Master of Science in Faith-Based Health Policy, Advocacy

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.S. in Faith-Based Health Policy, Advocacy

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Health Policy, Advocacy 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 Health Policy and Advocacy is a rigorous interdisciplinary program designed for professionals seeking to influence health systems through ethical leadership, evidence-based policy analysis, and community-centered advocacy. The curriculum explores the intersection of public health, legislative frameworks, and institutional stewardship within the context of faith-informed service. By bridging empirical research with moral inquiry, the program empowers students to address systemic health disparities through a lens of compassion, justice, and the common good.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based health policy, advocacy-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 academic experience for the program, requiring students to engage in a scholarly exploration of a critical issue in health policy. Students must identify a specific policy challenge, conduct a comprehensive literature review, perform original research or critical analysis, and propose evidence-based solutions that align with the principles of social justice and effective organizational management. This project accounts for 6 credit hours of the total degree requirement.
• Beyond technical rigor, the thesis requires students to synthesize their disciplinary work with a Christian worldview, explicitly discussing how faith-based ethical reasoning informs their advocacy strategies and commitment to servant leadership. By integrating theological reflection with applied health policy, students demonstrate both advanced academic competence and the spiritual maturity necessary to lead with integrity, grace, and a deep-seated dedication to the flourishing of the communities they serve.

Career Opportunities

• Health Policy Analyst
• Nonprofit Health Program Director
• Community Health Advocacy Coordinator
• Director of Faith-Based Community Engagement
• Public Health Communications Strategist
• Healthcare Foundation Grant Manager
• Governmental Health Agency Liaison

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 Health Policy, Advocacy
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Health Policy, Advocacy 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
• HPM501 | Foundations of Health Policy | 4 | None
• ETH505 | Ethical Frameworks in Healthcare | 4 | None
• RES510 | Research Methods for Social Change | 4 | None
• LDR515 | Servant Leadership in Health Systems | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HPM520 | Advocacy and Coalition Building | 4 | HPM501
• FIN525 | Resource Stewardship and Health Funding | 4 | None
• SOC530 | Health Equity and Social Determinants | 4 | None
• COM535 | Strategic Communication in Health Policy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HPM601 | Comparative Health Systems | 4 | HPM501
• LAW605 | Legal Issues in Health Advocacy | 4 | None
• HPM610 | Advanced Policy Analysis | 4 | RES510
• SOC615 | Sociology of Vulnerability and Resilience | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP699 | Master's Thesis Project | 6 | RES510, HPM610
• HPM650 | Professionalism and Policy Practice | 3 | None
• MGT655 | Organizational Sustainability and Growth | 3 | None
• HPM660 | Emerging Trends in Global Health Policy | 3 | None