Masters of Arts in Faith-Based Education Specialization in Social Studies/History Education

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Education Specialization in Social Studies/History 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 social studies/history 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 Social Studies/History Education is a rigorous graduate program designed for educators seeking to integrate pedagogical excellence with an ethical commitment to service and stewardship. The curriculum provides a deep examination of historical inquiry, social theory, and contemporary educational practices through a lens that emphasizes the moral responsibility of the educator in a diverse society.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based education specialization in social studies/history 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: Applied Research in History Education

• 4
• All Core Courses
• EDU650 — Leadership and Advocacy in Schools: Prepares students for roles in educational leadership and policy advocacy. Explores how educators can model stewardship and integrity in professional environmentsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• HIS660 — Comparative Civics and Government: Compares constitutional frameworks and democratic practices across different historical and modern contexts. Students analyze the rights and responsibilities of citizenshipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU670 — Independent Study in History Education: Allows students to explore a specialized area of history education under the guidance of faculty. Emphasis is placed on original synthesis and independent scholarshipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CAP699 — Capstone: Applied Research in History Education: The final capstone requires students to complete an original project applying historical pedagogical theories to real-world educational challenges. The project concludes with a formal defense of findingsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Career Opportunities

• Curriculum Developer
• Secondary Education Lead Teacher
• Historical Consultant
• Museum Education Specialist
• Educational Program Coordinator
• Public Policy Advocate
• Academic 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 Specialization in Social Studies/History 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 social studies/history 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 | Theoretical Foundations of Education | 4 | None
• HIS510 | Historiography and Historical Research | 4 | None
• EDU520 | Ethics and Stewardship in Schools | 3 | None
• RES505 | Educational Research Methods | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS530 | Global Perspectives in History | 4 | HIS510
• EDU540 | Pedagogy of Social Studies | 4 | EDU501
• SOC515 | Sociology of Education | 4 | None
• EDU550 | Technology in Historical Instruction | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS610 | American Political and Economic History | 4 | HIS530
• EDU620 | Advanced Instructional Design | 4 | EDU540
• EDU630 | Assessment and Evaluation in Social Studies | 4 | RES505
• HIS640 | Seminar in Primary Source Analysis | 4 | HIS510
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU650 | Leadership and Advocacy in Schools | 4 | EDU520
• HIS660 | Comparative Civics and Government | 4 | HIS610
• EDU670 | Independent Study in History Education | 4 | RES505
• CAP699 | Capstone: Applied Research in History Education | 4 | All Core Courses