Master of Science in Faith-Based Global Economics Strategic Trade

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.S. in Faith-Based Global Economics Strategic Trade

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Global Economics Strategic Trade 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 Science in Faith-Based Global Economics and Strategic Trade is an advanced graduate program designed to equip professionals with the analytical tools necessary to navigate the complexities of international trade systems through the lens of ethical stewardship and servant leadership. By integrating rigorous economic theory with a commitment to human flourishing, the curriculum challenges students to analyze global market dynamics while upholding the highest standards of moral integrity and social responsibility. The program bridges technical trade policy expertise with a robust framework of ethical decision-making, preparing scholars to address the socio-economic challenges inherent in the modern global landscape. Through a multidisciplinary approach, students examine the intersection of supply chain logistics, trade governance, and international development. This academic journey fosters a perspective that values justice, equitable resource distribution, and the long-term well-being of global communities. Graduates will be prepared to contribute significantly to the advancement of sustainable economic practices that honor human dignity and communal stewardship.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in faith-based global economics strategic trade theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based global economics strategic trade-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based global economics strategic trade-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

Capstone: Integrative Trade Strategy Project

• 4
• All previous coursework
• BUS650
• Global Markets and Financial Integrity
• 3
• None
• BUS655
• Environmental Economics and Stewardship
• 3
• None
• BUS660
• Advanced International Trade Seminar
• 4
• None
• CAP690 — Capstone: Integrative Trade Strategy Project: A culminating project requiring the design of an ethically grounded trade strategy. Students synthesize academic and faith perspectives to address real-world economic challengesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• BUS650 — Global Markets and Financial Integrity: Explores the relationship between international financial markets and systemic integrity. Students analyze the impact of corruption and identify pathways toward transparent commerceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• BUS655 — Environmental Economics and Stewardship: Evaluates the intersection of trade and ecological sustainability. Focuses on the imperative of responsible stewardship of global natural resourcesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• BUS660 — Advanced International Trade Seminar: A seminar exploring emerging trends and future challenges in global trade. Students critically evaluate recent geopolitical shifts through the lens of justice and cooperationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Master’s Capstone Project serves as the final, integrative experience for the program, requiring students to synthesize their theoretical knowledge of global economics with a specific practical application of ethical leadership. This 4-credit course mandates the completion of an original research study or a comprehensive strategic trade analysis that addresses a contemporary international trade challenge. Students must demonstrate mastery of both quantitative analytical methods and the capacity for qualitative ethical inquiry, ensuring their proposals offer solutions that align with principles of servant leadership and stewardship. The final deliverable consists of a formal written report and an oral defense before a faculty committee. Through this process, students must explicitly articulate how their research embodies a Christian worldview by prioritizing long-term human flourishing over short-term gains, demonstrating how technical trade expertise can serve as a catalyst for global community welfare and moral integrity.

Career Opportunities

• International Trade Consultant
• Policy Analyst for Non-Governmental Organizations
• Global Supply Chain Ethics Officer
• Foreign Service Economic Specialist
• Economic Development Project Manager
• International Corporate Social Responsibility Director
• Trade Policy Advisor

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.S. in Faith-Based Global Economics Strategic Trade
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Global Economics Strategic Trade 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
• BUS501 | Macroeconomic Foundations of Global Trade | 4 | None
• BUS505 | Ethical Frameworks in Global Commerce | 3 | None
• RES510 | Research Methods in Economics | 4 | None
• MGT515 | Servant Leadership in International Contexts | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BUS520 | International Trade Law and Policy | 4 | BUS501
• BUS525 | Global Logistics and Stewardship | 3 | None
• BUS530 | Comparative Economic Systems | 4 | BUS501
• BUS535 | Labor Economics and Professional Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BUS601 | Advanced Economic Forecasting | 4 | RES510
• BUS605 | Economics of International Development | 3 | BUS501
• BUS610 | Negotiation and Conflict Resolution | 4 | MGT515
• BUS615 | Corporate Governance and Social Responsibility | 3 | BUS505
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP690 | Capstone: Integrative Trade Strategy Project | 4 | All previous coursework
• BUS650 | Global Markets and Financial Integrity | 3 | None
• BUS655 | Environmental Economics and Stewardship | 3 | None
• BUS660 | Advanced International Trade Seminar | 4 | None