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

135 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Global Communication and Interfaith Studies core

78 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 prepares students to engage with the complexities of global communication in a multicultural world. Students will explore the impact of media on social change and learn effective communication strategies across diverse platforms. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, cultural awareness, and ethical communication in various contexts. Graduates are equipped with skills essential for navigating careers in international relations, media production, and community engagement. The program's interdisciplinary approach blends communication theories with insights from interfaith studies, enriching students' perspectives and enhancing their employability in a globally interconnected job market. Practical experiences through internships and project-based learning ensure students are career-ready upon graduation.

Program Details

• Total Credits: 135
• Duration: 4 years
• Degree Level: Bachelor

Major Core (36 CH)

• GCM 201 Introduction to Communication Studies
• GCM 210 Global Media Systems
• GCM 220 Journalism & News Writing
• GCM 230 Digital Media Production
• GCM 240 Media Law & Ethics
• GCM 250 Communication Theory
• GCM 310 Strategic Communication
• GCM 320 International Journalism & Reporting
• GCM 330 Public Relations & Reputation Management
• GCM 340 Media, Politics & Power
• GCM 410 Research Methods in Communication
• GCM 499 Capstone: Global Media Campaign

General education | 36 credit hours

• Faith-Based Global Communication and Interfaith Studies core | 78 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Supporting Courses (18 CH)

• COM 260 Intercultural Communication
• POL 260 Mass Media & Politics
• SOC 310 Sociology of Globalization
• MKT 210 Marketing Principles
• IT 210 Digital Tools for Media
• ART 200 Visual Design Fundamentals

Major Electives (30 CH)

• GCM 351 Documentary Storytelling
• GCM 352 Social Media Strategy
• GCM 353 Crisis Communication
• GCM 354 Global Advertising
• Student must take the Bachelors University Courses 36 Credit hours
• GCM 355 Media Psychology
• GCM 356 Political Communication
• GCM 357 Data Journalism
• GCM 358 Communication for Development
• GCM 359 Media & Human Rights
• GCM 360 Digital Diplomacy

Minor: Interfaith Studies (15 CH)

• IFS 101 World Religions
• IFS 210 Comparative Theology
• IFS 220 Religion & Culture
• IFS 310 Interfaith Dialogue & Practice
• IFS 410 Religion, Conflict & Peacebuilding
• The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Global Communication, Media, Specialization in Interfaith Studies program combines a foundational general education with a comprehensive study of communication theory, media production, behavioral science, human development, ethics, research methods, crisis awareness, cultural referral systems, program development, and community-based support strategies within faith-based contexts.
• 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.

Capstone: Global Media Campaign

• 3
• None
• GCM 490 — Emerging Technologies in Faith-Based Media: This course explores the impact of AI, virtual reality, and other emerging technologies on how faith-based messages are constructed. Students reflect on the spiritual and technical implications of adopting these tools. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• GCM 498 — Senior Thesis: Faith and Global Communication: Students complete an original research project that synthesizes media strategy with their specialization in interfaith studies. This major project requires academic rigor and the application of professional communication theories to a real-world ministry issue. This 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
• ART 200 | Visual Design Fundamentals | 3 | None
• 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
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MKT 210 | Marketing Principles | 3 | None
• GCM 220 | Journalism & News Writing | 3 | None
• IFS 220 | Religion & Culture | 3 | None
• GCM 230 | Digital Media Production | 3 | None
• GCM 240 | Media Law & Ethics | 3 | None
• GCM 250 | Communication Theory | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM 260 | Intercultural Communication | 3 | None
• POL 260 | Mass Media & Politics | 3 | None
• ETH 300 | Foundations of Faith-Based Ethics | 3 | None
• GCM 310 | Strategic Communication | 3 | None
• IFS 310 | Interfaith Dialogue & Practice | 3 | None
• SOC 310 | Sociology of Globalization | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• GCM 320 | International Journalism & Reporting | 3 | None
• IFS 320 | Sacred Texts and Media Representation | 3 | IFS 101
• 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
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• GCM 353 | Crisis Communication | 3 | None
• GCM 354 | Global Advertising | 3 | None
• 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
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• GCM 359 | Media & Human Rights | 3 | None
• GCM 360 | Digital Diplomacy | 3 | None
• GCM 410 | Research Methods in Communication | 3 | None
• IFS 410 | Religion, Conflict & Peacebuilding | 3 | None
• SOC 410 | Sociology of Religious Networks | 3 | SOC 310
• IFS 420 | Theology of Hospitality and Digital Outreach | 3 | IFS 310
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• GCM 430 | Advanced Cross-Cultural Media Advocacy | 3 | GCM 310
• GCM 440 | Crisis Management for Faith Institutions | 3 | GCM 353
• GCM 450 | Visual Storytelling for Global Ministries | 3 | ART 200
• IFS 450 | Interfaith Engagement and Global Diplomacy | 3 | IFS 410
• COM 480 | Collaborative Leadership in Nonprofits | 3 | COM 260
• GCM 485 | Communication Analytics for Nonprofits | 3 | GCM 410
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• GCM 490 | Emerging Technologies in Faith-Based Media | 3 | IT 210
• GCM 498 | Senior Thesis: Faith and Global Communication | 3 | GCM 410
• GCM 499 | Capstone: Global Media Campaign | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

• Global Communications Specialist
• Media Relations Coordinator
• Interfaith Program Director
• Cultural Affairs Officer
• Public Relations Manager
• Content Development Strategist
• Social Media Consultant

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 | 135 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years