Master of Arts in Faith-Based Public Relations, Advocacy Media Outreach

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Public Relations, Advocacy Media Outreach

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Public Relations, Advocacy Media Outreach 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 Relations and Advocacy Media Outreach is a comprehensive graduate program designed for professionals seeking to lead communication efforts in non-profit and mission-driven sectors. The curriculum bridges the gap between advanced communication theory, media strategy, and organizational advocacy, emphasizing the stewardship of voice and influence within public spheres. Students engage with complex case studies to understand how strategic messaging can effect social change and support the long-term viability of community-focused institutions. Through rigorous academic inquiry, the program fosters a deep understanding of digital media landscapes, reputation management, and ethical advocacy frameworks. Faculty emphasize the integration of servant leadership principles, ensuring that students develop the character and technical acumen required to navigate the challenges of contemporary media environments. This program provides an intellectual foundation for those committed to professional excellence and ethical responsibility in all forms of public discourse.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based public relations, advocacy media outreach-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 Advocacy Project

• 6
• All Core Courses
• COM660
• Public Policy and Institutional Advocacy
• 4
• None
• COM670
• Leadership Ethics in Practice
• 3
• None
• COM680
• Professional Portfolio Development
• 3
• None
• CAP650 — Capstone Advocacy Project: The culminating project where students design, implement, and analyze a real-world communication campaign. Requires evidence of professional integration and spiritual maturity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM660 — Public Policy and Institutional Advocacy: Studies the intersection of organizational mission and legislative or public policy influence. Discusses how to ethically participate in shaping societal values. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM670 — Leadership Ethics in Practice: A focus on the personal and professional character of leaders in public relations. Uses case studies to test ethical decision-making under pressure. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM680 — Professional Portfolio Development: Provides students with the opportunity to curate and showcase work produced during the program. Emphasizes reflection on professional and personal growth. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience of the Master of Arts program, requiring students to synthesize their disciplinary expertise with a commitment to ethical, faith-informed practice. Students are tasked with designing and implementing a comprehensive media advocacy project for a partner organization, demonstrating their ability to serve as stewards of the organization’s mission while applying advanced public relations theories. The project requires the development of a strategic communication plan, content execution, and a detailed impact assessment that considers both professional metrics and the long-term benefits to the served community. This 6-credit requirement is completed over the final semester, serving as a primary evidence-based reflection of the student's academic and character development. The work is defended before a faculty committee, ensuring the project aligns with institutional standards for academic rigor and values-based advocacy. Through this process, students integrate spiritual formation, servant leadership, and biblical stewardship into their professional practice, demonstrating a seamless fusion of technical skill and moral character in their pursuit of public service.

Career Opportunities

• Communications Director for non-profit organizations
• Advocacy Outreach Coordinator
• Public Relations Consultant for mission-driven agencies
• Community Engagement Specialist
• Media Strategy Manager for faith-based social services
• Non-profit Development and Public Affairs Officer
• Corporate Social Responsibility Strategist

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 Relations, Advocacy Media Outreach
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Public Relations, Advocacy Media Outreach 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
• COM500 | Foundations of Strategic Communication | 4 | None
• RES510 | Research Methods in Social Advocacy | 4 | None
• MGT520 | Principles of Servant Leadership | 3 | None
• COM530 | Digital Media and Advocacy Trends | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM540 | Crisis Management and Ethical Response | 4 | COM500
• COM550 | Organizational Resource Management and Stakeholder Engagement | 4 | None
• COM560 | Writing for Public Outreach | 3 | None
• SOC570 | Community Dynamics and Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM600 | Advanced Campaign Strategy | 4 | COM500
• BUS610 | Non-Profit Resource Management | 4 | None
• COM620 | Visual Storytelling and Branding | 3 | None
• COM630 | Global Perspectives on Advocacy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP650 | Capstone Advocacy Project | 6 | All Core Courses
• COM660 | Public Policy and Institutional Advocacy | 4 | None
• COM670 | Leadership Ethics in Practice | 3 | None
• COM680 | Professional Portfolio Development | 3 | None