Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Global Tourism, International Hospitality, Specialization in Comparative Studies

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Global Tourism, International Hospitality, and Comparative Studies

Total program length

134 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Global Tourism, International Hospitality, and Comparative Studies core

77 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Global Tourism and International Hospitality with a Minor in Comparative Scripture Studies equips students with a comprehensive understanding of the international tourism industry through the lens of biblical stewardship and servant leadership. This program integrates theoretical and practical knowledge, allowing students to explore global travel trends, hospitality management, and cultural sensitivities while critically analyzing diverse religious texts and their influence on the history of civilization. Students participate in internships and experiential learning opportunities designed to cultivate ethical reasoning and spiritual formation. By synthesizing professional hospitality skills with a Christian worldview, graduates gain unique insights into how faith and culture shape the global travel experience, preparing them to serve as redemptive leaders in a globalized economy.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Global Tourism, International Hospitality, and Comparative Studies program integrates a foundational general education curriculum with comprehensive study in global hospitality theory, behavioral science, human development, ethical frameworks, comparative research methodologies, crisis awareness, service referral, tourism program development, and community-based support strategies within faith-oriented 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.

Program Details

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

General education | 36 credit hours

• Faith-Based Global Tourism, International Hospitality, and Comparative Studies core | 77 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone: Tourism Business Plan

• 3
• None
• CSS 410 — Advanced Comparative Scripture Studies: Advanced Comparative Scripture StudiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• GTH 410 — Research Methods in Tourism: Research Methods in TourismThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• GTH 499 — Capstone: Tourism Business Plan: Capstone: Tourism Business PlanThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CSS 101 | Sacred Texts of the World | 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
• GTH 201 | Introduction to Global Tourism | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• GEO 205 | Human Geography | 3 | None
• ACC 210 | Financial Accounting | 3 | None
• BUS 210 | Principles of Management | 3 | None
• CSS 210 | Comparative Scripture Interpretation | 3 | None
• GTH 210 | Hospitality Operations Management | 3 | None
• MKT 210 | Marketing Principles | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• UNI 210 | Applied Statistics for Social Science | 3 | None
• CSS 220 | Scripture, Ethics & Society | 3 | None
• GTH 220 | Tourism Economics | 3 | None
• UNI 220 | Research & Information Literacy | 3 | None
• GTH 230 | Service Excellence & Guest Experience | 3 | None
• UNI 230 | Ethics in a Global Society | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• GTH 240 | International Hospitality Marketing | 3 | None
• LAW 240 | Hospitality Law & Risk | 3 | None
• UNI 240 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• GTH 250 | Event & Convention Management | 3 | None
• UNI 250 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• COM 260 | Intercultural Communication | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• UNI 260 | World History I | 3 | None
• UNI 261 | World History II | 3 | None
• UNI 270 | Introduction to Political Science | 3 | None
• CSS 310 | Religion & Culture in Global Context | 3 | None
• GTH 310 | Destination Management | 3 | None
• GTH 320 | Cultural Heritage Tourism | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• GTH 330 | Sustainable Tourism Development | 3 | None
• GTH 340 | Hospitality Finance & Revenue Management | 3 | None
• GTH 351 | Airline & Travel Industry Management | 3 | None
• GTH 352 | Eco-Tourism & Conservation | 3 | None
• GTH 353 | Cruise & Resort Management | 3 | None
• GTH 354 | Culinary & Food Tourism | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• GTH 355 | Luxury Brand Management | 3 | None
• GTH 356 | Tourism in Emerging Markets | 3 | None
• GTH 357 | Digital Marketing for Tourism | 3 | None
• GTH 358 | Sport Tourism | 3 | None
• GTH 359 | Crisis & Safety in Tourism | 3 | None
• GTH 360 | Entrepreneurship in Hospitality | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CSS 410 | Advanced Comparative Scripture Studies | 3 | None
• GTH 410 | Research Methods in Tourism | 3 | None
• GTH 499 | Capstone: Tourism Business Plan | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

• Hospitality Manager
• Travel Consultant
• Event Coordinator
• Tourism Marketing Specialist
• Cultural Heritage Manager
• Religious Tourism Planner
• Guest Relations Manager

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 Tourism, International Hospitality, and Comparative Studies
• Total program length | 134 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years