Master of Arts in Faith-Based Education, Specialization in Diverse Education

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Education

Total program length

72 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Academic unit

HBIU College of Education and Human Development

Total credits

72

Duration

2 years

• Demonstrate understanding of diverse educational theories associated with ministry.
• Implement culturally responsive pedagogical practices in ministry education.
• Analyze community needs and develop strategic educational programs.
• Integrate theological concepts in practical ministry education.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of diverse ministry initiatives through assessment and reflection.
• Facilitate inclusive and transformative learning experiences for diverse populations.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ENG 101
• College Writing and Composition
• 3
• None
• HIS 101
• World History I
• 3
• None
• PSY 101
• General Psychology
• 3
• None
• SCI 101
• Introduction to Biological Science
• 3
• None
• SOC 101
• Introduction to Sociology
• 3
• None
• ENG 102
• Academic Research and Writing
• 3
• None
• HIS 102
• World History II
• 3
• None
• SCI 102
• Environmental Science
• 3
• None
• COM 110
• Public Speaking
• 3
• None
• HUM 110
• Introduction to Humanities
• 3
• None
• MATH 115
• College Algebra
• 3
• None
• ENG 101 — College Writing and Composition: Foundations of academic writing, focusing on essay structure, thesis development, and effective communicationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• HIS 101 — World History I: Survey of world civilizations from ancient times through the medieval periodThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PSY 101 — General Psychology: Introduction to psychological principles, theories, and research methods covering cognition, behavior, and developmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SCI 101 — Introduction to Biological Science: Fundamentals of biology including cell structure, genetics, evolution, and ecologyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC 101 — Introduction to Sociology: Examination of social structures, institutions, group dynamics, and their influence on human behaviorThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ENG 102 — Academic Research and Writing: Advanced research methods, source evaluation, and scholarly writing techniques for graduate-level workThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• HIS 102 — World History II: Continuation of world history from the Renaissance through modern timesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SCI 102 — Environmental Science: Study of environmental systems, sustainability, and human impact on natural ecosystemsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COM 110 — Public Speaking: Development of oral communication skills, speech preparation, and presentation techniquesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• HUM 110 — Introduction to Humanities: Survey of human cultural achievements in art, literature, philosophy, and history across civilizationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MATH 115 — College Algebra: Algebraic concepts including functions, equations, inequalities, and graphing techniquesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COM 205
• Interpersonal Communication
• 3
• None
• HUM 215
• Philosophy and Ethics
• 3
• None
• MATH 220
• Statistics for Social Sciences
• 3
• None
• EDU 301
• Classroom Management
• 3
• None
• EDU 302
• Educational Assessment Practices
• 3
• None
• EDU 303
• Child and Adolescent Development
• 3
• None
• EDU 304
• Effective Instructional Techniques & Strategies
• 3
• None
• EDU 305
• Instructional Strategy for ESOL Students
• 3
• None
• EDU 306
• Instructional Practices in Reading
• 3
• None
• ENG 1021
• Masters Internship
• 4
• None
• ENG 1022
• Masters Research on Faith Literature
• 3
• None
• COM 205 — Interpersonal Communication: Study of communication dynamics in personal and professional relationshipsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• HUM 215 — Philosophy and Ethics: Exploration of ethical theories, moral reasoning, and philosophical frameworks applied to contemporary issuesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MATH 220 — Statistics for Social Sciences: Statistical methods and data analysis techniques applied to social science researchThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU 301 — Classroom Management: Strategies and techniques for creating effective learning environments. Covers behavior management, classroom organization, student engagement, and inclusive practices for diverse learnersThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU 302 — Educational Assessment Practices: Principles and methods of educational assessment and evaluation. Includes formative and summative assessment design, data analysis, and using assessment to inform instructionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU 303 — Child and Adolescent Development: Comprehensive study of cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development from early childhood through adolescence. Applications to educational practice and ministry contextsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU 304 — Effective Instructional Techniques & Strategies: Research-based teaching methods and instructional strategies for diverse learners. Covers lesson planning, differentiation, active learning, and evidence-based pedagogical approachesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU 305 — Instructional Strategy for ESOL Students: Specialized strategies for teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. Addresses language acquisition theory, cultural considerations, and effective instructional practices for multilingual learnersThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU 306 — Instructional Practices in Reading: Comprehensive approaches to reading instruction including phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and literacy assessment. Evidence-based methods for teaching reading across grade levelsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ENG 1021 — Masters Internship: Supervised practical experience in educational, publishing, or ministry settings. Students apply literary and pedagogical knowledge in professional contexts while developing career skillsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ENG 1022 — Masters Research on Faith Literature: Independent research project examining the intersection of faith and literature. Students conduct original scholarship on religious themes, spiritual narratives, and faith-based literary traditionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ENGL 1024
• Spanish 101
• 3
• None
• ENGL 6000
• American Literature Elective
• 3
• None
• EDU 6001
• Principles of Faith-Based Education
• 3
• None
• EDU 6002
• Biblical Perspectives on Teaching and Learning
• 3
• None
• EDU 6003
• Diversity and Inclusion in Religious Education
• 3
• None
• EDU 6004
• Educational Psychology and Spiritual Development
• 3
• None
• EDU 6005
• Theology of Education and Discipleship
• 3
• None
• EDU 6005
• Theology of Education and Discipleship
• 3
• None
• EDU 6006
• Christian Ethics in Teaching
• 3
• None
• EDU 6006
• Christian Ethics in Teaching
• 3
• None
• ENGL 6010
• Introduction to Literary Research
• 3
• None
• ENGL 1024 — Spanish 101: Introduction to Spanish language and Hispanic cultures. Develops basic proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening while exploring cultural contexts relevant to ministry and educationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ENGL 6000 — American Literature Elective: Selected topics in American literature from colonial period to contemporary works. Focuses on major authors, movements, and cultural contexts shaping American literary traditionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU 6001 — Principles of Faith-Based Education: The "Principles of Faith-Based Education" course (EDU 6001) offers a comprehensive exploration of the foundational principles that underpin faith-based educational practicesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU 6002 — Biblical Perspectives on Teaching and Learning: The course "Biblical Perspectives on Teaching and Learning" (EDU 6002) offers a deep exploration of the intersection between biblical principles and contemporary educational practicesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU 6003 — Diversity and Inclusion in Religious Education: The course "Diversity and Inclusion in Religious Education" (EDU 6003) is designed for educators and leaders seeking to deepen their understanding of diversity within the context of religious educationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU 6004 — Educational Psychology and Spiritual Development: The course EDU 6004: Educational Psychology and Spiritual Development offers a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between psychological principles and spiritual growth in educational contextsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU 6005 — Theology of Education and Discipleship: The Theology of Education and Discipleship (EDU 6005) is a graduate-level course designed for students pursuing a Master of Education with a Minor in Diverse Ministry EducationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU 6005 — Theology of Education and Discipleship: The Theology of Education and Discipleship (EDU 6005) is a graduate-level course designed for students pursuing a Master of Education with a Minor in Diverse Ministry EducationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU 6006 — Christian Ethics in Teaching: The course "Christian Ethics in Teaching" (EDU 6006) is designed for Master of Education students seeking to integrate their Christian faith with educational practice, particularly within diverse ministry contextsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU 6006 — Christian Ethics in Teaching: The course "Christian Ethics in Teaching" (EDU 6006) is designed for Master of Education students seeking to integrate their Christian faith with educational practice, particularly within diverse ministry contextsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ENGL 6010 — Introduction to Literary Research: Foundations of literary scholarship including research methodologies, critical approaches, bibliographic tools, and academic writing conventions for graduate-level literary studiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ENGL 6412
• Modern Rhetoric and Writing
• 3
• None
• ENGL 6414
• Scientific and Technical Writing
• 3
• None
• ENGL 6420
• Linguistic History of English
• 3
• None
• ENGL 6421
• Non-Fiction Workshop
• 3
• None
• ENGL 6513
• Composition
• 3
• None
• ENGL 7000
• Seminar Course
• 3
• None
• ENGL 7011
• Studies in Criticism
• 3
• None
• ENGL 7225
• Understanding Christian Literature 2.0
• 3
• None
• ENGL 7226
• Criticism and Christian Literature
• 3
• None
• ENGL 7410
• Advanced Creative Writing Workshop
• 3
• None
• ENGL 6412 — Modern Rhetoric and Writing: Study of contemporary rhetorical theory and its applications to writing instruction, composition pedagogy, and communication in digital age contextsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ENGL 6414 — Scientific and Technical Writing: Principles and practices of professional writing in scientific and technical fields. Covers documentation, report writing, grant proposals, and technical communication strategiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ENGL 6420 — Linguistic History of English: Historical development of the English language from Old English to modern varieties. Examines phonological, morphological, syntactic, and semantic changes over timeThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ENGL 6421 — Non-Fiction Workshop: Advanced workshop in creative non-fiction writing. Students develop skills in memoir, personal essay, literary journalism, and other non-fiction genres through writing and critiqueThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ENGL 6513 — Composition: Advanced study of composition theory and practice, focusing on rhetorical strategies, writing processes, and teaching methodologies for graduate-level writing instructionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ENGL 7000 — Seminar Course: Advanced seminar on specialized topics in English literature. Intensive study of particular authors, genres, periods, or theoretical approaches through discussion and researchThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ENGL 7011 — Studies in Criticism: Advanced exploration of literary theory and critical methodologies. Examines major schools of criticism from formalism to postmodernism and their application to textual analysisThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ENGL 7225 — Understanding Christian Literature 2.0: Advanced exploration of Christian literary traditions from patristic writings to contemporary Christian literature. Analyzes theological themes, spiritual narratives, and faith expressions in literatureThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ENGL 7226 — Criticism and Christian Literature: Critical approaches to analyzing Christian literature. Examines how literary theory intersects with theological interpretation and faith-based hermeneuticsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ENGL 7410 — Advanced Creative Writing Workshop: Intensive workshop for developing original creative work in fiction, poetry, or creative non-fiction. Emphasizes craft refinement, revision, and preparation for publicationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, with a minimum GPA requirement. Relevant experience in educational or ministry contexts is preferred, and applicants may be required to submit a statement of purpose and letters of recommendation. Thesis or Capstone Project The capstone project serves as the culminating demonstration of the student’s integration of theological scholarship and educational practice. Students must design and implement a substantive research or applied project that addresses a specific educational challenge within a diverse ministry context, reflecting a commitment to justice, mercy, and truth. Throughout this endeavor, students are required to articulate how their proposed solutions reflect biblical stewardship and the core tenets of their Christian faith. The capstone must be defended before a faculty committee, showcasing the candidate’s development as a servant leader capable of translating divine calling into tangible, effective, and ethically grounded pedagogical action.

• To satisfy the requirements for graduation, students must complete a total of 36 credit hours, maintaining a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The curriculum requires the successful completion of all core courses and specialization modules, which incorporate ongoing evaluations of spiritual formation and ethical reasoning. Students must demonstrate proficiency in the application of a Christian worldview within educational practice, as evidenced by their performance in field experiences and the final capstone project. All students are expected to uphold the institution’s standards of academic integrity and servant leadership throughout the duration of their studies.
• Career Opportunities
• Educational Coordinator for Religious Organizations
• Diversity Education Director
• Youth Ministry Leader
• Community Outreach Coordinator
• Adult Education Program Director
• Curriculum Developer for Faith-Based Institutions
• Intercultural Affairs Advisor
• 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
• Total program length | 72 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced faith-based 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
• ENG 101 | College Writing and Composition | 3 | None
• HIS 101 | World History I | 3 | None
• PSY 101 | General Psychology | 3 | None
• SCI 101 | Introduction to Biological Science | 3 | None
• SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• ENG 102 | Academic Research and Writing | 3 | None
• HIS 102 | World History II | 3 | None
• SCI 102 | Environmental Science | 3 | None
• COM 110 | Public Speaking | 3 | None
• HUM 110 | Introduction to Humanities | 3 | None
• MATH 115 | College Algebra | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM 205 | Interpersonal Communication | 3 | None
• HUM 215 | Philosophy and Ethics | 3 | None
• MATH 220 | Statistics for Social Sciences | 3 | None
• EDU 301 | Classroom Management | 3 | None
• EDU 302 | Educational Assessment Practices | 3 | None
• EDU 303 | Child and Adolescent Development | 3 | None
• EDU 304 | Effective Instructional Techniques & Strategies | 3 | None
• EDU 305 | Instructional Strategy for ESOL Students | 3 | None
• EDU 306 | Instructional Practices in Reading | 3 | None
• ENG 1021 | Masters Internship | 4 | None
• ENG 1022 | Masters Research on Faith Literature | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENGL 1024 | Spanish 101 | 3 | None
• ENGL 6000 | American Literature Elective | 3 | None
• EDU 6001 | Principles of Faith-Based Education | 3 | None
• EDU 6002 | Biblical Perspectives on Teaching and Learning | 3 | None
• EDU 6003 | Diversity and Inclusion in Religious Education | 3 | None
• EDU 6004 | Educational Psychology and Spiritual Development | 3 | None
• EDU 6005 | Theology of Education and Discipleship | 3 | None
• EDU 6005 | Theology of Education and Discipleship | 3 | None
• EDU 6006 | Christian Ethics in Teaching | 3 | None
• EDU 6006 | Christian Ethics in Teaching | 3 | None
• ENGL 6010 | Introduction to Literary Research | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENGL 6412 | Modern Rhetoric and Writing | 3 | None
• ENGL 6414 | Scientific and Technical Writing | 3 | None
• ENGL 6420 | Linguistic History of English | 3 | None
• ENGL 6421 | Non-Fiction Workshop | 3 | None
• ENGL 6513 | Composition | 3 | None
• ENGL 7000 | Seminar Course | 3 | None
• ENGL 7011 | Studies in Criticism | 3 | None
• ENGL 7225 | Understanding Christian Literature 2.0 | 3 | None
• ENGL 7226 | Criticism and Christian Literature | 3 | None
• ENGL 7410 | Advanced Creative Writing Workshop | 3 | None