Master of Arts in Faith-Based Women’s Studies, Gender Equality Empowerment

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Women’s Studies, Gender Equality Empowerment

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Women’s Studies, Gender Equality Empowerment 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 Women’s Studies and Gender Equality Empowerment provides an advanced, multidisciplinary framework for examining the historical, sociological, and theological dimensions of gender dynamics. The program emphasizes the integration of rigorous academic inquiry with ethical reasoning, social responsibility, and servant leadership, preparing graduates to address complex challenges related to equality and community empowerment within global and local contexts. Students will explore systemic barriers to empowerment and develop strategic approaches for advocacy, policy analysis, and organizational development that honor the dignity and inherent worth of all individuals. By grounding advanced research in the principles of stewardship and ethical service, the program fosters a holistic understanding of how gender equity contributes to the flourishing of community structures. Students engage with diverse perspectives and historical developments in women’s studies, while cultivating the critical thinking skills necessary to propose effective, justice-oriented interventions in various professional and community settings.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in faith-based women’s studies, gender equality empowerment theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based women’s studies, gender equality empowerment-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based women’s studies, gender equality empowerment-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 Research Project

• 4
• RES635
• PSY645
• Organizational Leadership and Capacity Building
• 4
• None
• HIS655
• Global Perspectives on Equality
• 4
• None
• SOC665
• Social Change and Community Resilience
• 3
• None
• CAP700 — Capstone Research Project: A comprehensive research project requiring the application of program learning outcomes to a real-world gender equity challenge. Students produce a scholarly thesis demonstrating mastery and ethical reflection. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY645 — Organizational Leadership and Capacity Building: This course investigates best practices in leadership development, resource allocation, and sustainable organizational growth within the social sector. Students analyze effective management models and human resource strategies designed to enhance community-based service delivery. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS655 — Global Perspectives on Equality: An analysis of international movements and cross-cultural challenges to gender equality. Students evaluate the role of global partnerships in local development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC665 — Social Change and Community Resilience: Investigates the mechanisms of long-term social change and community endurance. Students explore how to build resilient organizations that honor their foundational values. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Capstone Project serves as the culminating scholarly endeavor, requiring students to synthesize their learning through a comprehensive research-based or applied project. Students are expected to identify a specific gender-related challenge within a community or organizational context and design a strategic framework for intervention or advocacy. This project requires rigorous academic documentation and reflection, demonstrating the student’s ability to conduct independent research while adhering to high standards of scholarly excellence.
• Beyond academic mastery, the Capstone integrates faith-based perspectives by requiring students to articulate how their proposed solutions reflect principles of biblical stewardship, ethical leadership, and human flourishing. Students must provide a detailed analysis of how their work serves as a tangible expression of spiritual formation and commitment to community transformation. This project evaluates both the student's mastery of the discipline and their capacity to translate complex concepts into compassionate, service-oriented actions that advance equity and dignity.

Career Opportunities

• Nonprofit Program Director
• Social Advocacy Consultant
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Gender Equity Policy Analyst
• Global Missions Liaison
• Academic Research Associate
• Women’s Ministry Developer
• Organizational Ethics Specialist

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 Women’s Studies, Gender Equality Empowerment
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Women’s Studies, Gender Equality Empowerment 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
• HIS501 | History of Women in Global Society | 4 | None
• SOC510 | Sociology of Gender Dynamics | 4 | None
• RES505 | Research Methods in Social Sciences | 4 | None
• HUM520 | Ethics and Servant Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC530 | Sociological Frameworks of Equality | 4 | None
• SOC540 | Intersectionality and Social Justice | 4 | SOC510
• COU550 | Community Support Systems | 4 | None
• MGT560 | Nonprofit Organizational Governance | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU605 | Educational Models for Empowerment | 4 | None
• BUS615 | Advocacy and Strategic Policy | 4 | None
• COM625 | Advocacy Communication Strategies | 4 | None
• RES635 | Advanced Research Seminar | 3 | RES505
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP700 | Capstone Research Project | 4 | RES635
• PSY645 | Organizational Leadership and Capacity Building | 4 | None
• HIS655 | Global Perspectives on Equality | 4 | None
• SOC665 | Social Change and Community Resilience | 3 | None