Master of Arts in Theology, Ethics, Specialization in Leadership

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Theology, Ethics, Specialization in Leadership

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Academic unit

HBIU Seminary

Total credits

60

Duration

2 years

• Analyze complex ethical dilemmas from theological and philosophical perspectives, integrating Christian ethical principles.
• Evaluate diverse theological frameworks and their implications for leadership and organizational practice.
• Apply principles of servant leadership and stewardship to develop effective strategies for community engagement and organizational management.
• Communicate theological and ethical insights clearly and persuasively in written and oral formats.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of biblical stewardship and its application in resource management and organizational development.
• Integrate a Christian worldview into the analysis of social issues and the design of faith-informed solutions.
• Demonstrate proficiency in research methodologies relevant to theological and ethical inquiry.
• Design and implement leadership initiatives that promote ethical conduct and community flourishing.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• THE 501
• Foundations of Theological Reflection
• 3
• None
• ETH 510
• Introduction to Christian Ethics
• 3
• None
• MGT 500
• Principles of Organizational Leadership
• 3
• None
• RES 500
• Foundations of Research Methods
• 3
• None
• THE 501 — Foundations of Theological Reflection: This course introduces fundamental approaches to theological inquiry and the historical development of Christian thought. Students will explore key theological concepts and methods used to understand God, humanity, and the world from a theological perspective. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ETH 510 — Introduction to Christian Ethics: This course provides an overview of major ethical theories and their application within a Christian framework. Students will examine biblical foundations for ethics, contemporary moral issues, and the development of an ethical decision-making process grounded in faith. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT 500 — Principles of Organizational Leadership: This course examines foundational principles of leadership, organizational behavior, and management in secular and faith-based contexts. Students will explore different leadership styles, team dynamics, and strategies for fostering effective organizational structures. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES 500 — Foundations of Research Methods: This course introduces students to the fundamental principles and practices of academic research. Topics include research design, literature reviews, data collection methods, and ethical considerations in research. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• THE 520
• Biblical Interpretation and Application
• 3
• THE 501
• ETH 525
• Ethics in Ministry and Leadership
• 3
• ETH 510
• MGT 515
• Servant Leadership and Stewardship
• 3
• MGT 500
• PSY 505
• Human Development and Spiritual Formation
• 3
• None
• THE 520 — Biblical Interpretation and Application: This course focuses on principles and methods of biblical interpretation (hermeneutics) and their application to contemporary life and leadership. Students will engage with various interpretive approaches to understand the message and meaning of Scripture for ethical decision-making and ministry. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ETH 525 — Ethics in Ministry and Leadership: This course delves into specific ethical challenges faced by leaders in faith-based and nonprofit organizations. Students will analyze case studies related to accountability, stewardship, conflict resolution, and justice, applying ethical frameworks to practical situations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT 515 — Servant Leadership and Stewardship: This course explores the philosophy and practice of servant leadership, emphasizing ethical responsibility and the biblical concept of stewardship. Students will examine how these principles can be applied to foster organizational health, empower individuals, and manage resources responsibly for the common good. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY 505 — Human Development and Spiritual Formation: This course examines key theories of human development across the lifespan with a focus on spiritual formation and growth within a Christian context. Students will explore the intersection of psychological principles and theological understandings of the human person. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• THE 530
• Theology of Vocation and Mission
• 3
• THE 501
• ETH 535
• Social Ethics and Public Life
• 3
• ETH 510
• MGT 525
• Organizational Culture and Change Management
• 3
• MGT 500
• THE 590
• Advanced Theological Research Seminar
• 3
• RES 500, THE 501
• THE 530 — Theology of Vocation and Mission: This course explores the theological foundations of Christian vocation and mission in the contemporary world. Students will examine biblical perspectives on calling, discipleship, and the church's role in society, developing a framework for integrating faith and work. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ETH 535 — Social Ethics and Public Life: This course investigates major social issues from a theological and ethical perspective, with an emphasis on justice, public policy, and community engagement. Students will analyze contemporary social structures and develop strategies for advocating for positive change. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT 525 — Organizational Culture and Change Management: This course focuses on understanding and influencing organizational culture to promote ethical practices and adaptive change. Students will learn strategies for diagnosing cultural issues, managing resistance, and leading organizations through transformation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE 590 — Advanced Theological Research Seminar: This seminar provides advanced instruction in theological research and writing, preparing students for their capstone project. Students will refine their research questions, develop proposals, and engage in peer review of scholarly work. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MGT 600
• Leadership Ethics and Accountability
• 3
• MGT 500, ETH 510
• ETH 610
• Applied Ethics in Practice
• 3
• ETH 535
• THE 650
• Theology, Ethics, and Leadership Integration
• 3
• THE 530, MGT 515
• THE 699
• Master's Thesis or Capstone Project
• 9
• THE 590
• MGT 600 — Leadership Ethics and Accountability: This course examines the ethical responsibilities and accountability frameworks for leaders in complex organizations. Students will analyze ethical leadership models and develop strategies for fostering integrity and transparency in organizational decision-making. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ETH 610 — Applied Ethics in Practice: This course offers students the opportunity to apply ethical theories and frameworks to real-world scenarios within their chosen specialization. Through case studies and practical exercises, students will hone their ability to make sound ethical judgments in diverse contexts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE 650 — Theology, Ethics, and Leadership Integration: This course serves as a bridge, synthesizing theological insights, ethical principles, and leadership theory. Students will critically examine how a robust Christian worldview informs effective and responsible leadership practices within community and organizational settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE 699 — Master's Thesis or Capstone Project: This course represents the culmination of the Master's program, involving the completion of a significant research project or thesis under faculty guidance. Students will synthesize their learning to address a specific issue within theological ethics or leadership, demonstrating advanced scholarly and practical competencies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75. Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended are required. Applicants are also required to submit a statement of purpose detailing their vocational aspirations and reasons for pursuing this program, along with two letters of recommendation that speak to their academic potential and character. Standardized test scores are not required. Thesis or Capstone Project The culminating academic experience for the Master of Arts in Theology, Ethics, Specialization in Leadership is the Thesis or Capstone Project, a significant scholarly endeavor undertaken in the final semester. This project requires students to engage in in-depth research and analysis on a topic relevant to theological ethics and leadership, demonstrating their ability to synthesize academic knowledge with practical application. The project's scope will be defined in consultation with a faculty advisor, allowing for exploration of critical issues in areas such as organizational ethics, leadership development, community service, or faith-based initiatives. The purpose of the Thesis or Capstone Project is to showcase the student's mastery of program learning outcomes and their capacity for independent scholarly work. Deliverables typically include a substantial written document, and potentially a public presentation or practical application component, depending on the chosen format. This culminating experience is designed to integrate the student's academic learning with their faith journey, requiring them to articulate how their theological understanding, ethical frameworks, and commitment to servant leadership inform their research and proposed solutions. It serves as a demonstration of both academic rigor and the development of a faith-informed character prepared for responsible leadership and service.

• To graduate from the Master of Arts in Theology, Ethics, Specialization in Leadership program, students must successfully complete all 60 required credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. This includes the satisfactory completion of all core and specialization courses, as well as the Thesis or Capstone Project. Beyond academic achievements, students are expected to engage in holistic formation, which may include participation in designated chapel services, community engagement activities, and spiritual formation seminars designed to foster personal growth and ethical integrity.
• These requirements ensure that graduates not only possess advanced theological and ethical knowledge but also embody the character and commitment to service expected of leaders within faith-based and community organizations. The program emphasizes the inseparable nature of academic excellence and spiritual maturity, preparing students for lives of meaningful contribution and ethical leadership.
• Career Opportunities
• Nonprofit Program Manager
• Community Development Director
• Faith-Based Organization Administrator
• Ethical Compliance Officer
• Ministry Leader
• Chaplaincy Administrator
• Social Services Coordinator
• Church Administrator
• 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 Theology, Ethics, Specialization in Leadership
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced theological and leadership 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
• THE 501 | Foundations of Theological Reflection | 3 | None
• ETH 510 | Introduction to Christian Ethics | 3 | None
• MGT 500 | Principles of Organizational Leadership | 3 | None
• RES 500 | Foundations of Research Methods | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THE 520 | Biblical Interpretation and Application | 3 | THE 501
• ETH 525 | Ethics in Ministry and Leadership | 3 | ETH 510
• MGT 515 | Servant Leadership and Stewardship | 3 | MGT 500
• PSY 505 | Human Development and Spiritual Formation | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THE 530 | Theology of Vocation and Mission | 3 | THE 501
• ETH 535 | Social Ethics and Public Life | 3 | ETH 510
• MGT 525 | Organizational Culture and Change Management | 3 | MGT 500
• THE 590 | Advanced Theological Research Seminar | 3 | RES 500, THE 501
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT 600 | Leadership Ethics and Accountability | 3 | MGT 500, ETH 510
• ETH 610 | Applied Ethics in Practice | 3 | ETH 535
• THE 650 | Theology, Ethics, and Leadership Integration | 3 | THE 530, MGT 515
• THE 699 | Master's Thesis or Capstone Project | 9 | THE 590