Master of Arts in Faith-Based Public Leadership, Governance

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Public Leadership, Governance

Total program length

51 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced faith-based public leadership, governance 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 Leadership and Governance with a minor in Faith, Governance, and Ethics is designed for individuals aspiring to lead and transform public institutions. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of governance principles, ethical frameworks, and community engagement strategies. This program emphasizes the integration of faith and ethical leadership in public service, preparing graduates to navigate complex socio-political landscapes. Participants will develop critical thinking, effective communication, and strategic decision-making skills essential for public administration roles. The program not only equips learners with theoretical knowledge but also practical skills through case studies and real-world applications, enhancing their readiness for meaningful careers in governance and public leadership.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based public leadership, governance-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

Capstone in Public Leadership & Governance

• 3
• None
• MPLG 670 — Crisis Leadership & Risk Governance: Crisis Leadership & Risk Governance - Part of Master of Public Leadership and Governance programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MPLG 690 — Capstone in Public Leadership & Governance: Capstone in Public Leadership & Governance - Part of Master of Public Leadership and Governance programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Career Opportunities

• Public Policy Analyst
• City Manager
• Nonprofit Executive Director
• Legislative Aide
• Community Development Director
• Ethics Compliance Officer
• Public Relations 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 Public Leadership, Governance
• Total program length | 51 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced faith-based public leadership, governance 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
• MPLG 601 | Foundations of Public Leadership | 3 | None
• FGE 610 | Faith & Ethical Foundations in Governance | 3 | None
• MPA 610 | Public Policy and Governance | 3 | Foundation Courses SPCh 500, GEN 502, GRAD 501 and MADC 500
• FGE 620 | Christian Ethics in Public Decision-Making | 3 | None
• MPA 620 | Public Sector Leadership and Organizational Management | 3 | Foundation Courses SPCh 500, GEN 502, GRAD 501 and MADC 500
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MPLG 620 | Organizational Leadership in the Public Sector | 3 | None
• MPLG 621 | Public Finance & Budgetary Governance | 3 | None
• MPLG 622 | Law, Regulation, & Public Accountability | 3 | None
• FGE 630 | Faith, Justice, & Public Policy | 3 | None
• MPA 630 | Public Ethics and Accountability | 3 | Foundation Courses SPCh 500, GEN 502, GRAD 501 and MADC 500
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• FGE 640 | Moral Leadership & Accountability in Public Life | 3 | None
• MPLG 640 | Strategic Leadership & Change Management | 3 | None
• MPLG 641 | Intergovernmental Relations & Global Governance | 3 | None
• FGE 650 | Religion, Law, & Democratic Governance | 3 | None
• MPLG 650 | Data, Evidence, & Performance Management | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MPLG 670 | Crisis Leadership & Risk Governance | 3 | None
• MPLG 690 | Capstone in Public Leadership & Governance | 3 | None