Doctor of Faith-Based Artificial Intelligence, Specialization in Ethics AI for Social Good

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Artificial Intelligence, Specialization in Ethics AI for Social Good

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Maximum approved transfer credit

Up to 40 semester credit hours

Minimum credits completed through the University after maximum transfer

80 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Three to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, academic progress, and completion of the doctoral project

Advanced faith-based artificial intelligence and specialization courses

30 credit hours

Leadership, administration, and professional practice

21 credit hours

Research methods and program evaluation

18 credit hours

Professional application and doctoral residency

15 credit hours

Advanced electives or concentration courses

12 credit hours

Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy

6 credit hours

Applied doctoral project and defense

18 credit hours

Total

120 semester credit hours

The Doctor of Faith-Based Artificial Intelligence, Specialization in Ethics AI for Social Good program at HBI University is designed to equip advanced scholars with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to lead in the ethical development and deployment of artificial intelligence technologies. This doctoral program emphasizes the responsible application of AI for societal benefit, grounded in a robust ethical framework informed by Christian principles of stewardship, compassion, and justice. Students will engage with cutting-edge AI research, explore complex ethical dilemmas, and develop innovative solutions that address pressing global challenges through the lens of faith-based values.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Artificial Intelligence, Specialization in Ethics AI for Social Good is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based artificial intelligence, specialization in ethics ai for social good knowledge, organizational leadership, ethical stewardship, program development, community-care systems, higher-education instruction, and evidence-informed professional practice.

Students may receive up to 40 semester credit hours of approved graduate or doctoral transfer credit. Accepted transfer credits are applied toward the 120-credit graduation requirement and may reduce the number of courses and the amount of time required to complete the degree. A student receiving the maximum transfer-credit award must complete at least 80 semester credit hours through the University.

The applied doctoral project must address a documented faith-based artificial intelligence, specialization in ethics ai for social good-support, educational, organizational, or community-care need. The project must include scholarly research, an implementation model, measurable outcomes, ethical safeguards, an evaluation plan, and a successful oral defense.

DOCTORAL TRANSFER-CREDIT POLICY: The Doctor of Education and Doctor of Philosophy programs each require 120 semester credit hours. Students may transfer up to 40 semester credit hours of eligible graduate or doctoral coursework toward either degree. Transfer credit is not automatically awarded. Each request is evaluated individually according to: The academic level of the previous coursework; The relevance of the coursework to the doctoral curriculum; Course content and learning outcomes; Credit-hour equivalency; Grades earned; The age of the coursework; Official institutional documentation; The University's residency and transfer-credit policies. Accepted transfer credit may reduce the number of courses and the amount of time required to complete the degree. Students awarded the maximum 40 transfer credits will have 80 semester credit hours remaining in the 120-credit doctoral program. Comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidacy, doctoral residency, the applied doctoral project, dissertation research, and the final oral defense must ordinarily be completed through the University. These requirements may not be satisfied through transfer credit unless expressly permitted under a published University policy.

Program Details

• Total Credits: 120
• Duration: 3 years
• Degree Level: Doctorate

Dissertation Proposal Development

• 3
• RES701, RES702, RES703
• AI703 — Machine Learning for Social Good: This course focuses on applying machine learning techniques to address social challenges, such as poverty, healthcare access, and environmental sustainability. Students will learn to develop and evaluate models that create positive societal impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES703 — Quantitative Research Methods: This course covers the principles and application of quantitative research methods, including statistical analysis, experimental design, and data interpretation. Students will learn to analyze numerical data effectively for research purposes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC701 — Societal Impacts of AI: This course analyzes the broad societal impacts of artificial intelligence, including economic shifts, workforce transformation, and changes in social structures. It emphasizes understanding these impacts from diverse stakeholder perspectives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP701 — Dissertation Proposal Development: This course guides students through the process of developing a comprehensive dissertation proposal. Students will refine their research questions, review literature, and outline their proposed methodology, integrating faith-based perspectives into their research design. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research and Writing

• 12
• CAP701
• AI801
• Ethical AI Systems Design
• 4
• AI702, AI703
• MGT702
• Faith-Based Organizations and Technology
• 3
• MGT701
• RES801
• Advanced Research Seminar
• 3
• RES703, CAP701
• CAP702 — Dissertation Research and Writing: This course is dedicated to the independent research and writing of the doctoral dissertation. Students will engage in data collection, analysis, and manuscript preparation under the guidance of their faculty advisor, demonstrating their mastery of research methods and scholarly contribution. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• AI801 — Ethical AI Systems Design: This course focuses on the practical design and implementation of ethical AI systems. Students will learn to integrate ethical considerations directly into the AI development lifecycle, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and fairness. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT702 — Faith-Based Organizations and Technology: This course examines the strategic use of technology, including AI, within faith-based and non-profit organizations to enhance their mission delivery. Students will explore ethical considerations and best practices for technology adoption and management. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES801 — Advanced Research Seminar: This seminar provides an advanced forum for discussing current research trends, challenges, and innovations in artificial intelligence and ethics. Students will present and critique ongoing research, including their own dissertation work. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The culminating academic experience for the Doctor of Faith-Based Artificial Intelligence, Specialization in Ethics AI for Social Good program is the Dissertation. This independent research project requires students to explore a significant question or problem within AI ethics and social good, grounded in a Christian worldview. The Dissertation serves as a demonstration of the student's advanced research capabilities, critical thinking, and ability to synthesize theoretical knowledge with practical application. Students will be expected to produce a scholarly manuscript that offers original contributions to the field, adheres to rigorous academic standards, and exemplifies the integration of faith-based principles such as ethical reasoning, stewardship, and servant leadership throughout their disciplinary work. The Dissertation's scope will be determined in consultation with the student's faculty advisor, ensuring alignment with the program's focus on ethical AI for social impact and demonstrating both academic competence and faith-informed character development.

Career Opportunities

• AI Ethics Officer in technology companies or non-profit organizations
• Responsible AI Lead for social impact initiatives
• AI Policy Advisor for governmental or non-governmental bodies
• Research Scientist specializing in AI for social good
• Director of Technology and Ethics in faith-based organizations
• Consultant for ethical AI implementation
• Academic Researcher and Educator in AI and Ethics
• Program Manager for AI-driven social innovation projects

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 | Ed.D. in Faith-Based Artificial Intelligence, Specialization in Ethics AI for Social Good
• Total program length | 120 semester credit hours
• Maximum approved transfer credit | Up to 40 semester credit hours
• Minimum credits completed through the University after maximum transfer | 80 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Three to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, academic progress, and completion of the doctoral project
• Advanced faith-based artificial intelligence and specialization courses | 30 credit hours
• Leadership, administration, and professional practice | 21 credit hours
• Research methods and program evaluation | 18 credit hours
• Professional application and doctoral residency | 15 credit hours
• Advanced electives or concentration courses | 12 credit hours
• Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy | 6 credit hours
• Applied doctoral project and defense | 18 credit hours
• Total | 120 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES701 | Foundations of Doctoral Research | 3 | None
• AI701 | Advanced Artificial Intelligence Concepts | 4 | Master's degree in a related field or equivalent
• ETH701 | Foundations of Applied Ethics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• AI702 | AI Ethics and Society | 4 | AI701
• RES702 | Qualitative Research Methods | 3 | RES701
• PHI701 | Philosophy of Technology and AI | 3 | ETH701
• THE701 | Christian Worldview and Ethics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• AI703 | Machine Learning for Social Good | 4 | AI701
• RES703 | Quantitative Research Methods | 3 | RES701
• SOC701 | Societal Impacts of AI | 3 | AI702
• CAP701 | Dissertation Proposal Development | 3 | RES701, RES702, RES703
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• AI704 | AI Governance and Policy | 3 | AI702
• MGT701 | Servant Leadership and Innovation | 3 | THE701
• COM701 | Scholarly Communication and Writing | 3 | RES701
• ETH702 | Special Topics in AI Ethics | 3 | AI702, ETH701
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP702 | Dissertation Research and Writing | 12 | CAP701
• AI801 | Ethical AI Systems Design | 4 | AI702, AI703
• MGT702 | Faith-Based Organizations and Technology | 3 | MGT701
• RES801 | Advanced Research Seminar | 3 | RES703, CAP701
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP801 | Doctoral Dissertation Defense | 10 | CAP702
• AI802 | Global AI Ethics Challenges | 3 | AI702, ETH701
• COM702 | Applied Scholarly Project | 3 | COM701
• FOR701 | Spiritual Formation for Leaders | 2 | THE701