Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based International Relations, Specialization in Global Development Diplomacy

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based International Relations

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

Academic unit

HBIU College of International Studies

Total credits

120

Duration

4 years

• Analyze complex international geopolitical structures and their impacts on sustainable global development.
• Evaluate the role of non-state actors, including faith-based organizations, in contemporary diplomatic and development strategies.
• Apply principles of servant leadership and ethical stewardship to the design of international relief and development programs.
• Design comprehensive strategies for cross-cultural conflict resolution and humanitarian cooperation.
• Communicate complex policy ideas effectively to diverse stakeholders within the international development sector.
• Integrate a coherent worldview that reconciles rigorous academic scholarship with a commitment to faith-informed professional practice.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• HIS101
• World History and Global Change
• 4
• None
• ENG101
• Academic Writing and Research
• 3
• None
• SOC105
• Introduction to Sociology
• 3
• None
• THE110
• Foundations of Ethical Reasoning
• 3
• None
• HIS101 — World History and Global Change: This course surveys major historical developments that have shaped modern international relations. It emphasizes the impact of global ideas and power dynamics on societal formation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ENG101 — Academic Writing and Research: Students develop advanced proficiency in scholarly writing, rhetorical analysis, and formal research methods. Emphasis is placed on the ethical use of sources and logical argumentation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC105 — Introduction to Sociology: This course examines social structures, human interaction, and the cultural frameworks that define communities. Students analyze sociological theories to understand current social issues. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE110 — Foundations of Ethical Reasoning: This course explores the intersection of moral philosophy and professional conduct. It examines how ethical frameworks guide decision-making in public and private spheres. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• IR102
• Introduction to International Relations
• 4
• None
• MAT150
• Quantitative Reasoning for Social Sciences
• 3
• None
• COM120
• Cross-Cultural Communication
• 3
• None
• SOC130
• Personal Development and Social Identity
• 3
• None
• IR102 — Introduction to International Relations: An introduction to the theories and practices governing global politics, including statecraft, international organizations, and security. Students explore how international actors navigate global challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MAT150 — Quantitative Reasoning for Social Sciences: This course introduces statistical methods and data analysis necessary for interpreting international research findings. Students learn to present quantitative evidence to inform strategic decisions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM120 — Cross-Cultural Communication: This course analyzes communication challenges in diverse cultural contexts. It provides tools for effective interpersonal and public engagement across cultural divides. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC130 — Personal Development and Social Identity: This course examines the psychological and sociological factors that shape individual identity and behavioral character within a globalized society. Students analyze the impact of cultural and professional influences on personal values and community engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• IR201
• International Law and Human Rights
• 3
• IR102
• ECO210
• Principles of Global Economics
• 3
• None
• POL220
• Comparative Politics
• 3
• None
• MGT230
• Introduction to Organizational Leadership
• 3
• None
• IR201 — International Law and Human Rights: A study of legal frameworks governing states and individuals on the international stage. Students evaluate the implementation and enforcement of human rights treaties. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ECO210 — Principles of Global Economics: This course provides an overview of global markets, trade policies, and economic development strategies. Students learn to interpret economic indicators for developmental planning. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• POL220 — Comparative Politics: An analysis of differing political systems around the world and their impact on public policy. Students compare governance structures and their effectiveness in serving citizens. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT230 — Introduction to Organizational Leadership: This course covers the essentials of leadership within complex organizations. Emphasis is placed on servant leadership and team dynamics. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• IR250
• Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies
• 4
• IR102
• RES280
• Research Methods in Global Studies
• 3
• MAT150
• SOC240
• Development and Social Change
• 3
• SOC105
• HUM260
• Geography and Global Culture
• 3
• None
• IR250 — Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies: This course investigates the origins of international conflict and strategies for mediation. Students learn to navigate negotiation processes in volatile settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES280 — Research Methods in Global Studies: Students explore qualitative and quantitative methods essential for field research. The focus includes survey design, interviews, and ethical data management. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC240 — Development and Social Change: An analysis of theories of social change and their application to international development. Students examine how communities achieve self-sufficiency and resilience. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM260 — Geography and Global Culture: A study of the relationship between physical geography and cultural development. Students evaluate how spatial environments influence international relations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• IR301
• Diplomacy and Global Governance
• 3
• IR102
• BUS310
• Nonprofit Resource Management
• 3
• MGT230
• EDU320
• Educational Development Programs
• 3
• None
• POL330
• Public Policy and Foreign Affairs
• 3
• POL220
• IR301 — Diplomacy and Global Governance: This course provides an in-depth study of diplomatic protocols and the role of international institutions. Students learn to navigate formal and informal diplomatic channels. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS310 — Nonprofit Resource Management: Students examine the challenges of managing resources and funding in the nonprofit sector. Emphasis is placed on fiscal accountability and strategic resource allocation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU320 — Educational Development Programs: This course evaluates the role of education in international development efforts. Students assess how to design sustainable educational initiatives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• POL330 — Public Policy and Foreign Affairs: An investigation of how domestic policies influence foreign affairs. Students analyze policy outcomes within global contexts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• IR350
• Global Health Diplomacy
• 4
• IR201
• MGT360
• Strategic Planning for Development
• 3
• MGT230
• SOC370
• Sociology of Humanitarian Relief
• 3
• SOC240
• IR380
• Geopolitics and Cultural Identity
• 3
• None
• IR350 — Global Health Diplomacy: This course addresses the intersection of international policy and global public health. Students analyze strategies for coordinating health initiatives across national borders. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT360 — Strategic Planning for Development: Students learn to create and implement long-term development strategies for international organizations. The course emphasizes logical framework design and project evaluation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC370 — Sociology of Humanitarian Relief: A critical analysis of humanitarian aid systems and their impact on host communities. Students evaluate the effectiveness of various intervention models. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• IR380 — Geopolitics and Cultural Identity: This course analyzes how diverse cultural, linguistic, and belief systems influence international relations and regional political stability. Students explore the intersection of demographic shifts and sovereign territorial policies in global governance. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 7 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• IR401
• Advanced Diplomatic Practice
• 3
• IR301
• MGT410
• Organizational Ethics and Stewardship
• 3
• MGT360
• POL420
• Global Security and Policy
• 3
• POL330
• COM430
• International Advocacy and Messaging
• 3
• COM120
• IR401 — Advanced Diplomatic Practice: Students refine their skills in professional negotiation, public speaking, and diplomatic communication. Real-world scenarios are used to simulate diplomatic processes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT410 — Organizational Ethics and Stewardship: An advanced examination of ethical governance and financial stewardship within international organizations. Students explore the challenges of maintaining transparency and accountability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• POL420 — Global Security and Policy: An in-depth study of security challenges in a globalized world, including terrorism, cyber-security, and regional instability. Students analyze the impact of policy on global peace. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM430 — International Advocacy and Messaging: A focus on developing strategic messaging for international development campaigns. Students explore methods of advocacy that empower marginalized populations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 8 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP490
• Senior Capstone Project
• 4
• RES280, All core courses
• IR450
• Current Issues in Global Diplomacy
• 3
• IR301
• SOC460
• Global Sustainable Development
• 3
• SOC370
• BUS470
• Professional Ethics and Public Service
• 2
• CHR130
• CAP490 — Senior Capstone Project: Students complete an original research project or a detailed development intervention plan. The capstone requires a formal presentation and defense of the work's theoretical and ethical implications. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• IR450 — Current Issues in Global Diplomacy: This course explores contemporary challenges in international relations, including climate change, migration, and trade. Students engage in current-event analysis and policy debates. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC460 — Global Sustainable Development: A comprehensive study of sustainable development goals, focusing on environment, poverty, and governance. Students evaluate community-led development success models. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS470 — Professional Ethics and Public Service: This course explores the intersection of professional practice, civic responsibility, and the management of public service initiatives. It focuses on the ethical frameworks required for effective leadership within international development and humanitarian organizations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or recognized equivalent with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Admissions committees review academic history, including proficiency in social sciences and written expression, alongside a personal statement detailing the applicant's intent to engage in service-oriented, faith-informed global work. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience for the degree, requiring students to execute an independent, original research project or a comprehensive strategic development plan. Students identify a pressing global development challenge and design an intervention that reflects technical competence, cross-cultural sensitivity, and alignment with ethical stewardship principles. This project requires rigorous evidence-based inquiry and critical analysis of existing international development frameworks. Beyond technical deliverables, the project challenges students to articulate how their proposed work reflects their spiritual formation and commitment to justice. Students must evaluate their project through the lens of servant leadership, demonstrating an understanding of how their professional actions impact vulnerable populations. The final presentation includes a formal defense that assesses both their academic mastery and their integration of character-driven, faith-informed decision-making in real-world contexts. This course is weighted at 4 credit hours and is required for graduation.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Students must earn a passing grade in all required core and specialization courses, including the final Senior Capstone Project. Beyond academic performance, students are expected to demonstrate consistent commitment to community engagement and ethical integrity throughout their tenure at the university.
• Spiritual formation is integrated into the educational experience through participation in community service, chapel attendance, and reflection on faith-informed ethical standards. Graduates are recognized not only for their scholarly achievements but also for their demonstrated readiness to engage in their chosen fields with maturity, humility, and an enduring dedication to service-oriented, faith-informed work.
• Career Opportunities
• International Development Consultant
• Diplomatic Liaison for Nonprofit Organizations
• Humanitarian Aid Coordinator
• Global Policy Analyst
• Cross-Cultural Program Manager
• Nonprofit Strategy Consultant
• International Relief Director
• 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 | B.A. in Faith-Based International Relations
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years
• General education | 36 credit hours
• Faith-Based International Relations core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours
• Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS101 | World History and Global Change | 4 | None
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Research | 3 | None
• SOC105 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• THE110 | Foundations of Ethical Reasoning | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• IR102 | Introduction to International Relations | 4 | None
• MAT150 | Quantitative Reasoning for Social Sciences | 3 | None
• COM120 | Cross-Cultural Communication | 3 | None
• SOC130 | Personal Development and Social Identity | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• IR201 | International Law and Human Rights | 3 | IR102
• ECO210 | Principles of Global Economics | 3 | None
• POL220 | Comparative Politics | 3 | None
• MGT230 | Introduction to Organizational Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• IR250 | Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies | 4 | IR102
• RES280 | Research Methods in Global Studies | 3 | MAT150
• SOC240 | Development and Social Change | 3 | SOC105
• HUM260 | Geography and Global Culture | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• IR301 | Diplomacy and Global Governance | 3 | IR102
• BUS310 | Nonprofit Resource Management | 3 | MGT230
• EDU320 | Educational Development Programs | 3 | None
• POL330 | Public Policy and Foreign Affairs | 3 | POL220
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• IR350 | Global Health Diplomacy | 4 | IR201
• MGT360 | Strategic Planning for Development | 3 | MGT230
• SOC370 | Sociology of Humanitarian Relief | 3 | SOC240
• IR380 | Geopolitics and Cultural Identity | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• IR401 | Advanced Diplomatic Practice | 3 | IR301
• MGT410 | Organizational Ethics and Stewardship | 3 | MGT360
• POL420 | Global Security and Policy | 3 | POL330
• COM430 | International Advocacy and Messaging | 3 | COM120
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | RES280, All core courses
• IR450 | Current Issues in Global Diplomacy | 3 | IR301
• SOC460 | Global Sustainable Development | 3 | SOC370
• BUS470 | Professional Ethics and Public Service | 2 | CHR130