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Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Cultural Anthropology, Global Studies

Academic unitCollege of International StudiesTotal credits120Estimated duration4 yearsSource documentBachelor_of_Arts_in_Faith_Based_Cultural_Anthropology__Global_Studies.docx

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Cultural Anthropology, Global Studies

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Cultural Anthropology and Global Studies core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Cultural Anthropology and Global Studies offers a rigorous interdisciplinary examination of human societies, cultural systems, and global interaction. Students explore the complexities of human diversity while developing a sophisticated framework for understanding social structures, symbolic systems, and historical contexts that shape global communities. By integrating traditional anthropological methods with a commitment to service-oriented ethics, the program prepares scholars to engage the world with cultural intelligence and intellectual depth. Students are encouraged to develop a comprehensive understanding of human behavior through academic inquiry, fostering an environment where rigorous scholarship meets a dedicated commitment to human flourishing and global stewardship. The curriculum balances foundational theory with practical application, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to serve in diverse sociocultural contexts while maintaining a commitment to ethical integrity and servant leadership.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Cultural Anthropology, Global Studies integrates a robust general education foundation with comprehensive study in anthropological theory, behavioral science, human development, and ethical frameworks. The program addresses the intersection of faith and culture through rigorous coursework in research methodology, global crisis awareness, referral protocols, strategic program development, and the implementation of community-based support systems.

Florida's current standard establishes a minimum of 120 semester credits for a bachelor's degree and at least 30 general-education credits for a Bachelor of Arts. This curriculum exceeds the general-education minimum.

Program Facts

Program facts

Degree abbreviation: B.A. in Faith-Based Cultural Anthropology, Global Studies
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: College of International Studies
Total credits: 120
Duration: 4 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

Analyze the structural and symbolic dimensions of various cultural systems through standard anthropological methods.
Evaluate the impact of globalization on local communities and indigenous traditions.
Design independent research projects that demonstrate academic rigor and ethical engagement with diverse cultural groups.
Apply frameworks of servant leadership and stewardship to address cross-cultural social challenges.
Communicate complex sociocultural findings to diverse audiences using professional academic standards.
Integrate a faith-informed perspective to critically evaluate social inequality and human flourishing.
Demonstrate cultural humility in the research and interpretation of human social behavior.

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Prospective students must hold a high school diploma or recognized equivalent, demonstrating a commitment to academic excellence through a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants are required to submit official transcripts, two letters of recommendation reflecting character and academic potential, and a personal statement outlining their commitment to ethical learning and community engagement within a faith-based context. The institution evaluates applicants based on their readiness for rigorous scholarly inquiry and their alignment with the university's mission of integrating academic development with professional integrity. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience for the Bachelor of Arts program, requiring students to synthesize their learning through an original research project or a comprehensive field study. Students will identify a significant sociocultural issue within a global context, applying anthropological theory to propose solutions or interpretations that reflect principles of servant leadership and stewardship. This project provides a structured opportunity for students to integrate their disciplinary knowledge with their personal development, demonstrating academic competence in research design, data analysis, and technical communication. The project is weighted at 4 credits and spans the final semester, serving as a platform for demonstrating the mastery of the program's learning outcomes. By aligning their work with a Christian worldview, students are expected to articulate how their findings contribute to human dignity and the common good, thereby bridging the gap between rigorous anthropological inquiry and faithful service.

Program Structure

Official program structure

Program Details

Total Credits: 120
Duration: 4 years
Degree Level: Bachelor

Semester-by-Semester Curriculum

Official course sequence

Year 1

Semester 1

12 credits

Code	Course Title	Credits	Prerequisite
ANT101	Introduction to Cultural Anthropology	3	None
View Description An overview of human culture, social organization, and the diversity of human behavior across global societies. Focuses on ethnographic methods and theoretical perspectives in anthropologyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
ENG101	College Composition	3	None
View Description Development of skills in academic writing, critical analysis, and research-based argumentation. Emphasizes the creation of clear, professional proseThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
HIS105	World History I	3	None
View Description Exploration of global historical developments from early civilizations through the 16th century. Examines the impact of human interaction on historical trajectoriesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
THE110	Foundations of Ethical Living	3	None
View Description An introduction to the ethical frameworks and spiritual formation principles governing academic and social behavior. Focuses on the role of character in serviceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Semester 2

12 credits

Code	Course Title	Credits	Prerequisite
ANT102	Social Theory and Human Systems	3	ANT101
View Description An introduction to the foundational theories of social structure and human relationships. Examines how society shapes individual identity and community lifeThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
ENG102	Research Writing	3	ENG101
View Description Refining research capabilities and citation standards for scholarly work. Students conduct guided inquiries into diverse social topicsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
SOC120	Sociology of Global Communities	3	None
View Description Study of social interactions in a globalized world, focusing on migration, urbanization, and cross-cultural communication. Emphasizes sociological analysis of global trendsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
MAT150	Quantitative Reasoning	3	None
View Description Application of mathematical and statistical methods to analyze social and research data. Focuses on the interpretation of quantitative findings in social science researchThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Semester 3

13 credits

Code	Course Title	Credits	Prerequisite
ANT201	Ethnographic Methods	4	ANT102
View Description A deep dive into the methodology of fieldwork, including participant observation and interview techniques. Includes a 1-credit lab on data analysis and ethicsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
ANT210	Comparative Cultural Systems	3	None
View Description This course explores the diverse frameworks of human belief, cultural symbolism, and societal organization across various global contexts. It utilizes an anthropological lens to analyze how cultural values shape collective human behavior. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
COM200	Intercultural Communication	3	None
View Description Analysis of verbal and non-verbal communication in diverse sociocultural contexts. Examines strategies for effective dialogue across cultural boundariesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
BIO105	Biology and Environmental Stewardship	3	None
View Description Study of biological systems and environmental science, focusing on the ethical responsibility to care for the natural world. Integrates ecological knowledge with cultural practiceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Year 2

Semester 4

12 credits

Code	Course Title	Credits	Prerequisite
ANT250	Anthropology of Global Development	3	ANT101
View Description Investigates the intersection of development economics, cultural traditions, and international relations. Focuses on the ethical assessment of global interventionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
HIS220	World History II	3	HIS105
View Description Examines global history from the 17th century to the present day. Discusses the dynamics of colonialism, industrialization, and global cultural shiftsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
PSY200	Social Psychology	3	None
View Description Study of individual behavior within group contexts, focusing on social perception, influence, and interpersonal relationships. Provides psychological insights into cultural phenomenaThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
CHR230	Servant Leadership in Global Contexts	3	None
View Description Application of servant leadership theory to diverse global organizational and cultural settings. Explores the relationship between character and effective serviceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Semester 5

13 credits

Code	Course Title	Credits	Prerequisite
ANT310	Medical Anthropology	3	ANT101
View Description An examination of health, illness, and healing practices across cultures. Investigates the socio-cultural factors that influence wellness and access to care in different regionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
POL300	International Relations and Policy	3	None
View Description Analysis of the complex political interactions between nation-states and non-state actors. Focuses on the role of culture and ethics in diplomacyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
RES301	Advanced Research Methods	4	ANT201
View Description Development of skills for complex social science research, including literature review synthesis and methodology design. Prepares students for the senior capstoneThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
ECO310	Global Economic Systems	3	None
View Description Examines the history and function of global economic networks. Addresses issues of wealth, poverty, and the ethical distribution of resourcesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Semester 6

12 credits

Code	Course Title	Credits	Prerequisite
SOC350	Sociology of Cultural Rituals and Traditions	3	ANT101
View Description This course examines the role of ritual, shared tradition, and symbolic interaction within social structures. Students analyze how cultural practices serve as foundations for community cohesion and organizational identity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
SOC330	Social Justice and Inequality	3	SOC120
View Description Study of social stratification, institutional inequality, and the history of civil rights movements. Explores potential paths to equitable community developmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
MGT320	Non-Profit Management	3	CHR230
View Description Fundamentals of operating community-focused organizations, including budgeting, ethics, and project management. Focuses on building sustainable community impactThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
HUM350	Cultural Geography and Global Stewardship	3	None
View Description Analysis of the relationship between cultural populations and their natural environments. Discusses the principles of sustainable global stewardshipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Year 3

Semester 7

12 credits

Code	Course Title	Credits	Prerequisite
ANT410	Globalization and Cultural Identity	3	ANT250
View Description Critical analysis of the tension between cultural identity and the pressures of modern globalization. Investigates how local communities navigate rapid social changesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
COU400	Conflict Transformation and Mediation	3	COM200
View Description Techniques for conflict analysis and peaceful mediation within diverse groups. Focuses on interpersonal communication and restorative justice practicesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
MIN420	Community Engagement and Stewardship	3	CHR230
View Description Practical study of community development through active engagement. Focuses on resource management and ethical stewardship within local populationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
HIS450	Global Issues Seminar	3	HIS220
View Description In-depth review of contemporary global challenges, including environmental, political, and social crises. Integrates interdisciplinary perspectives for holistic analysisThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Semester 8

13 credits

Code	Course Title	Credits	Prerequisite
CAP490	Senior Capstone Project	4	RES301
View Description A culminating project requiring independent research and the integration of anthropological knowledge with ethical and faith-based reasoning. Students submit a final thesis and presentationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
ANT480	Advanced Ethnographic Theory	3	ANT350
View Description A seminar analyzing current debates in anthropological theory. Focuses on refining the ability to critically evaluate and synthesize advanced research materialThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
SOC440	Sociology of Global Systems	3	SOC330
View Description An advanced look at global systems, including information flows, trade, and cultural exchange. Focuses on the implications for future international stabilityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
BUS450	Professional Ethics and Institutional Governance	3	THE110
View Description This course provides an overview of ethical leadership, corporate social responsibility, and accountability within global organizational structures. It addresses the challenges of maintaining transparency and ethical standards in professional settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Major / Core Requirements

Major and core requirements

General education | 36 credit hours

Faith-Based Cultural Anthropology and Global Studies core | 63 credit hours
Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Final Project Requirement

Final project requirement

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
ANT101 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology | 3 | None
ENG101 | College Composition | 3 | None
HIS105 | World History I | 3 | None
THE110 | Foundations of Ethical Living | 3 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
ANT102 | Social Theory and Human Systems | 3 | ANT101
ENG102 | Research Writing | 3 | ENG101
SOC120 | Sociology of Global Communities | 3 | None
MAT150 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
ANT201 | Ethnographic Methods | 4 | ANT102
ANT210 | Comparative Cultural Systems | 3 | None
COM200 | Intercultural Communication | 3 | None
BIO105 | Biology and Environmental Stewardship | 3 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
ANT250 | Anthropology of Global Development | 3 | ANT101
HIS220 | World History II | 3 | HIS105
PSY200 | Social Psychology | 3 | None
CHR230 | Servant Leadership in Global Contexts | 3 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
ANT310 | Medical Anthropology | 3 | ANT101
POL300 | International Relations and Policy | 3 | None
RES301 | Advanced Research Methods | 4 | ANT201
ECO310 | Global Economic Systems | 3 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
SOC350 | Sociology of Cultural Rituals and Traditions | 3 | ANT101
SOC330 | Social Justice and Inequality | 3 | SOC120
MGT320 | Non-Profit Management | 3 | CHR230
HUM350 | Cultural Geography and Global Stewardship | 3 | None
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
ANT410 | Globalization and Cultural Identity | 3 | ANT250
COU400 | Conflict Transformation and Mediation | 3 | COM200
MIN420 | Community Engagement and Stewardship | 3 | CHR230
HIS450 | Global Issues Seminar | 3 | HIS220
Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | RES301
ANT480 | Advanced Ethnographic Theory | 3 | ANT350
SOC440 | Sociology of Global Systems | 3 | SOC330
BUS450 | Professional Ethics and Institutional Governance | 3 | THE110

CAP490 — Senior Capstone Project — 4 credits

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

To graduate, students must complete 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. In addition to the completion of all core and elective courses, students must receive a passing grade on the Senior Capstone Project. Beyond academic achievement, graduation is contingent upon the completion of a spiritual formation requirement, which includes institutional chapel participation and designated community service hours. These components ensure that students leave HBI University not only with academic mastery but also with a sense of calling, character, and readiness for faith-informed service. The institution views these requirements as essential for ensuring that students are prepared to navigate their careers with ethical integrity and a clear sense of purpose, embodying the university's commitment to excellence in character and scholarship.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

Community Development Specialist
Cross-Cultural Relations Coordinator
Humanitarian Aid Program Manager
Global Non-Profit Administrator
Cultural Researcher and Analyst
Public Policy Advocacy Associate
International Education Liaison

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 | B.A. in Faith-Based Cultural Anthropology, Global Studies
Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
Normal completion time | Four academic years