Admission Requirements
Admission and entry requirements
Applicants must have completed a high school diploma or equivalent, and submit standardized test scores along with a personal statement outlining their interest in global communication and interfaith studies. Career Opportunities Global Communications Specialist Media Relations Coordinator Interfaith Program Director Cultural Affairs Officer Public Relations Manager Content Development Strategist Social Media Consultant 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 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 ART 200 | Visual Design Fundamentals | 3 | None 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 Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites MKT 210 | Marketing Principles | 3 | None GCM 220 | Journalism & News Writing | 3 | None IFS 220 | Religion & Culture | 3 | None GCM 230 | Digital Media Production | 3 | None GCM 240 | Media Law & Ethics | 3 | None GCM 250 | Communication Theory | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites COM 260 | Intercultural Communication | 3 | None POL 260 | Mass Media & Politics | 3 | None ETH 300 | Foundations of Faith-Based Ethics | 3 | None GCM 310 | Strategic Communication | 3 | None IFS 310 | Interfaith Dialogue & Practice | 3 | None SOC 310 | Sociology of Globalization | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites GCM 320 | International Journalism & Reporting | 3 | None IFS 320 | Sacred Texts and Media Representation | 3 | IFS 101 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 Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites GCM 353 | Crisis Communication | 3 | None GCM 354 | Global Advertising | 3 | None 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 Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites GCM 359 | Media & Human Rights | 3 | None GCM 360 | Digital Diplomacy | 3 | None GCM 410 | Research Methods in Communication | 3 | None IFS 410 | Religion, Conflict & Peacebuilding | 3 | None SOC 410 | Sociology of Religious Networks | 3 | SOC 310 IFS 420 | Theology of Hospitality and Digital Outreach | 3 | IFS 310 Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites GCM 430 | Advanced Cross-Cultural Media Advocacy | 3 | GCM 310 GCM 440 | Crisis Management for Faith Institutions | 3 | GCM 353 GCM 450 | Visual Storytelling for Global Ministries | 3 | ART 200 IFS 450 | Interfaith Engagement and Global Diplomacy | 3 | IFS 410 COM 480 | Collaborative Leadership in Nonprofits | 3 | COM 260 GCM 485 | Communication Analytics for Nonprofits | 3 | GCM 410 Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites GCM 490 | Emerging Technologies in Faith-Based Media | 3 | IT 210 GCM 498 | Senior Thesis: Faith and Global Communication | 3 | GCM 410 GCM 499 | Capstone: Global Media Campaign | 3 | None