Master of Arts in Faith-Based Neuroscience, Brain Health Education

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.S. in Faith-Based Neuroscience, Brain Health Education

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Neuroscience, Brain Health Education 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 Neuroscience and Brain Health Education offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the biological foundations of human cognition, emotion, and behavior. Through a rigorous examination of neurobiological processes, students investigate how brain health influences holistic human flourishing. The program emphasizes the intersection of cognitive science and ethical development, providing a framework for supporting individual and community wellness within various educational and social service contexts.

Students engage in advanced scholarly inquiry regarding neural systems, neuroplasticity, and the environmental factors that influence cognitive health. By integrating scientific literature with principles of servant leadership and stewardship, the curriculum equips graduates to translate complex neuro-scientific findings into actionable health education initiatives. This program seeks to cultivate reflective practitioners who demonstrate both technical competence and a profound commitment to human dignity and ethical responsibility.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in Faith-Based Neuroscience, Brain Health Education theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based neuroscience, brain health education-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based neuroscience, brain health education-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 Capstone Project serves as the final, integrative experience of the degree program, requiring students to design a comprehensive brain health educational intervention. Students identify a specific cognitive wellness challenge within a community or organizational context and develop a research-based, culturally responsive solution. This project carries 4 credit hours and requires the synthesis of theoretical knowledge in neuroscience with practical application and strategic planning skills.
• The project demands that students articulate how their proposed intervention reflects Christian stewardship and ethical integrity. By connecting scientific evidence to the practical needs of people, students demonstrate their capacity for servant leadership and spiritual formation in practice. The final deliverable must include a project proposal, a detailed program design, and a reflection paper articulating how the project serves the common good and aligns with institutional values of integrity, service, and professional excellence.

Career Opportunities

• Community Health Education Specialist
• Nonprofit Wellness Program Coordinator
• Educational Outreach Consultant
• Faith-Based Social Services Director
• Human Development Program Manager
• Curriculum Designer for Mental Health Literacy
• Volunteer Training Coordinator

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.S. in Faith-Based Neuroscience, Brain Health Education
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Neuroscience, Brain Health Education 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
• NEU501 | Foundations of Neuroscience | 4 | None
• PSY505 | Cognitive Psychology and Development | 4 | None
• RES500 | Research Methods in Social Sciences | 3 | None
• EDU510 | Principles of Adult Education | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• NEU520 | Neuroplasticity and Learning | 4 | NEU501
• THE550 | Ethics and Stewardship in Science | 3 | None
• PSY530 | Social and Emotional Development | 4 | PSY505
• EDU540 | Designing Educational Interventions | 3 | EDU510
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• NEU605 | Nutrition and Brain Health | 4 | NEU520
• MIN610 | Servant Leadership in Organizations | 3 | None
• SOC620 | Community Health and Advocacy | 4 | RES500
• PSY630 | Stress, Resilience, and Well-being | 3 | PSY530
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP690 | Brain Health Capstone Project | 4 | EDU540, RES500, NEU605
• NEU650 | Advanced Topics in Brain Science | 4 | NEU605
• EDU660 | Program Evaluation and Strategy | 3 | EDU540
• COM670 | Communication for Community Impact | 3 | None