Master of Science in Faith-Based Project Management, Planning

Degree abbreviation

M.S. in Faith-Based Project Management, Planning

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Academic unit

HBIU College of Business and Project Management

Total credits

60

Duration

2 years

• Analyze the complexities of project lifecycles using industry-standard methodologies to optimize resource utilization.
• Evaluate the ethical implications of administrative decisions within faith-based organizational frameworks.
• Design comprehensive project plans that integrate strategic goals with community-focused mission objectives.
• Demonstrate servant leadership by fostering collaborative teams and promoting organizational culture.
• Communicate project progress and fiscal outcomes to stakeholders using evidence-based reporting techniques.
• Integrate biblical principles of stewardship into fiscal budgeting and long-term organizational planning.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MGT501
• Foundations of Project Management
• 4
• None
• ETH505
• Ethical Leadership and Stewardship
• 4
• None
• RES510
• Research Methods in Administration
• 3
• None
• COM520
• Organizational Communication
• 4
• None
• MGT501 — Foundations of Project Management: This course covers the fundamental phases of the project lifecycle, including initiation, planning, and execution. It emphasizes the importance of stakeholder alignment and organizational objectives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ETH505 — Ethical Leadership and Stewardship: Students explore leadership models that prioritize service and ethical accountability. It examines how to manage resources with integrity in alignment with organizational values. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES510 — Research Methods in Administration: This course focuses on quantitative and qualitative data analysis for organizational decision-making. Students learn to conduct needs assessments and measure project effectiveness. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM520 — Organizational Communication: This course examines effective internal and external communication strategies. Students analyze conflict resolution and team management techniques in a diverse work environment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MGT530
• Project Planning and Scheduling
• 4
• MGT501
• BUS540
• Financial Stewardship and Budgeting
• 4
• None
• SOC550
• Community Dynamics and Engagement
• 3
• None
• MGT560
• Human Resource Management
• 4
• None
• MGT530 — Project Planning and Scheduling: A deep dive into project scheduling software, risk mitigation, and milestone tracking. Students learn to create detailed work breakdown structures for complex tasks. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS540 — Financial Stewardship and Budgeting: This course addresses fiscal planning, budget forecasting, and cost management. It emphasizes financial transparency and long-term sustainability for mission-driven entities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC550 — Community Dynamics and Engagement: An analysis of the social factors impacting community development projects. Students explore strategies for community involvement and outreach. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT560 — Human Resource Management: Focuses on volunteer management, team dynamics, and conflict resolution within nonprofit structures. Examines strategies for cultivating and retaining a mission-oriented workforce. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MGT610
• Advanced Strategic Planning
• 4
• MGT501
• BUS620
• Resource Development and Grant Writing
• 4
• BUS540
• MGT630
• Project Risk Management
• 4
• MGT530
• SOC640
• Social Impact and International Development
• 4
• None
• MGT610 — Advanced Strategic Planning: Covers long-range organizational strategy, vision casting, and mission alignment. Students apply strategic frameworks to address organizational growth and service expansion. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS620 — Resource Development and Grant Writing: Examines methodologies for resource acquisition, including grant writing and sustainable donor relationships. Focuses on articulating value propositions to secure project funding. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT630 — Project Risk Management: Students identify and categorize risks inherent in project implementation. Focuses on developing mitigation plans to ensure project continuity and success. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC640 — Social Impact and International Development: This course examines the principles of sustainable development and the delivery of social services within diverse global contexts. Students analyze socio-economic models used to address community needs and improve program outcomes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP699
• Capstone Project
• 4
• RES510, MGT610
• MGT650
• Advanced Organizational Leadership
• 4
• None
• MGT660
• Monitoring and Evaluation
• 4
• RES510
• BUS670
• Legal and Regulatory Environments
• 4
• None
• CAP699 — Capstone Project: The culminating project requiring an application of project management, ethical stewardship, and research. Students deliver a final project proposal or execution report for a designated organization. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT650 — Advanced Organizational Leadership: Focuses on change management, organizational culture, and leadership development in complex systems. Emphasizes the role of leaders in navigating crises. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT660 — Monitoring and Evaluation: Analyzes assessment frameworks to ensure project objectives are met sustainably. Covers key performance indicators and impact reporting. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS670 — Legal and Regulatory Environments: Covers regulatory compliance, legal structures for nonprofits, and tax implications. Students learn to navigate the legal landscape of social service operations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Candidates are required to submit a statement of intent detailing their professional goals and their commitment to ethical leadership within a community or nonprofit context, along with two letters of recommendation from professional or academic references. Thesis or Capstone Project The Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience, requiring students to synthesize their learning by developing a comprehensive proposal or execution strategy for a real-world project within a chosen organization. Students must identify a significant organizational need, conduct a rigorous needs assessment, and propose a data-driven solution that aligns with the organization's mission and ethical standards. This project carries 4 credit hours and represents the mastery of both technical project management and faith-informed leadership. Beyond technical deliverables, the Capstone integrates faith-based perspectives by requiring students to reflect on how their leadership style manifests as servant leadership and how the project upholds biblical stewardship. Students must document how their decision-making process accounts for the welfare of the community and the long-term sustainability of the organization, demonstrating both academic competence and a commitment to integrity-driven service.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of 60 total credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. In addition to coursework, students must receive a passing evaluation on their Capstone Project, demonstrating mastery in both project management theory and application. Students are expected to uphold the institution's standards for ethical integrity, reflecting a commitment to spiritual maturity and professional excellence throughout their tenure.
• Furthermore, students must participate in programmatic spiritual formation and community service components, which are designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical, faith-informed service. These requirements ensure that graduates leave the program prepared not only for professional advancement but for a career defined by ethical service and readiness to support the flourishing of the communities they serve.
• Career Opportunities
• Nonprofit Project Manager
• Faith-Based Organizational Strategist
• Community Development Administrator
• Mission Programs Director
• Operations Manager for Religious NGOs
• Grant and Resource Coordinator
• 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 Project Management, Planning
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced faith-based project management, planning 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
• MGT501 | Foundations of Project Management | 4 | None
• ETH505 | Ethical Leadership and Stewardship | 4 | None
• RES510 | Research Methods in Administration | 3 | None
• COM520 | Organizational Communication | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT530 | Project Planning and Scheduling | 4 | MGT501
• BUS540 | Financial Stewardship and Budgeting | 4 | None
• SOC550 | Community Dynamics and Engagement | 3 | None
• MGT560 | Human Resource Management | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT610 | Advanced Strategic Planning | 4 | MGT501
• BUS620 | Resource Development and Grant Writing | 4 | BUS540
• MGT630 | Project Risk Management | 4 | MGT530
• SOC640 | Social Impact and International Development | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP699 | Capstone Project | 4 | RES510, MGT610
• MGT650 | Advanced Organizational Leadership | 4 | None
• MGT660 | Monitoring and Evaluation | 4 | RES510
• BUS670 | Legal and Regulatory Environments | 4 | None