Masters of Arts in Faith-Based Education Policy Specialization in Human Development Learning

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Education Policy Specialization in Human Development Learning

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Education Policy Specialization in Human Development Learning 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 Arts in Faith-Based Education Policy with a specialization in Human Development and Learning is an advanced graduate program designed for professionals seeking to integrate developmental science with the stewardship of educational institutions. This curriculum provides a rigorous exploration of policy frameworks, systemic governance, and the psychological foundations of learning within non-profit and educational sectors. Students examine the intersection of community needs and administrative strategy to cultivate environments that support holistic student growth and organizational excellence. By emphasizing evidence-based practices, this program prepares graduates to navigate the complexities of contemporary education reform while upholding the ethical principles of servant leadership and social responsibility. The degree fosters a comprehensive understanding of human cognition and social development, ensuring that practitioners can design policies that align with the developmental requirements of diverse populations. The program structure encourages the critical evaluation of institutional culture, resource allocation, and the long-term impact of educational policy on community vitality.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based education policy specialization in human development learning-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: Policy Implementation Project

• 4
• RES505, EDU610
• EDU695
• Advanced Leadership Practicum
• 4
• EDU520
• PSY650
• Human Development Capstone Seminar
• 4
• PSY620
• EDU699
• Professional Ethics and Advocacy
• 3
• EDU520
• CAP690 — Capstone: Policy Implementation Project: Students integrate previous coursework into a culminating policy analysis project. Requires a professional proposal and oral defenseThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU695 — Advanced Leadership Practicum: Supervised experience in an educational setting to apply policy skills. Focuses on reflective practice and professional developmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PSY650 — Human Development Capstone Seminar: Synthesizes theories of development into a comprehensive framework for policy application. Focuses on lifecycle learning supportThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU699 — Professional Ethics and Advocacy: Examines the role of the educational leader as an advocate for systemic change. Focuses on the integration of ethics in policy workThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Career Opportunities

• Educational Policy Analyst
• Institutional Advancement Director
• Non-Profit Program Coordinator
• Educational Consultant
• Human Development Coordinator
• Curriculum Design Specialist
• School District Administrator

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.A. in Faith-Based Education Policy Specialization in Human Development Learning
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Education Policy Specialization in Human Development Learning 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
• EDU501 | Foundations of Educational Policy | 4 | None
• PSY510 | Cognitive Development in Education | 4 | None
• RES505 | Research Methods in Social Sciences | 4 | None
• EDU520 | Organizational Leadership and Ethics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU540 | Advanced Policy Analysis | 4 | EDU501
• PSY550 | Social and Emotional Development | 4 | PSY510
• EDU565 | Fiscal Management in Education | 4 | None
• SOC530 | Community Engagement and Diversity | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU610 | Program Development and Evaluation | 4 | RES505
• PSY620 | Developmental Psychopathology in Schools | 4 | PSY550
• EDU630 | Global Perspectives in Education | 4 | None
• EDU680 | Advanced Seminar in Educational Law | 3 | EDU501
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP690 | Capstone: Policy Implementation Project | 4 | RES505, EDU610
• EDU695 | Advanced Leadership Practicum | 4 | EDU520
• PSY650 | Human Development Capstone Seminar | 4 | PSY620
• EDU699 | Professional Ethics and Advocacy | 3 | EDU520