Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based International Development, Policy

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 Details

• Total Credits: 132
• Duration: 2 years
• Degree Level: Bachelor

Major Core (36 CH)

• IDP 201 Introduction to International Development
• IDP 210 Development Economics
• IDP 220 Global Governance & Policy
• IDP 230 Poverty, Inequality & Social Policy
• IDP 240 Program Design & Logic Models
• IDP 250 Monitoring & Evaluation
• IDP 310 Public Policy Analysis
• IDP 320 Public Finance for Development
• IDP 330 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• IDP 340 Humanitarian Response Systems
• IDP 410 Applied Research Methods for Policy
• IDP 499 Capstone: Development Policy Project

General education | 36 credit hours

• Faith-Based International Development and policy core | 75 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Supporting Courses (18 CH)

• ECO 201 Microeconomics
• ECO 202 Macroeconomics
• SOC 260 Social Problems
• STA 210 Applied Statistics
• COM 230 Intercultural Communication
• LAW 310 Human Rights Law

Major Electives (30 CH)

• IDP 351 Education Policy in Developing Contexts
• IDP 352 Global Health & Development
• IDP 353 Gender & Development
• IDP 354 Migration & Refugee Policy
• IDP 355 Food Security Policy
• IDP 356 Climate & Development
• IDP 357 NGO Management
• IDP 358 Conflict & Development
• IDP 359 Urbanization & Development
• IDP 360 Development Ethics

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 International Development, Policy combines a robust general education foundation with comprehensive study in development theory, behavioral science, human development, ethics, research, crisis awareness, referral, program development, and community-based support. This curriculum prepares students to analyze complex international systems through a lens of faith-based principles while fostering the practical skills necessary for effective community impact.
• 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: 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..

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

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