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Master of Arts in Faith-Based Marine Biology, Specialization in Ocean Conservation

Academic unitHBIU College of Science and Social ScienceTotal credits60Estimated duration2 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Marine Biology

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced faith-based marine biology 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 Marine Biology, Specialization in Ocean Conservation, is an advanced graduate program designed to integrate rigorous scientific inquiry with ethical stewardship of marine ecosystems. Students explore the complexities of aquatic biodiversity, coastal management, and ecological preservation through a curriculum that emphasizes scientific methodology alongside philosophical and ethical foundations of environmental responsibility. This program provides a scholarly environment for students to examine the interconnectedness of biological systems and the human responsibility to care for the natural world. By fostering interdisciplinary inquiry, the degree empowers students to address global conservation challenges with a commitment to integrity, sustainable stewardship, and service-oriented leadership. The curriculum ensures that graduates are well-prepared to translate complex biological research into actionable conservation strategies that serve diverse communities and organizational mandates.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in Faith-Based Marine Biology theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based marine biology-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based marine biology-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 Marine Biology
Total program length
60 graduate semester credit hours
Normal completion time
Two academic years of full-time study
Academic unit
HBIU College of Science and Social Science
Total credits
60
Duration
2 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Analyze complex marine ecosystems and evaluate the impacts of anthropogenic activity on coastal and ocean biodiversity.
  • Apply advanced ecological research methodologies to identify sustainable solutions for marine habitat preservation.
  • Design comprehensive conservation management plans that integrate biological data with ethical frameworks of stewardship.
  • Evaluate the intersection of marine biology policy and community engagement within a global context.
  • Demonstrate advanced communication skills by translating complex scientific findings into clear reports for diverse stakeholders.
  • Integrate a Christian worldview into the professional practice of environmental conservation through servant leadership and ethical decision-making.
  • Execute an original research thesis that contributes to the field of ocean conservation and demonstrates academic mastery.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • BIO 500
  • Advanced Marine Ecology
  • 4
  • None
  • RES 505
  • Research Methods in Biology
  • 4
  • None
  • THE 510
  • Stewardship and Ethics
  • 3
  • None
  • BIO 515
  • Marine Biodiversity Assessment
  • 3
  • None
  • BIO 500 — Advanced Marine Ecology: An analysis of the structural and functional relationships within marine ecosystems, focusing on energy flow and nutrient cycling. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • RES 505 — Research Methods in Biology: Examination of quantitative and qualitative research design, statistical application, and ethical considerations in scientific inquiry. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • THE 510 — Stewardship and Ethics: A study of ethical frameworks for environmental management, focusing on the concepts of care, responsibility, and sustainable stewardship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BIO 515 — Marine Biodiversity Assessment: Introduction to the identification and evaluation of marine species richness and population health in diverse oceanic habitats. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • BIO 520
  • Coastal Conservation Management
  • 4
  • BIO 500
  • BIO 525
  • Oceanography and Climate Dynamics
  • 4
  • None
  • SOC 530
  • Community Engagement in Conservation
  • 3
  • None
  • BUS 535
  • Nonprofit Leadership and Advocacy
  • 3
  • None
  • BIO 520 — Coastal Conservation Management: Exploration of management strategies for sensitive coastal zones and the mitigation of human impact on shoreline stability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BIO 525 — Oceanography and Climate Dynamics: Investigation into the physical properties of the ocean and the impact of climate change on marine environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SOC 530 — Community Engagement in Conservation: Strategic analysis of effective outreach, stakeholder involvement, and partnership building for environmental initiatives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS 535 — Nonprofit Leadership and Advocacy: Foundations of leadership, organizational management, and public advocacy within the nonprofit sector. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • BIO 600
  • Advanced Aquatic Toxicology
  • 4
  • BIO 520
  • BIO 605
  • Marine Protected Area Planning
  • 4
  • BIO 520
  • MIN 610
  • Servant Leadership in Global Contexts
  • 3
  • None
  • BIO 615
  • GIS and Spatial Analysis in Conservation
  • 3
  • RES 505
  • BIO 600 — Advanced Aquatic Toxicology: Scientific investigation into the impact of pollutants and contaminants on marine life and water quality. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BIO 605 — Marine Protected Area Planning: Techniques for the design, implementation, and monitoring of marine protected areas to ensure species resilience. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MIN 610 — Servant Leadership in Global Contexts: Development of leadership models that emphasize service, humility, and the empowerment of diverse populations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BIO 615 — GIS and Spatial Analysis in Conservation: Application of Geographic Information Systems to map marine environments and model conservation patterns. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CAP 700
  • Master's Thesis in Ocean Conservation
  • 4
  • RES 505
  • BIO 620
  • Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture
  • 4
  • BIO 500
  • COM 625
  • Environmental Communication
  • 3
  • None
  • HIS 630
  • History of Conservation Movements
  • 3
  • None
  • CAP 700 — Master's Thesis in Ocean Conservation: The culminating project requiring original research and synthesis of marine science with ethical stewardship principles. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BIO 620 — Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture: Evaluation of sustainable food harvesting methods and their impact on global aquatic food security. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COM 625 — Environmental Communication: Strategies for crafting compelling narratives that communicate ecological science to the general public. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • HIS 630 — History of Conservation Movements: Historical perspective on environmental movements and the development of modern conservation paradigms. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Preferred candidates will have completed foundational undergraduate coursework in biology, chemistry, or environmental science. Required documentation includes a formal application, official transcripts, two letters of recommendation from professional or academic references, and a personal statement outlining the applicant's research interests and commitment to ethical stewardship in their chosen field of study. Thesis or Capstone Project The Master’s Thesis serves as the culminating academic experience for this program, requiring students to produce an original, high-quality investigation into a significant issue within marine conservation. The project is weighted at 4 credit hours and requires students to demonstrate mastery of scientific research methodology, data analysis, and technical writing. Students are expected to define a research problem, review relevant literature, collect or analyze existing data, and formulate conclusions that contribute meaningful insight to the field of ocean science. The scope of the project must reflect both technical rigor and the ability to apply ethical reasoning to real-world environmental problems. Beyond technical proficiency, the thesis integrates faith-informed perspectives by requiring students to reflect on the moral implications of their findings and the responsibility of humans as stewards of the natural environment. Students must demonstrate how their research aligns with principles of servant leadership and how the results can be utilized to improve the well-being of coastal communities and marine habitats. The project serves as a capstone of both academic competence and faith-informed character development, documenting the student’s readiness to advocate for the health of global ecosystems with integrity and scientific expertise.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • Graduation from the program requires the successful completion of 60 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. In addition to technical coursework, students must successfully defend their Master’s Thesis, demonstrating mastery of the subject matter and the ability to communicate findings to an academic audience. Throughout the program, students are expected to participate in designated spiritual formation activities and community engagement opportunities to ensure their academic achievements are balanced with spiritual maturity and a commitment to servant leadership.
  • Academic success is inextricably linked to personal and ethical integrity within this program. Candidates must demonstrate professional conduct, reflecting a character rooted in stewardship and ethical duty. Completion of the program signals that the graduate is technically prepared and morally equipped to serve in various organizational capacities, consistently upholding a commitment to the public good and the sustainable care of the environment in accordance with faith-informed values.
  • Career Opportunities
  • Marine Conservation Project Manager
  • Environmental Policy Consultant
  • Nonprofit Ecological Outreach Coordinator
  • Coastal Resource Specialist
  • Research Analyst for Faith-Based Environmental Initiatives
  • Marine Education and Stewardship 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 Marine Biology
  • Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
  • Advanced faith-based marine biology 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
  • BIO 500 | Advanced Marine Ecology | 4 | None
  • RES 505 | Research Methods in Biology | 4 | None
  • THE 510 | Stewardship and Ethics | 3 | None
  • BIO 515 | Marine Biodiversity Assessment | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BIO 520 | Coastal Conservation Management | 4 | BIO 500
  • BIO 525 | Oceanography and Climate Dynamics | 4 | None
  • SOC 530 | Community Engagement in Conservation | 3 | None
  • BUS 535 | Nonprofit Leadership and Advocacy | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BIO 600 | Advanced Aquatic Toxicology | 4 | BIO 520
  • BIO 605 | Marine Protected Area Planning | 4 | BIO 520
  • MIN 610 | Servant Leadership in Global Contexts | 3 | None
  • BIO 615 | GIS and Spatial Analysis in Conservation | 3 | RES 505
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP 700 | Master's Thesis in Ocean Conservation | 4 | RES 505
  • BIO 620 | Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture | 4 | BIO 500
  • COM 625 | Environmental Communication | 3 | None
  • HIS 630 | History of Conservation Movements | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Marine Conservation Project Manager
  • Environmental Policy Consultant
  • Nonprofit Ecological Outreach Coordinator
  • Coastal Resource Specialist
  • Research Analyst for Faith-Based Environmental Initiatives
  • Marine Education and Stewardship Director

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 Marine Biology
  • Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
  • Advanced faith-based marine biology 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
  • BIO 500 | Advanced Marine Ecology | 4 | None
  • RES 505 | Research Methods in Biology | 4 | None
  • THE 510 | Stewardship and Ethics | 3 | None
  • BIO 515 | Marine Biodiversity Assessment | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BIO 520 | Coastal Conservation Management | 4 | BIO 500
  • BIO 525 | Oceanography and Climate Dynamics | 4 | None
  • SOC 530 | Community Engagement in Conservation | 3 | None
  • BUS 535 | Nonprofit Leadership and Advocacy | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BIO 600 | Advanced Aquatic Toxicology | 4 | BIO 520
  • BIO 605 | Marine Protected Area Planning | 4 | BIO 520
  • MIN 610 | Servant Leadership in Global Contexts | 3 | None
  • BIO 615 | GIS and Spatial Analysis in Conservation | 3 | RES 505
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP 700 | Master's Thesis in Ocean Conservation | 4 | RES 505
  • BIO 620 | Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture | 4 | BIO 500
  • COM 625 | Environmental Communication | 3 | None
  • HIS 630 | History of Conservation Movements | 3 | None