Bachelor of Science in Global Health & Humanitarian Studies with a Minor in World Religions

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.S. in Global Health & Humanitarian Studies

Total program length

134 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Global health and humanitarian studies core

77 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Science in Global Health & Humanitarian Studies with a Minor in World Religions is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address global health challenges and promote humanitarian initiatives. Throughout this 2-year program, students will engage with a diverse curriculum that explores the intersections of health, culture, ethics, and religion in international contexts. Key learning experiences include practical fieldwork, collaborative projects, and specialized courses that prepare graduates for roles in public health, social justice, and community advocacy. By infusing a minor in World Religions, students gain a deeper understanding of cultural competency vital in global health work, enhancing their capacity to support various populations effectively. This program values interdisciplinary learning and prepares students for impactful careers that foster sustainable change and improve the well-being of communities worldwide.

Student are required to complete the University Gen. Course 36 credit hours

Program Details

• Total Credits: 134
• Duration: 4 years
• Degree Level: Bachelor

Major Core (36 CH)

• GHH 201 Introduction to Global Health
• GHH 210 Epidemiology I
• GHH 220 Biostatistics for Health
• GHH 230 Global Burden of Disease
• GHH 240 Health Systems & Policy
• GHH 250 Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH)
• GHH 310 Humanitarian Logistics
• GHH 320 Disaster Risk Reduction
• GHH 330 Nutrition & Food Security
• GHH 340 Global Mental Health
• GHH 410 Research Methods in Global Health
• GHH 499 Capstone: Humanitarian Field Project

General education | 36 credit hours

• Global health and humanitarian studies core | 77 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours

Supporting Courses (18 CH)

• BIO 210 Human Biology
• CHE 110 General Chemistry (for Health)
• SOC 310 Sociology of Health
• PSY 320 Trauma & Resilience
• COM 260 Intercultural Communication
• LAW 325 Humanitarian Law & Ethics

Major Electives (30 CH)

• GHH 351 Refugee Health
• GHH 352 Maternal & Child Health
• GHH 353 Infectious Disease Policy
• GHH 354 Climate & Health
• GHH 355 Health Communication
• GHH 356 NGO & Grant Management
• GHH 357 Emergency Medical Systems (Policy)
• GHH 358 Community Health Program Design
• GHH 359 Conflict Medicine (Public Health)
• GHH 360 Global Health Diplomacy

Minor: World Religions (15 CH)

• WRS 101 World Religions
• WRS 210 Religion & Health
• WRS 220 Ethics of Care Across Traditions
• WRS 310 Faith-Based Humanitarianism
• WRS 410 Religion in Global Crises
• The Bachelor of Science in Global Health & Humanitarian Studies with a Minor in World Religions integrates a foundational general education with a comprehensive exploration of global health theory, behavioral science, human development, and ethical frameworks. The curriculum emphasizes advanced research methodologies, crisis awareness, professional referral systems, sustainable program development, and community-based support strategies, equipping students with the interdisciplinary knowledge necessary to address complex humanitarian challenges.
• 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.

Capstone: Humanitarian Field Project

• 3
• None
• GHH 495 — Health Economics in Resource-Limited Settings: This course investigates the economic factors influencing health outcomes in impoverished and developing regions. It assesses fiscal planning, resource allocation, and sustainable financing models. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• GHH 498 — Senior Thesis: Global Health Integration: The senior thesis requires students to synthesize their learning by proposing a comprehensive intervention for a specific humanitarian challenge. This scholarly work culminates in a formal presentation of findings to institutional faculty and peers. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• GHH 499 — Capstone: Humanitarian Field Project: Capstone: Humanitarian Field ProjectThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours

• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• WRS 101 | World Religions | 3 | None
• CHE 110 | General Chemistry (for Health) | 3 | None
• GHH 201 | Introduction to Global Health | 3 | None
• BIO 210 | Human Biology | 3 | None
• GHH 210 | Epidemiology I | 3 | None
• WRS 210 | Religion & Health | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• GHH 220 | Biostatistics for Health | 3 | None
• WRS 220 | Ethics of Care Across Traditions | 3 | None
• GHH 230 | Global Burden of Disease | 3 | None
• GHH 240 | Health Systems & Policy | 3 | None
• GHH 250 | Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) | 3 | None
• COM 260 | Intercultural Communication | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• GHH 310 | Humanitarian Logistics | 3 | None
• SOC 310 | Sociology of Health | 3 | None
• WRS 310 | Faith-Based Humanitarianism | 3 | None
• GHH 320 | Disaster Risk Reduction | 3 | None
• PSY 320 | Trauma & Resilience | 3 | None
• LAW 325 | Humanitarian Law & Ethics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• GHH 330 | Nutrition & Food Security | 3 | None
• GHH 340 | Global Mental Health | 3 | None
• GHH 351 | Refugee Health | 3 | None
• GHH 352 | Maternal & Child Health | 3 | None
• GHH 353 | Infectious Disease Policy | 3 | None
• GHH 354 | Climate & Health | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• GHH 355 | Health Communication | 3 | None
• GHH 356 | NGO & Grant Management | 3 | None
• GHH 357 | Emergency Medical Systems (Policy) | 3 | None
• GHH 358 | Community Health Program Design | 3 | None
• GHH 359 | Conflict Medicine (Public Health) | 3 | None
• GHH 360 | Global Health Diplomacy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM 410 | Crisis Communication in Global Health | 3 | COM 260
• GHH 410 | Research Methods in Global Health | 3 | None
• WRS 410 | Religion in Global Crises | 3 | None
• GHH 420 | Advanced Field Operations | 3 | GHH 310
• GHH 430 | Monitoring and Evaluation for NGOs | 3 | GHH 210
• GHH 440 | Medical Anthropology | 3 | SOC 310
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• GHH 450 | Humanitarian Advocacy and Public Policy | 3 | GHH 240
• WRS 450 | Theology of Human Rights | 3 | WRS 101
• GHH 460 | Principles of Global Health Leadership | 3 | GHH 356
• WRS 460 | Religion and Conflict Resolution | 3 | WRS 410
• GHH 470 | Community-Based Participatory Research | 3 | GHH 410
• GHH 480 | Public Health Emergency Management | 3 | GHH 357
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• GHH 495 | Health Economics in Resource-Limited Settings | 3 | GHH 230
• GHH 498 | Senior Thesis: Global Health Integration | 5 | Senior Standing
• GHH 499 | Capstone: Humanitarian Field Project | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

• Public Health Educator
• Humanitarian Aid Worker
• Health Policy Analyst
• Community Health Coordinator
• Global Health Consultant
• Nonprofit Program Manager
• Research Associate in Global Health

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 Global Health & Humanitarian Studies
• Total program length | 134 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years