Master of Science in Faith-Based Social Work, Specialization in Social Services Engagement

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, Specialization in Social Services Engagement, is a rigorous graduate program designed to equip practitioners with the advanced theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for effective community leadership. This program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating evidence-based social work practices with the intentional application of servant leadership, ethical stewardship, and community-centered advocacy. Students explore the intersection of human behavior, systemic social challenges, and the restorative influence of faith-inspired service within diverse organizational contexts.

Through a curriculum grounded in academic excellence and principled practice, learners develop the capacity to design and evaluate programs that address the multifaceted needs of individuals and families. The program fosters a sophisticated understanding of cultural humility and social responsibility, preparing graduates to navigate complex institutional environments while maintaining a steadfast commitment to the mission-driven goals of nonprofit and community-based organizations. Graduates emerge as reflective practitioners capable of managing resources and people with professional integrity and spiritual depth.

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

Capstone Project: Community Engagement Strategy

• 4
• RES 600
• SOC 650
• Advanced Case Studies in Social Service
• 4
• SOC 550
• SOC 670
• Community Outreach and Service Delivery Systems
• 4
• MIN 505
• COU 680
• Professional Identity and Practice
• 3
• None
• CAP 690 — Capstone Project: Community Engagement Strategy: Final synthesis project requiring the creation of an evidence-based intervention strategy for a community organization. Demonstrates the integration of academic and faith-based principles. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC 650 — Advanced Case Studies in Social Service: Analyzes complex real-world scenarios within social service agencies. Students apply learned concepts to problem-solving in challenging environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC 670 — Community Outreach and Service Delivery Systems: This course explores the operational frameworks and service delivery models essential for effective social assistance programs. Students will critique existing outreach strategies and evaluate the impact of community-based service initiatives on social stability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU 680 — Professional Identity and Practice: Preparation for professional roles, emphasizing personal integrity and ethical commitment. Includes career planning and leadership development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Capstone Project serves as the final academic experience, requiring students to synthesize their learning through the development of a comprehensive community engagement strategy. Students identify a specific social challenge within a real-world organizational setting and design an evidence-based intervention that adheres to principles of biblical stewardship and ethical best practices. This project demonstrates the student's mastery of programmatic design, fiscal responsibility, and community assessment.
• The project culminates in a formal written thesis and a professional presentation evaluated by a faculty committee. This experience measures the student's ability to integrate spiritual formation with academic rigor, requiring a reflective component that articulates how faith-informed values guide their professional decision-making. By completing this project, students demonstrate not only technical proficiency but also the character development necessary for sustained, mission-focused impact in social service sectors.

Career Opportunities

• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Nonprofit Program Manager
• Social Services Director
• Mission Advancement Specialist
• Community Development Consultant
• Policy Analyst for Faith-Based Nonprofits
• Volunteer 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 | Advanced Social Theory | 4 | None
• COU 510 | Ethical Leadership and Stewardship | 4 | None
• RES 520 | Research Methods for Social Services | 4 | None
• SOC 505 | Human Development and Social Systems | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC 550 | Community Engagement Strategies | 4 | SOC 501
• BUS 530 | Nonprofit Resource Management | 4 | None
• COU 540 | Interpersonal Communication in Service | 4 | None
• SOC 560 | Social Policy Analysis | 3 | SOC 501
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC 610 | Global Perspectives on Social Welfare | 4 | SOC 501
• RES 600 | Advanced Data Interpretation | 4 | RES 520
• MGT 620 | Organizational Behavior and Mission | 4 | None
• COU 630 | Advocacy and Social Change | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP 690 | Capstone Project: Community Engagement Strategy | 4 | RES 600
• SOC 650 | Advanced Case Studies in Social Service | 4 | SOC 550
• SOC 670 | Community Outreach and Service Delivery Systems | 4 | MIN 505
• COU 680 | Professional Identity and Practice | 3 | None