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Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based International Development, Policy

Academic unitHBIU College of International StudiesTotal credits135Estimated duration4 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based International Development, Policy

Total program length

135 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based International Development, Policy core

78 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in International Development & Policy with a Minor in Interfaith Studies offers students a multidisciplinary understanding of the complex social, political, and economic challenges facing global communities. Students will engage in a dynamic curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills in development policy, intercultural communication, and ethical governance. The program prepares graduates for impactful careers in various sectors by emphasizing critical thinking, analytical skills, and cultural competence. With exposure to diverse perspectives through the Interfaith Studies minor, students will learn to navigate and address the ethical dimensions of international development. This degree equips students with the necessary tools to foster sustainable development and promote social justice, making it an invaluable choice for those looking to make a difference in the world.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based International Development, Policy program combines foundational general education with a comprehensive study of theoretical frameworks, behavioral science, human development, and ethical considerations. The curriculum emphasizes research methodologies, crisis awareness, systems for referral, program development, and the implementation of effective community-based support strategies within diverse international contexts.

Florida's current standard establishes a minimum of 120 semester credits for a bachelor's degree and at least 30 general-education credits for a Bachelor of Arts. This curriculum exceeds the general-education minimum.

Program Facts

Program facts

Degree abbreviation
B.A. in Faith-Based International Development, Policy
Total program length
135 semester credit hours
Normal completion time
Four academic years
General education
36 credit hours
Professional application courses
15 credit hours
Capstone requirement
6 credit hours
Academic unit
HBIU College of International Studies
Total credits
135
Duration
4 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Analyze global issues and their impacts on development policies.
  • Develop strategic frameworks for effective international development initiatives.
  • Cultivate intercultural communication skills to work in diverse communities.
  • Assess the ethical implications of policies in different cultural and religious contexts.
  • Implement participatory approaches in community development projects.
  • Critically evaluate the role of international organizations in global development.
  • Apply research methodologies relevant to policy analysis and program evaluation.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • IFS 101
  • World Religions
  • 3
  • None
  • UNI 101
  • First-Year Writing I
  • 3
  • None
  • UNI 102
  • First-Year Writing II
  • 3
  • None
  • UNI 110
  • Public Speaking & Presentation
  • 3
  • None
  • UNI 120
  • College Algebra or Quantitative Reasoning
  • 3
  • None
  • ECO 201
  • Microeconomics
  • 3
  • None
  • IFS 101 — World Religions: World ReligionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • UNI 101 — First-Year Writing I: First-Year Writing IThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • UNI 102 — First-Year Writing II: First-Year Writing IIThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • UNI 110 — Public Speaking & Presentation: Public Speaking & PresentationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • UNI 120 — College Algebra or Quantitative Reasoning: College Algebra or Quantitative ReasoningThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • ECO 201 — Microeconomics: MicroeconomicsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • IDP 201
  • Introduction to International Development
  • 3
  • None
  • ECO 202
  • Macroeconomics
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 210
  • Development Economics
  • 3
  • None
  • IFS 210
  • Comparative Theology
  • 3
  • None
  • STA 210
  • Applied Statistics
  • 3
  • None
  • UNI 210
  • Applied Statistics for Social Science
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 201 — Introduction to International Development: Introduction to International DevelopmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • ECO 202 — Macroeconomics: MacroeconomicsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • IDP 210 — Development Economics: Development EconomicsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • IFS 210 — Comparative Theology: Comparative TheologyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • STA 210 — Applied Statistics: Applied StatisticsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • UNI 210 — Applied Statistics for Social Science: Applied Statistics for Social ScienceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • IDP 220
  • Global Governance & Policy
  • 3
  • None
  • IFS 220
  • Religion & Culture
  • 3
  • None
  • UNI 220
  • Research & Information Literacy
  • 3
  • None
  • COM 230
  • Intercultural Communication
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 230
  • Poverty, Inequality & Social Policy
  • 3
  • None
  • UNI 230
  • Ethics in a Global Society
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 220 — Global Governance & Policy: Global Governance & PolicyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • IFS 220 — Religion & Culture: Religion & CultureThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • UNI 220 — Research & Information Literacy: Research & Information LiteracyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • COM 230 — Intercultural Communication: Intercultural CommunicationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • IDP 230 — Poverty, Inequality & Social Policy: Poverty, Inequality & Social PolicyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • UNI 230 — Ethics in a Global Society: Ethics in a Global SocietyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • IDP 240
  • Program Design & Logic Models
  • 3
  • None
  • UNI 240
  • Introduction to Sociology
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 250
  • Monitoring & Evaluation
  • 3
  • None
  • UNI 250
  • Introduction to Psychology
  • 3
  • None
  • SOC 260
  • Social Problems
  • 3
  • None
  • UNI 260
  • World History I
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 240 — Program Design & Logic Models: Program Design & Logic ModelsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • UNI 240 — Introduction to Sociology: Introduction to SociologyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • IDP 250 — Monitoring & Evaluation: Monitoring & EvaluationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • UNI 250 — Introduction to Psychology: Introduction to PsychologyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • SOC 260 — Social Problems: Social ProblemsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • UNI 260 — World History I: World History IThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 5 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • UNI 261
  • World History II
  • 3
  • None
  • UNI 270
  • Introduction to Political Science
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 310
  • Public Policy Analysis
  • 3
  • None
  • IFS 310
  • Interfaith Dialogue & Practice
  • 3
  • None
  • LAW 310
  • Human Rights Law
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 320
  • Public Finance for Development
  • 3
  • None
  • UNI 261 — World History II: World History IIThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • UNI 270 — Introduction to Political Science: Introduction to Political ScienceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • IDP 310 — Public Policy Analysis: Public Policy AnalysisThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • IFS 310 — Interfaith Dialogue & Practice: Interfaith Dialogue & PracticeThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • LAW 310 — Human Rights Law: Human Rights LawThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • IDP 320 — Public Finance for Development: Public Finance for DevelopmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 6 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • IDP 330
  • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 340
  • Humanitarian Response Systems
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 351
  • Education Policy in Developing Contexts
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 352
  • Global Health & Development
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 353
  • Gender & Development
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 354
  • Migration & Refugee Policy
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 330 — Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • IDP 340 — Humanitarian Response Systems: Humanitarian Response SystemsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • IDP 351 — Education Policy in Developing Contexts: Education Policy in Developing ContextsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • IDP 352 — Global Health & Development: Global Health & DevelopmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • IDP 353 — Gender & Development: Gender & DevelopmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • IDP 354 — Migration & Refugee Policy: Migration & Refugee PolicyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 7 — Year 4
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • IDP 355
  • Food Security Policy
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 356
  • Climate & Development
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 357
  • NGO Management
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 358
  • Conflict & Development
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 359
  • Urbanization & Development
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 360
  • Development Ethics
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 355 — Food Security Policy: Food Security PolicyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • IDP 356 — Climate & Development: Climate & DevelopmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • IDP 357 — NGO Management: NGO ManagementThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • IDP 358 — Conflict & Development: Conflict & DevelopmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • IDP 359 — Urbanization & Development: Urbanization & DevelopmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • IDP 360 — Development Ethics: Development EthicsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 8 — Year 4
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • IDP 410
  • Applied Research Methods for Policy
  • 3
  • None
  • IFS 410
  • Religion, Conflict & Peacebuilding
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 499
  • Capstone: Development Policy Project
  • 3
  • None
  • IDP 410 — Applied Research Methods for Policy: Applied Research Methods for PolicyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • IFS 410 — Religion, Conflict & Peacebuilding: Religion, Conflict & PeacebuildingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • IDP 499 — Capstone: Development Policy Project: Capstone: Development Policy ProjectThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent, with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Standardized test scores may be required for admission, along with a personal statement and letters of recommendation. Career Opportunities International Development Consultant Policy Analyst Nonprofit Program Manager Global Health Coordinator Human Rights Advocate Cultural Affairs Officer Sustainability 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 | B.A. in Faith-Based International Development, Policy Total program length | 135 semester credit hours Normal completion time | Four academic years General education | 36 credit hours Faith-Based International Development, Policy core | 78 credit hours Professional application courses | 15 credit hours Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites IFS 101 | World Religions | 3 | None UNI 101 | First-Year Writing I | 3 | None UNI 102 | First-Year Writing II | 3 | None UNI 110 | Public Speaking & Presentation | 3 | None UNI 120 | College Algebra or Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | None ECO 201 | Microeconomics | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites IDP 201 | Introduction to International Development | 3 | None ECO 202 | Macroeconomics | 3 | None IDP 210 | Development Economics | 3 | None IFS 210 | Comparative Theology | 3 | None STA 210 | Applied Statistics | 3 | None UNI 210 | Applied Statistics for Social Science | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites IDP 220 | Global Governance & Policy | 3 | None IFS 220 | Religion & Culture | 3 | None UNI 220 | Research & Information Literacy | 3 | None COM 230 | Intercultural Communication | 3 | None IDP 230 | Poverty, Inequality & Social Policy | 3 | None UNI 230 | Ethics in a Global Society | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites IDP 240 | Program Design & Logic Models | 3 | None UNI 240 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None IDP 250 | Monitoring & Evaluation | 3 | None UNI 250 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None SOC 260 | Social Problems | 3 | None UNI 260 | World History I | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites UNI 261 | World History II | 3 | None UNI 270 | Introduction to Political Science | 3 | None IDP 310 | Public Policy Analysis | 3 | None IFS 310 | Interfaith Dialogue & Practice | 3 | None LAW 310 | Human Rights Law | 3 | None IDP 320 | Public Finance for Development | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites IDP 330 | Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) | 3 | None IDP 340 | Humanitarian Response Systems | 3 | None IDP 351 | Education Policy in Developing Contexts | 3 | None IDP 352 | Global Health & Development | 3 | None IDP 353 | Gender & Development | 3 | None IDP 354 | Migration & Refugee Policy | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites IDP 355 | Food Security Policy | 3 | None IDP 356 | Climate & Development | 3 | None IDP 357 | NGO Management | 3 | None IDP 358 | Conflict & Development | 3 | None IDP 359 | Urbanization & Development | 3 | None IDP 360 | Development Ethics | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites IDP 410 | Applied Research Methods for Policy | 3 | None IFS 410 | Religion, Conflict & Peacebuilding | 3 | None IDP 499 | Capstone: Development Policy Project | 3 | None

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • International Development Consultant
  • Policy Analyst
  • Nonprofit Program Manager
  • Global Health Coordinator
  • Human Rights Advocate
  • Cultural Affairs Officer
  • Sustainability 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 | B.A. in Faith-Based International Development, Policy
  • Total program length | 135 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Four academic years