Master of Science in Faith-Based Public Health, Specialization in Bioethics Studies

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.S. in Faith-Based Public Health, Specialization in Bioethics Studies

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Public Health 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 Public Health, specializing in Bioethics Studies, provides a rigorous academic framework for addressing complex population health challenges through the lens of ethical stewardship and compassionate service. The curriculum integrates epidemiological data analysis with moral philosophy to equip graduates with the professional tools necessary to address systemic health disparities in underserved communities. By merging technical public health proficiency with a specialized focus on bioethical decision-making, the program cultivates leaders prepared to navigate the multifaceted dilemmas inherent in modern health policy and organizational management. This degree emphasizes the application of equitable, justice-oriented health strategies, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to serve within diverse, mission-driven environments. The program fosters a commitment to excellence and professional integrity, encouraging students to view health as a communal responsibility rooted in the principles of service and social justice.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based public health-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

• 4
• PUB601, BIO610
• PUB650
• Public Health Law and Regulation
• 3
• PUB501
• BIO660
• Emerging Issues in Bioethics
• 3
• BIO610
• MGT670
• Strategic Planning for Social Impact
• 3
• MGT520
• CAP699 — Capstone Project: Final integrative project requiring the student to apply knowledge and ethical reflection to a significant public health challenge. Must demonstrate independent research, servant leadership principles, and professional proficiency. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PUB650 — Public Health Law and Regulation: Investigation of the legal landscape governing public health agencies and practices. Examines current legislation and the balance of regulatory oversight and organizational flexibility. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BIO660 — Emerging Issues in Bioethics: Study of contemporary debates in bioethics, including genomics, end-of-life care, and artificial intelligence in medicine. Focuses on developing nuanced, ethical, and practical responses. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT670 — Strategic Planning for Social Impact: Advanced management seminar focusing on long-term organizational success and community impact. Emphasizes the intersection of mission, sustainable growth, and systemic improvement. 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 degree, representing 4 credit hours of directed scholarly work. Students are expected to identify a critical health issue and design a rigorous intervention or policy analysis that addresses the needs of a vulnerable population, demonstrating both technical competence and a commitment to servant leadership. The project requires the application of bioethical reasoning to navigate the complex social and moral landscapes of the chosen research area. Through this intensive process, students demonstrate the ability to synthesize prior learning, evidence-based research, and their personal commitment to vocational integrity. The deliverable is a comprehensive scholarly document that reflects the student's capacity to serve as an ethical leader in the public health field, ensuring that all proposed interventions align with principles of justice, stewardship, and human dignity. By focusing on sustainable solutions, the project serves as a capstone of both academic proficiency and professional character development, ensuring the student is prepared to serve as a catalyst for community flourishing.

Career Opportunities

• Community Health Program Director
• Bioethics Consultant for Nonprofit Health Agencies
• Public Health Policy Analyst
• Nonprofit Operations Manager
• Health Equity Coordinator
• Community Engagement Specialist
• Public Health Researcher

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 Public Health, Specialization in Bioethics Studies
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Public Health 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
• PUB501 | Foundations of Public Health | 4 | None
• BIO505 | Principles of Bioethics | 4 | None
• RES510 | Research Methods in Health | 4 | None
• MGT520 | Nonprofit Organizational Leadership | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PUB515 | Epidemiology and Population Health | 4 | RES510
• BIO525 | Advanced Bioethics in Public Policy | 4 | BIO505
• SOC530 | Community Health Engagement | 3 | PUB501
• BUS540 | Financial Stewardship for Nonprofits | 3 | MGT520
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PUB601 | Health Program Planning and Evaluation | 4 | PUB515
• BIO610 | Ethics of Global Health | 4 | BIO525
• COM620 | Health Communication and Advocacy | 3 | PUB501
• THE630 | Ethics and Character Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP699 | Capstone Project | 4 | PUB601, BIO610
• PUB650 | Public Health Law and Regulation | 3 | PUB501
• BIO660 | Emerging Issues in Bioethics | 3 | BIO610
• MGT670 | Strategic Planning for Social Impact | 3 | MGT520