Master of Arts in Faith-Based Strategic Leadership, Specialization in Christian Leadership Ethics

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Strategic Leadership

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Strategic Leadership 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 Strategic Leadership with a specialization in Christian Leadership Ethics is designed for professionals seeking to integrate advanced management principles with the ethical imperatives of faith-based service. The curriculum provides a rigorous academic foundation in organizational behavior, strategic decision-making, and moral philosophy within complex institutional environments. Students engage in critical inquiry regarding the intersection of stewardship and executive governance, preparing for roles that require high levels of integrity and analytical sophistication. Through a comprehensive academic approach, the program addresses the nuances of leading diverse teams while upholding mission-driven values in competitive sectors. Faculty guide students through systematic exploration of leadership theories, ensuring that technical proficiency in operations is matched by the ability to navigate moral dilemmas effectively. The program fosters an environment of intellectual growth, emphasizing the role of the leader in cultivating organizational health and societal impact.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based strategic leadership-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 Research Seminar

• 4
• RES500
• CAP695
• Master's Thesis Project
• 6
• CAP690
• BUS680
• Executive Seminar in Leadership
• 3
• None
• MGT670
• Global Perspectives on Social Innovation
• 3
• MGT501
• CAP690 — Thesis Research Seminar: Students refine their research questions and finalize their methodological approach for their capstone work. This seminar provides peer and faculty support for the writing process. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP695 — Master's Thesis Project: The thesis requires an independent study and analysis of a critical leadership issue, culminating in a formal defense. Students demonstrate academic excellence and the integration of ethics and practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS680 — Executive Seminar in Leadership: This seminar features discourse on executive challenges, crisis management, and long-term vision. Students synthesize program learning to address real-time leadership scenarios. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT670 — Global Perspectives on Social Innovation: Students evaluate international models of service delivery and the ethical implications of global expansion. This course encourages a broadened view of institutional influence. 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 of the program, requiring students to conduct independent, primary research on a specific challenge within a faith-based or nonprofit setting. The project mandates that students synthesize the totality of their graduate studies to produce a professional-grade research document. Through this endeavor, candidates demonstrate advanced academic competence and an ability to apply systematic methodology to complex institutional problems. This 6-credit requirement is fundamental to the degree conferral process. Students must address how their proposed solutions reflect biblical stewardship and an ethic of service, ensuring that their work balances pragmatic organizational results with long-term moral considerations. The project is supervised by a faculty mentor who provides guidance on academic rigor and the integration of faith-informed ethical reasoning. This research serves as a final testament to the student’s readiness to lead with integrity, demonstrating that their academic growth is intrinsically linked to their development as servant-minded professionals who possess the depth of character required for leadership in diverse communities.

Career Opportunities

• Nonprofit Executive Director
• Strategic Operations Manager
• Organizational Ethics Consultant
• Director of Community Outreach
• Development and Fundraising Officer
• Faith-Based Educational Administrator
• Public Policy Liaison

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 Strategic Leadership
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Strategic Leadership 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
• MGT501 | Organizational Leadership Theory | 4 | None
• CHR510 | Foundations of Christian Ethics | 4 | None
• BUS520 | Strategic Governance and Management | 3 | None
• RES500 | Research Methods for Social Impact | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT530 | Human Resource and Team Development | 4 | MGT501
• CHR540 | Stewardship and Financial Ethics | 4 | CHR510
• BUS550 | Strategic Communication and Advocacy | 3 | None
• MGT560 | Change Management and Institutional Sustainability | 4 | MGT501
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CHR610 | Contemporary Ethical Dilemmas | 4 | CHR510
• BUS620 | Advanced Strategic Planning | 4 | BUS520
• MGT630 | Community Engagement and Partnerships | 4 | MGT501
• CHR650 | Professional Formation and Leadership | 4 | CHR510
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP690 | Thesis Research Seminar | 4 | RES500
• CAP695 | Master's Thesis Project | 6 | CAP690
• BUS680 | Executive Seminar in Leadership | 3 | None
• MGT670 | Global Perspectives on Social Innovation | 3 | MGT501