Master of Arts in Faith-Based Project Management, Specialization in Leadership

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Project Management

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced faith-based project management 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 Project Management, Specialization in Leadership, is a comprehensive graduate program designed to equip professionals with the sophisticated project management methodologies and leadership competencies required to lead complex initiatives in the nonprofit and social sector. By merging rigorous analytical training with an emphasis on ethical stewardship and servant leadership, the program cultivates leaders who can effectively manage resources, personnel, and organizational objectives while maintaining fidelity to an institutional mission. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum, students explore the intersection of organizational theory, fiscal responsibility, and strategic decision-making. The program emphasizes the development of practical skills that allow graduates to navigate the complexities of modern community-based organizations. Students engage in evidence-based research and collaborative projects, ensuring that they are prepared to address the multifaceted challenges inherent in mission-driven environments while upholding the highest standards of professional integrity.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based project management-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 Project

• 4
• Completion of 56 credits
• MGT650
• Global Perspectives on Humanitarian Aid
• 4
• None
• MGT660
• Public Relations for Community Service
• 4
• COM520
• MGT670
• Seminar in Executive Leadership
• 3
• MGT501
• CAP699 — Capstone Project: The capstone project requires the application of project management competencies to a real-world organizational challenge. It serves as the synthesis of the program's coursework and faith-integrated practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT650 — Global Perspectives on Humanitarian Aid: Students examine the complexities of managing international service projects with sensitivity to diverse cultural contexts. Focus is placed on cross-border logistics and partnerships. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT660 — Public Relations for Community Service: This course explores media relations, advocacy, and community outreach as components of the leadership role. Students design comprehensive marketing plans for their mission objectives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT670 — Seminar in Executive Leadership: A seminar-style course that addresses contemporary trends and challenges facing nonprofit leaders today. Students engage in peer critique and reflective discussion. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Master of Arts Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience of the program, requiring students to identify, research, and execute a complex project that addresses a genuine organizational need. Students work under the guidance of a faculty advisor to integrate theoretical knowledge from the program with practical, real-world experience, producing a comprehensive project report or operational plan that demonstrates advanced competence in project management and leadership. The project is weighted at 4 credit hours and is designed to reflect the student’s mastery of the program’s core learning objectives.
• Beyond technical proficiency, the Capstone project is a venue for the substantive integration of faith-based perspectives. Students are expected to demonstrate how principles of biblical stewardship, ethical integrity, and servant leadership inform their methodological choices and final recommendations. By reflecting on the project through the lens of their worldview, students demonstrate both the academic rigor expected of a graduate degree and the spiritual maturity required for sustained, impactful service in community organizations.

Career Opportunities

• Nonprofit Program Director
• Faith-Based Initiative Coordinator
• Organizational Development Consultant
• Director of Community Outreach
• Mission Strategy Manager
• Director of Stewardship and Development
• Executive Director of a Community Organization

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 Project Management
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced faith-based project management 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
• MGT501 | Foundations of Organizational Leadership | 4 | None
• RES505 | Research Methods for Social Impact | 4 | None
• BUS510 | Ethical Financial Stewardship | 4 | None
• COM520 | Strategic Communication in Nonprofits | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT530 | Project Lifecycle Management | 4 | MGT501
• MGT540 | Human Capital and Volunteer Engagement | 4 | MGT501
• HUM550 | Social Justice and Community Engagement | 4 | None
• BUS560 | Legal and Regulatory Environments | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT610 | Advanced Strategic Planning | 4 | MGT530
• ORG620 | Organizational Psychology and Executive Development | 4 | None
• BUS630 | Grant Writing and Resource Development | 4 | BUS510
• MGT640 | Organizational Change and Innovation | 3 | MGT501
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP699 | Capstone Project | 4 | Completion of 56 credits
• MGT650 | Global Perspectives on Humanitarian Aid | 4 | None
• MGT660 | Public Relations for Community Service | 4 | COM520
• MGT670 | Seminar in Executive Leadership | 3 | MGT501