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Master of Science in Global Public Health Policy with a Minor in Comparative Theology

Academic unitCollege of International StudiesTotal credits48Estimated duration2 yearsSource documentMaster_of_Science_in_Global_Public_Health_Policy_with_a_Minor_in_Comparative_The.docx

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.S. in Global Public Health Policy with a Minor in Comparative Theology

Total program length

48 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced global public health policy core

15 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 Global Public Health Policy with a Minor in Comparative Theology prepares students to address complex health challenges through an interdisciplinary lens anchored in a Christian worldview. Students explore health systems, rigorous policy development, and the profound impact of spiritual formation and ethical reasoning on health outcomes globally. This program emphasizes the cultivation of servant leadership through skill-building in research methodologies, public health advocacy, and strategic formulation, equipping graduates with the discernment to influence policy decisions that promote health equity and honor the dignity of every person. By integrating comparative theology, students gain the wisdom to interpret diverse cultural perspectives on wellbeing, ensuring that policy interventions are pursued with the grace and cultural humility necessary for effective, faith-informed advocacy in an increasingly interconnected world.

The 48-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in global public health policy theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and global public health policy-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A 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 48-credit requirement is an institutional academic standard that exceeds that minimum.

Program Facts

Program facts

Degree abbreviation
M.S. in Global Public Health Policy with a Minor in Comparative Theology
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

  • Develop a comprehensive understanding of global health systems and policies.
  • Analyze the impact of cultural and religious beliefs on public health practices.
  • Formulate and evaluate public health interventions that address health disparities.
  • Conduct qualitative and quantitative research in global public health.
  • Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders in the health sector.

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and submit a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, and standardized test scores if applicable. Relevant work experience in public health or related fields is preferred.

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 GEOG 5530 — GIS for Health Policy: GIS for Health PolicyThis 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 HRTS 5899 — Human Rights: Human RightsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • TS GPHP 5999 — Capstone Seminar: Capstone SeminarThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Thesis or Capstone Project

  • The capstone project serves as a summative demonstration of biblical stewardship, requiring students to synthesize public health research with theological inquiry to address a specific global health concern. Students will identify a pressing public health policy challenge and propose an evidence-based, ethically sound solution that reflects their commitment to societal flourishing. This project requires students to articulate how their proposed interventions align with principles of justice and mercy while demonstrating high-level proficiency in analytical and administrative skills. Through this culminating work, students must defend the theoretical and practical framework of their proposal, demonstrating how their research serves the common good and reflects a dedication to addressing systemic inequities from a position of spiritual maturity and academic excellence.

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • To earn the Master of Science in Global Public Health Policy with a Minor in Comparative Theology, candidates must complete 45 credit hours of graduate-level coursework with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. This curriculum requires the successful completion of all core public health modules, the designated comparative theology electives, and the final capstone project. Candidates must demonstrate an ongoing commitment to personal and spiritual formation, upholding the ethical standards and professional conduct required of leaders within the HBI University community. The degree is conferred upon students who satisfy all financial obligations and evidence the ability to integrate professional public health competencies with the ethical discernment and servant leadership characteristics central to the mission of the institution.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Public Health Policy Analyst
  • Global Health Program Coordinator
  • Health Services Researcher
  • Nonprofit Health Organization Director
  • International Development Consultant
  • Health Educator

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.S. in Global Public Health Policy with a Minor in Comparative Theology
  • Total program length | 48 graduate semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
  • Advanced global public health policy core | 15 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
  • TS THEO 670 | Comparative Theology | 3 | None
  • TS THEO 671 | Ethics of Care & Healing | 3 | None
  • TS THEO 672 | Religion & Health Policy | 3 | None
  • TS THEO 673 | Faith-Based Health Systems | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • TS THEO 674 | Moral Theology & Public Health | 3 | None
  • TS POLS 5010 | Health Policy Topics | 3 | None
  • TS PUBH 5406 | Law & Public Health | 3 | None
  • TS PUBH 5409 | Epidemiology & Biostatistics | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • TS PUBH 5411 | Public Health Practice | 3 | None
  • TS PUBH 5414 | Health Economics | 3 | None
  • TS PUBH 5419 | Public Health Agencies | 3 | None
  • TS PUBH 5497 | Global Health | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • TS GEOG 5530 | GIS for Health Policy | 3 | None
  • TS POLS 5620 | Research Design | 3 | None
  • TS HRTS 5899 | Human Rights | 3 | None
  • TS GPHP 5999 | Capstone Seminar | 3 | None