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Master of Arts in Faith-Based Operational Management

Academic unitHBIU College of Business and EconomicsTotal credits60Estimated duration2 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Operational Management

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced faith-based operational 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

The Master of Arts in Faith-Based Operational Management is designed to equip professionals with the advanced administrative, strategic, and ethical competencies necessary for effective organizational leadership. The program emphasizes the integration of rigorous business management principles with the core values of stewardship, servant leadership, and social responsibility, fostering a holistic approach to institutional governance within the nonprofit and community sectors. Students are challenged to synthesize theoretical organizational frameworks with practical management solutions to address the unique complexities of contemporary, mission-driven environments.

Through a curriculum grounded in organizational behavior, financial stewardship, and strategic operations, participants develop the capacity to lead diverse teams and manage resources with integrity. The program utilizes case studies, empirical research, and applied management projects to ensure that graduates are prepared to navigate the logistical and cultural landscapes of modern organizational life. By fostering an environment of collaborative learning, the program prepares graduates to serve as effective administrators who prioritize ethical decision-making and sustainable operational excellence.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based operational management-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 Facts

Program facts

Degree abbreviation
M.A. in Faith-Based Operational 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 Economics
Total credits
60
Duration
2 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Analyze complex organizational structures to develop operational strategies that optimize resource allocation and institutional sustainability.
  • Evaluate financial management practices through the lens of ethical stewardship and fiduciary responsibility.
  • Design comprehensive leadership development frameworks that foster servant leadership and staff empowerment.
  • Apply evidence-based decision-making models to address operational challenges within diverse, mission-driven organizations.
  • Integrate ethical reasoning and social responsibility frameworks into all aspects of operational planning and project management.
  • Communicate strategic institutional visions effectively to internal and external stakeholders to enhance collaborative community impact.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • MGT501
  • Organizational Leadership and Culture
  • 4
  • None
  • BUS505
  • Ethical Financial Stewardship
  • 4
  • None
  • RES510
  • Applied Research Methods
  • 4
  • None
  • THE515
  • Foundations of Ethical Reasoning
  • 3
  • None
  • MGT501 — Organizational Leadership and Culture: This course explores the dynamics of organizational culture and the principles of servant leadership. It focuses on aligning personal professional integrity with institutional missions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS505 — Ethical Financial Stewardship: An examination of financial management practices, budgeting, and fiscal transparency. Students evaluate how economic resources can be managed to maximize social impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • RES510 — Applied Research Methods: This course covers quantitative and qualitative research design for organizational assessment. Students learn to interpret data to inform administrative decision-making. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • THE515 — Foundations of Ethical Reasoning: Students examine historical and contemporary ethical frameworks relevant to professional practice. The course promotes critical thinking regarding justice and equity in management. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • MGT520
  • Strategic Human Resource Management
  • 4
  • MGT501
  • COM525
  • Strategic Communications for Nonprofits
  • 3
  • None
  • BUS530
  • Operations Management and Systems
  • 4
  • None
  • EDU535
  • Program Development and Evaluation
  • 4
  • RES510
  • MGT520 — Strategic Human Resource Management: A study of human resource policies, talent acquisition, and personnel development within mission-driven organizations. Emphasizes the creation of inclusive and supportive working environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COM525 — Strategic Communications for Nonprofits: Development of skills in internal and external communication strategies, stakeholder engagement, and public relations. Focuses on articulating mission effectively. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS530 — Operations Management and Systems: Analysis of operational efficiency, logistics, and process improvement within institutional frameworks. Students apply systems thinking to solve complex problems. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • EDU535 — Program Development and Evaluation: Explores the cycle of program design, implementation, and long-term impact assessment. Covers best practices for community-based program outreach. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • MGT601
  • Nonprofit Law and Governance
  • 3
  • BUS505
  • BUS605
  • Resource Development and Fundraising
  • 4
  • BUS505
  • CHR610
  • Conflict Resolution and Mediation
  • 4
  • MGT501
  • MGT615
  • Marketing for Social Impact
  • 3
  • None
  • MGT601 — Nonprofit Law and Governance: Examines legal compliance, board governance, and tax regulations affecting nonprofit entities. Provides a framework for maintaining organizational accountability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS605 — Resource Development and Fundraising: Introduces ethical strategies for resource mobilization, grant writing, and relationship building. Focuses on sustainable financial planning for organizational longevity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CHR610 — Conflict Resolution and Mediation: Practical study of interpersonal and organizational conflict resolution strategies. Emphasizes maintaining organizational unity through empathetic communication. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT615 — Marketing for Social Impact: Techniques for marketing mission-driven initiatives to broaden community influence. Covers digital strategy and audience segmentation for growth. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CAP690
  • Capstone Project
  • 4
  • RES510, BUS530, MGT520
  • MGT650
  • Advanced Leadership Seminar
  • 3
  • All Core Courses
  • BUS655
  • Organizational Change Management
  • 4
  • MGT501
  • SOC660
  • Global Community Engagement
  • 3
  • None
  • CAP690 — Capstone Project: A comprehensive project involving an organizational assessment and the implementation of a strategic improvement plan. Students synthesize all learning to produce a professional-level case study. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT650 — Advanced Leadership Seminar: A culminating seminar focusing on current trends in nonprofit management and future organizational challenges. Facilitates reflective practice among graduating peers. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS655 — Organizational Change Management: Analyzes the psychology of change and the implementation of sustainable organizational shifts. Strategies for maintaining culture during periods of transformation are emphasized. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SOC660 — Global Community Engagement: Explores the intersections of organizational mission and global community partnership. Focuses on the dynamics of cross-cultural administrative collaboration. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Additionally, candidates are required to submit a personal statement reflecting their professional goals and commitment to ethical leadership, along with two professional or academic letters of recommendation. Proficiency in basic business statistics or equivalent coursework is expected, and an interview with the program faculty may be required to assess the alignment of the candidate's professional trajectory with the program’s focus on mission-driven operational management. Thesis or Capstone Project The Master of Arts Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience, requiring students to identify, research, and propose a comprehensive solution to a significant operational challenge within a real-world, faith-based nonprofit context. This project requires students to synthesize all coursework into a 4-credit, faculty-supervised document that demonstrates the application of servant leadership, strategic planning, and stewardship principles. The scope of the work involves conducting a diagnostic audit of an organization, proposing a data-driven improvement plan, and detailing the implementation strategies required for success. Central to the Capstone is the integration of faith-informed character development, where students must articulate how their proposed solutions reflect biblical stewardship and ethical integrity. By connecting academic competence with a Christian worldview, students demonstrate their readiness for professional service. The final deliverable consists of both a scholarly paper and an oral defense, ensuring that graduates can defend their methodology while honoring the values of humility, accountability, and excellence in organizational administration.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • To qualify for the degree, students must complete 60 total credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. A grade of B or better is required in all core coursework to ensure mastery of professional competencies. In addition to academic rigor, students must successfully defend their Capstone Project, demonstrating the ability to integrate operational management expertise with moral discernment and professional ethics.
  • Graduation at HBI University further signifies a commitment to spiritual and character maturity. Candidates are expected to have engaged in ongoing spiritual formation activities and demonstrate a dedication to community service. This requirement ensures that graduates are not only academically prepared to manage resources effectively but are also equipped with the integrity and spiritual foundation necessary to serve as transformative leaders within their respective communities, reflecting a life of service and purposeful stewardship.
  • Career Opportunities
  • Executive Director of a Nonprofit Organization
  • Operations Manager for Faith-Based Community Programs
  • Development Director for Charitable Institutions
  • Church Administrative Minister
  • Operations Consultant for Mission-Driven NGOs
  • Program Coordinator for Humanitarian Aid Agencies
  • 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 Operational Management
  • Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
  • Advanced faith-based operational 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
  • MGT501 | Organizational Leadership and Culture | 4 | None
  • BUS505 | Ethical Financial Stewardship | 4 | None
  • RES510 | Applied Research Methods | 4 | None
  • THE515 | Foundations of Ethical Reasoning | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MGT520 | Strategic Human Resource Management | 4 | MGT501
  • COM525 | Strategic Communications for Nonprofits | 3 | None
  • BUS530 | Operations Management and Systems | 4 | None
  • EDU535 | Program Development and Evaluation | 4 | RES510
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MGT601 | Nonprofit Law and Governance | 3 | BUS505
  • BUS605 | Resource Development and Fundraising | 4 | BUS505
  • CHR610 | Conflict Resolution and Mediation | 4 | MGT501
  • MGT615 | Marketing for Social Impact | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP690 | Capstone Project | 4 | RES510, BUS530, MGT520
  • MGT650 | Advanced Leadership Seminar | 3 | All Core Courses
  • BUS655 | Organizational Change Management | 4 | MGT501
  • SOC660 | Global Community Engagement | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Executive Director of a Nonprofit Organization
  • Operations Manager for Faith-Based Community Programs
  • Development Director for Charitable Institutions
  • Church Administrative Minister
  • Operations Consultant for Mission-Driven NGOs
  • Program Coordinator for Humanitarian Aid Agencies

Additional Official Information

Additional source information

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 Operational Management
  • Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
  • Advanced faith-based operational 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
  • MGT501 | Organizational Leadership and Culture | 4 | None
  • BUS505 | Ethical Financial Stewardship | 4 | None
  • RES510 | Applied Research Methods | 4 | None
  • THE515 | Foundations of Ethical Reasoning | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MGT520 | Strategic Human Resource Management | 4 | MGT501
  • COM525 | Strategic Communications for Nonprofits | 3 | None
  • BUS530 | Operations Management and Systems | 4 | None
  • EDU535 | Program Development and Evaluation | 4 | RES510
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MGT601 | Nonprofit Law and Governance | 3 | BUS505
  • BUS605 | Resource Development and Fundraising | 4 | BUS505
  • CHR610 | Conflict Resolution and Mediation | 4 | MGT501
  • MGT615 | Marketing for Social Impact | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP690 | Capstone Project | 4 | RES510, BUS530, MGT520
  • MGT650 | Advanced Leadership Seminar | 3 | All Core Courses
  • BUS655 | Organizational Change Management | 4 | MGT501
  • SOC660 | Global Community Engagement | 3 | None