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Master of Arts in Global Communication & Public Diplomacy with a Minor in Religion, Ethics & Public Discourse

Academic unitCollege of International StudiesTotal credits48Estimated duration2 yearsSource documentMaster_of_Arts_in_Global_Communication___Public_Diplomacy_with_a_Minor_in_Religi.docx

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Global Communication & Public Diplomacy with a Minor in Religion, Ethics & Public Discourse

Total program length

48 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced global communication and public diplomacy core

27 credit hours

Research, assessment, and program evaluation

6 credit hours

Professional application and field experience

6 credit hours

Graduate capstone requirement

9 credit hours

The Master of Arts in Global Communication & Public Diplomacy with a Minor in Religion, Ethics & Public Discourse equips students with the essential skills to navigate the global communication landscape through the lens of a Christian worldview. Over two years and 48 credits, students explore the intersection of communication, diplomacy, and ethical reasoning, grounded in biblical stewardship. This program emphasizes servant leadership, preparing graduates to influence international relations, media, and advocacy by fostering dialogue that honors the dignity of the human person. By critically analyzing the role of faith and morality in public life, students develop the capacity to cultivate cross-cultural understanding and promote peace as faithful witnesses in diverse global contexts.

The 48-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in global communication & public diplomacy with a minor in religion, ethics & public discourse theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and global communication & public diplomacy with a minor in religion, ethics & public discourse-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A global communication & public diplomacy with a minor in religion, ethics & public discourse-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 48-credit requirement is an institutional academic standard that exceeds that minimum.

Program Facts

Program facts

Degree abbreviation
M.A. in Global Communication & Public Diplomacy with a Minor in Religion, Ethics & Public Discourse
Total program length
48 graduate semester credit hours
Normal completion time
Two academic years of full-time study
Academic unit
College of International Studies
Total credits
48
Duration
2 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of global communication theories and practices.
  • Analyze the role of public diplomacy in international relations.
  • Develop and implement communication strategies that respect ethical considerations.
  • Critically assess the impact of religion and ethics on public discourse.
  • Conduct research on global communication trends and public sentiment.
  • Create comprehensive public engagement campaigns that address global challenges.
  • Foster intercultural dialogue and understanding through effective communication.

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Relevant work or volunteer experience in communication, diplomacy, or related fields is preferred but not mandatory.

Program Structure

Official program structure

Program Details

  • Total Credits: 48
  • Duration: 2 years
  • Degree Level: Master

Final Project Requirement

Final project requirement

Capstone Seminar

  • 3
  • None
  • TS POLS 5330 — International Organization & Law: International Organization & LawThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • TS POLS 5620 — Research Design: Research DesignThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • TS POLS 5700 — Politics & Popular Culture: Politics & Popular CultureThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • TS GCPD 5999 — Capstone Seminar: Capstone SeminarThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Thesis or Capstone Project

  • As a culminating requirement, students must complete a capstone project that applies their communication and diplomatic expertise to a real-world issue, demonstrating their commitment to ethical advocacy and spiritual formation. This project requires students to synthesize their coursework by developing a strategic communication initiative that addresses a global challenge while reflecting the principles of biblical justice and truth. Through this rigorous scholarly endeavor, students demonstrate their readiness to serve as leaders who bridge disparate perspectives with integrity, ensuring their professional contributions align with their vocations as ethical, faith-informed practitioners.

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • To earn the Master of Arts in Global Communication & Public Diplomacy, students must successfully complete 48 credit hours of prescribed coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in integrating theological reflection with communication theory throughout their academic journey. Graduation also requires the successful submission and oral defense of the capstone project, which must exhibit an integration of global diplomacy strategies and moral reasoning. Furthermore, students must participate in a formal review of their professional and spiritual development, ensuring they are prepared to enter their respective fields as practitioners who embody servant leadership and a steadfast commitment to the common good.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Public Diplomacy Officer
  • International Relations Consultant
  • Nonprofit Organization Strategist
  • Global Communications Manager
  • Cultural Affairs Specialist
  • Media Relations Coordinator
  • Ethics and Compliance Advisor

Additional Official Information

Additional source information

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 Global Communication & Public Diplomacy with a Minor in Religion, Ethics & Public Discourse
  • Total program length | 48 graduate semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
  • Advanced global communication and public diplomacy core | 27 credit hours
  • Research, assessment, and program evaluation | 6 credit hours
  • Professional application and field experience | 6 credit hours
  • Graduate capstone requirement | 9 credit hours
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • TS DPI 600 | Media, Message & Democracy | 3 | None
  • TS COM 610 | Strategic Communication | 3 | None
  • TS REL 640 | Religion & Global Media | 3 | None
  • TS ETH 641 | Ethics of Communication | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • TS REL 642 | Faith, Culture & Public Messaging | 3 | None
  • TS COM 643 | Religion & Political Communication | 3 | None
  • TS REL 644 | Religion, Media & Social Influence | 3 | None
  • TS DPI 840 | Feature Writing | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • TS DPI 851 | Data & Information Visualization | 3 | None
  • TS DPI 896 | Crisis Communications | 3 | None
  • TS INTS 5000 | Global Affairs Seminar | 3 | None
  • TS POLS 5010 | Public Diplomacy Topics | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • TS POLS 5330 | International Organization & Law | 3 | None
  • TS POLS 5620 | Research Design | 3 | None
  • TS POLS 5700 | Politics & Popular Culture | 3 | None
  • TS GCPD 5999 | Capstone Seminar | 3 | None