Master of Arts in Faith-Based International Affairs, Global Policy, Specialization in Interfaith Dialogue

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based International Affairs, Global Policy, Specialization in Interfaith Dialogue

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based International Affairs, Global Policy, Specialization in Interfaith Dialogue core

27 credit hours

Research, assessment, and program evaluation

12 credit hours

Professional application and field experience

12 credit hours

Graduate capstone requirement

9 credit hours

The Master of Arts in International Affairs and Global Policy with a specialization in Interfaith Dialogue provides a rigorous academic foundation for students seeking to navigate the complexities of global governance, diplomacy, and cross-cultural engagement. The curriculum integrates traditional international relations theory with specialized analytical frameworks for addressing the role of diverse belief systems in the public sphere. Students examine historical patterns of transnational policy, economic development, and international law through a lens of justice and ethical stewardship.

Beyond theoretical grounding, this program emphasizes the practical application of diplomatic strategies within multifaith contexts. By fostering a deep understanding of global institutional structures and the socio-cultural variables that influence policy outcomes, students gain the tools necessary to engage in nuanced conflict resolution and cross-cultural mediation. This degree prepares scholars and practitioners to lead with integrity in an increasingly interconnected global society, balancing intellectual rigor with a commitment to service-oriented leadership.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in faith-based international affairs, global policy, specialization in interfaith dialogue theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based international affairs, global policy, specialization in interfaith dialogue-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based international affairs, global policy, specialization in interfaith dialogue-support program; A professional training manual; A program-development and evaluation project; Another faculty-approved scholarly project.

The program is designed for completion within two academic years by students maintaining the University's prescribed full-time course load. Part-time students may require additional time.

Florida establishes a minimum of 24 semester credits beyond the bachelor's degree for a master's program. The University's 60-credit requirement is an institutional academic standard that exceeds that minimum.

Program Details

• Total Credits: 60
• Duration: 2 years
• Degree Level: Master

Thesis Research and Defense

• 6
• RES600
• INT660
• Seminar in Global Justice
• 4
• None
• INT670
• Practicum in Global Engagement
• 4
• None
• MGT680
• Organizational Stewardship in Global Contexts
• 4
• None
• CAP690 — Thesis Research and Defense: The culmination of the degree, where students produce an original research thesis. Students defend their work before a faculty panel to demonstrate masteryThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• INT660 — Seminar in Global Justice: Explores philosophical and theological foundations of justice in the international arena. Discusses systemic poverty and environmental ethicsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• INT670 — Practicum in Global Engagement: Involves applied work or service with an international focus. Requires reflection on the intersection of professional tasks and personal ethicsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MGT680 — Organizational Stewardship in Global Contexts: Examines the management of non-profit and public organizations. Focuses on accountability, transparency, and ethical resource managementThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Master’s Thesis serves as the culminating academic experience for this program, requiring students to execute an original research project that addresses a specific challenge at the intersection of international policy and interfaith cooperation. Students work closely with a faculty mentor to identify a research problem, conduct a thorough literature review, and analyze data through a lens of rigorous inquiry. The project requires a scholarly paper of 50-80 pages that contributes meaningful insight to the field of international affairs.
• Integrating the program’s faith-based identity, the thesis must articulate the application of ethical reasoning, biblical stewardship, and principles of servant leadership as they pertain to the chosen policy area. Students demonstrate academic competence by synthesizing disciplinary knowledge while simultaneously reflecting on their own growth in character and moral clarity. This work serves as a testimony to the student’s ability to conduct sophisticated research that upholds the principles of human dignity, justice, and reconciliatory service in a global context.

Career Opportunities

• International Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Policy Advisor
• Global Diplomatic Liaison
• Cross-Cultural Conflict Mediator
• International Education Program Coordinator
• Humanitarian Relief Specialist
• Public Policy Consultant for Faith-Based Organizations
• International Development 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 | M.A. in Faith-Based International Affairs, Global Policy, Specialization in Interfaith Dialogue
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based International Affairs, Global Policy, Specialization in Interfaith Dialogue core | 27 credit hours
• Research, assessment, and program evaluation | 12 credit hours
• Professional application and field experience | 12 credit hours
• Graduate capstone requirement | 9 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS501 | History of Global Relations | 4 | None
• INT505 | International Policy Frameworks | 4 | None
• RES510 | Research Methods for Social Inquiry | 3 | None
• THE520 | Ethics in Global Leadership | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• INT515 | Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding | 4 | INT505
• INT601 | Interfaith Dialogue in Practice | 4 | None
• SOC530 | Religion and Social Change | 4 | None
• INT610 | International Development and Sustainability | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• INT620 | Human Rights and International Law | 4 | INT505
• INT630 | Advanced Cross-Cultural Negotiation | 4 | INT601
• RES600 | Advanced Research Seminar | 4 | RES510
• COM650 | Strategic Communication for Policy Advocates | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP690 | Thesis Research and Defense | 6 | RES600
• INT660 | Seminar in Global Justice | 4 | None
• INT670 | Practicum in Global Engagement | 4 | None
• MGT680 | Organizational Stewardship in Global Contexts | 4 | None