Master of Arts in Faith-Based International Peace Conflict Resolution

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based International Peace Conflict Resolution

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Academic unit

HBIU College of International Studies

Total credits

60

Duration

2 years

• Analyze complex international conflicts using established political and sociological theoretical frameworks.
• Evaluate the impact of international policy on global stability and social development.
• Design inclusive mediation strategies that respect cultural diversity and promote restorative justice.
• Integrate ethical decision-making models into professional practices of diplomacy and peace-building.
• Demonstrate advanced proficiency in researching global security issues through evidence-based methodologies.
• Communicate complex geopolitical insights to diverse stakeholders in both written and verbal formats.
• Develop servant leadership competencies to facilitate collaborative community development projects.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES 501
• Research Methods in Social Sciences
• 4
• None
• HIS 505
• History of Global Conflict
• 4
• None
• SOC 510
• Sociology of International Development
• 4
• None
• MGT 515
• Ethical Leadership in Global Environments
• 3
• None
• RES 501 — Research Methods in Social Sciences: Explores qualitative and quantitative research methodologies relevant to international studies. Students learn to design robust research plans and evaluate existing geopolitical dataThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• HIS 505 — History of Global Conflict: Analyzes the historical trajectory of international disputes and the evolution of diplomacy. Focuses on lessons learned from historical peace treaties and failed negotiationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC 510 — Sociology of International Development: Examines the intersection of social structures and international aid initiatives. Students evaluate the socio-economic implications of development projects on local communitiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MGT 515 — Ethical Leadership in Global Environments: Explores theories of servant leadership and organizational stewardship in cross-cultural contexts. Emphasizes the role of individual integrity in professional decision-makingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• COM 520
• Intercultural Communication and Mediation
• 4
• RES 501
• POL 525
• International Relations and Global Governance
• 4
• HIS 505
• THE 530
• Ethics, Peace, and Reconciliation
• 4
• None
• COU 535
• Trauma-Informed Conflict Resolution
• 3
• SOC 510
• COM 520 — Intercultural Communication and Mediation: Focuses on the nuances of cross-cultural dialogue and effective conflict resolution strategies. Develops practical skills in active listening and negotiation within diverse settingsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• POL 525 — International Relations and Global Governance: Examines the structure of international governing bodies and their role in preventing and resolving conflicts. Analyzes the impact of institutional policies on regional stabilityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• THE 530 — Ethics, Peace, and Reconciliation: Studies the philosophical and theological foundations of restorative justice and peace-building. Evaluates how moral frameworks inform contemporary approaches to reconciliationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COU 535 — Trauma-Informed Conflict Resolution: Provides an overview of the psychological impact of conflict on populations. Focuses on strategies for supportive engagement that honor individual dignity and trauma recoveryThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MGT 601
• Resource Management for Non-Profits
• 4
• MGT 515
• POL 605
• Human Rights and International Law
• 4
• POL 525
• RES 610
• Applied Policy Research
• 4
• RES 501
• SOC 615
• Global Issues and Social Justice
• 3
• SOC 510
• MGT 601 — Resource Management for Non-Profits: Covers the essential aspects of financial and material stewardship in peace-building organizations. Teaches ethical resource allocation and sustainable project planningThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• POL 605 — Human Rights and International Law: Provides an in-depth review of global human rights standards and the legal frameworks protecting vulnerable populations. Examines the role of law in justice advocacyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES 610 — Applied Policy Research: Offers intensive practice in conducting research to influence public policy and organizational strategy. Emphasizes evidence-based recommendationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC 615 — Global Issues and Social Justice: Surveys contemporary global issues such as migration, poverty, and environmental sustainability. Critically evaluates potential solutions through a justice-oriented lensThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP 690
• Capstone Project: Synthesis and Application
• 6
• RES 610
• MIN 620
• Vocational Integration and Service
• 4
• THE 530
• POL 625
• Advanced Negotiation and Strategy
• 4
• COM 520
• EDU 630
• Cross-Cultural Educational Outreach
• 2
• None
• CAP 690 — Capstone Project: Synthesis and Application: Requires the successful design and completion of a major research paper or a professional peace-building project. Students demonstrate academic mastery and commitment to ethical practiceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MIN 620 — Vocational Integration and Service: Facilitates the integration of academic learning with professional calling and spiritual formation. Focuses on the development of a long-term plan for faithful serviceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• POL 625 — Advanced Negotiation and Strategy: Provides high-level training in mediation tactics for complex diplomatic settings. Uses case studies to build expertise in conflict de-escalationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU 630 — Cross-Cultural Educational Outreach: Examines methodologies for facilitating educational initiatives in peace-building contexts. Focuses on developing curricula that promote mutual understanding and toleranceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Admissions materials must include official transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining professional goals and alignment with the program's values, and two letters of recommendation from academic or professional references. International applicants must also demonstrate English language proficiency through standardized testing as required by university policy. Thesis or Capstone Project The Master’s Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience, requiring students to execute a rigorous, original research inquiry or an applied field-based peace-building initiative. The project is designed to integrate advanced academic research with the practical challenges of global conflict resolution. Students are expected to produce a formal academic paper and a practical implementation strategy, emphasizing a project scope that addresses a specific global challenge with tangible outcomes. The project requires 6 credit hours and serves as a synthesis of the student's entire graduate journey. Beyond technical mastery, the Capstone integrates faith-based perspectives by mandating a reflection on ethical responsibility and stewardship in the context of the identified conflict. Students demonstrate their commitment to servant leadership by designing projects that prioritize the well-being of marginalized populations, ensuring their professional contributions align with principles of integrity, reconciliation, and holistic community transformation.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of the 60-credit hour curriculum with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students must earn a passing grade in every required course, with no grade lower than a B- in core content areas. A successful defense of the Capstone Project before a faculty committee is required to confirm both academic competency and the ability to articulate professional objectives within a consistent ethical framework.
• In addition to academic benchmarks, students must demonstrate growth in character and spiritual maturity through participation in community service and institutional spiritual formation programming. Graduation marks the culmination of a dual pursuit of intellectual excellence and integrity-based service, ensuring that graduates are prepared to offer their professional skills as an expression of their vocation. All candidates must complete a final exit interview reflecting on their commitment to ethical stewardship in their chosen field.
• Career Opportunities
• International Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Field Director
• Diplomatic Liaison for Humanitarian Aid Agencies
• Policy Analyst for Global Development Institutions
• Community Mediation Consultant
• Global Security Strategy Advisor
• Advocacy Coordinator for International Human Rights
• Restorative Justice Program 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 | M.A. in Faith-Based International Peace Conflict Resolution
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based International Peace Conflict Resolution core | 27 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
• RES 501 | Research Methods in Social Sciences | 4 | None
• HIS 505 | History of Global Conflict | 4 | None
• SOC 510 | Sociology of International Development | 4 | None
• MGT 515 | Ethical Leadership in Global Environments | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM 520 | Intercultural Communication and Mediation | 4 | RES 501
• POL 525 | International Relations and Global Governance | 4 | HIS 505
• THE 530 | Ethics, Peace, and Reconciliation | 4 | None
• COU 535 | Trauma-Informed Conflict Resolution | 3 | SOC 510
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT 601 | Resource Management for Non-Profits | 4 | MGT 515
• POL 605 | Human Rights and International Law | 4 | POL 525
• RES 610 | Applied Policy Research | 4 | RES 501
• SOC 615 | Global Issues and Social Justice | 3 | SOC 510
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP 690 | Capstone Project: Synthesis and Application | 6 | RES 610
• MIN 620 | Vocational Integration and Service | 4 | THE 530
• POL 625 | Advanced Negotiation and Strategy | 4 | COM 520
• EDU 630 | Cross-Cultural Educational Outreach | 2 | None