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Master of Arts in Faith-Based Business, Tourism

Academic unitHBIU College of Business and Project ManagementTotal credits60Estimated duration2 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Business, Tourism

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Business, Tourism 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 Business and Tourism is a comprehensive graduate program designed to equip leaders with the theoretical framework and practical competencies necessary to navigate the complex intersection of global commerce, hospitality, and values-driven organizational management. By blending rigorous analytical training in business operations with a focus on sustainable and ethical tourism, the curriculum prepares students to address the challenges of the modern marketplace while upholding the principles of stewardship and professional integrity. The program is situated within the College of Business & Project Management, emphasizing the role of the professional as a servant leader dedicated to the common good and community development.

Students will engage with advanced topics including strategic financial planning, tourism logistics, intercultural organizational behavior, and the legal frameworks governing international trade and travel. The academic experience is enriched by a curriculum that challenges students to integrate ethical decision-making into every facet of organizational strategy. Through a structured approach to critical inquiry and applied research, the program ensures that graduates are well-positioned to lead organizations that prioritize both fiscal sustainability and the holistic welfare of the communities they serve.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based business, tourism-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 Business, Tourism
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

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Analyze complex business operations to design strategies that foster sustainable economic growth and organizational longevity.
  • Evaluate the impacts of international tourism initiatives on cultural preservation and community development.
  • Develop evidence-based management solutions by integrating quantitative financial data with ethical and qualitative organizational goals.
  • Communicate professional strategies effectively to diverse stakeholders within both for-profit and mission-driven contexts.
  • Apply principles of servant leadership and biblical stewardship to navigate ethical dilemmas in competitive marketplace environments.
  • Design a comprehensive organizational project that demonstrates technical mastery and alignment with values-based institutional missions.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • BUS 501
  • Advanced Strategic Management
  • 4
  • None
  • BUS 510
  • Financial Stewardship and Accounting
  • 4
  • None
  • BUS 520
  • Organizational Behavior and Culture
  • 4
  • None
  • RES 505
  • Research Methods for Management
  • 3
  • None
  • BUS 501 — Advanced Strategic Management: This course examines organizational strategy, competitive advantage, and the role of leadership in mission-driven entities. It focuses on analytical frameworks that optimize performance. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS 510 — Financial Stewardship and Accounting: An exploration of financial management, budgeting, and fiduciary responsibility in business organizations. Emphasis is placed on transparency and long-term asset management. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS 520 — Organizational Behavior and Culture: This course investigates the psychological and social factors influencing human behavior in the workplace. Students learn to foster healthy, productive, and mission-oriented organizational environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • RES 505 — Research Methods for Management: This course introduces qualitative and quantitative research methodologies for addressing organizational problems. Students will develop skills to collect and interpret data for decision-making. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • BUS 605
  • Business Ethics and Servant Leadership
  • 4
  • BUS 501
  • TOUR 501
  • Global Tourism Logistics
  • 4
  • None
  • TOUR 515
  • Cultural Heritage and Tourism Development
  • 4
  • None
  • BUS 550
  • Marketing for Social Impact
  • 3
  • None
  • BUS 605 — Business Ethics and Servant Leadership: An intensive study of moral philosophy as applied to corporate governance and executive management. The course emphasizes servant leadership as a model for organizational health. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • TOUR 501 — Global Tourism Logistics: This course examines the operations, infrastructure, and supply chain management within the tourism sector. Students address the complexities of managing international travel services. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • TOUR 515 — Cultural Heritage and Tourism Development: An analysis of the impact of tourism on host communities and the preservation of cultural assets. Strategies for sustainable, respectful community interaction are explored. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS 550 — Marketing for Social Impact: This course covers modern marketing techniques tailored for organizations with mission-based objectives. Students will learn to communicate organizational value to broad and diverse audiences. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • BUS 610
  • Legal and Regulatory Environments
  • 4
  • None
  • TOUR 620
  • Sustainable Destination Management
  • 4
  • TOUR 501
  • BUS 630
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation
  • 4
  • BUS 501
  • BUS 650
  • Strategic Communication
  • 3
  • None
  • BUS 610 — Legal and Regulatory Environments: A survey of domestic and international business law, focusing on compliance, liability, and contractual integrity. Students examine the regulatory hurdles facing global organizations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • TOUR 620 — Sustainable Destination Management: This course focuses on environmental and social sustainability in tourism destination planning. It promotes the responsible management of natural and community resources. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS 630 — Entrepreneurship and Innovation: An exploration of business venture development, focusing on identifying opportunities and managing growth responsibly. Students will design innovative solutions to business challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS 650 — Strategic Communication: This course enhances professional communication, media relations, and stakeholder engagement skills. Focus is given to crafting clear and compelling messages. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CAP 700
  • Capstone Project
  • 4
  • RES 505
  • BUS 680
  • Global Market Perspectives
  • 4
  • None
  • BUS 690
  • Advanced Leadership Development
  • 4
  • BUS 605
  • TOUR 695
  • Special Topics in Tourism
  • 3
  • TOUR 620
  • CAP 700 — Capstone Project: The culmination of the program requiring the student to execute a comprehensive project addressing a real-world business issue. This project serves as a showcase of leadership and technical proficiency. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS 680 — Global Market Perspectives: An in-depth study of the global economic landscape and the interaction of diverse markets. Students will evaluate geopolitical and economic risks facing international organizations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS 690 — Advanced Leadership Development: This course examines advanced leadership theories and the ongoing development of the leader’s personal and professional maturity. It emphasizes reflective practice and self-awareness. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • TOUR 695 — Special Topics in Tourism: A critical examination of emerging trends and current issues impacting the tourism industry. Students analyze contemporary case studies to inform future practice. 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 undergraduate GPA of 3.0. Additionally, candidates are required to submit a personal statement reflecting their professional goals, two letters of professional or academic recommendation, and a curriculum vitae demonstrating relevant experience in business or hospitality sectors. Thesis or Capstone Project The Capstone Project serves as the final, integrative experience for the Master of Arts in Faith-Based Business and Tourism, requiring students to synthesize their learning through the completion of a major professional project. Students are expected to identify a specific, real-world organizational challenge within a business or tourism context and develop a comprehensive strategy to address it. The project emphasizes the application of ethical reasoning, the practical demonstration of servant leadership, and the design of systems that reflect long-term biblical stewardship. The project culminates in a significant written report and a formal oral presentation, which are evaluated for academic rigor, strategic feasibility, and mission-alignment. By engaging in this capstone, students demonstrate their ability to apply advanced technical skills to complex environments while maintaining a steadfast commitment to their personal and professional values. This project accounts for 4 credit hours and serves as the ultimate testament to the candidate's capacity for faith-informed, evidence-based leadership.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • To graduate, students must complete 60 credit hours with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. All degree requirements, including the successful completion of the Capstone Project, must be fulfilled within the established program timeframe. In addition to academic performance, students are expected to engage in periodic spiritual formation reflections and participate in community service opportunities that demonstrate a dedication to servant leadership.
  • Graduation from this program signifies not only academic mastery but also the development of a character-driven approach to professional life. The university recognizes those who have demonstrated consistent ethical integrity, a commitment to social responsibility, and a readiness to serve in ways that respect the dignity of others and the principles of their faith-based tradition.
  • Career Opportunities
  • Nonprofit Operations Director
  • Tourism Development Strategist
  • Organizational Ethics Consultant
  • Community Relations Manager
  • Hospitality Management Specialist
  • Global Trade Policy Analyst
  • Sustainable Venture Developer
  • 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 Business, Tourism
  • Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
  • Advanced Faith-Based Business, Tourism 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
  • BUS 501 | Advanced Strategic Management | 4 | None
  • BUS 510 | Financial Stewardship and Accounting | 4 | None
  • BUS 520 | Organizational Behavior and Culture | 4 | None
  • RES 505 | Research Methods for Management | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BUS 605 | Business Ethics and Servant Leadership | 4 | BUS 501
  • TOUR 501 | Global Tourism Logistics | 4 | None
  • TOUR 515 | Cultural Heritage and Tourism Development | 4 | None
  • BUS 550 | Marketing for Social Impact | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BUS 610 | Legal and Regulatory Environments | 4 | None
  • TOUR 620 | Sustainable Destination Management | 4 | TOUR 501
  • BUS 630 | Entrepreneurship and Innovation | 4 | BUS 501
  • BUS 650 | Strategic Communication | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP 700 | Capstone Project | 4 | RES 505
  • BUS 680 | Global Market Perspectives | 4 | None
  • BUS 690 | Advanced Leadership Development | 4 | BUS 605
  • TOUR 695 | Special Topics in Tourism | 3 | TOUR 620

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Nonprofit Operations Director
  • Tourism Development Strategist
  • Organizational Ethics Consultant
  • Community Relations Manager
  • Hospitality Management Specialist
  • Global Trade Policy Analyst
  • Sustainable Venture Developer

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 Business, Tourism
  • Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
  • Advanced Faith-Based Business, Tourism 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
  • BUS 501 | Advanced Strategic Management | 4 | None
  • BUS 510 | Financial Stewardship and Accounting | 4 | None
  • BUS 520 | Organizational Behavior and Culture | 4 | None
  • RES 505 | Research Methods for Management | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BUS 605 | Business Ethics and Servant Leadership | 4 | BUS 501
  • TOUR 501 | Global Tourism Logistics | 4 | None
  • TOUR 515 | Cultural Heritage and Tourism Development | 4 | None
  • BUS 550 | Marketing for Social Impact | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BUS 610 | Legal and Regulatory Environments | 4 | None
  • TOUR 620 | Sustainable Destination Management | 4 | TOUR 501
  • BUS 630 | Entrepreneurship and Innovation | 4 | BUS 501
  • BUS 650 | Strategic Communication | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP 700 | Capstone Project | 4 | RES 505
  • BUS 680 | Global Market Perspectives | 4 | None
  • BUS 690 | Advanced Leadership Development | 4 | BUS 605
  • TOUR 695 | Special Topics in Tourism | 3 | TOUR 620