Master of Science in Faith-Based Global Public Health Policy

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.S. in Faith-Based Global Public Health Policy

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Global Public Health Policy 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 Public Health Policy is a multidisciplinary graduate program designed to equip scholars and practitioners with the theoretical framework and technical skills necessary to address complex international health challenges. The curriculum integrates traditional public health metrics with ethical considerations rooted in the concepts of stewardship, human dignity, and the pursuit of justice for vulnerable populations. Students engage with global health systems through a lens that emphasizes social responsibility and the systemic improvement of health outcomes in diverse cultural landscapes. By analyzing the intersection of socio-economic factors and health policy, graduates develop the capacity to create sustainable, research-driven interventions. The program fosters a commitment to excellence and humanitarian service, encouraging students to act as catalysts for positive systemic change in global health arenas. Through a rigorous combination of qualitative and quantitative methodologies, participants are prepared to navigate the complexities of public health governance while maintaining a steadfast commitment to ethical integrity and servant leadership.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in Faith-Based Global Public Health Policy theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based global public health policy-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based global public health policy-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 Project: Policy Intervention

• 6
• All prior courses
• PHL640
• Advanced Policy Advocacy
• 4
• None
• PHL650
• Emergency Preparedness and Humanitarian Aid
• 3
• None
• SOC660
• Professional Ethics and Global Citizenship
• 3
• None
• CAP800 — Capstone Project: Policy Intervention: The final capstone experience requiring the design and detailed analysis of a complex health policy intervention. Students must integrate academic research and ethical practiceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PHL640 — Advanced Policy Advocacy: Techniques for effective advocacy in global health forums. Focuses on building consensus and influencing policy outcomes through ethical persuasionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PHL650 — Emergency Preparedness and Humanitarian Aid: Examines the logistics and ethical complexities of providing aid in humanitarian crises. Emphasizes the role of the global health professional in reliefThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC660 — Professional Ethics and Global Citizenship: This course examines the role of professionals in addressing global social challenges through ethical practice and community engagement. Students analyze frameworks for sustainable development and collaborative international service projects. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Thesis or Capstone Project

• The Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience for the Master of Science, requiring students to identify a critical global health policy issue and propose a systemic, evidence-based intervention. This project spans the final semester and carries 6 credits, demanding a synthesis of interdisciplinary knowledge, rigorous academic research, and a clear application of ethical reasoning. Students must produce a comprehensive policy analysis report that addresses the technical feasibility, economic viability, and social impact of their proposed solution.
• Beyond technical competence, the Capstone integrates faith-based perspectives by requiring students to demonstrate how their proposed solutions reflect stewardship, social justice, and the principle of neighborly care. The project challenges students to articulate how their individual work aligns with a Christian worldview, focusing on the responsible use of power and the ethical stewardship of global health resources. This experience provides the final venue for students to demonstrate both intellectual mastery and a commitment to character-driven service, effectively bridging the divide between theoretical analysis and practical implementation.

Career Opportunities

• Global Health Policy Advisor
• International Non-Profit Program Manager
• Public Health Research Associate
• Global Community Health Consultant
• Advocacy Strategist for Humanitarian Organizations
• Health Systems Governance Analyst
• Global Health Communications Officer

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 Public Health Policy
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based Global Public Health Policy 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
• PHL501 | Foundations of Global Public Health | 4 | None
• RES505 | Quantitative Methods for Health Research | 3 | None
• ETH510 | Ethics in Public Health Policy | 4 | None
• MGT520 | Servant Leadership in Global Health | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PHL530 | Global Health Economics and Policy | 4 | PHL501
• SOC540 | Sociocultural Determinants of Health | 4 | None
• RES550 | Qualitative Research and Evaluation | 3 | RES505
• PHL560 | Global Health Systems and Governance | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PHL601 | Comparative Health Policy Analysis | 4 | PHL530
• PHL610 | Environmental Health and Policy | 4 | None
• BUS625 | Grant Writing and Resource Management | 4 | MGT520
• PHL630 | Infectious Disease Policy and Global Security | 4 | PHL501
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP800 | Capstone Project: Policy Intervention | 6 | All prior courses
• PHL640 | Advanced Policy Advocacy | 4 | None
• PHL650 | Emergency Preparedness and Humanitarian Aid | 3 | None
• SOC660 | Professional Ethics and Global Citizenship | 3 | None