Master of Arts in Theology, Ethics, Specialization in Leadership

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Theology, Ethics, Specialization in Leadership

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced theological and 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 Theology, Ethics, Specialization in Leadership program at HBI University equips students with advanced theological and ethical knowledge for impactful leadership roles. This program emphasizes the integration of theological principles, ethical reasoning, and practical leadership skills within faith-based and community contexts. Students will explore the complexities of ethical decision-making, develop a robust understanding of theological frameworks, and cultivate the competencies necessary for effective stewardship and servant leadership.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A theology, ethics, and 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 or Capstone Project

• The culminating academic experience for the Master of Arts in Theology, Ethics, Specialization in Leadership is the Thesis or Capstone Project, a significant scholarly endeavor undertaken in the final semester. This project requires students to engage in in-depth research and analysis on a topic relevant to theological ethics and leadership, demonstrating their ability to synthesize academic knowledge with practical application. The project's scope will be defined in consultation with a faculty advisor, allowing for exploration of critical issues in areas such as organizational ethics, leadership development, community service, or faith-based initiatives.
• The purpose of the Thesis or Capstone Project is to showcase the student's mastery of program learning outcomes and their capacity for independent scholarly work. Deliverables typically include a substantial written document, and potentially a public presentation or practical application component, depending on the chosen format. This culminating experience is designed to integrate the student's academic learning with their faith journey, requiring them to articulate how their theological understanding, ethical frameworks, and commitment to servant leadership inform their research and proposed solutions. It serves as a demonstration of both academic rigor and the development of a faith-informed character prepared for responsible leadership and service.

Career Opportunities

• Nonprofit Program Manager
• Community Development Director
• Faith-Based Organization Administrator
• Ethical Compliance Officer
• Ministry Leader
• Chaplaincy Administrator
• Social Services Coordinator
• Church Administrator

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 Theology, Ethics, Specialization in Leadership
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced theological and 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
• THE 501 | Foundations of Theological Reflection | 3 | None
• ETH 510 | Introduction to Christian Ethics | 3 | None
• MGT 500 | Principles of Organizational Leadership | 3 | None
• RES 500 | Foundations of Research Methods | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THE 520 | Biblical Interpretation and Application | 3 | THE 501
• ETH 525 | Ethics in Ministry and Leadership | 3 | ETH 510
• MGT 515 | Servant Leadership and Stewardship | 3 | MGT 500
• PSY 505 | Human Development and Spiritual Formation | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THE 530 | Theology of Vocation and Mission | 3 | THE 501
• ETH 535 | Social Ethics and Public Life | 3 | ETH 510
• MGT 525 | Organizational Culture and Change Management | 3 | MGT 500
• THE 590 | Advanced Theological Research Seminar | 3 | RES 500, THE 501
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT 600 | Leadership Ethics and Accountability | 3 | MGT 500, ETH 510
• ETH 610 | Applied Ethics in Practice | 3 | ETH 535
• THE 650 | Theology, Ethics, and Leadership Integration | 3 | THE 530, MGT 515
• THE 699 | Master's Thesis or Capstone Project | 9 | THE 590