Master of Arts in Faith-Based Veterinary Medicine Theory, Animal Welfare

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Veterinary Medicine Theory, Animal Welfare

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Veterinary Medicine Theory, Animal Welfare 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 Veterinary Medicine Theory and Animal Welfare is a rigorous graduate program designed to explore the intersection of animal husbandry, ethical philosophy, and organizational stewardship. Students engage with advanced concepts in animal behavior, legislative policy, and the philosophical foundations of human-animal relationships, all within a framework of responsible service and moral duty. By synthesizing technical knowledge with ethical discernment, the program equips graduates to advocate for animal well-being in diverse societal contexts. This curriculum prioritizes the development of professional leaders who view their work as an extension of their commitment to compassionate stewardship and communal responsibility. Through a blend of theoretical inquiry and practical application, the program addresses the complexity of modern animal welfare in an increasingly interconnected global society.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in Faith-Based Veterinary Medicine Theory, Animal Welfare theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based veterinary medicine theory, animal welfare-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based veterinary medicine theory, animal welfare-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 Thesis Project

• 4
• RES-500, RES-640
• SOC-650
• Sociology of Altruism and Social Support
• 3
• None
• MGT-660
• Crisis Management for Organizations
• 3
• MGT-530
• COM-670
• Advocacy Communication Strategies
• 3
• None
• CAP-690 — Capstone Thesis Project: The culminating project requiring students to synthesize all graduate learning into a comprehensive research or organizational development initiative. Students demonstrate their ability to apply ethical and theoretical knowledge in professional settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC-650 — Sociology of Altruism and Social Support: This course examines the sociological foundations of altruistic behavior and the structures of professional caregiving within modern society. Students analyze the impact of empathy and social support systems on community health outcomes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT-660 — Crisis Management for Organizations: Provides training in emergency response, organizational resilience, and resource coordination during periods of institutional challenge. Focuses on operational continuity and ethical prioritization. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM-670 — Advocacy Communication Strategies: Focuses on public relations and ethical communication for mission-oriented organizations. Students create campaigns that inform stakeholders while upholding organizational integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Capstone Project serves as the final academic milestone for the Master of Arts, requiring students to execute a comprehensive research study or practical project that addresses a specific challenge in the field of animal welfare. The project scope involves identifying a systemic issue within an animal-related organization, conducting scholarly investigation, and proposing a sustainable, ethical solution. Students are expected to deliver a formal written manuscript and a public presentation that reflect their mastery of the subject matter and their ability to apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios.
• The project integrates faith-based perspectives by mandating that students address how their proposed solutions reflect biblical principles of stewardship, moral integrity, and community service. This requirement is weighted at 4 credit hours, serving as the culmination of the student’s spiritual and academic journey. Through this synthesis of research and reflective practice, students demonstrate both the technical competence expected of graduate professionals and a commitment to serving society through an informed, character-driven worldview.

Career Opportunities

• Animal Welfare Program Director
• Nonprofit Organization Consultant
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Policy Analyst for Animal Advocacy Organizations
• Shelter Management Specialist
• Ethics Consultant for Veterinary Practices
• Animal Welfare Educator

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 Veterinary Medicine Theory, Animal Welfare
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Veterinary Medicine Theory, Animal Welfare 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
• RES-500 | Graduate Research Methodology | 4 | None
• BIO-510 | Principles of Animal Welfare | 3 | None
• THE-520 | Ethical Frameworks in Stewardship | 3 | None
• MGT-530 | Nonprofit Organizational Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO-600 | Advanced Animal Behavior and Welfare | 4 | BIO-510
• HIS-550 | History of Animal Advocacy | 3 | None
• COU-560 | Professional Ethics and Advocacy | 3 | THE-520
• BUS-570 | Financial Stewardship for Nonprofits | 3 | MGT-530
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC-610 | Human-Animal Sociology | 4 | None
• EDU-620 | Community Education and Outreach | 3 | None
• MIN-630 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 3 | None
• RES-640 | Advanced Policy Analysis | 3 | RES-500
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP-690 | Capstone Thesis Project | 4 | RES-500, RES-640
• SOC-650 | Sociology of Altruism and Social Support | 3 | None
• MGT-660 | Crisis Management for Organizations | 3 | MGT-530
• COM-670 | Advocacy Communication Strategies | 3 | None