← Programs CatalogAuthoritative HBIU program data

degree · Bachelor · v1

Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based International Development, Policy

Academic unitHBIU College of International StudiesTotal credits132Estimated duration2 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based International Development, Policy

Total program length

132 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based International Development and policy core

75 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in International Development & Policy with a Minor in Interfaith Studies offers students a comprehensive understanding of global issues, development practices, and policy-making. Students will engage with interdisciplinary approaches, including economics, sociology, and environmental science, while exploring the role of faith and interfaith dialogue in societal development. This program prepares graduates for diverse career paths by equipping them with critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills essential for addressing complex global challenges. By studying various cultural perspectives and religious beliefs, students will be well-prepared for careers in international organizations, non-profits, and policy-making institutions, making meaningful contributions towards sustainable development and peacebuilding.

Students must complete the University Gen courses 36 credit hours

Program Facts

Program facts

Degree abbreviation
B.A. in Faith-Based International Development, Policy
Total program length
132 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
132
Duration
2 years
Specialization / Minor
Core (36 CH)

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Analyze the impact of global policies on local communities.
  • Evaluate different approaches to international development.
  • Demonstrate understanding of interfaith dialogue and its role in conflict resolution.
  • Apply critical thinking to assess development challenges and solutions.
  • Communicate effectively about complex issues in development and policy.
  • Integrate ethical considerations into decision-making in international contexts.
  • Conduct research on contemporary global issues and articulate findings.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • IFS 101
  • World Religions
  • 3
  • None
  • BIB 110
  • Biblical Foundations for Justice
  • 3
  • None
  • ECO 201
  • Microeconomics
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 201
  • Introduction to International Development
  • 3
  • None
  • ECO 202
  • Macroeconomics
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 210
  • Development Economics
  • 3
  • None
  • IFS 101 — World Religions: World ReligionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • BIB 110 — Biblical Foundations for Justice: This course examines scriptural narratives regarding poverty, justice, and the mandate to serve marginalized populations. Students evaluate various theological frameworks for social engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • ECO 201 — Microeconomics: MicroeconomicsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • IDP 201 — Introduction to International Development: Introduction to International DevelopmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • ECO 202 — Macroeconomics: MacroeconomicsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • IDP 210 — Development Economics: Development EconomicsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • IFS 210
  • Comparative Theology
  • 3
  • None
  • STA 210
  • Applied Statistics
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 220
  • Global Governance & Policy
  • 3
  • None
  • IFS 220
  • Religion & Culture
  • 3
  • None
  • COM 230
  • Intercultural Communication
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 230
  • Poverty, Inequality & Social Policy
  • 3
  • None
  • IFS 210 — Comparative Theology: Comparative TheologyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • STA 210 — Applied Statistics: Applied StatisticsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • IDP 220 — Global Governance & Policy: Global Governance & PolicyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • IFS 220 — Religion & Culture: Religion & CultureThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • COM 230 — Intercultural Communication: Intercultural CommunicationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • IDP 230 — Poverty, Inequality & Social Policy: Poverty, Inequality & Social PolicyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • IDP 240
  • Program Design & Logic Models
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 250
  • Monitoring & Evaluation
  • 3
  • None
  • SOC 260
  • Social Problems
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 310
  • Public Policy Analysis
  • 3
  • None
  • IFS 310
  • Interfaith Dialogue & Practice
  • 3
  • None
  • LAW 310
  • Human Rights Law
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 240 — Program Design & Logic Models: Program Design & Logic ModelsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • IDP 250 — Monitoring & Evaluation: Monitoring & EvaluationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • SOC 260 — Social Problems: Social ProblemsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • IDP 310 — Public Policy Analysis: Public Policy AnalysisThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • IFS 310 — Interfaith Dialogue & Practice: Interfaith Dialogue & PracticeThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • LAW 310 — Human Rights Law: Human Rights LawThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • IDP 320
  • Public Finance for Development
  • 3
  • None
  • PHI 320
  • Social Justice Philosophy
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 330
  • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  • 3
  • None
  • BUS 340
  • Financial Stewardship for Nonprofits
  • 3
  • IDP 357
  • IDP 340
  • Humanitarian Response Systems
  • 3
  • None
  • HIS 350
  • History of Global Mission and Social Action
  • 3
  • IFS 101
  • IDP 320 — Public Finance for Development: Public Finance for DevelopmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • PHI 320 — Social Justice Philosophy: An exploration of historical and contemporary theories of justice, equality, and human rights from a philosophical perspective. Students analyze the ethical implications of systemic policy decisions on vulnerable populations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • IDP 330 — Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • BUS 340 — Financial Stewardship for Nonprofits: A comprehensive overview of budgeting, grant management, and financial reporting within the nonprofit sector. Emphasis is placed on transparency and accountability in managing donated funds. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • IDP 340 — Humanitarian Response Systems: Humanitarian Response SystemsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • HIS 350 — History of Global Mission and Social Action: A study of the historical trajectory of faith-based social services and global missions in different geographic regions. The course identifies lessons learned from historical interactions with local communities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 5 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • IDP 351
  • Education Policy in Developing Contexts
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 352
  • Global Health & Development
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 353
  • Gender & Development
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 354
  • Migration & Refugee Policy
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 355
  • Food Security Policy
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 356
  • Climate & Development
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 351 — Education Policy in Developing Contexts: Education Policy in Developing ContextsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • IDP 352 — Global Health & Development: Global Health & DevelopmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • IDP 353 — Gender & Development: Gender & DevelopmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • IDP 354 — Migration & Refugee Policy: Migration & Refugee PolicyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • IDP 355 — Food Security Policy: Food Security PolicyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • IDP 356 — Climate & Development: Climate & DevelopmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 6 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • IDP 357
  • NGO Management
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 358
  • Conflict & Development
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 359
  • Urbanization & Development
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 360
  • Development Ethics
  • 3
  • None
  • COM 410
  • Cross-Cultural Advocacy Communication
  • 3
  • COM 230
  • IDP 410
  • Applied Research Methods for Policy
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 357 — NGO Management: NGO ManagementThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • IDP 358 — Conflict & Development: Conflict & DevelopmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • IDP 359 — Urbanization & Development: Urbanization & DevelopmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • IDP 360 — Development Ethics: Development EthicsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • COM 410 — Cross-Cultural Advocacy Communication: This course explores advanced communication techniques for engaging diverse stakeholders in international contexts. Students develop skills in storytelling and media outreach for development projects. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • IDP 410 — Applied Research Methods for Policy: Applied Research Methods for PolicyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 7 — Year 4
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • IFS 410
  • Religion, Conflict & Peacebuilding
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 420
  • Technology and Innovation in Development
  • 3
  • IDP 330
  • POL 420
  • Advocacy and Grassroots Mobilization
  • 3
  • IDP 220
  • IDP 430
  • Disaster Resilience and Recovery
  • 3
  • IDP 340
  • SOC 440
  • Demographic Analysis and Policy Planning
  • 3
  • STA 210
  • IDS 450
  • Grant Writing and Resource Development
  • 3
  • IDP 240
  • IFS 410 — Religion, Conflict & Peacebuilding: Religion, Conflict & PeacebuildingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • IDP 420 — Technology and Innovation in Development: An analysis of how emerging technologies, including digital connectivity and data tracking, are transforming development outcomes. The course evaluates the ethical use of technology in resource-constrained environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • POL 420 — Advocacy and Grassroots Mobilization: This course introduces strategies for effective policy advocacy, community organizing, and grassroots movement building. It covers the legislative process and how non-state actors influence systemic change. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • IDP 430 — Disaster Resilience and Recovery: Students investigate models for community resilience and recovery planning in the wake of natural and man-made disasters. It covers psychological, structural, and social interventions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SOC 440 — Demographic Analysis and Policy Planning: This course provides tools for analyzing demographic shifts and their impacts on housing, education, and health infrastructure. Students learn to use population data to inform program targeting. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • IDS 450 — Grant Writing and Resource Development: Focuses on the technical aspects of donor research, proposal writing, and relationship building with funding foundations. Students draft a complete grant proposal for an actual development initiative. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 8 — Year 4
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • IDP 498
  • Senior Thesis: Advanced Policy Research
  • 3
  • IDP 410
  • IDP 499
  • Capstone: Development Policy Project
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 498 — Senior Thesis: Advanced Policy Research: Students conduct an original research project that contributes to the field of international development policy under faculty mentorship. The course culminates in the defense of a formal written thesis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • IDP 499 — Capstone: Development Policy Project: Capstone: Development Policy ProjectThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Prospective students must have a high school diploma or equivalent with a minimum GPA. Additionally, submission of a personal statement discussing their interest in international development and policy is required. Career Opportunities International Development Consultant Policy Analyst Non-Profit Program Coordinator Humanitarian Aid Worker Cultural Affairs Officer Sustainability Consultant Community Development Specialist 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 Development, Policy Total program length | 132 semester credit hours Normal completion time | Four academic years General education | 36 credit hours Faith-Based International Development and policy core | 75 credit hours Professional application courses | 15 credit hours Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites IFS 101 | World Religions | 3 | None BIB 110 | Biblical Foundations for Justice | 3 | None ECO 201 | Microeconomics | 3 | None IDP 201 | Introduction to International Development | 3 | None ECO 202 | Macroeconomics | 3 | None IDP 210 | Development Economics | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites IFS 210 | Comparative Theology | 3 | None STA 210 | Applied Statistics | 3 | None IDP 220 | Global Governance & Policy | 3 | None IFS 220 | Religion & Culture | 3 | None COM 230 | Intercultural Communication | 3 | None IDP 230 | Poverty, Inequality & Social Policy | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites IDP 240 | Program Design & Logic Models | 3 | None IDP 250 | Monitoring & Evaluation | 3 | None SOC 260 | Social Problems | 3 | None IDP 310 | Public Policy Analysis | 3 | None IFS 310 | Interfaith Dialogue & Practice | 3 | None LAW 310 | Human Rights Law | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites IDP 320 | Public Finance for Development | 3 | None PHI 320 | Social Justice Philosophy | 3 | None IDP 330 | Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) | 3 | None BUS 340 | Financial Stewardship for Nonprofits | 3 | IDP 357 IDP 340 | Humanitarian Response Systems | 3 | None HIS 350 | History of Global Mission and Social Action | 3 | IFS 101 Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites IDP 351 | Education Policy in Developing Contexts | 3 | None IDP 352 | Global Health & Development | 3 | None IDP 353 | Gender & Development | 3 | None IDP 354 | Migration & Refugee Policy | 3 | None IDP 355 | Food Security Policy | 3 | None IDP 356 | Climate & Development | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites IDP 357 | NGO Management | 3 | None IDP 358 | Conflict & Development | 3 | None IDP 359 | Urbanization & Development | 3 | None IDP 360 | Development Ethics | 3 | None COM 410 | Cross-Cultural Advocacy Communication | 3 | COM 230 IDP 410 | Applied Research Methods for Policy | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites IFS 410 | Religion, Conflict & Peacebuilding | 3 | None IDP 420 | Technology and Innovation in Development | 3 | IDP 330 POL 420 | Advocacy and Grassroots Mobilization | 3 | IDP 220 IDP 430 | Disaster Resilience and Recovery | 3 | IDP 340 SOC 440 | Demographic Analysis and Policy Planning | 3 | STA 210 IDS 450 | Grant Writing and Resource Development | 3 | IDP 240 Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites IDP 498 | Senior Thesis: Advanced Policy Research | 3 | IDP 410 IDP 499 | Capstone: Development Policy Project | 3 | None

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • International Development Consultant
  • Policy Analyst
  • Non-Profit Program Coordinator
  • Humanitarian Aid Worker
  • Cultural Affairs Officer
  • Sustainability Consultant
  • Community Development Specialist

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 International Development, Policy
  • Total program length | 132 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Four academic years