Master of Science in Faith-Based Organizational Leadership

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.S. in Faith-Based Organizational Leadership

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced faith-based organizational leadership 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 Organizational Leadership is a comprehensive graduate program designed for professionals seeking to lead organizations with integrity, wisdom, and a commitment to stewardship. The curriculum integrates contemporary management theory with foundational principles of servant leadership and ethical decision-making to address the complexities of modern organizational environments. By examining the intersection of administration and values-based leadership, students gain the analytical tools necessary to foster healthy, mission-driven cultures. The program emphasizes professional excellence while preparing graduates to navigate institutional challenges through a lens of service and social responsibility. Students engage in rigorous academic inquiry, examining administrative best practices, human resource dynamics, and strategic planning within diverse organizational contexts. The collaborative learning environment encourages peer reflection and the application of theoretical concepts to real-world management scenarios, ensuring that graduates are prepared to lead with competence and clarity.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based organizational leadership-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 Capstone Project serves as the final, integrative experience of the Master of Science in Faith-Based Organizational Leadership. Students are expected to identify a substantive leadership challenge within an organizational setting and design a rigorous, research-informed intervention or strategic analysis. This project requires the application of theories studied throughout the program, demonstrating the student's ability to synthesize management expertise with ethical reasoning and servant leadership principles. Deliverables include a formal written project report and an oral defense before a faculty committee. The capstone provides a platform for students to demonstrate their growth in both professional competence and character, showing how they have integrated biblical stewardship and ethical integrity into their leadership practice. The project must articulate how the proposed interventions reflect a commitment to the mission of the organization while maintaining high standards of organizational health and employee flourishing.

Career Opportunities

• Nonprofit Executive Director
• Organizational Development Consultant
• Human Resources Director in Mission-Driven Organizations
• Educational Administrator
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Institutional Strategy Manager
• Program Director for Public Service Agencies

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 Organizational Leadership
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced faith-based organizational leadership 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
• MGT 500 | Foundations of Organizational Leadership | 4 | None
• BUS 510 | Strategic Fiscal Stewardship | 4 | None
• RES 505 | Research Methods for Leadership | 4 | None
• MGT 520 | Organizational Behavior and Culture | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT 600 | Human Resource Management | 4 | MGT 500
• BUS 610 | Ethical Legal Compliance | 4 | None
• COM 620 | Organizational Communication | 4 | None
• MGT 630 | Conflict Resolution and Negotiation | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT 700 | Advanced Strategic Planning | 4 | MGT 500
• BUS 710 | Social Innovation and Stewardship | 4 | BUS 510
• MGT 720 | Global Leadership Perspectives | 4 | None
• MGT 730 | Systems Thinking in Management | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT 800 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 4 | All Core Courses
• CAP 850 | Organizational Leadership Capstone | 5 | RES 505, MGT 700
• MGT 810 | Board Governance and Policy | 3 | None
• MGT 820 | Change Management and Resilience | 3 | None