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

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based International Trade

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

Academic unit

HBIU College of Business and Economics

Total credits

120

Duration

4 years

• Analyze complex international trade data and global economic trends using advanced statistical and quantitative methods.
• Evaluate the impact of trade policies on marginalized communities through the lens of social justice and economic stewardship.
• Develop strategic advocacy initiatives designed to improve labor conditions and sustainability standards within international supply chains.
• Integrate ethical reasoning and biblical concepts of justice into the design of fair trade business models.
• Communicate effectively across diverse cultural contexts to foster collaborative relationships in international development sectors.
• Demonstrate proficiency in global logistics, risk assessment, and market analysis through evidence-based research and practice.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• BUS101
• Principles of Management
• 3
• None
• ENG101
• Academic Writing and Rhetoric
• 3
• None
• HIS150
• History of Global Economics
• 3
• None
• PHI105
• Foundations of Ethical Theory
• 3
• None
• BUS101 — Principles of Management: An introduction to the fundamental functions of management including planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. Focuses on the application of ethical leadership within organizational structures. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ENG101 — Academic Writing and Rhetoric: Explores the elements of effective academic discourse and persuasive writing. Students learn to construct evidence-based arguments for professional contexts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS150 — History of Global Economics: Surveys the evolution of global trade systems and their social consequences from the mercantilist era to the present. Emphasizes the development of moral frameworks in economics. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PHI105 — Foundations of Ethical Theory: This course examines the evolution of normative ethical frameworks and their application to professional and social dilemmas. Students analyze utilitarian, deontological, and virtue-based perspectives in a secular context. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• BUS120
• Principles of Economics
• 3
• None
• SOC110
• Introduction to Sociology
• 3
• None
• MAT150
• Business Statistics
• 4
• None
• COM120
• Intercultural Communication
• 2
• None
• BUS120 — Principles of Economics: Covers both microeconomic and macroeconomic theories with an emphasis on market behaviors and policy impacts. Discusses the role of wealth and scarcity in light of ethical stewardship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC110 — Introduction to Sociology: Analyzes social structures, human interaction, and the cultural context of societal institutions. Encourages students to identify service opportunities in local and global contexts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MAT150 — Business Statistics: Introduces statistical methods and their application in business decision-making, including data collection and analysis. Emphasizes the ethical interpretation of quantitative data. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM120 — Intercultural Communication: Focuses on developing competence in cross-cultural settings through effective verbal and non-verbal communication strategies. Teaches students how to bridge cultural gaps in professional relationships. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• BUS205
• International Trade Law
• 3
• BUS120
• BUS210
• Accounting for Stewardship
• 4
• BUS101
• HUM200
• Human Rights and Global Justice
• 3
• None
• MIN220
• Servant Leadership in Practice
• 2
• None
• BUS205 — International Trade Law: Examines the legal frameworks governing global trade, including WTO standards and bilateral agreements. Discusses the role of law in protecting vulnerable stakeholders. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS210 — Accounting for Stewardship: Focuses on financial accounting principles and the ethical reporting of resources in organizations. Emphasizes accountability and transparency in financial operations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM200 — Human Rights and Global Justice: Investigates the intersection of global trade and universal human rights standards. Students analyze case studies of labor exploitation and advocacy responses. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN220 — Servant Leadership in Practice: Explores the theory and practice of servant leadership within organizational and community settings. Integrates personal reflection on character development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• BUS250
• Global Supply Chain Management
• 3
• BUS101
• BUS260
• Marketing for Social Impact
• 3
• BUS101
• RES200
• Research Methods
• 3
• MAT150
• EDU210
• Community Outreach Strategies
• 3
• None
• BUS250 — Global Supply Chain Management: Studies the logistical flow of goods, services, and information across international borders. Focuses on ethical procurement and fair trade logistics. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS260 — Marketing for Social Impact: Analyzes marketing principles applied to mission-driven organizations and fair trade initiatives. Discusses ethical consumerism and social advocacy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES200 — Research Methods: Provides an overview of research methodology, including qualitative and quantitative techniques. Prepares students for advanced senior projects. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU210 — Community Outreach Strategies: Explores strategies for building partnerships between organizations and the communities they serve. Focuses on mutual benefit and sustainable service. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• BUS310
• Fair Trade Theory and Policy
• 3
• BUS205
• BUS320
• Finance for Nonprofit Organizations
• 3
• BUS210
• SOC330
• Global Poverty and Development
• 3
• SOC110
• SOC350
• Sociology of Labor and Professional Identity
• 3
• THE105
• BUS310 — Fair Trade Theory and Policy: Examines the theoretical underpinnings and history of the fair trade movement. Reviews policy challenges and impacts on global producers. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS320 — Finance for Nonprofit Organizations: Covers financial management tailored to the nonprofit and social enterprise sectors. Emphasizes sustainability and stewardship of donor funds. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC330 — Global Poverty and Development: Investigates the socioeconomic drivers of global poverty and evidence-based development models. Focuses on holistic approaches to community empowerment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC350 — Sociology of Labor and Professional Identity: This course explores the changing meaning of work in a globalized economy and how professional identities are constructed across diverse cultures. Discussions focus on labor trends, career satisfaction, and the sociological impact of employment structures. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• BUS360
• Advocacy and Public Policy
• 3
• BUS205
• BUS370
• Organizational Behavior
• 3
• BUS101
• PSY310
• Cultural Psychology
• 3
• None
• BUS380
• Trade Sustainability and Environment
• 3
• BUS250
• BUS360 — Advocacy and Public Policy: Explores how to influence public policy and institutional behaviors to promote fair labor and trade standards. Focuses on effective advocacy campaigns. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS370 — Organizational Behavior: Analyzes the dynamics of individuals and teams in organizational settings. Emphasizes inclusive communication and ethical conflict resolution. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY310 — Cultural Psychology: Studies the impact of culture on cognition, motivation, and social behavior. Enhances the student's ability to operate in globalized environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS380 — Trade Sustainability and Environment: Addresses the ecological impact of international trade practices and strategies for environmental stewardship. Focuses on sustainable production models. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 7 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• BUS410
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• 4
• BUS360
• BUS420
• Global Entrepreneurship
• 3
• BUS320
• BUS430
• Legal and Ethical Issues in Trade
• 3
• BUS205
• ANT450
• Global Cultural Ethics and Social Systems
• 2
• None
• BUS410 — Corporate Social Responsibility: Examines the social and environmental responsibilities of international businesses. Discusses the role of corporate transparency and stakeholder ethics. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS420 — Global Entrepreneurship: Provides a framework for launching and managing social enterprises in international contexts. Emphasizes ethical innovation and resource management. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS430 — Legal and Ethical Issues in Trade: Analyzes complex case studies involving international business law and moral dilemmas. Requires students to construct defensible ethical positions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ANT450 — Global Cultural Ethics and Social Systems: This course provides a comparative analysis of moral values and belief systems across diverse international populations. Students study how cultural practices influence societal development and ethical decision-making in the global marketplace. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 8 — Year 4
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP490
• Senior Capstone Project
• 4
• RES200, Senior Standing
• BUS450
• Strategic Planning for NGOs
• 3
• BUS101
• BUS460
• Leadership and Change Management
• 3
• BUS370
• SOC470
• Social Justice in a Global World
• 2
• SOC330
• CAP490 — Senior Capstone Project: A comprehensive, applied research project that integrates all previous learning into a singular scholarly work focused on fair trade advocacy. Students present a thesis on solving systemic international trade challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS450 — Strategic Planning for NGOs: Focuses on long-term goal setting and operational planning for mission-driven organizations. Students develop comprehensive organizational strategy plans. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS460 — Leadership and Change Management: Analyzes how to lead organizations through transitions and growth within the nonprofit sector. Emphasizes resilience and principled leadership. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC470 — Social Justice in a Global World: Synthesizes concepts of sociology and ethics to advocate for the rights of the oppressed. Focuses on systemic reform and advocacy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or equivalent with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Prospective students are required to submit an academic personal statement detailing their commitment to ethical service, community engagement, and their interest in the role of global commerce in poverty alleviation and sustainable development. Senior Capstone Project The Senior Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience for the program, requiring students to execute a comprehensive research study or an applied consulting project focused on a contemporary issue in fair trade. Through this project, students integrate their disciplinary knowledge with their personal faith commitments to address systemic inequities in international commerce. The project scope includes identifying a specific trade challenge, conducting primary or secondary research, and proposing an ethically sound, scalable solution that upholds the principles of servant leadership and biblical stewardship. Deliverables include a formal written thesis, a portfolio of research findings, and a professional presentation before an interdisciplinary faculty panel. This project bridges academic rigorous inquiry with moral reflection, requiring students to evaluate how their findings contribute to both professional competence and the spiritual formation necessary for a career in faith-informed advocacy.

• To graduate, students must complete 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. In addition to academic coursework, students are required to document participation in community service initiatives and regular engagement in chapel programming, demonstrating a commitment to integrating professional growth with spiritual maturity. Graduation signifies a candidate’s readiness to serve with integrity, as evidenced by successful completion of the Senior Capstone Project and consistent adherence to institutional standards of character development and ethical professional practice.
• Career Opportunities
• Fair Trade Supply Chain Consultant
• Nonprofit International Development Coordinator
• Global Trade Policy Advocate
• Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
• Sustainable Development Researcher
• Humanitarian Logistics Coordinator
• Microfinance Program Administrator
• 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 International Trade
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four academic years
• General education | 36 credit hours
• Business and management core | 63 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 15 credit hours
• Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BUS101 | Principles of Management | 3 | None
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Rhetoric | 3 | None
• HIS150 | History of Global Economics | 3 | None
• PHI105 | Foundations of Ethical Theory | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BUS120 | Principles of Economics | 3 | None
• SOC110 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• MAT150 | Business Statistics | 4 | None
• COM120 | Intercultural Communication | 2 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BUS205 | International Trade Law | 3 | BUS120
• BUS210 | Accounting for Stewardship | 4 | BUS101
• HUM200 | Human Rights and Global Justice | 3 | None
• MIN220 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 2 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BUS250 | Global Supply Chain Management | 3 | BUS101
• BUS260 | Marketing for Social Impact | 3 | BUS101
• RES200 | Research Methods | 3 | MAT150
• EDU210 | Community Outreach Strategies | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BUS310 | Fair Trade Theory and Policy | 3 | BUS205
• BUS320 | Finance for Nonprofit Organizations | 3 | BUS210
• SOC330 | Global Poverty and Development | 3 | SOC110
• SOC350 | Sociology of Labor and Professional Identity | 3 | THE105
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BUS360 | Advocacy and Public Policy | 3 | BUS205
• BUS370 | Organizational Behavior | 3 | BUS101
• PSY310 | Cultural Psychology | 3 | None
• BUS380 | Trade Sustainability and Environment | 3 | BUS250
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BUS410 | Corporate Social Responsibility | 4 | BUS360
• BUS420 | Global Entrepreneurship | 3 | BUS320
• BUS430 | Legal and Ethical Issues in Trade | 3 | BUS205
• ANT450 | Global Cultural Ethics and Social Systems | 2 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Senior Capstone Project | 4 | RES200, Senior Standing
• BUS450 | Strategic Planning for NGOs | 3 | BUS101
• BUS460 | Leadership and Change Management | 3 | BUS370
• SOC470 | Social Justice in a Global World | 2 | SOC330