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Master of Arts in Faith-Based Cross-Cultural Leadership, Global Engagement

Academic unitHBIU College of International StudiesTotal credits60Estimated duration2 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based Cross-Cultural Leadership, Global Engagement

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Advanced Faith-Based Cross-Cultural Leadership, Global Engagement 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

The Master of Arts in Faith-Based Cross-Cultural Leadership, Global Engagement is a comprehensive graduate program designed to equip scholars and practitioners for effective leadership in a globalized, pluralistic society. Through a multidisciplinary curriculum, students explore the intersection of organizational theory, intercultural communication, and ethical leadership, grounded in a framework of stewardship and servant leadership. The program emphasizes the development of cross-cultural competency, fostering an ability to lead with wisdom and integrity across diverse social and institutional landscapes.

Students engage in rigorous academic inquiry, examining the complexities of global engagement while cultivating the spiritual maturity necessary for sustainable service. The program intentionally bridges theory and practice, preparing graduates to navigate contemporary challenges with intellectual depth and a commitment to global human flourishing. By integrating academic excellence with foundational ethical principles, the curriculum shapes leaders capable of influencing their communities through principled action and collaborative problem-solving.

The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in faith-based cross-cultural leadership, global engagement theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based cross-cultural leadership, global engagement-support services.

The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based cross-cultural leadership, global engagement-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 60-credit requirement is an institutional academic standard that exceeds that minimum.

Program Facts

Program facts

Degree abbreviation
M.A. in Faith-Based Cross-Cultural Leadership, Global Engagement
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

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Analyze complex organizational challenges within diverse cultural contexts using contemporary leadership theories.
  • Evaluate the impact of global social and economic trends on cross-cultural community development initiatives.
  • Design inclusive leadership strategies that promote ethical decision-making and sustainable resource stewardship.
  • Demonstrate advanced intercultural communication skills to navigate and mediate conflict in multi-ethnic settings.
  • Integrate a servant leadership framework into the application of organizational management practices.
  • Apply qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to assess the effectiveness of community-based leadership programs.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • MGT 500
  • Foundations of Servant Leadership
  • 4
  • None
  • RES 505
  • Research Methods in Social Sciences
  • 3
  • None
  • COM 510
  • Intercultural Communication Dynamics
  • 4
  • None
  • CHR 515
  • Ethics in Global Leadership
  • 3
  • None
  • MGT 500 — Foundations of Servant Leadership: This course examines the theoretical and practical underpinnings of servant leadership. Students analyze historical models of leadership and apply principles of humble stewardship to organizational structuresThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • RES 505 — Research Methods in Social Sciences: An introduction to qualitative and quantitative research designs. Students learn to interpret data to inform organizational decision-makingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • COM 510 — Intercultural Communication Dynamics: Students analyze communication styles across various cultures to enhance interpersonal engagement. The course emphasizes empathy, listening, and effective mediationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • CHR 515 — Ethics in Global Leadership: This course explores moral frameworks in international settings. Students evaluate ethical dilemmas using principles of integrity, justice, and stewardshipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • MGT 600
  • Global Organizational Management
  • 4
  • MGT 500
  • SOC 605
  • Global Social Issues and Development
  • 3
  • None
  • HIS 610
  • Cross-Cultural History and Context
  • 4
  • None
  • ORG 615
  • Organizational Development and Personal Leadership
  • 3
  • None
  • MGT 600 — Global Organizational Management: Examines the challenges of managing global teams and diverse human resources. Emphasis is placed on creating inclusive environmentsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • SOC 605 — Global Social Issues and Development: An analysis of systemic issues including poverty, migration, and healthcare disparities. Students explore holistic, faith-informed intervention strategiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • HIS 610 — Cross-Cultural History and Context: Explores the historical context of global engagement and the impact of cross-cultural interaction on modern institutionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • ORG 615 — Organizational Development and Personal Leadership: This course examines the theories of personal leadership development and organizational behavior within professional contexts. Students analyze psychological frameworks to enhance leadership effectiveness and team cohesion. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • BUS 700
  • Stewardship of Organizational Resources
  • 4
  • MGT 600
  • EDU 705
  • Adult Education and Global Training
  • 3
  • None
  • COU 710
  • Conflict Resolution in Global Settings
  • 4
  • COM 510
  • SOC 715
  • Social Innovation and Global Volunteerism
  • 3
  • None
  • BUS 700 — Stewardship of Organizational Resources: Focuses on financial and operational stewardship in non-profit and humanitarian contexts. Students learn to manage resources with transparency and effectivenessThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • EDU 705 — Adult Education and Global Training: Explores methods for training and developing leadership teams in multicultural settings. Includes design and implementation of pedagogical frameworksThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • COU 710 — Conflict Resolution in Global Settings: Provides strategies for mediating conflict across cultural, religious, and political divides. Emphasis on restorative justice and peacebuildingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • SOC 715 — Social Innovation and Global Volunteerism: This course explores the sociological impacts of volunteerism and civic engagement programs in international development. It focuses on the strategic management of humanitarian service initiatives and ethical community interaction. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CAP 800
  • Leadership Capstone Project
  • 4
  • All Core Courses
  • MGT 805
  • Advanced Strategic Planning
  • 4
  • MGT 600
  • SOC 810
  • Community Engagement Seminar
  • 3
  • None
  • HUM 815
  • Global Perspectives Seminar
  • 3
  • None
  • CAP 800 — Leadership Capstone Project: The culminating project where students apply all learning to a professional challenge. Deliverables include a comprehensive proposal or research paperThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • MGT 805 — Advanced Strategic Planning: Focuses on long-term strategy development for organizations. Students synthesize prior learning to chart future courses of actionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • SOC 810 — Community Engagement Seminar: A field-based reflection seminar focusing on best practices in community engagement. Students share experiences from their respective projectsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
  • HUM 815 — Global Perspectives Seminar: A final synthesis seminar on navigating cultural complexity. Students present their findings on current global trends and leadership responsesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0. A complete application includes official academic transcripts, three professional or academic letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose outlining professional goals and alignment with the program's values, and a current curriculum vitae. Thesis or Capstone Project The Capstone Project represents the culminating academic experience for the Master of Arts in Faith-Based Cross-Cultural Leadership, Global Engagement. This 4-credit, final-semester requirement tasks students with developing a comprehensive leadership proposal or research paper that addresses a real-world challenge in a specific cross-cultural context. The project requires the application of theoretical concepts from the entire program to provide actionable, ethical, and sustainable solutions that honor the dignity of the community served. Beyond demonstrating technical competency, the Capstone integrates faith-based perspectives by requiring students to articulate how their work reflects principles of servant leadership and stewardship. Students must reflect on their own spiritual formation, evaluating how their character development informs their approach to leadership, ethical conflict resolution, and the prioritization of human needs. The project serves as a definitive demonstration of both the student's scholarly research capabilities and their commitment to manifesting a Christian worldview within their professional practice.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • Graduation requires the completion of 60 total credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, ensuring a high standard of academic performance across the program. Students must successfully complete and defend the Capstone Project, demonstrating mastery of the core competencies and an ability to integrate ethical, faith-informed reasoning into their professional field. Failure to meet these academic benchmarks will result in an extension of the program timeline or a review of academic standing.
  • In addition to academic achievement, students are expected to demonstrate spiritual maturity and integrity through active participation in spiritual formation activities, including community service initiatives and periodic reflection sessions. This holistic approach ensures that graduates are prepared not only with the technical skills for leadership but with the character and ethical fortitude necessary for life-long, service-oriented engagement in global society. Completion confirms the candidate's readiness to serve with compassion, intellectual rigor, and unwavering moral character.
  • Career Opportunities
  • International Non-Profit Director
  • Cross-Cultural Program Coordinator
  • Global Humanitarian Relief Manager
  • Intercultural Relations Consultant
  • Community Development Specialist
  • Faith-Based Institutional Administrator
  • Global Missions Strategist
  • 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 Cross-Cultural Leadership, Global Engagement
  • Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
  • Advanced Faith-Based Cross-Cultural Leadership, Global Engagement 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
  • MGT 500 | Foundations of Servant Leadership | 4 | None
  • RES 505 | Research Methods in Social Sciences | 3 | None
  • COM 510 | Intercultural Communication Dynamics | 4 | None
  • CHR 515 | Ethics in Global Leadership | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MGT 600 | Global Organizational Management | 4 | MGT 500
  • SOC 605 | Global Social Issues and Development | 3 | None
  • HIS 610 | Cross-Cultural History and Context | 4 | None
  • ORG 615 | Organizational Development and Personal Leadership | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BUS 700 | Stewardship of Organizational Resources | 4 | MGT 600
  • EDU 705 | Adult Education and Global Training | 3 | None
  • COU 710 | Conflict Resolution in Global Settings | 4 | COM 510
  • SOC 715 | Social Innovation and Global Volunteerism | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP 800 | Leadership Capstone Project | 4 | All Core Courses
  • MGT 805 | Advanced Strategic Planning | 4 | MGT 600
  • SOC 810 | Community Engagement Seminar | 3 | None
  • HUM 815 | Global Perspectives Seminar | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • International Non-Profit Director
  • Cross-Cultural Program Coordinator
  • Global Humanitarian Relief Manager
  • Intercultural Relations Consultant
  • Community Development Specialist
  • Faith-Based Institutional Administrator
  • Global Missions Strategist

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 | M.A. in Faith-Based Cross-Cultural Leadership, Global Engagement
  • Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
  • Advanced Faith-Based Cross-Cultural Leadership, Global Engagement 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
  • MGT 500 | Foundations of Servant Leadership | 4 | None
  • RES 505 | Research Methods in Social Sciences | 3 | None
  • COM 510 | Intercultural Communication Dynamics | 4 | None
  • CHR 515 | Ethics in Global Leadership | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MGT 600 | Global Organizational Management | 4 | MGT 500
  • SOC 605 | Global Social Issues and Development | 3 | None
  • HIS 610 | Cross-Cultural History and Context | 4 | None
  • ORG 615 | Organizational Development and Personal Leadership | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BUS 700 | Stewardship of Organizational Resources | 4 | MGT 600
  • EDU 705 | Adult Education and Global Training | 3 | None
  • COU 710 | Conflict Resolution in Global Settings | 4 | COM 510
  • SOC 715 | Social Innovation and Global Volunteerism | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP 800 | Leadership Capstone Project | 4 | All Core Courses
  • MGT 805 | Advanced Strategic Planning | 4 | MGT 600
  • SOC 810 | Community Engagement Seminar | 3 | None
  • HUM 815 | Global Perspectives Seminar | 3 | None