Master of Science in Faith-Based Engineering, Specialization in Community Development

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.S. in Faith-Based Engineering

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Engineering 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 Engineering, Specialization in Community Development, is an interdisciplinary graduate program that merges technical engineering proficiency with the principles of ethical stewardship and social transformation. Designed for professionals seeking to address complex infrastructure and developmental challenges in underserved areas, the curriculum emphasizes sustainable design, resilient systems, and resource management grounded in servant leadership. Students engage in rigorous technical coursework integrated with a robust framework of ethical reasoning, ensuring that engineering solutions are not only functional but also aligned with the long-term well-being of the communities they serve. This degree equips graduates to act as technical leaders who view their work as a vocational calling to promote dignity, justice, and human flourishing. By examining the intersection of modern technology and community needs, the program prepares practitioners to design innovative solutions that reflect academic rigor and a commitment to institutional and societal improvement.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based engineering-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: Integrative Engineering Project

• 4
• RES 520, ENG 600
• THE 650
• Ethical Foundations of Service
• 3
• None
• ENG 660
• Advanced Field Engineering Techniques
• 4
• ENG 600
• BUS 670
• Financial Stewardship for Development
• 3
• BUS 540
• CAP 690 — Capstone: Integrative Engineering Project: This culminating experience requires students to design a comprehensive engineering project that integrates ethical, technical, and community development components. Students must produce a final technical report and a strategic implementation plan. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE 650 — Ethical Foundations of Service: Integrates biblical stewardship, human dignity, and justice into professional service frameworks. Examines the integration of vocation and duty. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ENG 660 — Advanced Field Engineering Techniques: Focuses on advanced field-based engineering solutions, including site analysis and rapid prototyping for resource-constrained environments. Prioritizes practical problem-solving. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS 670 — Financial Stewardship for Development: Covers financial management and transparency in nonprofit organizations, focusing on accountability and donor engagement. Teaches essential fiscal responsibility principles. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Master of Science Capstone Project serves as the final academic experience, requiring students to synthesize their technical knowledge with the moral and ethical frameworks developed throughout the program. Students are tasked with identifying a real-world community development challenge and designing a comprehensive, sustainable engineering solution that addresses that specific need. The project requires a formal written report and a technical demonstration that illustrates both project feasibility and alignment with the principles of social equity and environmental stewardship.
• This project functions as a bridge between academic study and professional practice, emphasizing the application of servant leadership to community-based technical projects. By engaging in rigorous empirical research and design, students must demonstrate not only technical competence but also a profound understanding of their role as responsible agents of change. The evaluation of the project assesses the student's ability to maintain high ethical standards while effectively navigating the practical complexities of community-focused engineering.

Career Opportunities

• International Development Consultant
• Nonprofit Infrastructure Project Manager
• Sustainable Urban Planning Specialist
• Resource Management Engineer
• Community Development Liaison
• Technical Director for Humanitarian Organizations

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 Engineering
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Engineering 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
• ENG 500 | Systems Thinking and Sustainable Infrastructure | 4 | None
• MGT 510 | Ethical Leadership and Stewardship | 3 | None
• RES 520 | Applied Research Methods in Community Contexts | 3 | None
• SOC 505 | Community Development Theory | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG 530 | Water and Sanitation Systems Design | 4 | ENG 500
• BUS 540 | Project Management for Nonprofits | 3 | MGT 510
• ENG 550 | Energy Solutions for Rural Communities | 4 | ENG 500
• COM 515 | Technical Communication and Advocacy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG 600 | Resilient Structural Design | 4 | ENG 530
• HIS 610 | History of Technology and Development | 3 | None
• ENG 620 | Environmental Impact Assessment | 4 | ENG 530
• MGT 630 | Collaborative Development Models | 3 | MGT 510
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP 690 | Capstone: Integrative Engineering Project | 4 | RES 520, ENG 600
• THE 650 | Ethical Foundations of Service | 3 | None
• ENG 660 | Advanced Field Engineering Techniques | 4 | ENG 600
• BUS 670 | Financial Stewardship for Development | 3 | BUS 540