Admission Requirements
Admission and entry requirements
Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Relevant work experience in public service or leadership roles is preferred, along with a statement of purpose and letters of recommendation. Career Opportunities Public Policy Analyst City Manager Nonprofit Executive Director Legislative Aide Community Development Director Ethics Compliance Officer Public Relations 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 Public Leadership, Governance Total program length | 51 graduate semester credit hours Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study Advanced faith-based public leadership, governance 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 MPLG 601 | Foundations of Public Leadership | 3 | None FGE 610 | Faith & Ethical Foundations in Governance | 3 | None MPA 610 | Public Policy and Governance | 3 | Foundation Courses SPCh 500, GEN 502, GRAD 501 and MADC 500 FGE 620 | Christian Ethics in Public Decision-Making | 3 | None MPA 620 | Public Sector Leadership and Organizational Management | 3 | Foundation Courses SPCh 500, GEN 502, GRAD 501 and MADC 500 Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites MPLG 620 | Organizational Leadership in the Public Sector | 3 | None MPLG 621 | Public Finance & Budgetary Governance | 3 | None MPLG 622 | Law, Regulation, & Public Accountability | 3 | None FGE 630 | Faith, Justice, & Public Policy | 3 | None MPA 630 | Public Ethics and Accountability | 3 | Foundation Courses SPCh 500, GEN 502, GRAD 501 and MADC 500 Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites FGE 640 | Moral Leadership & Accountability in Public Life | 3 | None MPLG 640 | Strategic Leadership & Change Management | 3 | None MPLG 641 | Intergovernmental Relations & Global Governance | 3 | None FGE 650 | Religion, Law, & Democratic Governance | 3 | None MPLG 650 | Data, Evidence, & Performance Management | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites MPLG 670 | Crisis Leadership & Risk Governance | 3 | None MPLG 690 | Capstone in Public Leadership & Governance | 3 | None