Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based International Development, Policy

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

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

Total program length

135 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based International Development, Policy core

78 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 multidisciplinary understanding of the complex social, political, and economic challenges facing global communities. Students will engage in a dynamic curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills in development policy, intercultural communication, and ethical governance. The program prepares graduates for impactful careers in various sectors by emphasizing critical thinking, analytical skills, and cultural competence. With exposure to diverse perspectives through the Interfaith Studies minor, students will learn to navigate and address the ethical dimensions of international development. This degree equips students with the necessary tools to foster sustainable development and promote social justice, making it an invaluable choice for those looking to make a difference in the world.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based International Development, Policy program combines foundational general education with a comprehensive study of theoretical frameworks, behavioral science, human development, and ethical considerations. The curriculum emphasizes research methodologies, crisis awareness, systems for referral, program development, and the implementation of effective community-based support strategies within diverse international 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: 135
• Duration: 4 years
• Degree Level: Bachelor

General education | 36 credit hours

• Faith-Based International Development, Policy core | 78 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone: Development Policy Project

• 3
• None
• IDP 410 — Applied Research Methods for Policy: Applied Research Methods for PolicyThis 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..
• IDP 499 — Capstone: Development Policy Project: Capstone: Development Policy ProjectThis 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
• ECO 201 | Microeconomics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• IDP 201 | Introduction to International Development | 3 | None
• ECO 202 | Macroeconomics | 3 | None
• IDP 210 | Development Economics | 3 | None
• IFS 210 | Comparative Theology | 3 | None
• STA 210 | Applied Statistics | 3 | None
• UNI 210 | Applied Statistics for Social Science | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• IDP 220 | Global Governance & Policy | 3 | None
• IFS 220 | Religion & Culture | 3 | None
• UNI 220 | Research & Information Literacy | 3 | None
• COM 230 | Intercultural Communication | 3 | None
• IDP 230 | Poverty, Inequality & Social Policy | 3 | None
• UNI 230 | Ethics in a Global Society | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• IDP 240 | Program Design & Logic Models | 3 | None
• UNI 240 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• IDP 250 | Monitoring & Evaluation | 3 | None
• UNI 250 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None
• SOC 260 | Social Problems | 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
• IDP 310 | Public Policy Analysis | 3 | None
• IFS 310 | Interfaith Dialogue & Practice | 3 | None
• LAW 310 | Human Rights Law | 3 | None
• IDP 320 | Public Finance for Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• IDP 330 | Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) | 3 | None
• IDP 340 | Humanitarian Response Systems | 3 | None
• 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
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• IDP 355 | Food Security Policy | 3 | None
• IDP 356 | Climate & Development | 3 | None
• IDP 357 | NGO Management | 3 | None
• IDP 358 | Conflict & Development | 3 | None
• IDP 359 | Urbanization & Development | 3 | None
• IDP 360 | Development Ethics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• IDP 410 | Applied Research Methods for Policy | 3 | None
• IFS 410 | Religion, Conflict & Peacebuilding | 3 | None
• IDP 499 | Capstone: Development Policy Project | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

• International Development Consultant
• Policy Analyst
• Nonprofit Program Manager
• Global Health Coordinator
• Human Rights Advocate
• Cultural Affairs Officer
• Sustainability Advisor

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