Master of Arts in Faith-Based Sociology, Specialization in Social Change Policy Reform

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Sociology

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 social issues through the integration of sociological theory and biblical ethical frameworks.
• Evaluate the efficacy of existing social policy through advanced quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
• Develop innovative policy proposals aimed at addressing systemic inequality and promoting community empowerment.
• Demonstrate advanced skills in servant leadership by facilitating collaborative partnerships between nonprofit organizations and community stakeholders.
• Apply principles of stewardship and moral integrity to the development and implementation of organizational policy reform.
• Communicate scholarly research findings effectively to diverse audiences, including policymakers, community leaders, and the general public.
• Synthesize multidisciplinary perspectives to address the root causes of social displacement and institutional marginalization.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• SOC 501
• Sociological Theory for Social Change
• 4
• None
• RES 505
• Quantitative Research Methods
• 3
• None
• SOC 510
• Ethical Frameworks in Public Policy
• 3
• None
• SOC 515
• Social Stratification and Inequality
• 3
• None
• SOC 501 — Sociological Theory for Social Change: This course examines foundational and contemporary sociological theories relevant to social stratification and institutional change. Students apply these theoretical perspectives to analyze current societal challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES 505 — Quantitative Research Methods: This course provides an introduction to quantitative research design, data collection, and statistical analysis techniques. Students practice using software to interpret social data for evidence-based decision making. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC 510 — Ethical Frameworks in Public Policy: This course examines the normative foundations of public policy and the moral implications of legislative decision-making processes. Students analyze how societal values influence policy development and reform initiatives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC 515 — Social Stratification and Inequality: An in-depth study of the structures and mechanisms that contribute to social inequality in diverse communities. Students evaluate various systemic factors influencing poverty and marginalization. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES 520
• Qualitative Research Methods
• 4
• RES 505
• MGT 525
• Nonprofit Leadership and Stewardship
• 3
• None
• SOC 530
• Social Policy Analysis
• 3
• SOC 501
• MIN 535
• Community Engagement Strategies
• 3
• None
• RES 520 — Qualitative Research Methods: This course focuses on qualitative inquiry methods, including ethnographic observation, interviewing, and narrative analysis. Students develop the skills necessary to document community needs and organizational outcomes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT 525 — Nonprofit Leadership and Stewardship: This course examines leadership theories and administrative strategies specifically suited for the nonprofit sector. Emphasis is placed on fiscal stewardship, transparency, and organizational health. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC 530 — Social Policy Analysis: Students learn to identify, assess, and advocate for public policies that foster community development and social stability. The course analyzes how policy shifts impact organizational service delivery. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN 535 — Community Engagement Strategies: This course evaluates various models of community partnership and collaborative service provision. Students learn to navigate the complexities of working with diverse stakeholders in local contexts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• SOC 601
• Sociology of Family and Community
• 3
• SOC 501
• EDU 605
• Educational Policy Reform
• 4
• SOC 530
• BUS 610
• Grant Writing and Fundraising Ethics
• 3
• MGT 525
• RES 615
• Thesis Proposal Development
• 3
• RES 520
• SOC 601 — Sociology of Family and Community: An examination of the social forces impacting family stability and community cohesion in modern society. Students evaluate initiatives aimed at strengthening social support networks. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU 605 — Educational Policy Reform: This course analyzes the intersection of educational structures, social mobility, and systemic policy reform. Students investigate initiatives designed to improve outcomes for underserved student populations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS 610 — Grant Writing and Fundraising Ethics: A practical study of resource development techniques including grant writing, donor cultivation, and ethical fundraising practices. Students synthesize these skills to support project sustainability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES 615 — Thesis Proposal Development: Students define their research topic, conduct a comprehensive literature review, and design their thesis methodology. This course provides guided support for transitioning to the formal research phase. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• SOC 650
• Global Issues and Social Change
• 3
• None
• SOC 655
• Social Justice Advocacy
• 3
• THE 510
• CAP 690
• Master's Thesis Project
• 6
• RES 615
• SOC 695
• Professional Development and Social Advocacy
• 2
• None
• SOC 650 — Global Issues and Social Change: This course investigates global systemic challenges and their local manifestations, encouraging a holistic perspective on international social development. Students analyze the impact of international policy on community health. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC 655 — Social Justice Advocacy: An exploration of effective communication and movement building strategies for social advocacy. Students refine their ability to articulate policy positions in the public sphere. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP 690 — Master's Thesis Project: The culminating project where students execute their original research and policy proposal under faculty supervision. This process requires a formal defense and final submission of research results. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC 695 — Professional Development and Social Advocacy: This course focuses on the practical application of sociological research and policy advocacy within professional work environments. Students synthesize their academic learning to articulate a personal strategy for long-term career impact in the social sector. 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 on a 4.0 scale. The admissions process requires the submission of official transcripts, a professional resume, and a personal statement articulating how the candidate’s goals for social change align with the institution’s mission of faith-informed service. Letters of recommendation are requested from academic or professional supervisors who can attest to the applicant's character and intellectual readiness for graduate-level study. Thesis or Capstone Project The Master’s Thesis serves as the culminating academic experience for this program, requiring students to produce an original research project that integrates sociological analysis with a practical policy reform strategy. Students work under the guidance of a faculty advisor to identify a critical societal challenge, conduct primary or secondary research, and develop a comprehensive, evidence-based policy proposal. This 6-credit project allows candidates to demonstrate mastery of their discipline while applying ethical reasoning and a Christian worldview to the complexities of real-world systemic reform. Through the thesis, students must articulate how their proposed interventions honor principles of biblical stewardship, justice, and the dignity of the human person. The deliverables include a written thesis manuscript and a formal presentation, both of which are evaluated for academic rigor, methodological soundness, and the practical viability of the proposed reforms. This project serves as a capstone of the student's spiritual formation, showcasing the integration of professional competence with a character shaped by selfless service and moral clarity. It demonstrates the student’s readiness to serve as a leader who thoughtfully navigates the tensions between institutional policy and the ethical requirements of compassion and integrity.

• Graduation from the program requires the completion of 60 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, ensuring that students maintain a high level of academic excellence throughout their studies. Candidates must successfully defend their Master’s Thesis, which demonstrates their ability to synthesize sociological theory, research methodology, and ethical commitment into a coherent policy reform project. Beyond academic benchmarks, students are expected to participate in ongoing spiritual formation activities, including regular community engagement, chapel participation, and collaborative service projects that reinforce the institution’s commitment to character development. Successful completion confirms that the student has not only attained the necessary scholarly expertise but has also demonstrated the professional maturity and ethical integrity required for a vocation centered on faith-informed social impact and service to the neighbor.
• Career Opportunities
• Public Policy Analyst for Faith-Based Nonprofits
• Community Development Coordinator
• Advocacy Specialist for Social Justice Organizations
• Program Director for Human Services Agencies
• Government Relations Liaison for Charitable Foundations
• Sociological Researcher in Academic or Applied Settings
• Nonprofit Strategic Planner
• 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 Sociology
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Sociology 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
• SOC 501 | Sociological Theory for Social Change | 4 | None
• RES 505 | Quantitative Research Methods | 3 | None
• SOC 510 | Ethical Frameworks in Public Policy | 3 | None
• SOC 515 | Social Stratification and Inequality | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES 520 | Qualitative Research Methods | 4 | RES 505
• MGT 525 | Nonprofit Leadership and Stewardship | 3 | None
• SOC 530 | Social Policy Analysis | 3 | SOC 501
• MIN 535 | Community Engagement Strategies | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC 601 | Sociology of Family and Community | 3 | SOC 501
• EDU 605 | Educational Policy Reform | 4 | SOC 530
• BUS 610 | Grant Writing and Fundraising Ethics | 3 | MGT 525
• RES 615 | Thesis Proposal Development | 3 | RES 520
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC 650 | Global Issues and Social Change | 3 | None
• SOC 655 | Social Justice Advocacy | 3 | THE 510
• CAP 690 | Master's Thesis Project | 6 | RES 615
• SOC 695 | Professional Development and Social Advocacy | 2 | None