Master of Arts in Faith-Based History, Specialization in Historical Preservation Museum Studies

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based History, Specialization in Historical Preservation Museum Studies

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Academic unit

HBIU College of Arts and Humanities

Total credits

60

Duration

2 years

• Analyze complex historical narratives through the lens of ethical stewardship and primary source evaluation.
• Evaluate museum best practices for the physical preservation and digital accessibility of diverse artifact collections.
• Design comprehensive exhibition plans that reflect historical accuracy and engagement with community perspectives.
• Integrate servant leadership principles into the governance and daily administration of nonprofit historical organizations.
• Demonstrate advanced proficiency in digital archives and contemporary curation methodologies.
• Communicate nuanced historical interpretations to diverse public audiences through various media.
• Formulate research-based policies that promote the long-term sustainability of cultural and historical entities.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• HIS 501
• Historiography and Theory
• 4
• None
• HIS 505
• Ethical Stewardship in History
• 4
• None
• MGT 510
• Nonprofit Leadership and Governance
• 3
• None
• RES 520
• Advanced Research Methods
• 4
• None
• HIS 501 — Historiography and Theory: This course explores the evolution of historical interpretation and the influence of critical theory on modern research. Students analyze major historiographical schools to establish a foundation for advanced scholarly practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS 505 — Ethical Stewardship in History: An examination of the moral imperatives involved in the collection, maintenance, and interpretation of historical artifacts. Students evaluate the responsibility of practitioners to serve the community through transparent historical representation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT 510 — Nonprofit Leadership and Governance: This course covers the essentials of nonprofit management, including board relations, organizational health, and resource development. Emphasis is placed on servant leadership and ethical decision-making within institutional contexts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES 520 — Advanced Research Methods: Training in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies specifically tailored for historical and archival investigation. Students develop the ability to construct, refine, and execute complex research projects. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• HIS 610
• Museum Curation and Exhibition Design
• 4
• HIS 501
• HIS 615
• Digital Archives and Preservation
• 4
• RES 520
• HIS 620
• Material Culture Analysis
• 3
• None
• MGT 630
• Development and Community Outreach
• 4
• MGT 510
• HIS 610 — Museum Curation and Exhibition Design: A study of the practical application of design principles in museum environments to maximize public engagement. Students learn to curate spaces that invite reflection and provide clear historical context for visitors. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS 615 — Digital Archives and Preservation: This course examines the technical standards for the digital preservation of historical documents and material objects. Students explore the integration of new technologies into traditional archival structures to enhance accessibility. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS 620 — Material Culture Analysis: Students investigate how physical objects reveal the social, religious, and economic values of past civilizations. Emphasis is placed on the careful conservation and accurate documentation of artifacts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT 630 — Development and Community Outreach: Strategies for community engagement, donor relations, and public education are analyzed to help organizations sustain their long-term viability. Students create communication plans that align organizational goals with community service initiatives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• HIS 640
• Archival Management and Ethics
• 4
• HIS 615
• HIS 645
• Public History and Community Memory
• 4
• HIS 610
• HUM 650
• Cultural Heritage Advocacy
• 3
• None
• HIS 690
• Thesis Proposal and Preparation
• 3
• RES 520
• HIS 640 — Archival Management and Ethics: An investigation of the complex ethical issues surrounding the acquisition and deaccessioning of historical materials. Students analyze legal and professional standards for institutional archival management. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS 645 — Public History and Community Memory: This course explores the role of the public historian in facilitating community dialogue through historical commemoration. Students assess the impact of memory and legacy on contemporary social and religious life. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM 650 — Cultural Heritage Advocacy: Students develop strategies to advocate for the protection and preservation of cultural heritage at the community and national levels. The course focuses on building coalitions and fostering civic engagement through historical storytelling. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS 690 — Thesis Proposal and Preparation: Students begin the formal development of their thesis project, establishing research questions and methodology. This phase ensures alignment with institutional values and professional research standards. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• HIS 700
• Thesis Research and Writing
• 6
• HIS 690
• CAP 705
• Capstone: Institutional Strategic Planning
• 3
• MGT 630
• HIS 710
• Advanced Seminar in Museum Practice
• 3
• All Core Courses
• MGT 715
• Leadership and Organizational Ethics
• 3
• MGT 510
• HIS 700 — Thesis Research and Writing: The final stage of the thesis process involving intensive research, peer review, and the production of a scholarly work. Students demonstrate their ability to synthesize theoretical knowledge with practical application in a professional setting. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP 705 — Capstone: Institutional Strategic Planning: A comprehensive project involving the design of a strategic plan for a historical institution, focusing on sustainability and mission fulfillment. Students must integrate administrative, ethical, and historical principles throughout the process. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS 710 — Advanced Seminar in Museum Practice: A reflection-based seminar discussing the challenges of modern museum management and the maintenance of ethical standards. Students participate in critical dialogue concerning the future of the field and professional responsibility. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT 715 — Leadership and Organizational Ethics: An examination of the intersection of leadership and morality, focusing on how institutional culture is shaped by ethical values. Students develop frameworks for ethical decision-making within their respective fields. 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. A strong background in history, humanities, or related social sciences is preferred. Prospective students are required to submit a statement of purpose outlining their commitment to professional ethics and community engagement, two letters of recommendation, and official academic transcripts reflecting their aptitude for graduate-level research. Thesis or Capstone Project The Master's Thesis serves as the culminating academic experience of the program, requiring students to synthesize their historical research skills with the practical demands of museum administration. Students will identify a significant challenge in historical preservation or institutional interpretation, developing a research-based proposal that addresses this issue through the lens of servant leadership and ethical stewardship. This project provides a framework for integrating rigorous academic inquiry with a commitment to preserving cultural legacy for future generations. The thesis must demonstrate both technical proficiency in historical methodology and a deep commitment to the ethical responsibilities inherent in managing public memory. Students are expected to articulate how their work reflects principles of biblical stewardship, showing how professional historical practice functions as a vocation of service. The final deliverable consists of a formal written thesis or a professional-grade archival exhibition portfolio, each weighted at 6 credit hours, demonstrating the student's readiness to contribute to the field with integrity and intellectual maturity.

• Graduation from the Master of Arts in Faith-Based History requires the successful completion of 60 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students must fulfill all core and elective coursework while meeting the standards established for the culminating thesis project. Success in this program is measured not only by academic proficiency but also by the attainment of professional competency in the field of historical preservation.
• Beyond academic success, students are expected to demonstrate consistent evidence of ethical integrity and spiritual maturity throughout their tenure. This includes active participation in community service initiatives and demonstrated growth in servant-led institutional management. Completion of the program signifies the student’s readiness to apply their interdisciplinary expertise in environments that prioritize faith-informed character, community engagement, and the diligent care of historical and cultural resources.
• Career Opportunities
• Museum Curator
• Archival Specialist
• Nonprofit Historical Site Administrator
• Collections Manager
• Public Historian
• Cultural Heritage Consultant
• Nonprofit Organizational Director
• 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 History, Specialization in Historical Preservation Museum Studies
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based History and Museum Studies 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
• HIS 501 | Historiography and Theory | 4 | None
• HIS 505 | Ethical Stewardship in History | 4 | None
• MGT 510 | Nonprofit Leadership and Governance | 3 | None
• RES 520 | Advanced Research Methods | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS 610 | Museum Curation and Exhibition Design | 4 | HIS 501
• HIS 615 | Digital Archives and Preservation | 4 | RES 520
• HIS 620 | Material Culture Analysis | 3 | None
• MGT 630 | Development and Community Outreach | 4 | MGT 510
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS 640 | Archival Management and Ethics | 4 | HIS 615
• HIS 645 | Public History and Community Memory | 4 | HIS 610
• HUM 650 | Cultural Heritage Advocacy | 3 | None
• HIS 690 | Thesis Proposal and Preparation | 3 | RES 520
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS 700 | Thesis Research and Writing | 6 | HIS 690
• CAP 705 | Capstone: Institutional Strategic Planning | 3 | MGT 630
• HIS 710 | Advanced Seminar in Museum Practice | 3 | All Core Courses
• MGT 715 | Leadership and Organizational Ethics | 3 | MGT 510