Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Global Communication, Media, Specialization in Interfaith Studies

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Global Communication, Media, Specialization in Interfaith Studies

Total program length

134 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Global Communication, Media, and Interfaith Studies core

77 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Global Communication & Media with a Minor in Interfaith Studies is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of communication in a diverse global landscape. Students will explore various modes of communication across cultures and learn to analyze media's role in shaping public perception and fostering dialogue among different faiths and beliefs. This interdisciplinary program emphasizes critical thinking, cultural awareness, and ethical communication, preparing graduates for impactful careers in a variety of fields. With a curriculum that includes both theoretical understanding and practical application, students will engage with real-world issues, enhancing their employability in an increasingly interconnected world. The program also promotes interfaith understanding, which is essential in today’s global society, providing students with a unique perspective that is highly valuable in various professional contexts.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Global Communication, Media, Specialization in Interfaith Studies combines a robust general education foundation with comprehensive study in the theory of communication and media, behavioral science, human development, ethics, research, crisis awareness, referral, program development, and community-based support. This integrated curriculum prepares students to navigate complex global landscapes through a faith-based perspective.

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 Details

• Total Credits: 134
• Duration: 4 years
• Degree Level: Bachelor

General education | 36 credit hours

• Faith-Based Global Communication, Media, and Interfaith Studies core | 77 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone: Global Media Campaign

• 3
• None
• GCM 410 — Research Methods in Communication: Research Methods in CommunicationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• IFS 410 — Religion, Conflict & Peacebuilding: Religion, Conflict & PeacebuildingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• GCM 499 — Capstone: Global Media Campaign: Capstone: Global Media CampaignThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• IFS 101 | World Religions | 3 | None
• UNI 101 | First-Year Writing I | 3 | None
• UNI 102 | First-Year Writing II | 3 | None
• UNI 110 | Public Speaking & Presentation | 3 | None
• UNI 120 | College Algebra or Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | None
• ART 200 | Visual Design Fundamentals | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• GCM 201 | Introduction to Communication Studies | 3 | None
• GCM 210 | Global Media Systems | 3 | None
• IFS 210 | Comparative Theology | 3 | None
• IT 210 | Digital Tools for Media | 3 | None
• MKT 210 | Marketing Principles | 3 | None
• UNI 210 | Applied Statistics for Social Science | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• GCM 220 | Journalism & News Writing | 3 | None
• IFS 220 | Religion & Culture | 3 | None
• UNI 220 | Research & Information Literacy | 3 | None
• GCM 230 | Digital Media Production | 3 | None
• UNI 230 | Ethics in a Global Society | 3 | None
• GCM 240 | Media Law & Ethics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• UNI 240 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• GCM 250 | Communication Theory | 3 | None
• UNI 250 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• COM 260 | Intercultural Communication | 3 | None
• POL 260 | Mass Media & Politics | 3 | None
• UNI 260 | World History I | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• UNI 261 | World History II | 3 | None
• UNI 270 | Introduction to Political Science | 3 | None
• GCM 310 | Strategic Communication | 3 | None
• IFS 310 | Interfaith Dialogue & Practice | 3 | None
• SOC 310 | Sociology of Globalization | 3 | None
• GCM 320 | International Journalism & Reporting | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• GCM 330 | Public Relations & Reputation Management | 3 | None
• GCM 340 | Media, Politics & Power | 3 | None
• GCM 351 | Documentary Storytelling | 3 | None
• GCM 352 | Social Media Strategy | 3 | None
• GCM 353 | Crisis Communication | 3 | None
• GCM 354 | Global Advertising | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• GCM 355 | Media Psychology | 3 | None
• GCM 356 | Political Communication | 3 | None
• GCM 357 | Data Journalism | 3 | None
• GCM 358 | Communication for Development | 3 | None
• GCM 359 | Media & Human Rights | 3 | None
• GCM 360 | Digital Diplomacy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• GCM 410 | Research Methods in Communication | 3 | None
• IFS 410 | Religion, Conflict & Peacebuilding | 3 | None
• GCM 499 | Capstone: Global Media Campaign | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

• Public Relations Specialist
• Media Analyst
• Cross-Cultural Communication Consultant
• Interfaith Dialogue Coordinator
• Content Strategist
• Social Media Manager
• Humanitarian Affairs 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 | B.A. in Faith-Based Global Communication, Media, Specialization in Interfaith Studies
• Total program length | 134 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years