Master of Arts in Faith-Based Nutrition, Specialization in Public Health Wellness

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Nutrition, Specialization in Public Health Wellness

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced faith-based nutrition and public health wellness 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 Nutrition with a specialization in Public Health Wellness is a rigorous graduate program designed to equip professionals with advanced knowledge in nutritional science and community health strategy. Rooted in an institutional commitment to stewardship and service, the curriculum emphasizes the intersection of nutritional well-being, social determinants of health, and ethical community leadership. Students explore the physiological foundations of health alongside the strategic development of wellness initiatives intended for diverse populations.

Beyond traditional academic coursework, the program integrates principles of servant leadership to address modern public health challenges. By examining the impact of nutritional accessibility and behavioral health, candidates develop the capacity to design and lead health-promotion frameworks that honor the dignity of the human person. The academic experience balances evidence-based research methodologies with a commitment to integrity and community-oriented professional practice.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based nutrition and public health wellness-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 Capstone Project represents the culminating intellectual and professional synthesis of the degree, carrying 4 academic credit hours. Students are required to design, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive health-wellness project that addresses a specific need within a community or nonprofit environment. The project scope involves rigorous academic research, detailed project management planning, and a final written analysis that demonstrates proficiency in both the scientific discipline and professional community outreach strategies.
• Integrating the program’s faith-based values, the capstone demands that students apply ethical reasoning and biblical stewardship to the real-world challenges faced by their target demographics. Students must document how their proposed wellness intervention reflects principles of servant leadership and social justice, ensuring that their work serves to empower the community while maintaining high standards of academic rigor. This project serves as a capstone of faith-informed character development, documenting the student’s readiness to lead with integrity and wisdom in professional health-focused roles.

Career Opportunities

• Public Health Program Coordinator
• Community Wellness Educator
• Nutrition Outreach Manager
• Nonprofit Health Policy Advisor
• Public Health Communications Specialist
• Community Resource Development Director
• Faith-Based Health 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 Nutrition, Specialization in Public Health Wellness
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced faith-based nutrition and public health wellness 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
• NUTR500 | Advanced Human Nutrition | 4 | None
• RES510 | Research Methods in Health | 4 | None
• SOC505 | Social Determinants of Health | 3 | None
• THE520 | Ethics and Stewardship in Public Health | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• NUTR515 | Community Nutrition and Policy | 4 | NUTR500
• MGT550 | Nonprofit Health Leadership | 4 | None
• PSY530 | Behavioral Health Interventions | 3 | None
• COM540 | Advocacy and Health Literacy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• NUTR600 | Global Nutritional Perspectives | 4 | NUTR515
• RES610 | Program Evaluation and Data Analysis | 4 | RES510
• EDU620 | Curriculum Design for Health Education | 3 | None
• COU630 | Cultural Humility in Community Care | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP690 | Master's Capstone Project | 4 | RES610
• MGT640 | Strategic Planning for Community Wellness | 4 | MGT550
• HIS650 | History of Public Health Missions | 3 | None
• BUS660 | Sustainable Resource Management | 3 | None