Master of Arts in Faith-Based Psychology, Specialization in Mental Health Advocacy

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Psychology

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced faith-based psychology 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 Psychology, Specialization in Mental Health Advocacy, is a graduate-level program designed to provide students with a robust academic foundation in psychological theory, behavioral analysis, and systems-based advocacy. The curriculum emphasizes the intersection of psychological principles and servant leadership, preparing graduates to navigate complex community and organizational landscapes with ethical discernment and professional proficiency. Through a rigorous investigation of human behavior and societal structures, students gain the tools to foster holistic well-being in diverse populations. The program distinguishes itself by integrating high-level psychological inquiry with the practical demands of community engagement, equipping students to act as effective stewards of human resources and organizational health. By focusing on systems-level advocacy, the curriculum addresses the societal determinants of health, promoting resilience and social stability through evidence-informed strategies and reflective practice. Students are prepared to lead with integrity, ensuring that their professional contributions are rooted in both scholarly excellence and a commitment to serving others within various community-based contexts.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based psychology-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: Community Advocacy Intervention

• 4
• RES 630, MGT 550
• PSY 650
• Advanced Topics in Mental Health Advocacy
• 4
• COU 620
• SOC 660
• Social Justice and Equitable Resource Access
• 3
• SOC 540
• MGT 670
• Strategic Communication for Advocacy
• 3
• MGT 550
• CAP 690 — Capstone Project: Community Advocacy Intervention: The culmination of the degree program where students design and implement an advocacy-based intervention for an organization. Includes a comprehensive final report and presentation of findings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY 650 — Advanced Topics in Mental Health Advocacy: Explores contemporary issues in mental health advocacy and structural social change. Students critique current policies and advocate for improved support accessibility. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC 660 — Social Justice and Equitable Resource Access: An investigation into systemic inequalities and the role of nonprofit agencies in ensuring resource equity. Encourages the application of faith-informed social justice principles. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT 670 — Strategic Communication for Advocacy: Focuses on effective communication methods for organizational advocacy and community engagement. Students develop messaging strategies that promote organizational missions and values. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Capstone Project serves as the final academic demonstration of the student’s ability to synthesize psychological theory, research methodology, and faith-informed advocacy. This 4-credit requirement involves the development of a comprehensive project that addresses a systemic need within a community or nonprofit organization, requiring students to demonstrate depth of knowledge and the ability to apply ethical reasoning to real-world challenges. Students will engage in rigorous academic inquiry, designing an intervention or research-based analysis that aligns with the values of stewardship and servant leadership.
• Beyond technical competence, the Capstone emphasizes the integration of faith-informed character development, requiring a reflective component that documents the student’s growth in spiritual maturity and professional integrity. The project serves as an intellectual testament to the student’s readiness to operate as a leader who prioritizes the dignity of individuals while adhering to high ethical standards. Through this culminating experience, students demonstrate how their academic training fosters a sustainable commitment to faith-based community service and professional excellence.

Career Opportunities

• Community Relations Manager for Faith-Based Organizations
• Mental Health Program Coordinator
• Nonprofit Advocacy Director
• Social Services Consultant
• Community Outreach Strategist
• Organizational Ethics and Stewardship Officer
• Family and Community Development Specialist

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 Psychology
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced faith-based psychology 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
• PSY 501 | Advanced Behavioral Foundations | 4 | None
• RES 505 | Research Methods for Social Change | 3 | None
• COU 510 | Systems-Based Advocacy Strategies | 4 | None
• THE 520 | Ethics and Stewardship in Practice | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY 530 | Developmental Psychology and Social Resilience | 3 | PSY 501
• SOC 540 | Community Sociology and Systems Analysis | 3 | None
• MGT 550 | Leadership in Nonprofit Organizations | 4 | None
• PSY 560 | Cognitive Processes and Problem Solving | 4 | PSY 501
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY 610 | Advanced Social Psychology | 3 | PSY 501
• COU 620 | Crisis Intervention and Community Support | 4 | COU 510
• RES 630 | Data Analysis for Program Evaluation | 3 | RES 505
• COU 640 | Professional Development and Ethical Identity in Counseling | 4 | THE 520
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP 690 | Capstone Project: Community Advocacy Intervention | 4 | RES 630, MGT 550
• PSY 650 | Advanced Topics in Mental Health Advocacy | 4 | COU 620
• SOC 660 | Social Justice and Equitable Resource Access | 3 | SOC 540
• MGT 670 | Strategic Communication for Advocacy | 3 | MGT 550