Master of Arts in Faith-Based International Trade, Specialization in Fair Trade Advocacy

Degree abbreviation

M.A. in Faith-Based International Trade

Total program length

60 graduate semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Two academic years of full-time study

Academic unit

HBIU College of Business and Economics

Total credits

60

Duration

2 years

• Analyze the ethical dimensions of international trade through the lens of Christian stewardship and social justice principles.
• Evaluate the impact of global trade policies on developing economies and vulnerable populations, proposing faith-informed solutions.
• Develop strategies for promoting fair trade practices and advocating for equitable economic systems in diverse cultural contexts.
• Integrate principles of servant leadership and community engagement into international business and trade initiatives.
• Communicate complex trade issues and advocacy strategies effectively to diverse stakeholders, including faith-based organizations and global partners.
• Design projects that advance economic justice and sustainability, demonstrating practical application of academic learning.
• Interpret international trade agreements and their implications for human dignity and ethical commerce.
• Apply research methodologies to investigate challenges and opportunities within faith-based international trade initiatives.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• BUS 501
• Foundations of International Trade
• 3
• None
• MGT 510
• Ethical Leadership and Stewardship
• 3
• None
• SOC 520
• Global Social Justice and Economics
• 3
• None
• RES 500
• Graduate Research Methods
• 3
• None
• BUS 501 — Foundations of International Trade: This course provides an overview of the historical development, theoretical frameworks, and contemporary issues in international trade. It examines global trade patterns, economic interdependence, and the role of international institutions in shaping global commerce. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT 510 — Ethical Leadership and Stewardship: This course explores ethical theories and principles of servant leadership, emphasizing stewardship and moral responsibility within organizational contexts. Students will analyze case studies to develop ethical decision-making skills applicable to business and public service. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC 520 — Global Social Justice and Economics: Examines the intersection of global economic systems and social justice, with a focus on understanding poverty, inequality, and human rights. The course analyzes the impact of economic policies on vulnerable populations and explores frameworks for promoting equitable development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES 500 — Graduate Research Methods: Introduces fundamental principles and techniques of academic research, including qualitative and quantitative methodologies, literature reviews, and data analysis. Students will learn to design research projects and critically evaluate scholarly work. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• BUS 530
• International Trade Law and Policy
• 3
• BUS 501
• MGT 545
• Fair Trade Principles and Practices
• 4
• BUS 501, SOC 520
• COM 515
• Cross-Cultural Communication
• 3
• None
• ECON 530
• Comparative Economic Ethics and Policy
• 3
• None
• BUS 530 — International Trade Law and Policy: This course delves into the legal structures governing international trade, including WTO agreements, trade treaties, and dispute resolution mechanisms. It critically examines the implications of trade policies for national sovereignty and global economic stability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT 545 — Fair Trade Principles and Practices: This course offers an in-depth exploration of the fair trade movement, its historical context, ethical underpinnings, and operational models. Students will analyze the challenges and opportunities in implementing fair trade standards across various industries and geographies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM 515 — Cross-Cultural Communication: This course examines theories and practices of effective communication across diverse cultural contexts. Students will develop skills in intercultural competence, negotiation, and relationship-building crucial for global engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ECON 530 — Comparative Economic Ethics and Policy: This course examines the intersection of moral philosophy, public policy, and economic distribution within global markets. It critically analyzes the impact of regulatory frameworks on social equity and market behavior. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• BUS 605
• Global Supply Chain Management
• 3
• BUS 501
• MGT 620
• Community Development and Advocacy
• 3
• SOC 520
• BUS 630
• International Finance and Development
• 3
• BUS 501
• MGT 690
• Elective in Fair Trade Advocacy
• 3
• MGT 545
• BUS 605 — Global Supply Chain Management: This course explores the strategic management of global supply chains, focusing on logistics, procurement, and distribution networks. Emphasis is placed on ethical sourcing, sustainability, and building resilient supply chains in complex international environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT 620 — Community Development and Advocacy: This course focuses on the principles and practices of community development and advocacy, particularly in relation to economic empowerment and social justice. Students will learn to design and implement effective advocacy strategies for marginalized communities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS 630 — International Finance and Development: This course examines the role of finance in international development, including foreign direct investment, microfinance, and development aid. It analyzes the challenges of capital flows and their impact on economic growth and poverty reduction. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT 690 — Elective in Fair Trade Advocacy: Students will select an elective from a list of advanced topics in fair trade advocacy, such as sustainable agriculture, ethical labor practices, or the impact of technology on global trade. This course allows for specialized study in an area of personal or professional interest. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• BUS 699
• MA Thesis/Capstone Project
• 6
• RES 500, Completion of all other core courses
• MGT 650
• Global Project Management and Implementation
• 3
• BUS 605
• COM 610
• Advocacy and Public Engagement
• 3
• COM 515
• MGT 580
• Nonprofit Organizational Governance and Strategy
• 3
• MGT 510, THE 530
• BUS 699 — MA Thesis/Capstone Project: This culminating course involves the research, development, and completion of an independent thesis or capstone project under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Students will apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills to address a significant issue in faith-based international trade or fair trade advocacy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT 650 — Global Project Management and Implementation: This course focuses on the practical aspects of managing international projects from initiation to completion. It covers project planning, resource allocation, risk management, and stakeholder engagement in a global context, emphasizing ethical considerations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM 610 — Advocacy and Public Engagement: This course equips students with the skills to design and implement effective advocacy campaigns and engage with the public on critical issues. It covers strategic communication, policy influencing, and mobilizing support for social and economic change. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT 580 — Nonprofit Organizational Governance and Strategy: This course explores the administrative, financial, and legal structures essential for effectively managing mission-driven nonprofit entities. Students study best practices in board governance, resource allocation, and strategic operational planning. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants are also required to submit a statement of purpose outlining their interest in faith-based international trade and fair trade advocacy, two letters of recommendation (at least one academic), and official transcripts from all prior postsecondary institutions. Relevant professional experience or undergraduate coursework in business, economics, international relations, or a related field is highly recommended. Thesis or Capstone Project The culminating academic experience for the Master of Arts in Faith-Based International Trade, Specialization in Fair Trade Advocacy is a capstone project or thesis, taken in the final semester. This project allows students to synthesize their learning by conducting in-depth research or developing a practical initiative addressing a significant issue in fair trade advocacy or faith-based international commerce. The purpose is to demonstrate mastery of program competencies, critical thinking skills, and the ability to apply a faith-informed worldview to complex global challenges. The scope of the capstone is defined by the student's research question or project proposal, which must be approved by faculty. Expected deliverables include a comprehensive written report or thesis document, and potentially a presentation of findings to faculty and peers. The capstone integrates faith-based perspectives by requiring students to explicitly address how ethical reasoning, servant leadership principles, biblical stewardship, and a Christian worldview inform their analysis, methodology, and proposed solutions. Students must demonstrate how their work contributes to economic justice and fosters human dignity, reflecting a commitment to character development alongside academic rigor.

• To be awarded the Master of Arts in Faith-Based International Trade, Specialization in Fair Trade Advocacy, students must successfully complete all 60 credit hours of coursework with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. This includes satisfactory completion of all core and specialization courses, as well as the capstone project or thesis. Furthermore, all students are expected to engage in faith-based formation activities throughout their program. These may include participation in community service initiatives that align with the program's focus on social justice, engagement with university chapel services or spiritual formation groups, and demonstrated commitment to ethical conduct and servant leadership principles, reflecting the integration of academic achievement with spiritual maturity and readiness for faithful service in the global marketplace.
• Career Opportunities
• Fair Trade Organization Program Manager
• International Development Consultant
• Global Supply Chain Ethicist
• Nonprofit Advocacy Director
• International Business Ethics Advisor
• Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
• Faith-Based Community Organizer
• International Trade Policy Analyst
• 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 Trade
• Total program length | 60 graduate semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years of full-time study
• Advanced Faith-Based International Trade 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
• BUS 501 | Foundations of International Trade | 3 | None
• MGT 510 | Ethical Leadership and Stewardship | 3 | None
• SOC 520 | Global Social Justice and Economics | 3 | None
• RES 500 | Graduate Research Methods | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BUS 530 | International Trade Law and Policy | 3 | BUS 501
• MGT 545 | Fair Trade Principles and Practices | 4 | BUS 501, SOC 520
• COM 515 | Cross-Cultural Communication | 3 | None
• ECON 530 | Comparative Economic Ethics and Policy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BUS 605 | Global Supply Chain Management | 3 | BUS 501
• MGT 620 | Community Development and Advocacy | 3 | SOC 520
• BUS 630 | International Finance and Development | 3 | BUS 501
• MGT 690 | Elective in Fair Trade Advocacy | 3 | MGT 545
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BUS 699 | MA Thesis/Capstone Project | 6 | RES 500, Completion of all other core courses
• MGT 650 | Global Project Management and Implementation | 3 | BUS 605
• COM 610 | Advocacy and Public Engagement | 3 | COM 515
• MGT 580 | Nonprofit Organizational Governance and Strategy | 3 | MGT 510, THE 530