Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based International Relations, Diplomacy

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based International Relations, Diplomacy

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based International Relations, Diplomacy core

63 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based International Relations and Diplomacy is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students for the complexities of global engagement through a rigorous academic lens. Students explore the intersection of political science, historical analysis, and international law, while grounding their studies in a commitment to servant leadership and global stewardship. By engaging with both secular theories of diplomacy and ethical frameworks, the program fosters a holistic understanding of international systems.

Students will analyze contemporary geopolitical issues, evaluate diverse cultural and political narratives, and develop communication strategies suitable for multicultural environments. The program emphasizes the integration of academic inquiry with moral development, ensuring that graduates are prepared to address global challenges with intellectual precision and a dedicated commitment to ethical decision-making in the public and private sectors.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based International Relations, Diplomacy combines a rigorous liberal arts foundation with comprehensive study in international theory, behavioral science, human development, ethics, research, crisis awareness, referral, program development, and community-based support within a global context.

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: 120
• Duration: 4 years
• Degree Level: Bachelor

General education | 36 credit hours

• Faith-Based International Relations, Diplomacy core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone Proposal Seminar

• 3
• RES305
• POL440
• International Political Economy
• 3
• BUS200
• POL410 — Public Policy and Global Governance: Examines the policy process within global institutions. Discusses global health, climate, and development policy challengesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• POL420 — Ethics in International Diplomacy: An advanced seminar on the intersection of diplomacy and moral philosophy. Debates issues such as state intervention and humanitarian responsibilityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES400 — Capstone Proposal Seminar: Faculty-led preparation for the final capstone project. Students draft their research questions and methodologies under intensive guidanceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• POL440 — International Political Economy: Explores the dynamics of global wealth, trade, and economic interdependence. Analyzes how economic systems affect state relationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS101 | World History I | 3 | None
• ENG101 | Academic Writing | 3 | None
• POL101 | Introduction to Political Science | 3 | None
• THE110 | Foundations of Ethical Worldviews | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS102 | World History II | 3 | HIS101
• COM105 | Intercultural Communication | 3 | None
• POL120 | International Relations Theory | 3 | POL101
• MAT201 | Statistics for the Social Sciences | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL210 | Comparative Government | 3 | POL120
• SOC210 | Globalization and Development | 3 | None
• CHR205 | Stewardship in a Global Context | 3 | THE110
• ENG205 | Professional Communication | 3 | ENG101
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL240 | International Law and Organizations | 3 | POL120
• HIS250 | Modern Diplomacy | 3 | HIS102
• PSY220 | Social Psychology | 3 | None
• BUS200 | Foundations of Global Economics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL310 | Human Rights and International Justice | 3 | POL240
• RES305 | Research Methods in International Studies | 4 | MAT201
• POL350 | Conflict Resolution and Peace Studies | 3 | POL210
• HIS320 | Regional Geopolitics | 3 | HIS102
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL360 | Foreign Policy Analysis | 3 | POL210
• MGT310 | Organizational Leadership | 3 | None
• POL300 | International Political Sociology | 3 | THE110
• POL380 | Security Studies | 3 | POL120
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL410 | Public Policy and Global Governance | 3 | POL240
• POL420 | Ethics in International Diplomacy | 3 | THE110
• RES400 | Capstone Proposal Seminar | 3 | RES305
• POL440 | International Political Economy | 3 | BUS200
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP450 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | RES400
• POL490 | Senior Internship Seminar | 3 | Senior Standing
• HUM410 | Contemporary Ethical Dilemmas | 3 | THE110
• POL485 | Advanced Topics in Global Diplomacy | 3 | Senior Standing

Career Opportunities

• Foreign Service Officer
• International Non-Profit Program Manager
• Diplomatic Liaison
• Policy Analyst for Global Organizations
• Humanitarian Aid Coordinator
• Intercultural Relations Consultant
• International 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 Relations, Diplomacy
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years