Master of Arts in Faith-Based International Peace, Conflict Resolution

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based International Peace, Conflict Resolution

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based International Peace, Conflict Resolution 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 Peace and Conflict Resolution at HBI University provides a rigorous interdisciplinary framework for analyzing the complexities of global conflicts. Students examine the historical, sociological, and geopolitical roots of instability while developing practical skills in mediation, negotiation, and non-violent transformation. By integrating theoretical scholarship with ethical reflection, the program prepares graduates to operate effectively in diverse cultural environments with a commitment to stewardship and social restoration. The curriculum emphasizes the application of peacebuilding strategies within humanitarian organizations, governmental agencies, and community development initiatives. Through critical engagement with case studies, learners cultivate the analytical capacity to address structural inequities and promote reconciliation in fractured societies. The program fosters a commitment to servant leadership, encouraging students to view conflict resolution as a vocation dedicated to the common good and the dignity of all individuals.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in Faith-Based International Peace, Conflict Resolution theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based international peace, conflict resolution-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based international peace, conflict resolution-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 or Capstone Project

• The Master’s Thesis serves as the culminating academic experience for the program, requiring students to conduct an original, substantive inquiry into a specific conflict-related phenomenon. This project invites students to apply rigorous research methodologies to a real-world problem, demonstrating mastery of the literature and the ability to formulate evidence-based policy or practice recommendations. The scope of the thesis must encompass both empirical depth and theoretical breadth, bridging international relations theory with actionable peacebuilding strategies.
• Beyond technical proficiency, the thesis serves as an exercise in faith-informed character development, where students integrate ethical reasoning and a commitment to stewardship into their scholarly inquiry. Students are expected to articulate how their findings reflect a Christian worldview, emphasizing the concepts of reconciliation, human dignity, and the pursuit of justice. The project is weighted at 4 credit hours and requires a formal defense before a faculty committee, where the candidate must demonstrate both academic competence and a clear alignment between their professional aspirations and their call to serve as catalysts for peace.

Career Opportunities

• International Humanitarian Relief Coordinator
• Conflict Mediator for Non-Governmental Organizations
• Policy Analyst for Global Development Agencies
• Community Peacebuilding Program Director
• Human Rights Advocacy Consultant
• Diplomatic Liaison for Faith-Based Missions
• Researcher for International Relations Think Tanks

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 Peace, Conflict Resolution
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based International Peace, Conflict Resolution 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
• RES501 | Research Design and Methodology | 4 | None
• SOC510 | The Sociology of Global Conflict | 4 | None
• HIS520 | Global Diplomacy and Peace Agreements | 4 | None
• THE505 | Ethical Foundations of Peacebuilding | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM530 | Cross-Cultural Communication | 4 | None
• MGT540 | Nonprofit and Humanitarian Management | 4 | None
• PSY550 | Psychosocial Impacts of Conflict | 4 | None
• SOC560 | Social Justice and Development | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES610 | Advanced Peacebuilding Strategies | 4 | RES501
• BUS620 | Stewardship and Resource Allocation | 4 | None
• COM630 | Conflict Transformation in Practice | 4 | COM530
• MIN640 | Servant Leadership in Global Service | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP699 | Master's Thesis in Peace Studies | 4 | RES501
• SOC670 | Contemporary Global Issues | 3 | None
• MGT680 | Organizational Conflict Management | 3 | None
• RES690 | Professional Field Seminar | 2 | None