Masters of Arts in Faith-Based Education Specialization in Early Childhood Special Education

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Education Specialization in Early Childhood Special Education

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Education Specialization in Early Childhood Special Education 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 Early Childhood Special Education offers a comprehensive framework for educators seeking to serve young learners with diverse developmental needs. The curriculum emphasizes the intersection of pedagogical best practices, inclusive design, and the ethical responsibility of stewardship within educational settings. Through a blend of theoretical inquiry and practical application, students are prepared to lead with integrity and foster environments that prioritize the dignity and potential of every child.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based education specialization in early childhood special education-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: Integrative Project

• 4
• All prior coursework
• CAP695

Capstone Defense and Professional Portfolio

• 4
• CAP690
• EDU650 — Contemporary Issues in Education: Exploration of current trends, debates, and challenges in the field of education. Students critically reflect on how to address these issues through a lens of stewardshipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU660 — Advanced Seminar in Special Education: A seminar-based approach to solving complex problems of practice in inclusive early childhood classrooms. Students engage in peer review and critical reflection on their professional practiceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CAP690 — Capstone: Integrative Project: The culminating project where students design an integrative program or policy intervention for an early childhood setting. The project demonstrates professional competency and the synthesis of degree knowledgeThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CAP695 — Capstone Defense and Professional Portfolio: Students present their capstone research and a professional portfolio showcasing their mastery of program learning outcomes. A successful public defense is required for graduationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Career Opportunities

• Early Childhood Program Director
• Inclusive Classroom Lead Teacher
• Educational Consultant for Developmental Services
• Faith-Based School Administrator
• Curriculum Designer for Early Intervention Programs
• Early Childhood Education Coordinator
• Community Educational Liaison

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 Early Childhood Special Education
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Education Specialization in Early Childhood Special Education 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 Early Childhood Special Education | 4 | None
• EDU505 | Developmental Perspectives on Early Childhood | 4 | None
• RES510 | Research Methods in Education | 4 | None
• THE520 | Ethics in Faith-Based Educational Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU530 | Inclusive Curriculum Design | 4 | EDU501, EDU505
• EDU540 | Collaboration with Families and Communities | 4 | EDU501
• PSY550 | Behavioral Support in Early Childhood | 4 | EDU505
• EDU560 | Assessment Practices in Special Education | 3 | RES510
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU610 | Advanced Instructional Strategies for Exceptionalities | 4 | EDU530, PSY550
• EDU620 | Educational Policy and Advocacy | 4 | THE520
• EDU630 | Data-Driven Decision Making | 4 | RES510, EDU560
• EDU640 | Mentorship and Professional Development | 4 | THE520
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU650 | Contemporary Issues in Education | 4 | EDU610, EDU620
• EDU660 | Advanced Seminar in Special Education | 4 | EDU610, EDU630
• CAP690 | Capstone: Integrative Project | 4 | All prior coursework
• CAP695 | Capstone Defense and Professional Portfolio | 4 | CAP690