Master of Arts in Faith-Based Business Administration Public Sector

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Business Administration Public Sector

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 Economics

Total credits

60

Duration

2 years

• Analyze complex organizational structures and policy challenges within the public sector using advanced management theories.
• Evaluate the impact of ethical reasoning and moral frameworks on administrative decision-making processes.
• Apply principles of biblical stewardship and servant leadership to the management of public and non-profit resources.
• Design effective organizational strategies that foster community engagement and public value.
• Communicate complex financial and administrative findings to diverse stakeholders with clarity and professional integrity.
• Integrate Christian perspectives on social justice and service into the development of public policy and operational practices.
• Demonstrate advanced competency in data-driven decision-making and quantitative analysis for public sector performance.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• BUS501
• Organizational Leadership and Ethics
• 4
• None
• BUS505
• Public Sector Financial Management
• 4
• None
• RES510
• Quantitative Methods for Public Policy
• 3
• None
• BUS520
• Foundations of Organizational Leadership
• 3
• None
• BUS501 — Organizational Leadership and Ethics: This course examines leadership theories through the lens of ethical responsibility and servant leadership. Students analyze internal organizational dynamics and the moral foundations of institutional authorityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• BUS505 — Public Sector Financial Management: An introduction to budgeting, fiscal control, and financial reporting in government and non-profit contexts. Focuses on the stewardship of public funds and transparencyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES510 — Quantitative Methods for Public Policy: Covers statistical analysis and data modeling used to inform policy decisions. Students learn to interpret data to improve administrative outcomesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• BUS520 — Foundations of Organizational Leadership: This course examines the theoretical and practical frameworks of leadership within the public and nonprofit sectors. Students analyze management styles, decision-making processes, and organizational development strategies to enhance institutional effectiveness. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• BUS610
• Public Policy Analysis
• 4
• BUS501
• BUS615
• Strategic Planning in the Public Sector
• 4
• BUS505
• BUS620
• Human Resource Management in Non-Profits
• 3
• BUS501
• COM630
• Professional Communication and Public Relations
• 3
• None
• BUS610 — Public Policy Analysis: Provides an analytical framework for evaluating the creation, implementation, and evaluation of public policies. Addresses the socioeconomic impact of policy choicesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• BUS615 — Strategic Planning in the Public Sector: Focuses on long-term goal setting and resource optimization in organizations with public missions. Emphasis is placed on aligning organizational vision with community needsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• BUS620 — Human Resource Management in Non-Profits: Covers strategies for recruiting, developing, and retaining personnel within mission-driven entities. Addresses the ethics of personnel managementThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COM630 — Professional Communication and Public Relations: Develops advanced skills in public engagement and stakeholder communication. Emphasizes the importance of truth-telling and clarity in institutional messagingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• BUS640
• Administrative Law and Governance
• 4
• BUS610
• BUS645
• Organizational Behavior and Change
• 4
• BUS501
• BUS650
• Community Economic Development
• 3
• BUS615
• RES660
• Research Design for Professional Practice
• 3
• RES510
• BUS640 — Administrative Law and Governance: An overview of the regulatory and legal environments governing public agencies. Explores the role of justice and equity in the administration of lawThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• BUS645 — Organizational Behavior and Change: Investigates the psychology of workplace culture and techniques for managing organizational change. Integrates concepts of servant leadership in change managementThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• BUS650 — Community Economic Development: Explores strategies for fostering economic growth that benefits local communities. Focuses on sustainable development and social welfare initiativesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES660 — Research Design for Professional Practice: Prepares students for the capstone project by teaching rigorous research methods. Focuses on identifying and exploring a professional problem of practiceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP700
• Master's Capstone Project
• 4
• RES660
• BUS710
• Contemporary Issues in Global Public Service
• 4
• BUS640
• BUS720
• Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• 3
• BUS650
• BUS730
• Leadership and Character Development
• 3
• THE520
• CAP700 — Master's Capstone Project: A comprehensive project requiring the application of program learning to a specific public sector or non-profit challenge. Students must demonstrate technical proficiency and ethical integrationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• BUS710 — Contemporary Issues in Global Public Service: Analyzes current global challenges and the role of administration in resolving cross-border issues. Examines international standards of governance and serviceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• BUS720 — Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Focuses on creative business models that address social problems. Encourages students to view entrepreneurial ventures as acts of stewardshipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• BUS730 — Leadership and Character Development: An advanced seminar on the intersection of professional leadership and spiritual formation. Focuses on personal integrity, resilience, and vocational purposeThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Applicants must possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Candidates are required to submit a statement of intent detailing their commitment to ethical leadership, two letters of professional or academic recommendation, and official transcripts. A background in business, public administration, or a related social science field is preferred, though students from diverse academic backgrounds may be admitted upon completion of requisite preparatory modules. Thesis or Capstone Project The Master’s Capstone Project represents the culmination of the student's academic and professional formation, requiring the integration of business administration expertise with a clear commitment to faith-based ethical practice. Students are tasked with identifying a substantive public sector challenge and proposing an evidence-based solution that reflects principles of stewardship, social responsibility, and servant leadership. The project requires the submission of a comprehensive written report and a formal presentation, evaluated by faculty members on both the technical rigor of the research and the depth of the student's ethical reflection. This project serves as a bridge between theoretical learning and the practical realities of the professional world. By requiring students to articulate how their proposed interventions align with a faith-informed worldview, the capstone ensures that graduates can navigate the tension between public mandates and moral imperatives. It is a mandatory 4-credit component that demonstrates the student's ability to synthesize advanced management skills with the character development necessary for effective, faith-driven leadership.

• To qualify for graduation, students must complete all 60 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, ensuring a high level of academic performance. The program demands the successful defense of the Capstone Project, confirming that students have achieved mastery of both the technical and ethical dimensions of the curriculum. All financial obligations to the university must be met, and students must maintain enrollment in good standing throughout their duration of study.
• Beyond academic milestones, graduation is contingent upon a demonstrated commitment to the institutional values of integrity and service. Students are expected to participate in designated spiritual formation and character development modules, which emphasize the application of faith in professional settings. By balancing intellectual rigor with personal maturity and ethical conviction, graduates demonstrate readiness to serve in the public sector with the wisdom and character expected of leaders dedicated to the common good.
• Career Opportunities
• Public Sector Management Consultant
• Non-Profit Organization Director
• Government Policy Analyst
• Civic Engagement Coordinator
• Public Resource Administrator
• Faith-Based Community Developer
• Public Program Budget Specialist
• 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 Administration Public Sector
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced business and 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
• BUS501 | Organizational Leadership and Ethics | 4 | None
• BUS505 | Public Sector Financial Management | 4 | None
• RES510 | Quantitative Methods for Public Policy | 3 | None
• BUS520 | Foundations of Organizational Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BUS610 | Public Policy Analysis | 4 | BUS501
• BUS615 | Strategic Planning in the Public Sector | 4 | BUS505
• BUS620 | Human Resource Management in Non-Profits | 3 | BUS501
• COM630 | Professional Communication and Public Relations | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BUS640 | Administrative Law and Governance | 4 | BUS610
• BUS645 | Organizational Behavior and Change | 4 | BUS501
• BUS650 | Community Economic Development | 3 | BUS615
• RES660 | Research Design for Professional Practice | 3 | RES510
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP700 | Master's Capstone Project | 4 | RES660
• BUS710 | Contemporary Issues in Global Public Service | 4 | BUS640
• BUS720 | Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship | 3 | BUS650
• BUS730 | Leadership and Character Development | 3 | THE520