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Master of Arts in Faith-Based Sports Management, Specialization in Youth Sports Development

Academic unitHBIU College of Business and EconomicsTotal credits60Estimated duration2 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Sports Management, Specialization in Youth Sports Development

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Sports 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 Sports Management with a specialization in Youth Sports Development is a comprehensive graduate program designed to integrate organizational leadership principles with the ethical and community-focused frameworks of faith-based service. The curriculum provides a rigorous academic foundation in business strategy, resource management, and administrative theory, specifically tailored to the unique landscape of youth athletics and sports-based ministry.

Students engage in deep analysis of leadership models that emphasize servant-led stewardship and relational development. By examining the intersection of organizational growth and youth character formation, the program prepares graduates to navigate the complexities of modern sports environments with integrity, ensuring that athletic programs serve as platforms for positive community influence and professional excellence.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based sports 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 Sports Management, Specialization in Youth Sports Development
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 organizational management challenges within the context of youth sports development.
  • Evaluate diverse leadership models through the lens of servant leadership and biblical stewardship principles.
  • Design comprehensive operational strategies for nonprofit youth athletic organizations that prioritize ethical integrity.
  • Apply financial and human resource management techniques to ensure the long-term sustainability of faith-based programs.
  • Demonstrate advanced communication skills to advocate for community-focused sports initiatives to diverse stakeholder groups.
  • Integrate social justice and character formation theories into the programming and operations of youth sports.
  • Evaluate the impact of athletic engagement on adolescent development through empirical assessment and qualitative analysis.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • BUS 501
  • Organizational Leadership and Stewardship
  • 4
  • None
  • MGT 510
  • Strategic Management in Sports Organizations
  • 3
  • None
  • EDU 520
  • Adolescent Development and Sports
  • 4
  • None
  • RES 500
  • Research Methods for Social Impact
  • 4
  • None
  • BUS 501 — Organizational Leadership and Stewardship: This course examines the foundational principles of effective leadership within an organizational structure, focusing on stewardship and ethics. Students evaluate organizational culture through a leadership lens. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT 510 — Strategic Management in Sports Organizations: Students analyze strategic planning processes relevant to the sports industry, emphasizing mission-driven decision making. The course explores internal and external environmental scanning. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • EDU 520 — Adolescent Development and Sports: This course explores the intersection of adolescent psychology and competitive athletic engagement. Students examine how structured sports activities influence character development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • RES 500 — Research Methods for Social Impact: An introduction to qualitative and quantitative research methods tailored for professional inquiry in social and nonprofit contexts. Students learn to interpret data to inform organizational decision-making. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • BUS 525
  • Financial Management for Nonprofits
  • 4
  • BUS 501
  • MGT 530
  • Human Resource Management in Sports
  • 4
  • BUS 501
  • EDU 540
  • Curriculum Design for Youth Athletics
  • 3
  • EDU 520
  • THE 505
  • Ethical Reasoning in Modern Organizations
  • 4
  • None
  • BUS 525 — Financial Management for Nonprofits: This course covers essential budgeting, resource allocation, and financial transparency for nonprofit entities. Students learn to manage fiscal assets in alignment with organizational mission. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT 530 — Human Resource Management in Sports: Focuses on the management, recruitment, and ethical training of staff and volunteers within athletic departments. The course emphasizes team building and leadership development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • EDU 540 — Curriculum Design for Youth Athletics: Students design athletic programs that integrate skill development with character education and positive mentoring practices. Pedagogical approaches to sports instruction are highlighted. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • THE 505 — Ethical Reasoning in Modern Organizations: An exploration of professional ethics within a historical and faith-based context, focusing on justice, integrity, and servant leadership in the workplace. Students analyze contemporary ethical dilemmas. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • MGT 600
  • Legal and Regulatory Issues in Youth Sports
  • 4
  • MGT 510
  • COM 610
  • Strategic Communication and Advocacy
  • 4
  • None
  • EDU 620
  • Advanced Mentoring and Coaching Models
  • 3
  • EDU 540
  • BUS 650
  • Sustainable Fundraising for Nonprofits
  • 3
  • BUS 525
  • MGT 600 — Legal and Regulatory Issues in Youth Sports: Examines legal responsibilities, liability, insurance, and compliance standards for organizations overseeing youth athletics. Students review best practices in risk management. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COM 610 — Strategic Communication and Advocacy: Focuses on marketing, donor relations, and community advocacy strategies to advance the visibility and impact of youth sports programs. Techniques for effective stakeholder engagement are analyzed. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • EDU 620 — Advanced Mentoring and Coaching Models: Students investigate advanced coaching techniques designed to foster leadership, resilience, and growth in young athletes. The course emphasizes relational development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS 650 — Sustainable Fundraising for Nonprofits: A study of diverse fundraising models, grant procurement, and donor development strategies aimed at ensuring financial stability. Ethical considerations in resource acquisition are discussed. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • MGT 660
  • Facility and Event Management
  • 3
  • MGT 510
  • EDU 650
  • Community-Based Athletic Engagement
  • 3
  • EDU 520
  • MGT 670
  • Organizational Behavior and Leadership Development
  • 4
  • None
  • CAP 699
  • Capstone Project in Sports Management
  • 4
  • All Core Courses
  • MGT 660 — Facility and Event Management: Planning, logistics, and management of facilities and athletic events are explored through an operational efficiency framework. Sustainability and safety standards are prioritized. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • EDU 650 — Community-Based Athletic Engagement: Students research the sociological impact of youth sports programs on underserved communities and social cohesion. Strategies for fostering inclusivity are emphasized. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT 670 — Organizational Behavior and Leadership Development: This course examines contemporary theories of leadership, group dynamics, and individual behavior within complex organizational structures. Students analyze evidence-based practices for fostering professional growth and ethical decision-making in managerial roles. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CAP 699 — Capstone Project in Sports Management: Students complete a cumulative project that integrates all previous coursework to address a significant organizational challenge in youth sports. This work reflects their personal leadership philosophy and commitment to service. 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. Prospective students must submit a personal statement outlining their professional goals, an academic writing sample, and two letters of recommendation from professional or academic references who can attest to their capacity for graduate-level study and ethical leadership. Thesis or Capstone Project The Capstone Project serves as the final academic experience, requiring students to synthesize their learning through the development of a comprehensive management strategy or research study. Students are tasked with addressing a real-world organizational challenge within a youth sports environment, creating a plan that demonstrates institutional viability and ethical alignment with a faith-informed mission. The project requires the submission of a detailed implementation proposal, supported by a formal defense that illustrates how the student applies principles of servant leadership and stewardship. By bridging academic inquiry with practical service, students demonstrate their ability to lead with professional competence and a commitment to character-driven excellence, ensuring their work reflects a clear integration of their faith-based values and professional expertise.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • To graduate, students must complete 60 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, ensuring that all program requirements have been met with academic rigor. The graduation process also requires the satisfactory defense of the Capstone Project, confirming the candidate's proficiency in their specialization and readiness for professional service.
  • Beyond academic requirements, graduates must demonstrate alignment with the institution’s core values of spiritual maturity and ethical integrity. This includes completion of required spiritual formation workshops and evidence of engagement in community service, reflecting the program's emphasis on cultivating leaders who serve with wisdom, compassion, and vocational readiness for faith-informed service.
  • Career Opportunities
  • Youth Sports Ministry Director
  • Nonprofit Athletic Program Administrator
  • Community Outreach Coordinator
  • Director of Operations for Faith-Based Athletic Clubs
  • Sports Program Developer for Youth Development Organizations
  • Grant Writer for Sports-Based Community Initiatives
  • 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 Sports Management, Specialization in Youth Sports Development
  • Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
  • Advanced Faith-Based Sports 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
  • BUS 501 | Organizational Leadership and Stewardship | 4 | None
  • MGT 510 | Strategic Management in Sports Organizations | 3 | None
  • EDU 520 | Adolescent Development and Sports | 4 | None
  • RES 500 | Research Methods for Social Impact | 4 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BUS 525 | Financial Management for Nonprofits | 4 | BUS 501
  • MGT 530 | Human Resource Management in Sports | 4 | BUS 501
  • EDU 540 | Curriculum Design for Youth Athletics | 3 | EDU 520
  • THE 505 | Ethical Reasoning in Modern Organizations | 4 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MGT 600 | Legal and Regulatory Issues in Youth Sports | 4 | MGT 510
  • COM 610 | Strategic Communication and Advocacy | 4 | None
  • EDU 620 | Advanced Mentoring and Coaching Models | 3 | EDU 540
  • BUS 650 | Sustainable Fundraising for Nonprofits | 3 | BUS 525
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MGT 660 | Facility and Event Management | 3 | MGT 510
  • EDU 650 | Community-Based Athletic Engagement | 3 | EDU 520
  • MGT 670 | Organizational Behavior and Leadership Development | 4 | None
  • CAP 699 | Capstone Project in Sports Management | 4 | All Core Courses

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Youth Sports Ministry Director
  • Nonprofit Athletic Program Administrator
  • Community Outreach Coordinator
  • Director of Operations for Faith-Based Athletic Clubs
  • Sports Program Developer for Youth Development Organizations
  • Grant Writer for Sports-Based Community Initiatives

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 Sports Management, Specialization in Youth Sports Development
  • Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
  • Advanced Faith-Based Sports 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
  • BUS 501 | Organizational Leadership and Stewardship | 4 | None
  • MGT 510 | Strategic Management in Sports Organizations | 3 | None
  • EDU 520 | Adolescent Development and Sports | 4 | None
  • RES 500 | Research Methods for Social Impact | 4 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BUS 525 | Financial Management for Nonprofits | 4 | BUS 501
  • MGT 530 | Human Resource Management in Sports | 4 | BUS 501
  • EDU 540 | Curriculum Design for Youth Athletics | 3 | EDU 520
  • THE 505 | Ethical Reasoning in Modern Organizations | 4 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MGT 600 | Legal and Regulatory Issues in Youth Sports | 4 | MGT 510
  • COM 610 | Strategic Communication and Advocacy | 4 | None
  • EDU 620 | Advanced Mentoring and Coaching Models | 3 | EDU 540
  • BUS 650 | Sustainable Fundraising for Nonprofits | 3 | BUS 525
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MGT 660 | Facility and Event Management | 3 | MGT 510
  • EDU 650 | Community-Based Athletic Engagement | 3 | EDU 520
  • MGT 670 | Organizational Behavior and Leadership Development | 4 | None
  • CAP 699 | Capstone Project in Sports Management | 4 | All Core Courses