Master of Arts in Faith-Based Philosophy, Specialization in Ethics Social Justice

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Philosophy

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced philosophy and ethics 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 Philosophy with a specialization in Ethics and Social Justice is a rigorous graduate program designed to equip scholars with the analytical tools necessary to address complex moral and societal challenges. Through a multi-disciplinary approach, students engage with foundational philosophical inquiries, historical frameworks, and contemporary social justice discourse, all viewed through the lens of ethical stewardship and public responsibility. The program emphasizes the synthesis of rigorous intellectual inquiry with the practical application of virtue ethics and servant leadership within diverse societal structures. Students are challenged to bridge the gap between abstract philosophical concepts and the concrete realities of community engagement, fostering an environment where scholarship informs transformative service. The curriculum integrates academic excellence with a commitment to moral integrity, preparing graduates to navigate the complexities of public life while adhering to a philosophy of stewardship and service to the common good.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based philosophy-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 Proposal Development

• 3
• RES510
• PHI601 — Advanced Applied Ethics: An intensive study of contemporary ethical dilemmas including technology, poverty, and environmental justice. Students apply normative frameworks to resolve complex institutional problems. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC605 — Community Organizing and Advocacy: This course provides practical training in advocacy, lobbying, and community mobilization. Students develop campaigns designed to foster systemic changes in support of social justice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU610 — Pedagogy of Social Justice: Students examine how to educate and sensitize community members on critical ethical and social issues. The course focuses on communication strategies that build awareness and consensus. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES615 — Thesis Proposal Development: This course guides students through the process of developing a viable thesis topic and preliminary proposal. Emphasis is placed on research design, literature review, and academic rigor. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Master’s Thesis serves as the culminating scholarly experience, requiring students to engage in original research that addresses a significant ethical or social justice issue. Students are expected to formulate a research question, conduct a thorough literature review, and propose a viable solution or framework that demonstrates their mastery of philosophical methodology. The thesis must reflect deep intellectual rigor while maintaining a focus on actionable insights for community improvement.
• Beyond academic proficiency, the thesis serves as a demonstration of the student’s integration of faith-based perspectives, including biblical stewardship and ethical reasoning. Students must articulate how their findings reflect a commitment to human dignity and the common good, demonstrating the intersection of spiritual formation and academic excellence. The thesis carries 4 credits and requires a successful oral defense before a faculty committee, serving as the final milestone in the student’s professional and character development journey.

Career Opportunities

• Nonprofit Program Director
• Social Justice Advocate
• Public Policy Analyst
• Ethics Consultant for Faith-Based Organizations
• Community Development Coordinator
• Human Rights Researcher
• Organizational Ethics Trainer

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 Philosophy
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced philosophy and ethics 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
• PHI501 | Foundations of Moral Philosophy | 4 | None
• SOC505 | Sociology of Justice and Inequality | 4 | None
• RES510 | Graduate Research Methodology | 3 | None
• MIN515 | Servant Leadership and Stewardship | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PHI520 | Political Philosophy and Social Justice | 4 | PHI501
• BUS525 | Ethical Stewardship in Nonprofits | 4 | None
• HIS530 | History of Social Reform | 3 | None
• LAW535 | Ethical Frameworks in Public Policy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PHI601 | Advanced Applied Ethics | 4 | PHI501
• SOC605 | Community Organizing and Advocacy | 4 | SOC505
• EDU610 | Pedagogy of Social Justice | 3 | None
• RES615 | Thesis Proposal Development | 3 | RES510
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PHI620 | Philosophy of Human Flourishing | 4 | PHI601
• MGT625 | Organizational Management for Social Good | 4 | BUS525
• COM630 | Strategic Communication in Public Service | 3 | None
• CAP650 | Master's Thesis and Defense | 4 | RES615