Master of Science in Faith-Based Social Work (MSW) Administration —, Specialization in Social Services Ministry Practice

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.S. in Faith-Based Social Work Administration

Total program length

60 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Social Work Administration core

3 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Master of Social Work (MSW) with a Minor in Faith-Based Social Services & Ministry Practice equips students with the skills and knowledge to address complex social issues through a faith-integrated lens. Over the course of 60 credits and spanning two years, students will engage in comprehensive coursework that covers essential social work theories, ethics, and practices while integrating spiritual perspectives. This program emphasizes practical experience, ethical advocacy, and community service, preparing graduates to effectively serve diverse populations in faith-based settings. Students will learn to integrate their spiritual beliefs into professional practice, enhancing their ability to provide holistic care that respects and uplifts both individual and community dignity. This unique approach not only prepares graduates for various roles in social service but also strengthens their capacity for leadership and service in both secular and faith-based organizations, making the program highly valuable in today’s multifaceted social landscape.

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Social Work Administration program combines a foundational general education curriculum with a comprehensive study of social work theory, behavioral science, human development, professional ethics, research methodology, crisis awareness, referral coordination, program development, and community-based support strategies.

Florida's current standard establishes a minimum of 120 semester credits for a bachelor's degree and at least 30 general-education credits for a Bachelor of Science. This curriculum exceeds the general-education minimum.

Program Details

• Total Credits: 60
• Duration: 2 years
• Degree Level: Bachelor

General education | 36 credit hours

• Faith-Based Social Work Administration core | 3 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone: Applied Social Work Portfolio

• 3
• Completion of core MSW coursework
• FSS 540 — Faith-Based Grant Writing & Program Development (Minor): Faith-Based Grant Writing & Program Development (Minor)This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MSW 541 — Advanced Clinical Practice Seminar: Advanced Clinical Practice SeminarThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MSW 542 — Leadership & Administration in Human Services: Leadership & Administration in Human ServicesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MSW 543 — Capstone: Applied Social Work Portfolio: Capstone: Applied Social Work PortfolioThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MSW 501 | Social Work Practice I: Individuals | 3 | None
• MSW 502 | Human Behavior in the Social Environment | 3 | None
• MSW 503 | Social Welfare Policy & Services | 3 | None
• MSW 504 | Research Methods for Social Work | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• FSS 510 | Faith-Based Social Services Systems (Minor) | 3 | None
• MSW 511 | Practice II: Families & Groups | 3 | None
• MSW 512 | Diversity, Equity, & Social Justice | 3 | None
• MSW 513 | Clinical Assessment & Diagnosis for Social Work | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• FSS 520 | Ministry Practice in Community Settings (Minor) | 3 | None
• MSW 521 | Practice III: Communities & Organizations | 3 | None
• MSW 522 | Program Evaluation & Outcomes | 3 | None
• MSW 523 | Field Practicum I | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• FSS 530 | Pastoral Collaboration & Referral Networks (Minor) | 3 | None
• MSW 531 | Integrated Practice: Trauma & Crisis | 3 | None
• MSW 532 | Ethics & Law in Social Work Practice | 3 | None
• MSW 533 | Field Practicum II | 3 | Field Practicum I or equivalent experience
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• FSS 540 | Faith-Based Grant Writing & Program Development (Minor) | 3 | None
• MSW 541 | Advanced Clinical Practice Seminar | 3 | None
• MSW 542 | Leadership & Administration in Human Services | 3 | None
• MSW 543 | Capstone: Applied Social Work Portfolio | 3 | Completion of core MSW coursework

Career Opportunities

• Faith-based social worker
• Community outreach coordinator
• Clinical social worker in religious organizations
• Director of social services in faith communities
• Pastoral counselor
• Social justice advocate
• Program manager for faith-related initiatives

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 | B.S. in Faith-Based Social Work Administration
• Total program length | 60 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years