Master of Arts in Faith-Based Sociology, Specialization in Social Change Policy Reform

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Sociology

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Sociology 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 Sociology with a Specialization in Social Change Policy Reform is an advanced interdisciplinary program designed for scholars and practitioners seeking to address complex societal challenges through the lens of ethical responsibility and servant leadership. By integrating classical and contemporary sociological theory with empirical research methods, students develop a rigorous framework for evaluating institutional systems and implementing meaningful policy interventions that serve the common good. This program emphasizes the application of social justice principles within a framework of biblical stewardship and ethical integrity, preparing graduates for positions of influence in public policy, nonprofit management, and advocacy sectors. Through a critical examination of social structures, students learn to translate theoretical research into actionable strategies for sustainable community transformation. The curriculum encourages intellectual humility and compassionate engagement, fostering a professional environment where academic excellence is balanced with a commitment to human flourishing. Students participate in rigorous scholarly discourse designed to cultivate analytical precision, cross-cultural empathy, and a deep understanding of the systemic factors that influence social development.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based sociology-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 Proposal Development

• 3
• RES 520
• SOC 601 — Sociology of Family and Community: An examination of the social forces impacting family stability and community cohesion in modern society. Students evaluate initiatives aimed at strengthening social support networks. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU 605 — Educational Policy Reform: This course analyzes the intersection of educational structures, social mobility, and systemic policy reform. Students investigate initiatives designed to improve outcomes for underserved student populations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS 610 — Grant Writing and Fundraising Ethics: A practical study of resource development techniques including grant writing, donor cultivation, and ethical fundraising practices. Students synthesize these skills to support project sustainability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES 615 — Thesis Proposal Development: Students define their research topic, conduct a comprehensive literature review, and design their thesis methodology. This course provides guided support for transitioning to the formal research phase. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Master’s Thesis serves as the culminating academic experience for this program, requiring students to produce an original research project that integrates sociological analysis with a practical policy reform strategy. Students work under the guidance of a faculty advisor to identify a critical societal challenge, conduct primary or secondary research, and develop a comprehensive, evidence-based policy proposal. This 6-credit project allows candidates to demonstrate mastery of their discipline while applying ethical reasoning and a Christian worldview to the complexities of real-world systemic reform. Through the thesis, students must articulate how their proposed interventions honor principles of biblical stewardship, justice, and the dignity of the human person. The deliverables include a written thesis manuscript and a formal presentation, both of which are evaluated for academic rigor, methodological soundness, and the practical viability of the proposed reforms. This project serves as a capstone of the student's spiritual formation, showcasing the integration of professional competence with a character shaped by selfless service and moral clarity. It demonstrates the student’s readiness to serve as a leader who thoughtfully navigates the tensions between institutional policy and the ethical requirements of compassion and integrity.

Career Opportunities

• Public Policy Analyst for Faith-Based Nonprofits
• Community Development Coordinator
• Advocacy Specialist for Social Justice Organizations
• Program Director for Human Services Agencies
• Government Relations Liaison for Charitable Foundations
• Sociological Researcher in Academic or Applied Settings
• Nonprofit Strategic Planner

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 Sociology
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Sociology 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
• SOC 501 | Sociological Theory for Social Change | 4 | None
• RES 505 | Quantitative Research Methods | 3 | None
• SOC 510 | Ethical Frameworks in Public Policy | 3 | None
• SOC 515 | Social Stratification and Inequality | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES 520 | Qualitative Research Methods | 4 | RES 505
• MGT 525 | Nonprofit Leadership and Stewardship | 3 | None
• SOC 530 | Social Policy Analysis | 3 | SOC 501
• MIN 535 | Community Engagement Strategies | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC 601 | Sociology of Family and Community | 3 | SOC 501
• EDU 605 | Educational Policy Reform | 4 | SOC 530
• BUS 610 | Grant Writing and Fundraising Ethics | 3 | MGT 525
• RES 615 | Thesis Proposal Development | 3 | RES 520
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC 650 | Global Issues and Social Change | 3 | None
• SOC 655 | Social Justice Advocacy | 3 | THE 510
• CAP 690 | Master's Thesis Project | 6 | RES 615
• SOC 695 | Professional Development and Social Advocacy | 2 | None