Associate of Arts in Faith-Based International Trade (Specialization in Fair Trade Advocacy)

Degree abbreviation

A.A. in Faith-Based International Trade

Total program length

60 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 Business and Economics

Total credits

60

Duration

2 years

• Analyze the structural impacts of international trade policies on emerging market economies.
• Evaluate fair trade certification standards and their role in promoting global economic equity.
• Apply ethical decision-making frameworks to resolve conflicts within complex international supply chains.
• Design advocacy initiatives that promote transparency and accountability in transnational commerce.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills to articulate the principles of sustainable and ethical economic practices to diverse stakeholders.
• Integrate the values of servant leadership and stewardship into professional business operations.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• BUS101
• Introduction to Global Business
• 4
• None
• ENG101
• Academic Writing and Rhetoric
• 3
• None
• THE102
• Foundations of Ethical Stewardship
• 4
• None
• SOC105
• Introduction to Sociology
• 3
• None
• BUS101 — Introduction to Global Business: This course covers the fundamentals of international commerce and the global economic environment. It examines basic trade theories and the challenges of multinational operations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ENG101 — Academic Writing and Rhetoric: Students develop skills in formal composition, argumentation, and critical analysis. The course emphasizes clear, persuasive professional communication. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE102 — Foundations of Ethical Stewardship: An introduction to the theology of work, stewardship, and the ethical management of resources. It explores the responsibility of individuals to society. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC105 — Introduction to Sociology: This course explores the study of human social behavior, societal institutions, and the impact of systemic structures on diverse populations. It provides a lens for understanding global community dynamics. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• BUS205
• Principles of Fair Trade
• 4
• BUS101
• MAT201
• Business Statistics
• 3
• None
• COM210
• Communication for Advocacy
• 3
• ENG101
• HUM200
• Global Cultures and Justice
• 4
• None
• BUS205 — Principles of Fair Trade: This course examines the history, standards, and impact of the fair trade movement in global markets. It focuses on the equitable treatment of producers and supply chain transparency. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MAT201 — Business Statistics: An application of statistical methods to business and economic data, including interpretation of trends and decision analysis. Students learn to translate data into actionable insights for organizations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM210 — Communication for Advocacy: This course focuses on developing persuasive communication strategies for public and private advocacy. Students learn to frame complex issues for various audiences. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM200 — Global Cultures and Justice: This course investigates cultural dimensions of international relations and the historical pursuit of justice in a diverse world. It encourages critical thinking about cross-cultural engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MGT305
• Nonprofit Leadership and Management
• 4
• BUS101
• BUS310
• Global Supply Chain Ethics
• 3
• BUS205
• RES301
• Research Methods for Advocacy
• 4
• MAT201
• SOC315
• Sociology of Civic Engagement and Social Change
• 3
• THE102
• MGT305 — Nonprofit Leadership and Management: A study of organizational management within the nonprofit sector, focusing on servant leadership, operational efficiency, and mission alignment. Students explore strategies for scaling impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS310 — Global Supply Chain Ethics: This course analyzes the logistics and ethical complexities inherent in international supply chains. It highlights methods for auditing and ensuring human rights standards in production. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES301 — Research Methods for Advocacy: An examination of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies applied to social and economic policy analysis. Students design studies to document systemic needs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC315 — Sociology of Civic Engagement and Social Change: This course examines the mechanisms of community involvement, volunteerism, and the structural dynamics of social movements. Students analyze the impact of grassroots organizing and institutional partnerships on public policy and community well-being. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP490
• Capstone: Advocacy Project
• 4
• RES301
• BUS405
• Economic Development Policy
• 4
• BUS101
• MGT410
• Sustainable Business Practices
• 3
• BUS310
• COM420
• Public Policy and Stakeholder Engagement
• 3
• COM210
• CAP490 — Capstone: Advocacy Project: Students execute a comprehensive project that synthesizes their understanding of trade, ethics, and advocacy. The project requires the submission of a thesis-level paper and an implementation plan. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS405 — Economic Development Policy: An advanced analysis of economic policy tools and their role in facilitating sustainable development within vulnerable global regions. Students debate the effectiveness of international interventions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT410 — Sustainable Business Practices: Focuses on the integration of environmental and social sustainability into business models. Examines triple-bottom-line reporting and corporate accountability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM420 — Public Policy and Stakeholder Engagement: Examines the interplay between regulatory environments, civil society, and the private sector. Students practice lobbying, coalition building, and stakeholder outreach strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants seeking admission to the Associate of Arts program must possess a high school diploma or an equivalent state-recognized credential, such as a GED. Prospective students are expected to submit official transcripts demonstrating a foundational academic background and a commitment to interdisciplinary study. Candidates are evaluated on their academic readiness, personal statement regarding their interest in global advocacy, and their potential for engagement within a community centered on academic excellence and character formation. Culminating Project The Capstone Project serves as the culminating academic experience for the Associate of Arts in Faith-Based International Trade. Students are required to design an comprehensive advocacy plan that addresses a specific systemic inequality within a global trade sector. This project requires the integration of economic research, policy analysis, and a well-articulated ethical framework rooted in the principles of stewardship and servant leadership. Students must demonstrate their ability to synthesize their coursework by proposing sustainable solutions that prioritize human welfare alongside economic viability. The project carries 4 credit hours and includes both a formal written thesis and a public presentation of the advocacy strategy. Throughout the development of the project, students must demonstrate how their proposed solutions reflect an integration of their faith-based worldview, particularly focusing on the themes of social justice, moral responsibility, and the promotion of human dignity. By the conclusion of the experience, students must provide a reflective component documenting their growth in spiritual formation and ethical decision-making, ensuring that the work reflects both technical proficiency and a commitment to serving the common good in their future professional endeavors.

• Graduation from the program requires the successful completion of 60 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Students must satisfy all core course requirements and achieve a passing grade on the final Capstone Project. Beyond academic achievement, students are expected to engage in community service hours and regular participation in university-led spiritual formation activities, ensuring that their intellectual growth is mirrored by personal maturity and a deepening sense of vocation.
• Furthermore, the program integrates the cultivation of integrity and ethical behavior as fundamental requirements for degree conferral. Candidates must demonstrate an alignment between their professional aspirations and the institution’s values of stewardship, justice, and community engagement. Graduation signifies that the student has not only attained the necessary competencies in international trade and advocacy but has also cultivated the character required to represent their values with integrity in various service-oriented and professional settings.
• Career Opportunities
• Fair Trade Coordinator for NGOs
• Advocacy Specialist in International Development
• Social Responsibility Analyst in Retail Supply Chains
• Community Outreach Coordinator for Faith-Based Organizations
• Program Assistant for Global Humanitarian Initiatives
• Supply Chain Transparency Consultant
• 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 Faith-Based International Trade
• Total program length | 60 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Two academic years
• General education | 18 credit hours
• Faith-Based International Trade core | 30 credit hours
• Professional application courses | 9 credit hours
• Capstone requirement | 3 credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BUS101 | Introduction to Global Business | 4 | None
• ENG101 | Academic Writing and Rhetoric | 3 | None
• THE102 | Foundations of Ethical Stewardship | 4 | None
• SOC105 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BUS205 | Principles of Fair Trade | 4 | BUS101
• MAT201 | Business Statistics | 3 | None
• COM210 | Communication for Advocacy | 3 | ENG101
• HUM200 | Global Cultures and Justice | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT305 | Nonprofit Leadership and Management | 4 | BUS101
• BUS310 | Global Supply Chain Ethics | 3 | BUS205
• RES301 | Research Methods for Advocacy | 4 | MAT201
• SOC315 | Sociology of Civic Engagement and Social Change | 3 | THE102
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP490 | Capstone: Advocacy Project | 4 | RES301
• BUS405 | Economic Development Policy | 4 | BUS101
• MGT410 | Sustainable Business Practices | 3 | BUS310
• COM420 | Public Policy and Stakeholder Engagement | 3 | COM210