Masters of Arts in Faith-Based Education Specialization in Culturally Responsive Teaching/Equity Studies

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Education Specialization in Culturally Responsive Teaching/Equity Studies

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Education Specialization in Culturally Responsive Teaching/Equity 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 Arts in Faith-Based Education with a specialization in Culturally Responsive Teaching and Equity Studies is an advanced professional degree designed for educators and administrators committed to fostering inclusive, equitable learning environments. The curriculum integrates pedagogical theory with a commitment to the ethical principles of servant leadership, community stewardship, and the promotion of dignity within diverse educational settings. Students engage in rigorous scholarship that addresses the intersection of systemic educational practices and the diverse needs of modern learners. The program prepares graduates to navigate complex institutional landscapes while maintaining a focus on moral integrity and academic excellence. By synthesizing theory and practice, students develop the capacity to lead, teach, and mentor within varied educational frameworks through a lens of equity and social responsibility.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in faith-based education specialization in culturally responsive teaching/equity studies theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based education specialization in culturally responsive teaching/equity studies-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based education specialization in culturally responsive teaching/equity 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 Research Project

• 4
• RES 720
• EDU 802
• Practicum in Equity Leadership
• 4
• EDU 710
• EDU 805
• Evaluation of Educational Outcomes
• 3
• RES 505
• EDU 810
• Seminar in Professional Practice
• 3
• None
• CAP 800 — Capstone Research Project: An intensive, independent research project focusing on a specific issue in equity or pedagogy within an educational environment. Students produce a rigorous paper and presentationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU 802 — Practicum in Equity Leadership: A field-based experience where students apply leadership principles in real-world educational contexts. Students complete a reflection on their practiceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU 805 — Evaluation of Educational Outcomes: Explores the measurement of program efficacy and student achievement in diverse settings. Focuses on data interpretation to drive improvementThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU 810 — Seminar in Professional Practice: A culminating seminar focusing on the integration of faith-based ethics, equity, and professionalism. Students articulate their future goals as agents of changeThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Career Opportunities

• Educational Policy Advisor
• Curriculum Developer
• Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator
• Instructional Coach
• School Administrator
• Community Educational Liaison
• Non-profit Educational Program 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.A. in Faith-Based Education Specialization in Culturally Responsive Teaching/Equity Studies
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Education Specialization in Culturally Responsive Teaching/Equity 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
• EDU 501 | Foundations of Culturally Responsive Pedagogy | 4 | None
• RES 505 | Educational Research Methodologies | 4 | None
• EDU 510 | Ethical Leadership in Education | 3 | None
• SOC 520 | Sociology of Education | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU 602 | Curriculum Design for Diverse Learners | 4 | EDU 501
• EDU 605 | Educational Policy and Social Equity | 4 | SOC 520
• EDU 612 | Inclusive Learning Environments | 3 | None
• EDU 615 | Community Stewardship in Education | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU 701 | Advanced Instructional Strategies | 4 | EDU 602
• EDU 705 | Critical Issues in Equity Studies | 4 | None
• EDU 710 | Mentorship and Organizational Change | 3 | EDU 510
• RES 720 | Advanced Research and Proposal Development | 3 | RES 505
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP 800 | Capstone Research Project | 4 | RES 720
• EDU 802 | Practicum in Equity Leadership | 4 | EDU 710
• EDU 805 | Evaluation of Educational Outcomes | 3 | RES 505
• EDU 810 | Seminar in Professional Practice | 3 | None