Master of Arts in Faith-Based Speech Pathology, Disability Services

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Speech Pathology, Disability Services

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Speech Pathology, Disability Services 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 Speech Pathology and Disability Services is a rigorous graduate program designed for professionals seeking to support individuals with communicative and cognitive challenges within faith-based and community-centered organizations. The curriculum emphasizes the intersection of communication science, ethical disability advocacy, and organizational leadership, ensuring that students develop a robust framework for service-oriented practice. Students will engage with advanced theoretical models of communication while learning to navigate the logistical and compassionate demands of supporting vulnerable populations. Through a blend of academic inquiry and reflective practice, the program equips graduates to serve as effective stewards of resources and advocates for inclusive community spaces. By focusing on evidence-based strategies, students learn to foster environments that promote dignity, accessibility, and community integration. This program serves those called to integrate high-level communication expertise with a commitment to altruistic and ethical service in diverse community settings.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in Faith-Based Speech Pathology, Disability Services theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based speech pathology, disability services-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based speech pathology, disability services-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 Proposal Development

• 3
• RES505
• COM605 — Collaborative Communication Support: Advanced collaborative techniques for working with families and support teams. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU615 — Counseling and Support Services: Therapeutic communication and support for individuals and families facing challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN625 — Community Engagement Strategies: Implementing outreach and support programs that bridge community needs with institutional goals. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES630 — Capstone Proposal Development: Preparation and approval process for the final capstone project. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Capstone Implementation Project

• 6
• RES630
• COM650
• Advanced Assistive Technologies
• 3
• None
• EDU660
• Adaptive Program Design
• 3
• EDU540
• SOC670
• Applied Ethics in Social Advocacy
• 3
• THE520
• CAP690 — Capstone Implementation Project: Execution of the comprehensive capstone project focusing on practical application and research. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM650 — Advanced Assistive Technologies: Exploration of digital and physical tools to enhance communication for the disabled. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU660 — Adaptive Program Design: Developing adaptive curricula for varying communication needs in communal settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC670 — Applied Ethics in Social Advocacy: This course explores moral frameworks and ethical decision-making models within the field of professional disability support services. Students apply these ethical principles to navigate complex social challenges while ensuring equitable advocacy for all populations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Master’s Capstone Project serves as the culminating scholarly endeavor, requiring students to synthesize their disciplinary knowledge, leadership training, and ethical formation into a practical, actionable project. Students identify a specific communication or disability-related challenge within a community or faith-based setting and develop a comprehensive strategy for intervention or system improvement. This project represents 6 credit hours of intensive research, strategic design, and project implementation, resulting in a formal scholarly paper and a professional presentation of findings. The integration of a Christian worldview is mandatory, as students must reflect on how their findings promote human dignity and serve the broader mission of their chosen organizational partners. By connecting theoretical insights to the practical needs of the community, students demonstrate their mastery of both their chosen field and their development as servant leaders. The project is assessed not only on academic rigor and the quality of the proposed intervention but also on the student's ability to demonstrate spiritual formation, ethical integrity, and a commitment to responsible stewardship of organizational resources throughout the implementation process.

Career Opportunities

• Disability Services Coordinator for religious non-profits
• Inclusive Programming Manager for faith-based community centers
• Communication Accessibility Consultant
• Advocacy Specialist for disability-focused non-profit organizations
• Mission-based Organizational Development Director
• Educational Liaison for faith-based schools
• Community Outreach Coordinator for developmental support services

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 Speech Pathology, Disability Services
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Speech Pathology, Disability Services 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
• COM501 | Advanced Human Communication Theory | 4 | None
• COU510 | Ethics in Professional Practice | 4 | None
• RES505 | Research Methods for Social Services | 4 | None
• LAW520 | Legal Frameworks of Human Rights | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM530 | Developmental Communication Disorders | 4 | COM501
• EDU540 | Inclusive Education and Accessibility | 4 | None
• SOC550 | Sociology of Disability | 4 | None
• MGT560 | Non-Profit Stewardship and Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM605 | Collaborative Communication Support | 4 | COM530
• COU615 | Counseling and Support Services | 4 | COU510
• MIN625 | Community Engagement Strategies | 4 | None
• RES630 | Capstone Proposal Development | 3 | RES505
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP690 | Capstone Implementation Project | 6 | RES630
• COM650 | Advanced Assistive Technologies | 3 | None
• EDU660 | Adaptive Program Design | 3 | EDU540
• SOC670 | Applied Ethics in Social Advocacy | 3 | THE520