Master of Science in International Environmental Governance with a Minor in Comparative Religious Ethics

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.S. in International Environmental Governance

Total program length

48 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced International Environmental Governance 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 International Environmental Governance with a Minor in Comparative Religious Ethics prepares students to address global ecological challenges through a multidisciplinary lens informed by a robust Christian worldview. Students will explore the critical intersection of environmental policy, international governance, and moral philosophy, integrating principles of biblical stewardship with diverse religious ethical traditions. The program emphasizes the development of servant leadership, encouraging students to view sustainability as a moral imperative to care for God’s creation. Through rigorous critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving, graduates are equipped to advocate for sustainable practices that honor both the integrity of the natural world and the dignity of the human person. By engaging in case studies and professional internships, students will apply a theological and ethical framework to policymaking, gaining the practical experience and spiritual formation necessary to act as virtuous stewards in various global sectors.

The 48-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in International Environmental Governance theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and international environmental governance-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; An international environmental governance-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 Details

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

Capstone Seminar

• 3
• None
• TS GEOG 5530 — GIS & Environmental Policy: GIS & Environmental PolicyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• TS GEOG 5540 — Renewable Energy Systems: Renewable Energy SystemsThis 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 IEG 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 the culminating integration of the student's academic, ethical, and spiritual development within the program. Students must complete an original research initiative or a comprehensive policy analysis that addresses a pressing environmental issue through the lens of biblical stewardship and comparative ethical frameworks. This project requires the student to demonstrate the capacity for complex decision-making, proposing sustainable solutions that reflect a commitment to the common good and the pursuit of justice for future generations. The final project must be defended before a faculty committee, highlighting the student's ability to articulate a cohesive, faith-informed professional vision for environmental governance. Through this process, candidates demonstrate how their intellectual and spiritual formation translates into effective, values-driven leadership in an international context.

Career Opportunities

• Environmental Policy Analyst
• Sustainability Consultant
• Program Manager for NGOs
• Climate Change Educator
• Government Affairs Specialist
• Ethics Advisor for Environmental Organizations

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 International Environmental Governance
• Total program length | 48 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced International Environmental Governance 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 ETH 690 | Comparative Religious Ethics | 3 | None
• TS ETH 691 | Environmental Ethics | 3 | None
• TS REL 692 | Religion & Climate Responsibility | 3 | None
• TS ETH 693 | Moral Leadership & Sustainability | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• TS REL 694 | Faith, Ecology & Public Policy | 3 | None
• TS INTS 5000 | Global Environmental Policy | 3 | None
• TS POLS 5010 | Environmental Governance Topics | 3 | None
• TS NRE 5115 | Hydrogeology Methods | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• TS NRE 5150 | Ecosystem Science | 3 | None
• TS NRE 5175 | Climate Modeling | 3 | None
• TS ENVE 5210 | Environmental Chemistry | 3 | None
• TS POLS 5330 | International Environmental Law | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• TS GEOG 5530 | GIS & Environmental Policy | 3 | None
• TS GEOG 5540 | Renewable Energy Systems | 3 | None
• TS POLS 5620 | Research Design | 3 | None
• TS IEG 5999 | Capstone Seminar | 3 | None