← Programs CatalogAuthoritative HBIU program data

degree · Master · v1

Master of Arts in Faith-Based Hospitality Management, Specialization in Event Planning Fundraising

Academic unitHBIU College of Tourism and Hospitality ManagementTotal credits60Estimated duration2 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Hospitality Management

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Hospitality Management 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 Hospitality Management with a specialization in Event Planning and Fundraising is a comprehensive graduate program designed to equip leaders with the strategic, operational, and ethical competencies necessary for excellence in mission-driven hospitality. The curriculum integrates advanced management principles with the core tenets of servant leadership and stewardship, providing students with a holistic understanding of how to manage complex events and capital campaigns effectively within nonprofit and community-focused environments. By emphasizing both rigorous business analytics and a commitment to communal flourishing, the program prepares graduates to serve with professional excellence and character.

Students will explore the nexus of hospitality operations and organizational sustainability through a lens of ethical responsibility. The program emphasizes the design of guest experiences that reflect values-based hospitality, alongside the technical skills required for large-scale event production and donor relations. Through interdisciplinary study, students are empowered to lead organizations that contribute meaningfully to the public good, utilizing their professional gifts to foster community growth and long-term organizational viability.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in Faith-Based Hospitality Management theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based hospitality management-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based hospitality management-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 Hospitality Management
Total program length
60 graduate semester credit hours
Normal completion time
Two academic years of full-time study
Academic unit
HBIU College of Tourism and Hospitality Management
Total credits
60
Duration
2 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Analyze advanced hospitality management models to optimize operational efficiency in faith-based and nonprofit settings.
  • Design comprehensive event planning strategies that align with organizational goals and financial constraints.
  • Develop evidence-based fundraising campaigns that promote long-term organizational stewardship and donor engagement.
  • Evaluate the ethical implications of managerial decisions through the framework of servant leadership.
  • Integrate organizational communication strategies to foster community collaboration and stakeholder commitment.
  • Formulate strategic financial and operational plans that reflect a commitment to ethical resource management.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • MGT 500
  • Principles of Servant Leadership
  • 3
  • None
  • BUS 510
  • Hospitality Operations Management
  • 4
  • None
  • RES 520
  • Research Methods for Social Impact
  • 3
  • None
  • CHR 530
  • Ethics in Professional Practice
  • 3
  • None
  • MGT 500 — Principles of Servant Leadership: This course examines the theoretical and practical dimensions of servant leadership within professional contexts. Students analyze management styles that prioritize the needs of others and collective organizational success. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS 510 — Hospitality Operations Management: An analysis of systems and processes involved in managing hospitality facilities, focusing on operational flow and guest services. Students identify methods to optimize resource allocation and performance standards. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • RES 520 — Research Methods for Social Impact: This course introduces qualitative and quantitative research methodologies suitable for evaluating nonprofit program effectiveness. Emphasis is placed on data-driven decision-making and ethical inquiry. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CHR 530 — Ethics in Professional Practice: An exploration of professional ethics within a framework of biblical stewardship and organizational accountability. Students examine case studies to develop a robust moral compass for leadership. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • MGT 600
  • Strategic Fundraising and Development
  • 3
  • MGT 500
  • COM 610
  • Event Planning and Production
  • 4
  • BUS 510
  • BUS 620
  • Financial Stewardship and Budgeting
  • 3
  • BUS 510
  • SOC 630
  • Community Engagement and Outreach
  • 3
  • None
  • MGT 600 — Strategic Fundraising and Development: This course covers the mechanics of fundraising, grant writing, and donor stewardship in the nonprofit sector. Students learn to build sustainable financial plans based on relational capital. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COM 610 — Event Planning and Production: A comprehensive study of large-scale event planning, logistics, and vendor management. Students learn to translate organizational goals into impactful experiences. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS 620 — Financial Stewardship and Budgeting: Students analyze financial statements, budget creation, and long-term fiscal planning for nonprofit entities. Emphasis is placed on transparency, accountability, and the efficient use of donated funds. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SOC 630 — Community Engagement and Outreach: This course investigates methods for building mutually beneficial relationships with local communities and stakeholders. Students design strategies for inclusive outreach and program development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • MGT 700
  • Advanced Nonprofit Leadership
  • 4
  • MGT 500
  • BUS 710
  • Marketing and Communication for Nonprofits
  • 3
  • None
  • BUS 720
  • Professional Ethics and Career Development
  • 3
  • CHR 530
  • MGT 730
  • Grant Management and Compliance
  • 3
  • MGT 600
  • MGT 700 — Advanced Nonprofit Leadership: An advanced seminar on managing organizational culture and long-term sustainability. Students evaluate leadership styles in the context of organizational change and growth. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS 710 — Marketing and Communication for Nonprofits: Students learn to develop effective marketing messages that resonate with diverse audiences to support mission fulfillment. The focus includes digital communication and branding. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS 720 — Professional Ethics and Career Development: This course examines the intersection of professional identity, ethical decision-making, and organizational commitment within the modern workforce. Students analyze contemporary theories of vocational growth and leadership responsibilities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT 730 — Grant Management and Compliance: A technical course on the lifecycle of grant administration, from application to compliance reporting. Students review legal and regulatory standards for nonprofit fund management. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CAP 800
  • Capstone Project: Strategic Implementation
  • 6
  • All Core Courses
  • BUS 810
  • Advanced Event Logistics
  • 4
  • COM 610
  • MGT 820
  • Strategic Philanthropy
  • 3
  • MGT 600
  • MGT 830
  • Organizational Assessment and Change
  • 4
  • MGT 700
  • CAP 800 — Capstone Project: Strategic Implementation: The culminating project where students demonstrate mastery of the program by designing a comprehensive strategy for an organization. Deliverables include a formal proposal and reflective analysis on leadership ethics. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS 810 — Advanced Event Logistics: This course covers complex logistical planning for large-scale events, including risk management and crowd control. Students analyze the impact of operational choices on guest safety and experience. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT 820 — Strategic Philanthropy: Students examine the broader landscape of philanthropy and the role of intentional giving in social change. Analysis focuses on cultivating high-impact donor partnerships. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT 830 — Organizational Assessment and Change: An analysis of organizational health and the strategies required for sustainable transition and development. Students synthesize internal and external factors to drive organizational improvement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. The application package requires a formal statement of purpose articulating the candidate's professional goals, two letters of recommendation from professional or academic references, and a current resume. Applicants whose native language is not English must provide evidence of English proficiency as established by university policy. Thesis or Capstone Project The culminating experience for the Master of Arts in Faith-Based Hospitality Management is a 6-credit Capstone Project that requires students to synthesize their graduate learning by addressing a complex, real-world challenge faced by a mission-driven organization. This project tasks students with designing an integrated event and fundraising strategy that demonstrates both professional competence and a clear alignment with the host organization's ethical and stewardship objectives. Students are expected to conduct original research or provide an in-depth analysis of existing systems, resulting in a substantive, actionable proposal that reflects advanced disciplinary knowledge. Beyond technical proficiency, the Capstone Project serves as a bridge between academic study and the student's personal development of a Christian worldview. Students must demonstrate how their project outcomes align with principles of servant leadership and biblical stewardship, providing a narrative reflection on the ethical considerations inherent in their work. This capstone demonstrates that the student is prepared to serve as a leader who synthesizes academic rigor with a profound commitment to the mission and character required for faith-informed service.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • To graduate, students must complete all 60 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students must also successfully defend their Capstone Project, demonstrating mastery of the program's learning outcomes and evidence of their capacity to apply theory to practice in a manner consistent with the institution’s mission. Graduation is contingent upon the successful completion of all coursework and the final approval of the capstone deliverable by the faculty review committee.
  • Consistent with the institution’s commitment to holistic development, students are required to maintain active participation in university-sponsored spiritual formation and community service activities throughout their tenure. This ensures that academic achievement is complemented by the growth of character, ethical integrity, and a reflective approach to leadership. Graduates will leave prepared not only as competent managers but as agents of service, ready to engage in professional roles with purpose, humility, and a steadfast dedication to the common good.
  • Career Opportunities
  • Development Director for Faith-Based Nonprofits
  • Special Events Coordinator for Community Organizations
  • Hospitality Operations Manager for Retreat Centers
  • Nonprofit Fundraising Consultant
  • Director of Stewardship and Donor Relations
  • Event Program Manager for Educational Institutions
  • Community Engagement Specialist
  • 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 Hospitality Management
  • Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
  • Advanced Faith-Based Hospitality Management 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
  • MGT 500 | Principles of Servant Leadership | 3 | None
  • BUS 510 | Hospitality Operations Management | 4 | None
  • RES 520 | Research Methods for Social Impact | 3 | None
  • CHR 530 | Ethics in Professional Practice | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MGT 600 | Strategic Fundraising and Development | 3 | MGT 500
  • COM 610 | Event Planning and Production | 4 | BUS 510
  • BUS 620 | Financial Stewardship and Budgeting | 3 | BUS 510
  • SOC 630 | Community Engagement and Outreach | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MGT 700 | Advanced Nonprofit Leadership | 4 | MGT 500
  • BUS 710 | Marketing and Communication for Nonprofits | 3 | None
  • BUS 720 | Professional Ethics and Career Development | 3 | CHR 530
  • MGT 730 | Grant Management and Compliance | 3 | MGT 600
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP 800 | Capstone Project: Strategic Implementation | 6 | All Core Courses
  • BUS 810 | Advanced Event Logistics | 4 | COM 610
  • MGT 820 | Strategic Philanthropy | 3 | MGT 600
  • MGT 830 | Organizational Assessment and Change | 4 | MGT 700

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Development Director for Faith-Based Nonprofits
  • Special Events Coordinator for Community Organizations
  • Hospitality Operations Manager for Retreat Centers
  • Nonprofit Fundraising Consultant
  • Director of Stewardship and Donor Relations
  • Event Program Manager for Educational Institutions
  • Community Engagement Specialist

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 Hospitality Management
  • Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
  • Advanced Faith-Based Hospitality Management 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
  • MGT 500 | Principles of Servant Leadership | 3 | None
  • BUS 510 | Hospitality Operations Management | 4 | None
  • RES 520 | Research Methods for Social Impact | 3 | None
  • CHR 530 | Ethics in Professional Practice | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MGT 600 | Strategic Fundraising and Development | 3 | MGT 500
  • COM 610 | Event Planning and Production | 4 | BUS 510
  • BUS 620 | Financial Stewardship and Budgeting | 3 | BUS 510
  • SOC 630 | Community Engagement and Outreach | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MGT 700 | Advanced Nonprofit Leadership | 4 | MGT 500
  • BUS 710 | Marketing and Communication for Nonprofits | 3 | None
  • BUS 720 | Professional Ethics and Career Development | 3 | CHR 530
  • MGT 730 | Grant Management and Compliance | 3 | MGT 600
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP 800 | Capstone Project: Strategic Implementation | 6 | All Core Courses
  • BUS 810 | Advanced Event Logistics | 4 | COM 610
  • MGT 820 | Strategic Philanthropy | 3 | MGT 600
  • MGT 830 | Organizational Assessment and Change | 4 | MGT 700