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Master of Arts in Faith-Based Urban Planning Policy (MUP), Specialization in Business Management, Ethics

Academic unitHBIU College of Business and EconomicsTotal credits60Estimated duration2 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Urban Planning Policy

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced faith-based urban planning policy 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 Urban Planning Policy (MUP) with a specialization in Business Management and Ethics is a multidisciplinary graduate program designed to equip leaders with the analytical tools to address complex urban challenges. The curriculum synthesizes advanced principles of public policy, urban development, and strategic management, ensuring graduates are prepared to navigate the intricate intersection of government, community stakeholders, and market forces. Students explore the technical dimensions of zoning, land use, and fiscal policy while embedding these practices within a framework of justice, stewardship, and sustainable development. By bridging academic inquiry with practical application, the program fosters professionals who are intellectually rigorous and committed to the common good of urban environments. The integration of business management and ethics ensures that candidates possess the administrative capacity to lead organizations that prioritize both economic efficiency and social responsibility. Graduates will emerge as capable stewards of public and private resources, ready to design policies that reflect principled leadership and long-term societal well-being.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based urban planning policy-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 Urban Planning Policy
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 Economics
Total credits
60
Duration
2 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Analyze complex urban planning issues through the integration of economic, social, and ethical frameworks.
  • Evaluate the impact of urban policy decisions on diverse socioeconomic communities.
  • Apply strategic business management principles to enhance the efficiency and integrity of community-based organizations.
  • Design comprehensive urban planning proposals that align with principles of biblical stewardship and sustainable resource management.
  • Communicate professional policy research effectively to diverse stakeholders and government bodies.
  • Integrate ethical decision-making models into administrative processes to ensure institutional accountability.
  • Demonstrate advanced proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research methods relevant to urban policy analysis.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • URB501
  • Foundations of Urban Planning Policy
  • 4
  • None
  • RES505
  • Research Methods in Urban Studies
  • 4
  • None
  • BUS510
  • Strategic Management for Non-Profits
  • 4
  • None
  • ETH520
  • Principles of Ethics and Justice
  • 3
  • None
  • URB501 — Foundations of Urban Planning Policy: An introduction to the historical and social dimensions of urban policy. Students examine the evolution of metropolitan development and the roles of various civic stakeholdersThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • RES505 — Research Methods in Urban Studies: This course covers quantitative and qualitative methodologies used in policy analysis. Emphasis is placed on data collection, statistical interpretation, and ethical reportingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • BUS510 — Strategic Management for Non-Profits: Explores administrative techniques for managing community-focused organizations. Topics include organizational design, resource allocation, and team leadershipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • ETH520 — Principles of Ethics and Justice: A study of ethical systems and their application to public policy. Focuses on the pursuit of justice and the fair distribution of resources in diverse communitiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • URB530
  • Land Use and Zoning Policy
  • 4
  • URB501
  • BUS540
  • Financial Stewardship and Budgeting
  • 4
  • BUS510
  • SOC550
  • Urban Sociology and Community Engagement
  • 4
  • None
  • COM560
  • Public Communication and Advocacy
  • 3
  • None
  • URB530 — Land Use and Zoning Policy: Analysis of the regulatory frameworks governing urban land development. Examines zoning, environmental mandates, and legislative processesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • BUS540 — Financial Stewardship and Budgeting: Covers financial principles and fiscal management within public and private sectors. Emphasis on transparent budgeting and asset managementThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • SOC550 — Urban Sociology and Community Engagement: Examines the social dynamics of urban environments. Discusses strategies for meaningful community engagement and stakeholder collaborationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • COM560 — Public Communication and Advocacy: Focuses on the skills needed for effective public policy advocacy. Includes training in public speaking, report writing, and negotiationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • URB610
  • Sustainable Urban Development
  • 4
  • URB530
  • BUS620
  • Ethics in Business Decision Making
  • 4
  • ETH520
  • URB630
  • Public Policy Analysis and Evaluation
  • 4
  • RES505
  • HIS640
  • History of Urban Governance
  • 3
  • None
  • URB610 — Sustainable Urban Development: Evaluates strategies for building environmentally and economically resilient urban areas. Incorporates principles of long-term stewardshipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • BUS620 — Ethics in Business Decision Making: Deep dive into ethical dilemmas in corporate and organizational leadership. Encourages critical analysis of profit-driven versus community-oriented decisionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • URB630 — Public Policy Analysis and Evaluation: Covers techniques for evaluating the efficacy of government interventions. Students assess policy impact on community well-beingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • HIS640 — History of Urban Governance: Surveys the historical development of municipal government and urban policy. Analyzes historical precedents for modern policy solutionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CAP699
  • Capstone Project: Urban Planning Integration
  • 4
  • All Core Courses
  • BUS650
  • Entrepreneurial Management for Communities
  • 4
  • BUS540
  • URB660
  • Special Topics in Urban Policy
  • 4
  • URB630
  • ETH670
  • Servant Leadership in Public Practice
  • 3
  • ETH520
  • CAP699 — Capstone Project: Urban Planning Integration: The culminating capstone project where students synthesize coursework to address a significant urban policy problem. Requires a formal document and oral defenseThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • BUS650 — Entrepreneurial Management for Communities: Examines business models that support urban renewal. Focuses on social entrepreneurship and business development in underserved areasThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • URB660 — Special Topics in Urban Policy: An advanced seminar exploring emerging challenges in modern urban planning. Content adapts to current trends in policy and urban affairsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • ETH670 — Servant Leadership in Public Practice: Final synthesis course on the nature of leadership in a democratic, pluralistic society. Focuses on the role of the individual as a servant leaderThis 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. A complete application includes official transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining professional aspirations and alignment with the program’s values, three professional or academic letters of recommendation, and a curriculum vitae. Proficiency in fundamental economic and sociological principles is highly encouraged. Thesis or Capstone Project The Capstone Project serves as the final, integrative experience for the Master of Arts in Faith-Based Urban Planning Policy, representing a 4-credit scholarly endeavor that demonstrates mastery of the program's learning outcomes. Students are required to develop a comprehensive, actionable policy proposal or management strategy that addresses a genuine urban development challenge. This project necessitates high-level critical thinking, original research, and the synthesis of administrative expertise and ethical analysis. The project must explicitly integrate a faith-informed perspective, requiring students to articulate how their proposed solutions reflect values of servant leadership, restorative justice, and faithful stewardship of resources. Students will submit a formal written thesis and deliver a professional presentation, defending their methodology and outcomes. This culminating experience demonstrates both the student's academic competence in planning policy and their growth in character, confirming their readiness to serve as ethical, transformative agents in the urban landscape.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • Graduation requires the successful completion of 60 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, ensuring that students have mastered the technical and ethical requirements of the discipline. Beyond academic benchmarks, students must receive a passing evaluation on their Capstone Project, demonstrating their ability to synthesize scholarly research with professional practice and faith-aligned values.
  • Furthermore, candidates must demonstrate ongoing commitment to spiritual formation and integrity. This includes active participation in community service initiatives and verified engagement in institutional character development programs designed to cultivate servant leadership. By integrating academic rigor with these formative experiences, the program ensures that graduates are prepared to serve as individuals of profound ethical integrity and professional excellence in their vocational callings.
  • Career Opportunities
  • Urban Policy Analyst
  • Community Development Director
  • Non-Profit Organization Executive Manager
  • Municipal Planning Consultant
  • Faith-Based Housing Coordinator
  • Public Infrastructure Strategist
  • Corporate Social Responsibility Officer
  • 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 Urban Planning Policy
  • Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
  • Advanced faith-based urban planning policy 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
  • URB501 | Foundations of Urban Planning Policy | 4 | None
  • RES505 | Research Methods in Urban Studies | 4 | None
  • BUS510 | Strategic Management for Non-Profits | 4 | None
  • ETH520 | Principles of Ethics and Justice | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • URB530 | Land Use and Zoning Policy | 4 | URB501
  • BUS540 | Financial Stewardship and Budgeting | 4 | BUS510
  • SOC550 | Urban Sociology and Community Engagement | 4 | None
  • COM560 | Public Communication and Advocacy | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • URB610 | Sustainable Urban Development | 4 | URB530
  • BUS620 | Ethics in Business Decision Making | 4 | ETH520
  • URB630 | Public Policy Analysis and Evaluation | 4 | RES505
  • HIS640 | History of Urban Governance | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP699 | Capstone Project: Urban Planning Integration | 4 | All Core Courses
  • BUS650 | Entrepreneurial Management for Communities | 4 | BUS540
  • URB660 | Special Topics in Urban Policy | 4 | URB630
  • ETH670 | Servant Leadership in Public Practice | 3 | ETH520

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Urban Policy Analyst
  • Community Development Director
  • Non-Profit Organization Executive Manager
  • Municipal Planning Consultant
  • Faith-Based Housing Coordinator
  • Public Infrastructure Strategist
  • Corporate Social Responsibility Officer

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 Urban Planning Policy
  • Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
  • Advanced faith-based urban planning policy 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
  • URB501 | Foundations of Urban Planning Policy | 4 | None
  • RES505 | Research Methods in Urban Studies | 4 | None
  • BUS510 | Strategic Management for Non-Profits | 4 | None
  • ETH520 | Principles of Ethics and Justice | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • URB530 | Land Use and Zoning Policy | 4 | URB501
  • BUS540 | Financial Stewardship and Budgeting | 4 | BUS510
  • SOC550 | Urban Sociology and Community Engagement | 4 | None
  • COM560 | Public Communication and Advocacy | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • URB610 | Sustainable Urban Development | 4 | URB530
  • BUS620 | Ethics in Business Decision Making | 4 | ETH520
  • URB630 | Public Policy Analysis and Evaluation | 4 | RES505
  • HIS640 | History of Urban Governance | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP699 | Capstone Project: Urban Planning Integration | 4 | All Core Courses
  • BUS650 | Entrepreneurial Management for Communities | 4 | BUS540
  • URB660 | Special Topics in Urban Policy | 4 | URB630
  • ETH670 | Servant Leadership in Public Practice | 3 | ETH520