Master of Arts in Faith-Based International Relations, Specialization in Global Development Diplomacy

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based International Relations

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based International Relations 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 Faith-Based International Relations with a specialization in Global Development Diplomacy is designed for scholars and practitioners seeking to integrate rigorous international policy analysis with the principles of ethical stewardship and service. This program provides an advanced academic framework for understanding the complexities of global governance, socio-economic development, and human security within the context of diverse international systems. Through interdisciplinary inquiry, students engage with geopolitical theories, sustainable development strategies, and the diplomatic mechanisms necessary to navigate global challenges effectively.

Students will examine the intersection of diplomatic practice and social justice, focusing on how organizational leadership can foster reconciliation and long-term community development. By fostering a culture of academic excellence and integrity, the program prepares graduates to operate within international institutional structures while maintaining a deep commitment to ethical decision-making and servant leadership. The curriculum emphasizes the application of high-level research and policy implementation to advance the common good in a globalized world.

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

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based international relations-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 Writing

• 3
• RES505
• IR655
• Contemporary Global Issues Seminar
• 3
• None
• MGT660
• Nonprofit Resource Development
• 3
• MGT515
• IR665
• International Practicum Integration
• 3
• All Core Courses
• CAP650 — Thesis Research and Writing: Students engage in independent research under faculty mentorship, focusing on a topic of global significance. The final product is a comprehensive scholarly thesis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• IR655 — Contemporary Global Issues Seminar: This advanced seminar explores current trends and crises in international relations. Students debate solutions through an interdisciplinary lens. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT660 — Nonprofit Resource Development: An analysis of fundraising, donor relations, and resource mobilization for nonprofit organizations. It focuses on maintaining institutional mission and integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• IR665 — International Practicum Integration: Students synthesize practical experiences with academic learning, focusing on field application and professional development. It encourages reflection on personal professional callings. This 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, requiring students to conduct original research on a topic relevant to international relations and development diplomacy. This project challenges students to synthesize their coursework by analyzing a specific global challenge through an interdisciplinary lens, demonstrating mastery of both scholarly methodology and professional application. Students must articulate how their proposed interventions align with ethical standards, principles of stewardship, and servant leadership, ensuring that their work is both academically rigorous and socially responsible.
• Beyond research proficiency, the thesis serves as a demonstration of spiritual and professional formation. Candidates are expected to reflect on the intersection of their personal worldview and their disciplinary findings, demonstrating how their research contributes to the flourishing of global communities. This project integrates the student's academic expertise with a commitment to integrity, emphasizing the application of a Christian worldview in navigating the complexities of international diplomatic practice. The final deliverable consists of a comprehensive thesis document and a formal oral defense.

Career Opportunities

• International Policy Consultant
• Global Development Project Manager
• Nonprofit Organization Director
• Diplomatic Relations Advisor
• Humanitarian Aid Coordinator
• International Community Liaison
• Public Policy Analyst

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 Relations
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based International Relations 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
• IR501 | Foundations of International Relations | 4 | None
• RES505 | Research Methods for Global Studies | 4 | None
• ETH510 | Ethical Frameworks in Global Development | 4 | None
• MGT515 | Leadership and Organizational Governance | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• IR520 | Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution | 4 | IR501
• ECO525 | International Development Economics | 4 | None
• SOC530 | Sociology of Global Development | 4 | None
• COM535 | Cross-Cultural Communication | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• IR601 | Human Security and Human Rights | 3 | IR501
• MGT610 | Strategic Project Management | 3 | MGT515
• POL615 | Comparative Global Policy | 3 | None
• HUM620 | Humanitarian Assistance and Response | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP650 | Thesis Research and Writing | 3 | RES505
• IR655 | Contemporary Global Issues Seminar | 3 | None
• MGT660 | Nonprofit Resource Development | 3 | MGT515
• IR665 | International Practicum Integration | 3 | All Core Courses