Master of Science in Faith-Based Journalism

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.S. in Faith-Based Journalism

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced faith-based journalism 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 Journalism provides an advanced, interdisciplinary framework for students seeking to excel in the evolving landscape of digital and traditional media. Through a rigorous curriculum, students examine the intersection of journalistic integrity, social responsibility, and ethical communication within the public sphere. The program emphasizes the development of technical proficiency in multimedia production alongside a profound commitment to truth, transparency, and the common good. By engaging with complex societal issues through a lens of professional excellence and moral clarity, graduates are prepared to serve as responsible stewards of information in diverse global communities. The curriculum is structured to foster critical inquiry and innovative storytelling techniques that respect the dignity of individuals while upholding the highest standards of the journalistic profession. Students benefit from an environment that promotes collaborative scholarship and practical application, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate the ethical complexities inherent in contemporary media production and distribution.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based journalism-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 Proposal Development

• 3
• RES505
• COM705 — Advanced Digital Analytics: Students learn to interpret audience engagement data to inform content strategy and improve reach. The focus is on using analytics to strengthen mission-oriented communication. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM710 — Community Engagement and Advocacy: Focuses on the art of community-based journalism and building trust with local populations. Students evaluate the efficacy of collaborative reporting models. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC720 — Sociology of Cultural Communication: This course explores the intersection of social structures, communication patterns, and cultural discourse in modern society. Students analyze how media shapes cultural identity and public debate within diverse communities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM750 — Thesis Proposal Development: Students identify a research or production project, draft a thesis statement, and establish a methodology. This process includes ethical review and literature synthesis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis Project Execution

• 4
• COM750
• COM805
• Professional Ethics and Law
• 4
• None
• COM815
• Media for Social Change
• 4
• None
• COM825

Capstone Portfolio Review

• 3
• CAP800
• CAP800 — Thesis Project Execution: The final execution of the thesis project, synthesizing academic research with professional media production. Students present a final portfolio demonstrating their analytical and technical mastery. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM805 — Professional Ethics and Law: A study of media law, intellectual property, and copyright as they apply to independent and professional journalism. Students navigate legal complexities within a moral framework. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM815 — Media for Social Change: Explores how to use journalistic platforms to highlight humanitarian needs and promote systemic solutions. Students analyze successful non-profit media campaigns. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM825 — Capstone Portfolio Review: A reflective review of the student's total academic journey, documenting professional development and spiritual formation. Final deliverables are refined for career placement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Master’s Thesis serves as the culminating academic experience, requiring students to execute a comprehensive journalistic project that addresses a significant social or community issue. Students are expected to demonstrate mastery of research methods, technical storytelling, and rigorous fact-checking. The project scope includes a deep-dive investigation or a series of multimedia reports that integrate professional communication standards with a substantive analysis of ethical and social impacts. This work is intended to serve as a portfolio-defining piece that showcases the student's capability to lead in a professional media context.
• The thesis integrates a faith-informed perspective by requiring students to reflect on the moral implications of their work, emphasizing the principles of servant leadership and biblical stewardship. Students must articulate how their investigative process respects the dignity of their subjects and contributes to the enrichment of the community. Through this process, candidates demonstrate both their academic competence in media production and their maturity as ethical, character-driven communicators dedicated to the common good.

Career Opportunities

• Digital News Editor
• Nonprofit Communications Director
• Multimedia Investigative Reporter
• Public Policy Media Analyst
• Faith-Based Community Relations Manager
• Social Impact Content Producer
• Documentary Media Strategist

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 Journalism
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced faith-based journalism 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
• COM501 | Advanced Journalistic Theory | 4 | None
• RES505 | Research Methods for Media | 4 | None
• ETH510 | Ethics in Contemporary Media | 4 | None
• COM515 | Digital Storytelling Lab | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM605 | Multimedia Production Strategy | 4 | COM515
• CHR610 | Stewardship and Social Impact | 4 | None
• COM620 | Investigative Reporting | 4 | RES505
• BUS630 | Media Management and Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM705 | Advanced Digital Analytics | 4 | RES505
• COM710 | Community Engagement and Advocacy | 4 | None
• SOC720 | Sociology of Cultural Communication | 4 | None
• COM750 | Thesis Proposal Development | 3 | RES505
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP800 | Thesis Project Execution | 4 | COM750
• COM805 | Professional Ethics and Law | 4 | None
• COM815 | Media for Social Change | 4 | None
• COM825 | Capstone Portfolio Review | 3 | CAP800