Master of Arts in Theology, Specialization in Education

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Theology, Specialization in Education

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced theological and educational 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, Specialization in Education, provides an advanced interdisciplinary framework for students seeking to integrate deep theological inquiry with sophisticated educational praxis. Through a rigorous study of historical and systematic theology alongside contemporary pedagogical theory, students are prepared to navigate the complexities of educational environments with wisdom, ethical clarity, and a commitment to service. The program emphasizes the synthesis of intellectual inquiry and practical application, fostering a community of learners dedicated to professional excellence and thoughtful engagement with diverse societal challenges. By addressing the intersection of human development, curriculum design, and theological reflection, the curriculum equips graduates to serve as visionary leaders in educational and organizational settings. Students engage with foundational texts and modern academic scholarship to sharpen their capacity for critical analysis and strategic problem-solving within their chosen fields of service. The program underscores the importance of stewardship, ethical leadership, and the responsible application of knowledge to improve the lives of individuals and the health of the broader community.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A theology, specialization in education-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 Master of Arts Thesis serves as the culminating academic experience, requiring students to conduct original research that synthesizes theological study with practical application in an educational context. The project mandates a rigorous exploration of a specific research question, demonstrating the student's mastery of both theological literature and pedagogical best practices. The expected deliverables include a formal research manuscript and an oral defense before a faculty committee. Through this process, students integrate their academic competence with a Christian worldview, emphasizing how their findings support ethical reasoning and the holistic development of their target communities. The thesis serves as a vehicle for demonstrating profound spiritual formation and the application of stewardship principles in the pursuit of knowledge. By addressing the intersection of faith-informed character development and professional practice, the capstone validates the student's readiness to contribute meaningful service to the educational sector. This project ensures that graduates can effectively articulate their research within a framework of servant leadership, reflecting their deep engagement with both their discipline and their commitment to societal flourishing.

Career Opportunities

• Educational Program Coordinator
• Curriculum Development Specialist
• Nonprofit Educational Director
• Academic Advisor for Faith-based Institutions
• Educational Consultant for Community Organizations
• Staff Trainer for Service-Oriented Ministries
• Researcher in Educational Policy

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, Specialization in Education
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced theological and educational 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
• THE501 | Foundations of Systematic Theology | 4 | None
• EDU510 | Principles of Curriculum Design | 4 | None
• RES500 | Research Methods in Social Sciences | 4 | None
• EDU520 | Human Development and Learning | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THE530 | Ethics and Stewardship in Leadership | 4 | THE501
• EDU550 | Advanced Instructional Strategies | 4 | EDU510
• CHR505 | Spiritual Formation and Character | 4 | None
• EDU560 | Educational Assessment and Evaluation | 3 | RES500
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THE610 | Theology of Community and Service | 4 | THE501
• EDU620 | Educational Leadership and Administration | 4 | EDU510
• EDU630 | Contemporary Issues in Education | 4 | None
• THE640 | Biblical Perspectives on Social Justice | 4 | THE501
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP700 | Master of Arts Thesis I | 4 | RES500, THE501
• CAP701 | Master of Arts Thesis II | 4 | CAP700
• EDU650 | Professional Field Seminar | 3 | Completion of all core coursework
• EDU660 | Organizational Development Strategies | 4 | EDU620