Master of Science in Faith-Based Social Work (MSW)

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.S. in Faith-Based Social Work

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Social Work 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 Social Work is a comprehensive graduate program designed to prepare practitioners to serve individuals, families, and communities through the integration of professional social work methodologies and ethical leadership. The curriculum emphasizes the application of evidence-based intervention strategies alongside a robust commitment to service, stewardship, and the dignity of the human person. Students engage with foundational social science theories, policy analysis, and advanced practice techniques within the context of holistic care and community development. By fostering an environment of academic excellence and spiritual maturity, the program empowers students to address complex societal challenges while maintaining the highest standards of professional ethics and compassion. The program structure ensures that graduates possess the analytical skills and the heart for servant leadership required to impact diverse populations positively.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based social work-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 Master’s Thesis is the culminating experience of the program, requiring students to engage in independent research that addresses a critical need within the social work field. Students define a research question, conduct a thorough literature review, and propose a data-informed intervention or policy recommendation that reflects their cumulative learning and professional development. This project must demonstrate high-level synthesis of theory, empirical evidence, and ethical reasoning. By analyzing real-world scenarios, students demonstrate the ability to apply their academic training to substantive community issues, producing a final document that serves as evidence of their readiness for advanced practice. The project is weighted at 4 credit hours and is supervised by a faculty mentor. Integration of faith-based principles is evidenced through the project's focus on stewardship, the pursuit of justice, and the promotion of human dignity. Students are expected to articulate how their proposed solutions reflect a commitment to ethical integrity and servant leadership, ensuring that their scholarly work serves as a reflection of both their professional competence and their formation as practitioners who view service as a profound calling to contribute to the common good.

Career Opportunities

• Non-profit Program Manager
• Community Advocacy Coordinator
• Family Services Specialist
• Social Policy Researcher
• Grant Writer for Human Services
• Humanitarian Aid Coordinator
• Faith-based Social Services Director

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 Social Work
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Social Work 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
• SOC 501 | Sociological Theory and Social Change | 4 | None
• RES 505 | Research Methods in Social Sciences | 4 | None
• COU 510 | Human Development Across the Lifespan | 4 | None
• THE 520 | Ethics, Stewardship, and Human Dignity | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC 530 | Social Welfare Policy Analysis | 4 | SOC 501
• COU 540 | Community Intervention Strategies | 4 | RES 505
• MGT 550 | Leadership in Non-Profit Organizations | 3 | None
• SOC 560 | Diversity and Cultural Competence | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES 601 | Advanced Data Analysis | 4 | RES 505
• COU 610 | Family Systems and Advocacy | 4 | COU 510
• SOC 620 | Global Perspectives on Social Justice | 3 | None
• SOC 630 | Organizational Stewardship | 3 | MGT 550
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP 699 | Master's Thesis | 4 | RES 601
• SOC 650 | Program Evaluation and Impact | 4 | RES 601
• COU 660 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 3 | None
• SOC 670 | Advanced Professional Ethics and Clinical Practice | 3 | THE 520