultant
• Intergenerational Program Administrator

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 Life Coaching
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Life Coaching 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
• COU500 | Foundations of Coaching Mentoring | 4 | None
• RES505 | Research Methods in Human Services | 3 | None
• MGT510 | Principles of Adaptive Leadership | 4 | None
• PSY515 | Human Growth and Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU520 | Restorative Communication Skills | 4 | COU500
• BUS525 | Nonprofit Organizational Dynamics | 3 | None
• PSY530 | Professional Ethics and Personal Development | 3 | None
• SOC535 | Community Advocacy and Justice | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COU600 | Applied Mentoring Methodologies | 4 | COU520
• EDU605 | Instructional Strategies for Mentors | 3 | None
• COU610 | Group Coaching Dynamics | 4 | COU520
• RES615 | Program Evaluation and Design | 3 | RES505
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP699 | Capstone: Integrative Mentoring Project | 4 | All Core Courses
• COU620 | Professional Ethics and Law | 4 | None
• MGT625 | Leading Through Conflict and Change | 4 | None
• SOC630 | Global Perspectives on Service | 4 | None