Master of Science in Faith-Based Education

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.S. in Faith-Based Education

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Education 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 Science in Faith-Based Education at HBI University is a rigorous graduate program designed to equip educational leaders with the pedagogical expertise and ethical frameworks necessary to serve in diverse learning environments. The curriculum integrates advanced educational theory with intentional practice, focusing on the development of servant leaders who are committed to academic excellence and institutional stewardship. Students explore the intersection of contemporary instructional design and community-oriented pedagogy, fostering a comprehensive understanding of how faith-informed principles influence school climate, leadership strategies, and student outcomes. Through a blend of theoretical inquiry and practical application, the program challenges students to examine complex educational issues through a lens of professional integrity and social responsibility. It prepares individuals to lead with wisdom and compassion, ensuring that educational settings remain rooted in purposeful service and holistic character development.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based 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’s Thesis serves as the culminating scholarly endeavor, requiring students to identify a critical educational issue and conduct rigorous independent research. This project facilitates the synthesis of academic theory, institutional leadership principles, and the application of faith-informed ethical reasoning to address real-world challenges within an educational organization. Students are expected to produce a high-quality manuscript that demonstrates mastery of the discipline and an ability to critically reflect on the impact of their leadership practices.
• Beyond technical competence, the Thesis serves as a milestone for the integration of spiritual formation and vocational calling. It requires students to reflect on how their professional work acts as an expression of stewardship and servant leadership. By defending their work before a faculty committee, students demonstrate not only academic rigor but also the professional maturation necessary to serve as ethical agents in their respective fields, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and actionable, compassionate community contribution.

Career Opportunities

• Instructional Designer for Nonprofit Educational Organizations
• School Administrator in Faith-Based Institutional Settings
• Program Director for Youth and Community Development Programs
• Curriculum Developer for Private Educational Agencies
• Educational Consultant for Faith-Informed Nonprofits
• Director of Student Services in Private Higher Education
• Mission-Focused Educational Grant Writer

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.S. in Faith-Based Education
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Education 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
• EDU501 | Foundations of Educational Leadership | 4 | None
• EDU505 | Pedagogical Theory and Practice | 4 | None
• RES510 | Research Methods in Education | 4 | None
• THE520 | Ethics in Educational Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU530 | Curriculum Design and Development | 4 | EDU505
• EDU545 | Educational Assessment and Evaluation | 4 | RES510
• MGT550 | Nonprofit Resource Management | 4 | None
• SOC560 | Sociology of Educational Communities | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU601 | Instructional Design for Diverse Learners | 4 | EDU530
• EDU615 | Organizational Leadership and Culture | 4 | EDU501
• EDU620 | Professional Development and Career Counseling in Education | 4 | None
• RES690 | Advanced Seminar in Educational Research | 3 | RES510
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP695 | Master's Thesis I | 4 | RES690
• CAP696 | Master's Thesis II | 4 | CAP695
• EDU650 | Strategic Communication for Educational Leaders | 4 | None
• MGT660 | Advanced Stewardship and Sustainability | 3 | MGT550