Associate of Arts in International Relations Minor: Comparative Religious Studies

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in International Relations Minor: Comparative Religious Studies

Total program length

72 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years

General education

18 credit hours

Professional application courses

9 credit hours

Capstone requirement

3 credit hours

Academic unit

HBIU College of International Studies

Total credits

72

Duration

2 years

• Analyze global political issues and their historical contexts.
• Evaluate the impact of religion on international relations and conflict.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills in multicultural environments.
• Apply critical thinking to contemporary global challenges.
• Research and synthesize information from various sources on international topics.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CRS100
• Introduction to Comparative Religious Studies
• 3
• None
• ELEC100
• General Elective
• 3
• None
• SOC100
• Introduction to Sociology
• 3
• None
• ENG101
• English Composition I
• 3
• None
• IR101
• Introduction to International Relations
• 3
• None
• ENG102
• English Composition II
• 3
• Successful completion of English Composition I
• POL102
• Foundations of Political Science
• 3
• None
• CRS100 — Introduction to Comparative Religious Studies: Survey of major world religions examining beliefs, practices, and cultural contextsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ELEC100 — General Elective: Student-selected course to broaden academic experienceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC100 — Introduction to Sociology: Foundational concepts in sociology including social structures, culture, and institutionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ENG101 — English Composition I: Development of writing skills with emphasis on clarity, coherence, and academic argumentationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• IR101 — Introduction to International Relations: Foundational course introducing students to the theories, concepts, and key actors in international relationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ENG102 — English Composition II: Advanced writing course focusing on research, analysis, and persuasive communicationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• POL102 — Foundations of Political Science: Comprehensive introduction to political science theories, systems, and comparative governanceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MAT105
• College Algebra
• 3
• None
• COM110
• Public Speaking
• 3
• None
• GEO110
• World Geography and Global Regions
• 3
• None
• CRS120
• Religions of the Ancient World
• 3
• None
• ECO120
• Principles of Microeconomics
• 3
• None
• ETH120
• Ethics and Global Citizenship
• 3
• None
• IR120
• Global Governance and International Organizations
• 3
• None
• MAT105 — College Algebra: Fundamental algebraic concepts and problem-solving techniquesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COM110 — Public Speaking: Development of effective oral communication and presentation skillsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• GEO110 — World Geography and Global Regions: Exploration of global geographic patterns, regions, and their impact on international relationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CRS120 — Religions of the Ancient World: Exploration of religious traditions and practices in ancient civilizationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ECO120 — Principles of Microeconomics: Study of individual economic decision-making, markets, and resource allocationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ETH120 — Ethics and Global Citizenship: Exploration of ethical frameworks and responsibilities in a globalized worldThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• IR120 — Global Governance and International Organizations: Analysis of international institutions and their role in global governanceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• IR130
• Foreign Policy Analysis
• 3
• None
• CRS140
• World Religions: Eastern Traditions
• 3
• None
• HIS150
• Modern World History
• 3
• None
• ELEC200
• Open Elective
• 3
• None
• ENG210
• Writing for the Social Sciences
• 3
• None
• HIS210
• History of International Diplomacy
• 3
• None
• IR210
• Global Conflict and Peace Studies
• 3
• None
• IR130 — Foreign Policy Analysis: Examination of foreign policy decision-making processes and implementationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CRS140 — World Religions: Eastern Traditions: In-depth study of Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and other Eastern religionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• HIS150 — Modern World History: Examination of global historical developments from the 18th century to present dayThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ELEC200 — Open Elective: Student-selected course for academic exploration and interestThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ENG210 — Writing for the Social Sciences: Advanced academic writing with focus on social science research and analysisThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• HIS210 — History of International Diplomacy: Historical examination of diplomatic relations and international negotiationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• IR210 — Global Conflict and Peace Studies: Analysis of international conflicts, peace processes, and conflict resolution strategiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• IR215
• Introduction to Diplomacy
• 3
• None
• CRS220
• World Religions: Western Traditions
• 3
• None
• IR230
• International Political Economy
• 3
• None
• CRS250
• Comparative Theology and Culture
• 3
• None
• IR260
• Human Rights and Global Justice
• 3
• None
• IR299
• Capstone: Global Issues & Policy Analysis
• 3
• Completion of foundational courses in International Relations and Comparative Religious Studies
• IR215 — Introduction to Diplomacy: Foundations of diplomatic practice, protocol, and international negotiationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CRS220 — World Religions: Western Traditions: Study of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and other Western religious traditionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• IR230 — International Political Economy: Examination of the intersection of economics and politics in global affairsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CRS250 — Comparative Theology and Culture: Advanced study of theological concepts across diverse religious traditionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• IR260 — Human Rights and Global Justice: Analysis of human rights frameworks, justice systems, and international lawThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• IR299 — Capstone: Global Issues & Policy Analysis: Culminating project integrating international relations theory and practical policy analysisThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent. They should demonstrate proficiency in English and basic mathematics. Culminating Project The capstone project, IR299: Global Issues & Policy Analysis, serves as the culmination of the student’s academic and spiritual development. Students will synthesize their knowledge of international relations and comparative religion to analyze a contemporary global challenge through the lens of ethical reasoning and a Christian worldview. This project requires students to articulate how principles of biblical stewardship and servant leadership can inform policy solutions for complex humanitarian, economic, or diplomatic issues. The final submission must demonstrate both analytical proficiency and the student’s capacity to apply their faith-based education to real-world scenarios, reflecting a commitment to being a restorative influence in the international sphere.

• To qualify for the Associate of Arts in International Relations, students must successfully complete 72 credit hours as outlined in the curriculum guide with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher. Beyond academic completion, students are expected to demonstrate an ongoing commitment to spiritual formation, engaging in community life that reflects the values of Christian integrity and servant leadership. Requirements include the successful completion of all core courses, the minor sequence, and the capstone project. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to apply their interdisciplinary studies to ethical issues in global citizenship, proving their readiness to represent their faith and their academic training with excellence and compassion in their future endeavors.
• Career Opportunities
• Foreign Service Officer
• International Relations Analyst
• Nonprofit Organization Coordinator
• Cultural Affairs Specialist
• Intelligence Analyst
• Global Outreach Coordinator
• 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 | A.A. in International Relations Minor: Comparative Religious Studies
• Total program length | 72 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years
• General education | 18 credit hours
• International relations and religious studies core | 30 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 9 credit hours
• Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours
• Electives | 12 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CRS100 | Introduction to Comparative Religious Studies | 3 | None
• ELEC100 | General Elective | 3 | None
• SOC100 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• ENG101 | English Composition I | 3 | None
• IR101 | Introduction to International Relations | 3 | None
• ENG102 | English Composition II | 3 | Successful completion of English Composition I
• POL102 | Foundations of Political Science | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MAT105 | College Algebra | 3 | None
• COM110 | Public Speaking | 3 | None
• GEO110 | World Geography and Global Regions | 3 | None
• CRS120 | Religions of the Ancient World | 3 | None
• ECO120 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 | None
• ETH120 | Ethics and Global Citizenship | 3 | None
• IR120 | Global Governance and International Organizations | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• IR130 | Foreign Policy Analysis | 3 | None
• CRS140 | World Religions: Eastern Traditions | 3 | None
• HIS150 | Modern World History | 3 | None
• ELEC200 | Open Elective | 3 | None
• ENG210 | Writing for the Social Sciences | 3 | None
• HIS210 | History of International Diplomacy | 3 | None
• IR210 | Global Conflict and Peace Studies | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• IR215 | Introduction to Diplomacy | 3 | None
• CRS220 | World Religions: Western Traditions | 3 | None
• IR230 | International Political Economy | 3 | None
• CRS250 | Comparative Theology and Culture | 3 | None
• IR260 | Human Rights and Global Justice | 3 | None
• IR299 | Capstone: Global Issues & Policy Analysis | 3 | Completion of foundational courses in International Relations and Comparative Religious Studies