Master of Science in Faith-Based Journalism, Specialization in Media Studies

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.S. in Faith-Based Journalism, Specialization in Media Studies

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Journalism, Specialization in Media Studies 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 with a specialization in Media Studies offers an advanced curriculum designed to equip media professionals with the analytical, technical, and ethical skills required for a rapidly evolving information landscape. By blending traditional journalistic rigors with contemporary media theory and sociological perspectives, the program fosters a profound understanding of how communications shape public discourse and institutional influence. Students explore the intersection of narrative construction, digital distribution, and ethical responsibility, preparing them for sophisticated roles in news media, digital content strategy, and strategic communication. The curriculum emphasizes the application of media tools to serve the public interest while maintaining professional standards of accuracy and transparency. Through critical inquiry and empirical research, scholars are challenged to develop communication strategies that promote truth-seeking and social cohesion. This program nurtures an environment where academic excellence is inextricably linked to the service of others, encouraging students to act as responsible stewards of information in an era of digital complexity.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in Faith-Based Journalism, Specialization in Media Studies theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based journalism, specialization in media studies-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based journalism, specialization in media studies-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 Project in Media Studies

• 6
• RES505, COM710
• COM805
• Professional Ethics and Leadership Practicum
• 4
• COM710
• COM810
• Seminar in Contemporary Media Trends
• 3
• None
• EDU750
• Community Engagement and Organizational Stewardship
• 2
• None
• CAP799 — Capstone Project in Media Studies: Students execute a comprehensive media project that integrates the entirety of their academic training with a specific service-oriented application. The final deliverable serves as a demonstration of professional readiness and ethical character. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM805 — Professional Ethics and Leadership Practicum: This practicum requires students to apply leadership theories in a field-based media setting, reflecting on their development as servant leaders. Students document their application of integrity-based decision-making in professional media roles. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM810 — Seminar in Contemporary Media Trends: An advanced seminar exploring current developments in media technology, policy, and social impact. Students critically discuss emerging trends through the lens of ethical stewardship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU750 — Community Engagement and Organizational Stewardship: This course explores strategies for sustainable community engagement, emphasizing collaborative models for nonprofit organizational health. Students identify methods for fostering meaningful, long-term impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Capstone Project serves as the final, integrative experience for the Master of Science in Faith-Based Journalism, requiring students to demonstrate mastery in both technical proficiency and ethical application. Spanning 6 credits, this project mandates the development of a comprehensive, research-based media initiative that addresses a real-world communication challenge for a selected nonprofit organization. Students must produce a substantial body of work, which may include a multi-media series, a strategic communications plan, or a scholarly documentary project. This work is evaluated on the basis of rigorous analytical inquiry, adherence to professional standards, and the effectiveness of the project's contribution to the host organization’s mission. The Capstone Project is a culmination of the student's academic journey, demonstrating their capability to lead projects with servant leadership and biblical stewardship. It requires students to articulate how their work reflects ethical reasoning and a commitment to serving their communities, bridging the gap between professional expertise and mature character development.

Career Opportunities

• Communications Director for Faith-Based Nonprofits
• Digital Content Strategist
• Public Relations Specialist for Humanitarian Organizations
• Multimedia Journalist
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Nonprofit Development and Advocacy Manager
• Media Production Manager

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, Specialization in Media Studies
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Journalism, Specialization in Media Studies 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 | Media Ethics and Public Discourse | 4 | None
• RES505 | Research Methods for Social Inquiry | 4 | None
• COM510 | Foundations of Narrative Journalism | 4 | None
• COM520 | Communication Theory and Human Interaction | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM601 | Digital Media Platforms and Distribution | 4 | COM501
• BUS530 | Nonprofit Organizational Leadership | 4 | None
• COM615 | Visual Storytelling and Design | 4 | COM510
• COM625 | Journalistic Writing for Diverse Audiences | 3 | COM510
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM705 | Global Media Systems and Culture | 4 | COM520
• COM710 | Strategic Communications and Advocacy | 4 | BUS530
• COM720 | Advanced Digital Content Strategy | 4 | COM601
• HIS650 | History of Mass Media and Social Movements | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP799 | Capstone Project in Media Studies | 6 | RES505, COM710
• COM805 | Professional Ethics and Leadership Practicum | 4 | COM710
• COM810 | Seminar in Contemporary Media Trends | 3 | None
• EDU750 | Community Engagement and Organizational Stewardship | 2 | None