Master of Science in Faith-Based Political Science, Specialization in Civic Engagement

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.S. in Faith-Based Political Science

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Political Science 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 Political Science with a specialization in Civic Engagement is designed to provide students with a robust academic foundation in political systems, public policy, and administrative leadership within the framework of ethical responsibility and communal stewardship. The curriculum bridges rigorous political analysis with the principles of servant leadership and social justice, equipping graduates to navigate complex socio-political landscapes. By integrating theoretical frameworks with practical community engagement, the program encourages students to view political participation as a primary avenue for moral stewardship and service to the common good.

Students will engage with advanced research methodologies, governance structures, and the intersection of public policy and ethical decision-making. This program emphasizes the critical application of ethical reasoning to contemporary political challenges, fostering a professional environment where students can analyze, interpret, and influence policy decisions with integrity. Through deep investigation into historical precedents and modern governance, participants will emerge prepared to advocate for transformative change in diverse community and organizational settings.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based political science-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 Civic Engagement

• 4
• RES625
• POL660
• Current Issues in Public Policy
• 3
• POL520
• ORG670
• Organizational Ethics and Professional Standards
• 3
• None
• POL680
• Global Perspectives on Governance
• 3
• None
• CAP650 — Capstone Project in Civic Engagement: The capstone project serves as the culmination of the master program, integrating political science research with applied community service. Students complete a formal project demonstrating mastery of program objectives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• POL660 — Current Issues in Public Policy: This course analyzes the most pressing policy challenges facing modern society and explores sustainable solutions. Students engage in academic debate and critical review. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ORG670 — Organizational Ethics and Professional Standards: This course examines the theoretical foundations of professional conduct, conflict of interest, and ethical decision-making frameworks within public and non-profit sectors. Students analyze case studies to develop personal codes of conduct and institutional compliance strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• POL680 — Global Perspectives on Governance: This course compares various international models of governance and their success in promoting community welfare. Students analyze cross-cultural civic engagement models. 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, integrative milestone for the degree, requiring students to execute a comprehensive research project or an applied social intervention. The scope of this project encompasses the identification of a significant civic issue, the application of political theory, and the formulation of an ethical strategy for community improvement. Students will produce a formal scholarly paper and a proposed implementation plan, demonstrating their ability to synthesize disciplinary knowledge with their personal development as principled leaders.
• This project serves as a demonstration of academic and faith-informed character, requiring students to articulate how biblical stewardship and servant leadership inform their specific solutions to contemporary political challenges. By addressing the needs of their target demographic with professional excellence and moral sensitivity, students manifest the integration of their graduate education with a life of purposeful, faith-guided public service.

Career Opportunities

• Public Policy Consultant
• Nonprofit Program Director
• Community Advocacy Coordinator
• Government Affairs Liaison
• Grant Writer and Development Officer
• Public Relations Strategist
• Faith-Based Civic Engagement Specialist

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 Political Science
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Political Science 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
• POL501 | Foundations of Political Theory | 4 | None
• RES505 | Research Methods in Social Science | 4 | None
• ETH510 | Ethics in Public Leadership | 4 | None
• SOC515 | Community Dynamics and Social Change | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL520 | Public Policy Analysis | 4 | POL501
• BUS525 | Nonprofit Resource Stewardship | 4 | None
• COM530 | Strategic Communication for Advocacy | 3 | None
• HIS535 | Civil Society and the Common Good | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL601 | Advanced Civic Engagement Strategies | 4 | SOC515
• MGT610 | Leadership in Diverse Environments | 4 | None
• POL620 | Legislative Processes and Advocacy | 3 | POL520
• RES625 | Advanced Data Analysis for Social Impact | 3 | RES505
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP650 | Capstone Project in Civic Engagement | 4 | RES625
• POL660 | Current Issues in Public Policy | 3 | POL520
• ORG670 | Organizational Ethics and Professional Standards | 3 | None
• POL680 | Global Perspectives on Governance | 3 | None