Master of Science in Faith-Based Sustainable International Development, Specialization in Indigenous Studies

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.S. in Faith-Based Sustainable International Development, Specialization in Indigenous Studies

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced faith-based sustainable international development and indigenous studies 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 Sustainable International Development, Specialization in Indigenous Studies, offers an interdisciplinary approach to global challenges. This program integrates rigorous academic inquiry with the principles of ethical stewardship, servant leadership, and cross-cultural engagement. Students examine the intersections of social, economic, and environmental systems while focusing on the unique historical and contemporary contexts of Indigenous populations worldwide.

Participants engage in deep scholarly research and fieldwork preparation to develop strategies that honor indigenous sovereignty and promote community-led sustainable development. By bridging academic disciplines with a framework of intentional service, the program prepares graduates to foster holistic development that respects cultural heritage, addresses systemic inequalities, and champions social justice in international contexts.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in faith-based sustainable international development and indigenous studies theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based sustainable international development and indigenous studies-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based sustainable international development and indigenous studies-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 Thesis Project

• 6
• RES630
• IND650
• Seminar in Contemporary Indigenous Issues
• 3
• IND540
• SOC660
• Sociology of International Development and Institutional Structures
• 3
• ETH520
• BUS670
• Financial Management for Non-Profits
• 3
• IDS610
• CAP699 — Capstone Thesis Project: The culminating project where students apply their knowledge to a real-world development challenge. Includes rigorous research, field application, and final synthesis of faith-informed practiceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• IND650 — Seminar in Contemporary Indigenous Issues: A seminar course that explores current events and emergent issues within the global indigenous rights movement. Encourages peer-reviewed analysis and scholarly debateThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC660 — Sociology of International Development and Institutional Structures: This course examines the socio-political frameworks of international development and the role of non-governmental institutions in shaping global community outcomes. Students will analyze organizational theory and the impact of systemic social structures on development efficacy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS670 — Financial Management for Non-Profits: Focuses on the fiscal responsibilities of development organizations. Covers grant writing, budgeting, and accountability in faith-based and international sectorsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Capstone Project represents the culminating academic experience of the Master of Science program, requiring students to synthesize their theoretical knowledge and practical skills into a significant, original scholarly work. Spanning the final semester, this project asks students to identify a complex development issue, conduct comprehensive field research, and propose a viable, sustainable intervention that honors the dignity and agency of the affected population.
• The project requires the submission of a substantive scholarly document and a formal presentation, both of which must reflect deep theological and ethical reflection. Students are required to articulate how their proposed solutions adhere to the principles of biblical stewardship, social justice, and servant leadership, demonstrating an ability to reconcile academic expertise with a commitment to integrity and altruistic service.

Career Opportunities

• International Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Program Manager
• Indigenous Rights Advocate and Policy Consultant
• Sustainable Development Researcher
• Global Humanitarian Relief Coordinator
• Cross-Cultural Community Engagement Specialist
• International Development Consultant for Faith-Based Organizations

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 Sustainable International Development, Specialization in Indigenous Studies
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced faith-based sustainable international development and indigenous studies 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
• IDS501 | Foundations of Sustainable Development | 4 | None
• IND510 | Indigenous Cultures and Global Systems | 4 | None
• RES500 | Research Methods in Development | 3 | None
• ETH520 | Ethics and Stewardship in Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• IDS530 | Economics of Marginalized Communities | 4 | IDS501
• IND540 | Law and Indigenous Sovereignty | 4 | IND510
• MGT550 | Leadership in Cross-Cultural Settings | 3 | None
• SOC560 | Global Development and Social Change | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• IDS610 | Program Planning and Evaluation | 4 | RES500
• IND620 | Sustainable Agriculture and Traditional Knowledge | 4 | IND540
• RES630 | Advanced Qualitative Fieldwork | 3 | RES500
• COM640 | Advocacy and Public Policy Communication | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP699 | Capstone Thesis Project | 6 | RES630
• IND650 | Seminar in Contemporary Indigenous Issues | 3 | IND540
• SOC660 | Sociology of International Development and Institutional Structures | 3 | ETH520
• BUS670 | Financial Management for Non-Profits | 3 | IDS610