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Master of Science in Faith-Based Health Policy, Advocacy

Academic unitHBIU College of Health ScienceTotal credits60Estimated duration2 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.S. in Faith-Based Health Policy, Advocacy

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Health Policy, Advocacy 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 Science in Faith-Based Health Policy and Advocacy is a rigorous interdisciplinary program designed for professionals seeking to influence health systems through ethical leadership, evidence-based policy analysis, and community-centered advocacy. The curriculum explores the intersection of public health, legislative frameworks, and institutional stewardship within the context of faith-informed service. By bridging empirical research with moral inquiry, the program empowers students to address systemic health disparities through a lens of compassion, justice, and the common good.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based health policy, advocacy-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.S. in Faith-Based Health Policy, Advocacy
Total program length
60 graduate semester credit hours
Normal completion time
Two academic years of full-time study
Academic unit
HBIU College of Health Science
Total credits
60
Duration
2 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Analyze the structural and socio-political factors that influence health outcomes at the community and national levels.
  • Evaluate existing health policies to identify gaps in service delivery and equitable access.
  • Design effective advocacy strategies that mobilize community stakeholders and policy influencers.
  • Integrate ethical decision-making frameworks with professional health administration practices.
  • Communicate complex health policy findings to diverse audiences including legislative bodies and faith-based community leaders.
  • Develop sustainable organizational strategies that optimize resource stewardship for health initiatives.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • HPM501
  • Foundations of Health Policy
  • 4
  • None
  • ETH505
  • Ethical Frameworks in Healthcare
  • 4
  • None
  • RES510
  • Research Methods for Social Change
  • 4
  • None
  • LDR515
  • Servant Leadership in Health Systems
  • 3
  • None
  • HPM501 — Foundations of Health Policy: This course examines the history, structure, and development of current public health policy systems. It introduces key concepts in legislative processes and stakeholder engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • ETH505 — Ethical Frameworks in Healthcare: Students explore major moral theories and their application to bioethics and public health dilemmas. The course emphasizes stewardship and the ethical responsibility of organizational leadership. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • RES510 — Research Methods for Social Change: This course covers quantitative and qualitative research methodologies essential for policy evaluation and community needs assessments. Students learn to interpret data to inform evidence-based advocacy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • LDR515 — Servant Leadership in Health Systems: This course investigates the theory and practice of servant leadership within complex institutional health environments. Topics include emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and organizational culture. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • HPM520
  • Advocacy and Coalition Building
  • 4
  • HPM501
  • FIN525
  • Resource Stewardship and Health Funding
  • 4
  • None
  • SOC530
  • Health Equity and Social Determinants
  • 4
  • None
  • COM535
  • Strategic Communication in Health Policy
  • 3
  • None
  • HPM520 — Advocacy and Coalition Building: Students study the mechanics of grassroots organizing and the development of effective advocacy campaigns. Emphasis is placed on collaborative efforts between diverse community stakeholders. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • FIN525 — Resource Stewardship and Health Funding: This course focuses on the financial management of health programs, including grant writing, budgeting, and fiscal accountability. It stresses the ethical use of resources to maximize mission impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SOC530 — Health Equity and Social Determinants: The course provides an in-depth analysis of social determinants of health and the resulting disparities in outcomes. Students evaluate strategies for promoting equity within vulnerable populations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COM535 — Strategic Communication in Health Policy: Students develop skills in crafting messaging for policymakers, media outlets, and community members. The course utilizes digital and interpersonal tools for effective dissemination of health information. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • HPM601
  • Comparative Health Systems
  • 4
  • HPM501
  • LAW605
  • Legal Issues in Health Advocacy
  • 4
  • None
  • HPM610
  • Advanced Policy Analysis
  • 4
  • RES510
  • SOC615
  • Sociology of Vulnerability and Resilience
  • 3
  • None
  • HPM601 — Comparative Health Systems: This course compares different national and regional health systems, focusing on efficiency, access, and service quality. It analyzes the role of private and public institutions in health delivery. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • LAW605 — Legal Issues in Health Advocacy: Students examine the intersection of health law and individual rights, covering compliance, liability, and regulatory frameworks. The course highlights the importance of institutional integrity and risk management. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • HPM610 — Advanced Policy Analysis: This seminar focuses on the application of technical tools for measuring the impact and feasibility of specific health policies. Students engage in rigorous critique of legislative proposals. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SOC615 — Sociology of Vulnerability and Resilience: This course examines the social, structural, and institutional factors that contribute to human vulnerability and how marginalized populations demonstrate resilience in health crises. It analyzes systemic challenges within public health systems to improve service delivery and outreach effectiveness. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CAP699
  • Master's Thesis Project
  • 6
  • RES510, HPM610
  • HPM650
  • Professionalism and Policy Practice
  • 3
  • None
  • MGT655
  • Organizational Sustainability and Growth
  • 3
  • None
  • HPM660
  • Emerging Trends in Global Health Policy
  • 3
  • None
  • CAP699 — Master's Thesis Project: This culminating project requires students to produce a scholarly paper addressing a specific health policy issue through research and theological reflection. Students demonstrate mastery of program objectives and academic communication. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • HPM650 — Professionalism and Policy Practice: This seminar facilitates the transition from student to practitioner through reflective practice and network development. Students analyze professional challenges from an ethical, leadership-centered perspective. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT655 — Organizational Sustainability and Growth: Students examine the lifecycle of nonprofit health organizations and strategies for ensuring long-term mission fulfillment. Topics include strategic planning, capacity building, and board governance. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • HPM660 — Emerging Trends in Global Health Policy: This course examines current and future trends in global health, emphasizing the role of cross-border collaboration. It considers how global policy impacts local health service delivery. 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 GPA of 3.0. Prospective students are required to submit a statement of purpose outlining their commitment to ethical service, two professional or academic letters of recommendation, and official transcripts. A background in health sciences, social work, public policy, or a related field is preferred, as this ensures a foundational understanding of the complex landscapes addressed within the program. Thesis or Capstone Project The Master’s Thesis serves as the culminating academic experience for the program, requiring students to engage in a scholarly exploration of a critical issue in health policy. Students must identify a specific policy challenge, conduct a comprehensive literature review, perform original research or critical analysis, and propose evidence-based solutions that align with the principles of social justice and effective organizational management. This project accounts for 6 credit hours of the total degree requirement. Beyond technical rigor, the thesis requires students to synthesize their disciplinary work with a Christian worldview, explicitly discussing how faith-based ethical reasoning informs their advocacy strategies and commitment to servant leadership. By integrating theological reflection with applied health policy, students demonstrate both advanced academic competence and the spiritual maturity necessary to lead with integrity, grace, and a deep-seated dedication to the flourishing of the communities they serve.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • Graduation requires the successful completion of 60 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Candidates must also demonstrate proficiency in their field through the successful defense of their Master's Thesis, which serves as a testament to their academic and professional growth. Students must fulfill all residency requirements and remain in good standing throughout their tenure in the program.
  • Academic achievement is coupled with an expectation of character development and spiritual formation. Graduates are expected to demonstrate personal integrity, professional commitment, and a readiness for faith-informed service, reflecting the values of servant leadership and stewardship fostered throughout the curriculum. The completion of this degree signifies not only a milestone in scholarly accomplishment but also a dedicated readiness to pursue a vocation of healing and advocacy in service to society.
  • Career Opportunities
  • Health Policy Analyst
  • Nonprofit Health Program Director
  • Community Health Advocacy Coordinator
  • Director of Faith-Based Community Engagement
  • Public Health Communications Strategist
  • Healthcare Foundation Grant Manager
  • Governmental Health Agency Liaison
  • 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.S. in Faith-Based Health Policy, Advocacy
  • Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
  • Advanced Faith-Based Health Policy, Advocacy 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
  • HPM501 | Foundations of Health Policy | 4 | None
  • ETH505 | Ethical Frameworks in Healthcare | 4 | None
  • RES510 | Research Methods for Social Change | 4 | None
  • LDR515 | Servant Leadership in Health Systems | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • HPM520 | Advocacy and Coalition Building | 4 | HPM501
  • FIN525 | Resource Stewardship and Health Funding | 4 | None
  • SOC530 | Health Equity and Social Determinants | 4 | None
  • COM535 | Strategic Communication in Health Policy | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • HPM601 | Comparative Health Systems | 4 | HPM501
  • LAW605 | Legal Issues in Health Advocacy | 4 | None
  • HPM610 | Advanced Policy Analysis | 4 | RES510
  • SOC615 | Sociology of Vulnerability and Resilience | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP699 | Master's Thesis Project | 6 | RES510, HPM610
  • HPM650 | Professionalism and Policy Practice | 3 | None
  • MGT655 | Organizational Sustainability and Growth | 3 | None
  • HPM660 | Emerging Trends in Global Health Policy | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Health Policy Analyst
  • Nonprofit Health Program Director
  • Community Health Advocacy Coordinator
  • Director of Faith-Based Community Engagement
  • Public Health Communications Strategist
  • Healthcare Foundation Grant Manager
  • Governmental Health Agency Liaison

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.S. in Faith-Based Health Policy, Advocacy
  • Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
  • Advanced Faith-Based Health Policy, Advocacy 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
  • HPM501 | Foundations of Health Policy | 4 | None
  • ETH505 | Ethical Frameworks in Healthcare | 4 | None
  • RES510 | Research Methods for Social Change | 4 | None
  • LDR515 | Servant Leadership in Health Systems | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • HPM520 | Advocacy and Coalition Building | 4 | HPM501
  • FIN525 | Resource Stewardship and Health Funding | 4 | None
  • SOC530 | Health Equity and Social Determinants | 4 | None
  • COM535 | Strategic Communication in Health Policy | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • HPM601 | Comparative Health Systems | 4 | HPM501
  • LAW605 | Legal Issues in Health Advocacy | 4 | None
  • HPM610 | Advanced Policy Analysis | 4 | RES510
  • SOC615 | Sociology of Vulnerability and Resilience | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP699 | Master's Thesis Project | 6 | RES510, HPM610
  • HPM650 | Professionalism and Policy Practice | 3 | None
  • MGT655 | Organizational Sustainability and Growth | 3 | None
  • HPM660 | Emerging Trends in Global Health Policy | 3 | None