Master of Arts in Faith-Based Public Policy, Specialization in Public Policy in Non-Profit

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Public Policy

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Public Policy 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 Public Policy with a specialization in Public Policy in Non-Profit is an advanced academic program designed to equip leaders with the analytical, administrative, and ethical tools necessary to influence public discourse and manage organizational impact. The curriculum bridges the gap between complex governmental systems and the practical application of mission-driven advocacy within the non-profit sector. Students explore the intersection of law, sociology, and public management through a rigorous academic lens that prioritizes intellectual inquiry and practical engagement.

Central to the program is an emphasis on stewardship and the pursuit of justice within the public square. By analyzing legislative frameworks and administrative governance, students develop the capacity to design and lead initiatives that improve organizational efficacy while remaining committed to professional excellence. The program fosters a scholarly environment where students refine their ability to translate academic theories into sustainable community solutions.

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

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

• 6
• All Core Courses
• PUB650
• Global Policy Perspectives
• 3
• None
• SOC660
• Community Engagement Strategies
• 3
• None
• MGT670
• Non-Profit Resource Development
• 3
• None
• CAP690 — Capstone Project: The culminating project where students execute a comprehensive policy study or program design, demonstrating academic and ethical integration. Includes a formal final report and presentation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PUB650 — Global Policy Perspectives: Comparative study of international non-profit policy frameworks and the role of global humanitarian aid. Explores cross-cultural interactions in the public sphere. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC660 — Community Engagement Strategies: Practical study of community mobilization and the role of grassroots advocacy in policy change. Emphasizes empowering vulnerable populations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT670 — Non-Profit Resource Development: Advanced methods for resource acquisition, grant writing, and donor relations within a regulated environment. Balances administrative efficiency with mission fidelity. 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 mastery in faith-based public policy. This research-based experience requires students to identify a critical policy issue affecting the non-profit sector and propose an evidence-based, sustainable, and ethically-grounded solution. Through this 6-credit project, students engage in deep analytical work that synthesizes the theoretical knowledge gained throughout their program with the practical realities of non-profit administration.
• The project integrates faith-based perspectives by requiring students to articulate how biblical stewardship, justice, and character-driven leadership inform their proposed policy interventions. Students are expected to produce a professional-grade policy report and a formal presentation that demonstrates academic rigor, critical thinking, and a commitment to serving the common good. The Capstone serves as the culmination of both academic competence and faith-informed character development, ensuring graduates are prepared to lead with integrity in their professional fields.

Career Opportunities

• Non-Profit Policy Advisor
• Advocacy Director for Faith-Based Organizations
• Government Relations Manager
• Community Development Coordinator
• Legislative Researcher
• Non-Profit Operations Consultant
• Public Policy Analyst

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 Policy
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Public Policy 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
• PUB501 | Foundations of Public Policy | 4 | None
• SOC510 | Social Justice and Public Policy | 4 | None
• BUS520 | Organizational Stewardship in Non-Profits | 4 | None
• RES505 | Research Methods for Public Policy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• LAW515 | Non-Profit Law and Governance | 4 | PUB501
• MGT530 | Servant Leadership in Administration | 4 | None
• COM540 | Advocacy and Public Discourse | 4 | None
• HIS550 | Evolution of American Public Policy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PUB601 | Public Policy and Urban Development | 4 | PUB501
• BUS610 | Strategic Planning for Non-Profits | 4 | BUS520
• RES620 | Advanced Policy Evaluation | 4 | RES505
• THE630 | Ethics in Public Administration | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP690 | Capstone Project | 6 | All Core Courses
• PUB650 | Global Policy Perspectives | 3 | None
• SOC660 | Community Engagement Strategies | 3 | None
• MGT670 | Non-Profit Resource Development | 3 | None