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. Prospective students are required to submit an official transcript, a professional statement of intent detailing their commitment to educational equity, two letters of professional reference, and an updated curriculum vitae. Career Opportunities Educational Policy Advisor Curriculum Developer Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator Instructional Coach School Administrator Community Educational Liaison Non-profit Educational Program 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 Education Specialization in Culturally Responsive Teaching/Equity Studies Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study Advanced Faith-Based Education Specialization in Culturally Responsive Teaching/Equity 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 EDU 501 | Foundations of Culturally Responsive Pedagogy | 4 | None RES 505 | Educational Research Methodologies | 4 | None EDU 510 | Ethical Leadership in Education | 3 | None SOC 520 | Sociology of Education | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites EDU 602 | Curriculum Design for Diverse Learners | 4 | EDU 501 EDU 605 | Educational Policy and Social Equity | 4 | SOC 520 EDU 612 | Inclusive Learning Environments | 3 | None EDU 615 | Community Stewardship in Education | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites EDU 701 | Advanced Instructional Strategies | 4 | EDU 602 EDU 705 | Critical Issues in Equity Studies | 4 | None EDU 710 | Mentorship and Organizational Change | 3 | EDU 510 RES 720 | Advanced Research and Proposal Development | 3 | RES 505 Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites CAP 800 | Capstone Research Project | 4 | RES 720 EDU 802 | Practicum in Equity Leadership | 4 | EDU 710 EDU 805 | Evaluation of Educational Outcomes | 3 | RES 505 EDU 810 | Seminar in Professional Practice | 3 | None