Master of Arts in Faith-Based Marine Biology, Specialization in Ocean Conservation

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Marine Biology

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced faith-based marine biology 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 Marine Biology, Specialization in Ocean Conservation, is an advanced graduate program designed to integrate rigorous scientific inquiry with ethical stewardship of marine ecosystems. Students explore the complexities of aquatic biodiversity, coastal management, and ecological preservation through a curriculum that emphasizes scientific methodology alongside philosophical and ethical foundations of environmental responsibility. This program provides a scholarly environment for students to examine the interconnectedness of biological systems and the human responsibility to care for the natural world. By fostering interdisciplinary inquiry, the degree empowers students to address global conservation challenges with a commitment to integrity, sustainable stewardship, and service-oriented leadership. The curriculum ensures that graduates are well-prepared to translate complex biological research into actionable conservation strategies that serve diverse communities and organizational mandates.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based marine biology-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 Thesis serves as the culminating academic experience for this program, requiring students to produce an original, high-quality investigation into a significant issue within marine conservation. The project is weighted at 4 credit hours and requires students to demonstrate mastery of scientific research methodology, data analysis, and technical writing. Students are expected to define a research problem, review relevant literature, collect or analyze existing data, and formulate conclusions that contribute meaningful insight to the field of ocean science. The scope of the project must reflect both technical rigor and the ability to apply ethical reasoning to real-world environmental problems.
• Beyond technical proficiency, the thesis integrates faith-informed perspectives by requiring students to reflect on the moral implications of their findings and the responsibility of humans as stewards of the natural environment. Students must demonstrate how their research aligns with principles of servant leadership and how the results can be utilized to improve the well-being of coastal communities and marine habitats. The project serves as a capstone of both academic competence and faith-informed character development, documenting the student’s readiness to advocate for the health of global ecosystems with integrity and scientific expertise.

Career Opportunities

• Marine Conservation Project Manager
• Environmental Policy Consultant
• Nonprofit Ecological Outreach Coordinator
• Coastal Resource Specialist
• Research Analyst for Faith-Based Environmental Initiatives
• Marine Education and Stewardship 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 Marine Biology
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced faith-based marine biology 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
• BIO 500 | Advanced Marine Ecology | 4 | None
• RES 505 | Research Methods in Biology | 4 | None
• THE 510 | Stewardship and Ethics | 3 | None
• BIO 515 | Marine Biodiversity Assessment | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO 520 | Coastal Conservation Management | 4 | BIO 500
• BIO 525 | Oceanography and Climate Dynamics | 4 | None
• SOC 530 | Community Engagement in Conservation | 3 | None
• BUS 535 | Nonprofit Leadership and Advocacy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO 600 | Advanced Aquatic Toxicology | 4 | BIO 520
• BIO 605 | Marine Protected Area Planning | 4 | BIO 520
• MIN 610 | Servant Leadership in Global Contexts | 3 | None
• BIO 615 | GIS and Spatial Analysis in Conservation | 3 | RES 505
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP 700 | Master's Thesis in Ocean Conservation | 4 | RES 505
• BIO 620 | Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture | 4 | BIO 500
• COM 625 | Environmental Communication | 3 | None
• HIS 630 | History of Conservation Movements | 3 | None