Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Human Rights, Peace, Conflict Studies

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.S. in Faith-Based Human Rights, Peace, Conflict Studies

Total program length

134 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-based human rights, peace, and conflict studies core

77 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Human Rights, Peace, and Conflict Studies with a Minor in Biblical Studies provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding human rights, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding through the lens of a Christian worldview. Students engage in interdisciplinary studies that examine social justice, ethical reasoning, and the theology of reconciliation, fostering a commitment to servant leadership as they address global challenges. By integrating rigorous academic inquiry with spiritual formation, the curriculum equips learners to apply biblical stewardship to advocacy, policy-making, and community development. Grounded in the truth of Scripture, this program empowers graduates to act as agents of hope, defending the dignity of the marginalized and contributing to the creation of a more just and peaceful world in alignment with God's restorative purposes.

The Bachelor of Science in Faith-Based Human Rights, Peace, Conflict Studies integrates a robust general education foundation with comprehensive study in subject theory, behavioral science, human development, and ethics. The curriculum is designed to equip students with specialized knowledge in research methodologies, crisis awareness, service referral systems, program development, and the implementation of effective community-based support strategies rooted in a faith-based framework.

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 Science. This curriculum exceeds the general-education minimum.

Program Details

• Total Credits: 134
• Duration: 2 years
• Degree Level: Bachelor

General education | 36 credit hours

• Faith-based human rights, peace, and conflict studies core | 77 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Capstone: Peacebuilding Project

• 3
• None
• HRP 480 — Leadership in Cross-Cultural Environments: Students study leadership models that are effective within multi-ethnic and international religious frameworks. The focus is on servant-leadership and team collaboration. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HRP 498 — Senior Honors Thesis: Students complete an original research paper or project investigating a critical issue in human rights or peace studies. This terminal project requires rigorous academic inquiry and presentation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HRP 499 — Capstone: Peacebuilding Project: Capstone: Peacebuilding ProjectThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIB 101 | Old Testament Survey | 3 | None
• BIB 102 | New Testament Survey | 3 | None
• SOC 150 | Sociology of Faith and Society | 3 | None
• ECO 201 | Microeconomics | 3 | None
• HRP 201 | Introduction to Human Rights | 3 | None
• BIB 210 | Biblical Ethics & Justice | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HRP 210 | Peace Studies Foundations | 3 | None
• POL 210 | Comparative Politics | 3 | None
• HRP 220 | Conflict Analysis | 3 | None
• HRP 230 | International Humanitarian Law | 3 | None
• HRP 240 | Transitional Justice | 3 | None
• HRP 250 | Mediation & Negotiation | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM 260 | Intercultural Communication | 3 | None
• SOC 260 | Social Problems | 3 | None
• HRP 280 | Humanitarian Disaster Response | 3 | HRP 201
• BIB 310 | Prophets, Mercy & Social Responsibility | 3 | None
• HRP 310 | Comparative Conflict Resolution | 3 | None
• LAW 310 | International Human Rights Law | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY 310 | Social Psychology | 3 | None
• HRP 320 | Genocide & Mass Atrocity Prevention | 3 | None
• POL 320 | Global Governance and Institutions | 3 | POL 210
• HRP 330 | Human Rights Advocacy & Campaigns | 3 | None
• HRP 340 | Religion, Violence & Peacebuilding | 3 | None
• HRP 351 | Refugee & Asylum Law (Policy) | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HRP 352 | Child Protection & Rights | 3 | None
• HRP 353 | Gender, Violence & Protection | 3 | None
• HRP 354 | Human Rights in Africa | 3 | None
• HRP 355 | Human Rights in the Middle East | 3 | None
• HRP 356 | Peacekeeping & International Intervention | 3 | None
• HRP 357 | Community-Based Peacebuilding | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HRP 358 | Nonviolent Movements | 3 | None
• HRP 359 | Ethics of War & Peace | 3 | None
• HRP 360 | Climate Conflict & Security | 3 | None
• HRP 380 | Sustainable Community Development | 3 | ECO 201
• BIB 410 | Applied Biblical Theology for Peacebuilding | 3 | None
• HRP 410 | Research Methods in Peace & Conflict | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PSY 420 | Trauma-Informed Care and Counseling | 3 | PSY 310
• HRP 440 | Grant Writing and Resource Mobilization | 3 | HRP 330
• BIB 450 | Theology of Reconciliation | 3 | BIB 410
• LAW 450 | Advanced Human Rights Policy | 3 | LAW 310
• HRP 460 | International Human Rights Fieldwork | 3 | HRP 410
• HRP 470 | Digital Technology and Peacebuilding | 3 | COM 260
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HRP 480 | Leadership in Cross-Cultural Environments | 3 | COM 260
• HRP 498 | Senior Honors Thesis | 5 | HRP 410
• HRP 499 | Capstone: Peacebuilding Project | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

• Human Rights Advocate
• Conflict Resolution Specialist
• Policy Analyst
• Community Development Coordinator
• Diplomatic Service Officer
• Nonprofit Program Manager
• International Relations Consultant

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.S. in Faith-Based Human Rights, Peace, Conflict Studies
• Total program length | 134 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years