Master of Arts in Faith-Based Public Speaking, Specialization in Advocacy Training

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Public Speaking

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Public Speaking 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 Speaking with a Specialization in Advocacy Training is a comprehensive graduate program designed to equip leaders with the rhetorical skills, ethical framework, and strategic communication expertise necessary for effective public discourse. This program bridges the gap between traditional communication theory and the unique requirements of mission-driven advocacy within contemporary societal contexts. Students engage in rigorous academic inquiry into the art of persuasion, the dynamics of public policy, and the psychology of influence while rooting their practice in principles of servant leadership and ethical stewardship. The curriculum emphasizes the development of a sophisticated communicative identity capable of addressing complex social issues through a lens of integrity and intellectual depth. By fostering both oral proficiency and critical analytical capacity, the program prepares graduates to serve as articulate voices for community-focused organizations, ensuring that their messages are not only compelling but also grounded in a commitment to human dignity and social well-being. Through a blend of advanced theoretical coursework and practical application, students are empowered to lead public conversations with clarity, compassion, and professional excellence.

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

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

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Master of Arts Thesis is the culminating experience of the program, requiring students to execute a comprehensive research or applied project that demonstrates mastery of communication advocacy. Students must identify a specific social issue or organizational need, conduct rigorous analytical research, and produce an advocacy strategy or formal presentation that applies advanced rhetorical principles within a framework of ethical stewardship. The project must be completed under faculty supervision, emphasizing academic rigor and the practical application of faith-informed service. Deliverables include a significant written document and an oral defense that models the professional standards of the discipline. Through this process, students integrate their academic competence with character development, ensuring that their scholarly work reflects a commitment to truth, integrity, and the mission of faith-based organizations. The thesis serves as a testimony to the student’s readiness to lead and inspire in the public square, grounding their professional practice in a deep commitment to the welfare of the communities they serve.

Career Opportunities

• Director of Communications for Nonprofit Organizations
• Public Policy Advocate
• Organizational Spokesperson
• Community Relations Coordinator
• Advocacy Trainer
• Nonprofit Leadership Consultant

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 Speaking
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Public Speaking 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 | Advanced Rhetorical Theory | 4 | None
• RES510 | Research Methods in Communication | 4 | None
• COM520 | Ethics in Professional Speaking | 3 | None
• MIN530 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM540 | Strategic Advocacy Communication | 4 | COM500
• COM550 | Digital Media and Public Influence | 4 | None
• SOC560 | Sociology of Community Engagement | 3 | None
• BUS570 | Nonprofit Resource Management | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM600 | Advanced Public Presentation | 4 | COM540
• COM610 | Conflict Resolution and Dialogue | 4 | None
• COM620 | Crisis Communication | 3 | None
• SOC630 | Sociological Perspectives on Modern Social Institutions | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP690 | Master's Thesis Project | 4 | RES510, COM540
• COM640 | Leadership and Cultural Intelligence | 4 | None
• COM650 | Public Policy Analysis | 3 | None
• COM660 | Professional Portfolio Development | 3 | None