Master of Arts in Faith-Based Business Management, Specialization in Policy

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Business Management

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Academic unit

HBIU College of Business and Project Management

Total credits

60

Duration

2 years

• Analyze complex economic and regulatory environments to propose evidence-based policy solutions.
• Evaluate organizational management strategies through the lens of servant leadership and ethical stewardship.
• Integrate fiscal responsibility and biblical stewardship principles into long-term strategic planning.
• Develop innovative policy frameworks that address the diverse needs of community-based stakeholders.
• Demonstrate advanced communication skills to effectively advocate for mission-driven organizational changes.
• Apply ethical reasoning and character-based decision-making models to address administrative dilemmas.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• BUS 501
• Organizational Leadership Ethics
• 4
• None
• MGT 510
• Stewardship and Financial Governance
• 4
• None
• POL 520
• Public Policy Foundations
• 4
• None
• RES 500
• Applied Research Methods
• 3
• None
• BUS 501 — Organizational Leadership Ethics: This course explores the theoretical foundations of servant leadership and the integration of ethical decision-making in the workplace. It examines the personal and professional character traits essential for effective administration. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT 510 — Stewardship and Financial Governance: Students examine the principles of fiscal responsibility and resource management as forms of stewardship. The course covers budgeting, financial reporting, and sustainable economic practices. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• POL 520 — Public Policy Foundations: This course provides an overview of the policy-making process and the influence of regulatory frameworks on professional organizations. Students analyze how policy initiatives affect community impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES 500 — Applied Research Methods: This course introduces qualitative and quantitative research techniques for policy analysis and organizational problem-solving. Students gain skills in data collection and evaluation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MGT 550
• Strategic Operational Management
• 4
• BUS 501
• POL 560
• Advanced Regulatory Compliance
• 4
• POL 520
• COM 530
• Organizational Communication Strategy
• 4
• None
• HIS 515
• History of Social Service Organizations
• 3
• None
• MGT 550 — Strategic Operational Management: This course focuses on aligning organizational processes with mission objectives to achieve long-term effectiveness. Topics include risk management, team development, and operational efficiency. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• POL 560 — Advanced Regulatory Compliance: Students investigate legal and regulatory environments that shape the operational constraints of modern organizations. Emphasis is placed on developing internal policies that ensure legal adherence. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM 530 — Organizational Communication Strategy: This course explores strategies for communicating organizational mission, policy changes, and institutional values to diverse stakeholders. Students develop proficiency in public relations and internal communication. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS 515 — History of Social Service Organizations: This course analyzes the historical evolution of social service models and their impact on contemporary policy design. Students evaluate past successes and failures in organizational development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MGT 610
• Nonprofit Resource Development
• 4
• MGT 510
• POL 620
• Policy Design and Implementation
• 4
• POL 560
• BUS 630
• Leading Organizational Change
• 4
• BUS 501
• BUS 600
• Professionalism and Civic Responsibility
• 3
• None
• MGT 610 — Nonprofit Resource Development: This course explores diversified funding strategies and the ethical acquisition of resources for organizational sustainability. Students practice grant writing and donor engagement models. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• POL 620 — Policy Design and Implementation: Students engage in the design of comprehensive policy frameworks tailored to specific social or organizational issues. The course highlights the importance of data-driven feedback loops. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS 630 — Leading Organizational Change: This course addresses the psychological and structural challenges associated with managing change in mission-driven environments. Students learn how to foster resilience among team members. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS 600 — Professionalism and Civic Responsibility: This course examines the role of professional ethics and civic duty in the context of organizational leadership and public service. Students explore frameworks for personal accountability and social responsibility within modern business structures. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP 690
• Master's Capstone Project
• 4
• RES 500, POL 620
• MGT 680
• Administrative Law and Governance
• 4
• POL 560
• BUS 650
• Global Market Perspectives
• 3
• None
• SOC 640
• Community Engagement and Impact
• 3
• None
• CAP 690 — Master's Capstone Project: The capstone project requires the synthesis of all program learning into a substantive study of an organizational policy challenge. Students present evidence-based recommendations that align with institutional mission and ethical standards. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT 680 — Administrative Law and Governance: This course examines the role of governance structures in maintaining integrity and accountability within professional organizations. Students review the impact of legal precedents on administrative procedures. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS 650 — Global Market Perspectives: Students examine the influence of international economic trends and global policy changes on local operations. The course promotes a broad understanding of international service contexts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC 640 — Community Engagement and Impact: This course analyzes effective methods for engaging with local communities to assess needs and implement impactful interventions. It emphasizes collaborative approaches to solving systemic challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Candidates are required to submit an official academic transcript, a personal statement reflecting their professional goals, and a resume highlighting relevant experience in business or organizational service. Admission decisions are based on a holistic review of academic potential, evidence of ethical maturity, and an alignment with the institution's commitment to mission-focused service. Thesis or Capstone Project The Master’s Capstone Project serves as the final, integrative milestone of the program, requiring students to synthesize their learning by addressing a complex policy challenge within a real-world organizational setting. Students are expected to produce an original, comprehensive proposal or research study that offers a viable solution to an operational or regulatory issue while explicitly articulating the ethical and stewardship-based foundations of their approach. The project must demonstrate a sophisticated synthesis of business acumen and policy design, meeting professional standards of scholarship. The capstone project carries 4 credit hours and encourages students to reflect on the role of their own faith-informed character in the decision-making process. By connecting academic rigor with a deep commitment to servant leadership, the project functions as a testament to the student's readiness to integrate professional competence with moral responsibility in the pursuit of community improvement.

• To qualify for graduation, students must successfully complete 60 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Candidates must fulfill all curriculum requirements, including the final 4-credit Capstone Project, demonstrating mastery of the specialized knowledge and applied policy skills cultivated throughout their tenure. Students are required to document participation in institutional community engagement activities, reflecting their growth in service-oriented leadership.
• Beyond academic attainment, candidates must demonstrate alignment with the university’s commitment to spiritual and ethical integrity. This includes completion of designated spiritual formation coursework and the active integration of faith-based ethical standards in their scholarly output. Graduation signifies not only intellectual mastery but also the development of a character prepared to serve with integrity, compassion, and vocational excellence in diverse organizational contexts.
• Career Opportunities
• Nonprofit Operations Director
• Public Policy Consultant
• Organizational Development Manager
• Community Advocacy Coordinator
• Government Relations Officer
• Strategic Planning Advisor
• Faith-Based Program 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 Business Management
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Business Management 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
• BUS 501 | Organizational Leadership Ethics | 4 | None
• MGT 510 | Stewardship and Financial Governance | 4 | None
• POL 520 | Public Policy Foundations | 4 | None
• RES 500 | Applied Research Methods | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT 550 | Strategic Operational Management | 4 | BUS 501
• POL 560 | Advanced Regulatory Compliance | 4 | POL 520
• COM 530 | Organizational Communication Strategy | 4 | None
• HIS 515 | History of Social Service Organizations | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT 610 | Nonprofit Resource Development | 4 | MGT 510
• POL 620 | Policy Design and Implementation | 4 | POL 560
• BUS 630 | Leading Organizational Change | 4 | BUS 501
• BUS 600 | Professionalism and Civic Responsibility | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP 690 | Master's Capstone Project | 4 | RES 500, POL 620
• MGT 680 | Administrative Law and Governance | 4 | POL 560
• BUS 650 | Global Market Perspectives | 3 | None
• SOC 640 | Community Engagement and Impact | 3 | None