Master of Arts in Faith-Based Public Administration (MPA)

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Public Administration

Total program length

51 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced faith-based public administration 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 Public Administration (MPA) with a minor in Faith-Informed Public Administration equips students with the skills necessary to lead public organizations with a focus on ethical governance and community service. Throughout this two-year program, students will delve into public policy analysis, strategic management, and ethical leadership while integrating faith-based perspectives into public service. Graduates will be prepared for impactful careers in the public sector, fostering a commitment to social justice and community enhancement. The program's blend of theory and practice provides a robust foundation for addressing contemporary public administration challenges, ultimately enhancing the students’ ability to operate effectively in diverse and demanding environments.

The 51-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in faith-based public administration theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based public administration-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based public administration-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 51-credit requirement is an institutional academic standard that exceeds that minimum.

Program Details

• Total Credits: 51
• Duration: 2 years
• Degree Level: Master

Career Opportunities

• City Manager
• Public Policy Analyst
• Non-Profit Executive Director
• Government Affairs Specialist
• Urban Planning Coordinator
• Community Development Director

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 Public Administration
• Total program length | 51 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced faith-based public administration 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
• ETH 120 | Public Ethics and Civic Responsibility | 3 | None
• MPA 600 | Public Budgeting & Financial Management | 3 | None
• MPA 601 | Foundations of Public Administration | 3 | None
• MPA 602 | Public Management & Organizational Theory | 3 | None
• MPA 603 | Public Policy Analysis | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• FIPA 610 | Faith & Ethics in Public Administration | 3 | None
• FIPA 620 | Christian Social Thought & Public Service | 3 | None
• MPA 621 | Human Resource Management in the Public Sector | 3 | None
• MPA 622 | Administrative Law & Regulatory Process | 3 | None
• MPA 623 | Data-Driven Decision Making & Performance Management | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• FIPA 630 | Faith-Informed Public Leadership & Decision-Making | 3 | None
• FIPA 640 | Religion, Law, & Public Governance | 3 | None
• MPA 640 | Strategic Planning & Public Sector Leadership | 3 | None
• MPA 641 | Program Evaluation & Policy Implementation | 3 | None
• MPA 642 | Ethics & Accountability in Public Service | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• FIPA 650 | Faith, Justice, & Public Policy | 3 | None
• MPA 690 | MPA Capstone / Applied Project | 3 | None