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Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Global Communication, Media, Specialization in Interfaith Studies

Academic unitHBIU College of International StudiesTotal credits135Estimated duration2 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Global Communication, Media, Specialization in Interfaith Studies

Total program length

135 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Global Communication, Media, and Interfaith Studies core

78 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The Bachelor of Arts in Global Communication & Media with a Minor in Interfaith Studies provides students with a robust understanding of media's role in shaping global narratives and fostering interfaith dialogue. Over the two-year program, students will explore various communication strategies, cultural contexts, and theological perspectives that impact global interactions. This interdisciplinary approach not only equips students with critical thinking and media literacy skills but also prepares them for careers in diverse fields such as journalism, public relations, and international relations. The program emphasizes the importance of ethical communication and cultural sensitivity, thus adding significant value to students' professional profiles in an increasingly interconnected world.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Global Communication, Media, Specialization in Interfaith Studies combines a robust general education foundation with comprehensive study in global communication theory, media strategy, behavioral science, human development, ethics, research methodology, crisis awareness, professional referral systems, program development, and community-based support structures.

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 Global Communication, Media, Specialization in Interfaith Studies
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
2 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Develop critical analysis skills in global media and communication contexts.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the ethical implications of media practices in different cultures.
  • Apply interfaith dialogue principles to enhance intercultural communication.
  • Utilize various media tools and technologies to create compelling global narratives.
  • Evaluate the impact of social media on global communication and cultural exchange.
  • Conduct research on global communication issues with a focus on interfaith perspectives.
  • Collaborate effectively in diverse teams to address global communication challenges.
  • 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
  • ART 200
  • Visual Design Fundamentals
  • 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..
  • ART 200 — Visual Design Fundamentals: Visual Design FundamentalsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • GCM 201
  • Introduction to Communication Studies
  • 3
  • None
  • GCM 210
  • Global Media Systems
  • 3
  • None
  • IFS 210
  • Comparative Theology
  • 3
  • None
  • IT 210
  • Digital Tools for Media
  • 3
  • None
  • MKT 210
  • Marketing Principles
  • 3
  • None
  • UNI 210
  • Applied Statistics for Social Science
  • 3
  • None
  • GCM 201 — Introduction to Communication Studies: Introduction to Communication StudiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • GCM 210 — Global Media Systems: Global Media SystemsThis 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..
  • IT 210 — Digital Tools for Media: Digital Tools for MediaThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • MKT 210 — Marketing Principles: Marketing PrinciplesThis 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
  • GCM 220
  • Journalism & News Writing
  • 3
  • None
  • IFS 220
  • Religion & Culture
  • 3
  • None
  • UNI 220
  • Research & Information Literacy
  • 3
  • None
  • GCM 230
  • Digital Media Production
  • 3
  • None
  • UNI 230
  • Ethics in a Global Society
  • 3
  • None
  • GCM 240
  • Media Law & Ethics
  • 3
  • None
  • GCM 220 — Journalism & News Writing: Journalism & News WritingThis 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..
  • GCM 230 — Digital Media Production: Digital Media ProductionThis 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..
  • GCM 240 — Media Law & Ethics: Media Law & EthicsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • UNI 240
  • Introduction to Sociology
  • 3
  • None
  • GCM 250
  • Communication Theory
  • 3
  • None
  • UNI 250
  • Introduction to Psychology
  • 3
  • None
  • COM 260
  • Intercultural Communication
  • 3
  • None
  • POL 260
  • Mass Media & Politics
  • 3
  • None
  • UNI 260
  • World History I
  • 3
  • None
  • UNI 240 — Introduction to Sociology: Introduction to SociologyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • GCM 250 — Communication Theory: Communication TheoryThis 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..
  • COM 260 — Intercultural Communication: Intercultural CommunicationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • POL 260 — Mass Media & Politics: Mass Media & PoliticsThis 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
  • GCM 310
  • Strategic Communication
  • 3
  • None
  • IFS 310
  • Interfaith Dialogue & Practice
  • 3
  • None
  • SOC 310
  • Sociology of Globalization
  • 3
  • None
  • GCM 320
  • International Journalism & Reporting
  • 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..
  • GCM 310 — Strategic Communication: Strategic CommunicationThis 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..
  • SOC 310 — Sociology of Globalization: Sociology of GlobalizationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • GCM 320 — International Journalism & Reporting: International Journalism & ReportingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 6 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • GCM 330
  • Public Relations & Reputation Management
  • 3
  • None
  • GCM 340
  • Media, Politics & Power
  • 3
  • None
  • GCM 351
  • Documentary Storytelling
  • 3
  • None
  • GCM 352
  • Social Media Strategy
  • 3
  • None
  • GCM 353
  • Crisis Communication
  • 3
  • None
  • GCM 354
  • Global Advertising
  • 3
  • None
  • GCM 330 — Public Relations & Reputation Management: Public Relations & Reputation ManagementThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • GCM 340 — Media, Politics & Power: Media, Politics & PowerThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • GCM 351 — Documentary Storytelling: Documentary StorytellingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • GCM 352 — Social Media Strategy: Social Media StrategyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • GCM 353 — Crisis Communication: Crisis CommunicationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • GCM 354 — Global Advertising: Global AdvertisingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 7 — Year 4
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • GCM 355
  • Media Psychology
  • 3
  • None
  • GCM 356
  • Political Communication
  • 3
  • None
  • GCM 357
  • Data Journalism
  • 3
  • None
  • GCM 358
  • Communication for Development
  • 3
  • None
  • GCM 359
  • Media & Human Rights
  • 3
  • None
  • GCM 360
  • Digital Diplomacy
  • 3
  • None
  • GCM 355 — Media Psychology: Media PsychologyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • GCM 356 — Political Communication: Political CommunicationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • GCM 357 — Data Journalism: Data JournalismThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • GCM 358 — Communication for Development: Communication for DevelopmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • GCM 359 — Media & Human Rights: Media & Human RightsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • GCM 360 — Digital Diplomacy: Digital DiplomacyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 8 — Year 4
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • GCM 410
  • Research Methods in Communication
  • 3
  • None
  • IFS 410
  • Religion, Conflict & Peacebuilding
  • 3
  • None
  • GCM 499
  • Capstone: Global Media Campaign
  • 3
  • None
  • GCM 410 — Research Methods in Communication: Research Methods in CommunicationThis 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..
  • GCM 499 — Capstone: Global Media Campaign: Capstone: Global Media CampaignThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, along with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Additionally, candidates are encouraged to submit a personal statement outlining their interests in global communication and interfaith studies. Career Opportunities Global Communications Specialist Public Relations Coordinator International Journalist Media Analyst Cultural Affairs Advisor Interfaith Program Coordinator Nonprofit Communications Manager 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 Global Communication, Media, Specialization in Interfaith Studies Total program length | 135 semester credit hours Normal completion time | Four academic years General education | 36 credit hours Faith-Based Global Communication, Media, and Interfaith Studies 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 ART 200 | Visual Design Fundamentals | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites GCM 201 | Introduction to Communication Studies | 3 | None GCM 210 | Global Media Systems | 3 | None IFS 210 | Comparative Theology | 3 | None IT 210 | Digital Tools for Media | 3 | None MKT 210 | Marketing Principles | 3 | None UNI 210 | Applied Statistics for Social Science | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites GCM 220 | Journalism & News Writing | 3 | None IFS 220 | Religion & Culture | 3 | None UNI 220 | Research & Information Literacy | 3 | None GCM 230 | Digital Media Production | 3 | None UNI 230 | Ethics in a Global Society | 3 | None GCM 240 | Media Law & Ethics | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites UNI 240 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None GCM 250 | Communication Theory | 3 | None UNI 250 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 | None COM 260 | Intercultural Communication | 3 | None POL 260 | Mass Media & Politics | 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 GCM 310 | Strategic Communication | 3 | None IFS 310 | Interfaith Dialogue & Practice | 3 | None SOC 310 | Sociology of Globalization | 3 | None GCM 320 | International Journalism & Reporting | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites GCM 330 | Public Relations & Reputation Management | 3 | None GCM 340 | Media, Politics & Power | 3 | None GCM 351 | Documentary Storytelling | 3 | None GCM 352 | Social Media Strategy | 3 | None GCM 353 | Crisis Communication | 3 | None GCM 354 | Global Advertising | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites GCM 355 | Media Psychology | 3 | None GCM 356 | Political Communication | 3 | None GCM 357 | Data Journalism | 3 | None GCM 358 | Communication for Development | 3 | None GCM 359 | Media & Human Rights | 3 | None GCM 360 | Digital Diplomacy | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites GCM 410 | Research Methods in Communication | 3 | None IFS 410 | Religion, Conflict & Peacebuilding | 3 | None GCM 499 | Capstone: Global Media Campaign | 3 | None

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Global Communications Specialist
  • Public Relations Coordinator
  • International Journalist
  • Media Analyst
  • Cultural Affairs Advisor
  • Interfaith Program Coordinator
  • Nonprofit Communications Manager

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 Global Communication, Media, Specialization in Interfaith Studies
  • Total program length | 135 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Four academic years