Admission Requirements
Admission and entry requirements
Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Prospective students are required to submit official transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining professional goals in education, and two professional letters of recommendation. Candidates should demonstrate a foundational understanding of educational theory or possess current professional experience in a classroom or school-related setting. Career Opportunities Literacy Coach Curriculum Development Specialist Educational Program Coordinator Literacy Interventionist School Literacy Consultant Professional Development Trainer 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 Education Specialization in Literacy/Reading Specialist Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study Advanced Faith-Based Education Specialization in Literacy/Reading Specialist 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 EDU501 | Foundations of Faith-Based Education | 4 | None RES505 | Research Methods in Education | 4 | None EDU510 | Principles of Literacy Acquisition | 4 | None EDU515 | Educational Leadership and Ethics | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites EDU520 | Advanced Reading Diagnosis and Evaluation | 4 | EDU510 EDU525 | Writing Pedagogy and Assessment | 4 | EDU510 EDU530 | Literacy for Diverse Learners | 4 | EDU510 PSY540 | Human Development and Learning | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites EDU605 | Literacy Coaching and Mentoring | 4 | EDU520 EDU610 | Curriculum Design in Literacy | 4 | EDU510 EDU615 | Technology Integration in Literacy | 4 | None EDU620 | Advanced Behavioral Interventions | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites EDU650 | Literacy Practicum | 4 | EDU520, EDU605 EDU655 | Community and Family Literacy Engagement | 4 | None CAP699 | Literacy Capstone Project | 4 | RES505, Completion of all program coursework EDU660 | Professionalism and Advocacy | 2 | None