Doctor of Faith-Based Human Social Services

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Professional Doctorate in Human Social Services

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 human social services 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 Professional Doctorate in Human Social Services is a doctoral program designed for advanced study in the theories, research, and practice of human social services within a faith-based context. This program integrates rigorous academic inquiry with a commitment to ethical stewardship, servant leadership, and community engagement. Graduates will be equipped to lead and innovate within faith-based organizations and broader social service sectors, addressing complex societal needs through a holistic, biblically informed approach. The curriculum emphasizes critical analysis, research methodologies, and practical application to foster impactful and transformative service.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Professional Doctorate in Human Social Services is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based professional doctorate in human social services 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 professional doctorate in human social services-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 Requirement

• The culminating academic experience for the Doctor of Faith-Based Professional Doctorate in Human Social Services is the Dissertation. This scholarly project represents the highest level of independent research and critical inquiry undertaken by doctoral candidates. The purpose of the Dissertation is to allow students to explore a significant issue within human social services, conduct original research, and contribute new knowledge to the field, all while integrating a faith-based perspective.
• The scope of the Dissertation is determined by the student's area of interest and its relevance to faith-based human social services. It requires students to demonstrate mastery of research methodologies, analytical skills, and the ability to synthesize complex information. Expected deliverables include a substantial written document adhering to university formatting guidelines and a public defense of the research findings. The Dissertation is weighted at 12 credit hours, underscoring its significance in the program. Faith-based integration is central; students are expected to apply ethical reasoning, principles of servant leadership, biblical stewardship, and a Christian worldview to their research questions, methodologies, analysis, and conclusions. The project must reflect not only academic competence but also the development of character informed by faith and a commitment to service.

Career Opportunities

• Director of Social Services in faith-based non-profit organizations
• Community Outreach Coordinator for faith-based institutions
• Program Manager for faith-based social service agencies
• Director of Ministry Programs
• Faith-based Urban Mission Leader
• Non-profit Management Consultant specializing in faith-based organizations
• Chaplaincy Services Administrator
• Advocate for Vulnerable Populations within faith-based frameworks

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 Professional Doctorate in Human Social Services
• 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 human social services 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
• PSY701 | Advanced Theories of Human Development and Behavior | 3 | None
• SOC701 | Social Justice and Faith-Based Advocacy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES702 | Quantitative Research Methods | 3 | RES701
• MGT701 | Leadership and Management in Non-Profit Organizations | 3 | None
• COU701 | Advanced Counseling Theories for Social Services | 3 | PSY701
• THE701 | Theological Foundations for Service | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES703 | Qualitative Research Methods | 3 | RES701
• BUS701 | Grant Writing and Fundraising for Non-Profits | 3 | MGT701
• SOC702 | Community Development and Engagement | 3 | SOC701
• ETH701 | Ethical Decision-Making in Human Services | 3 | ETH701
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES704 | Advanced Research Design and Analysis | 4 | RES702, RES703
• EDU701 | Program Evaluation and Outcome Measurement | 3 | RES702
• HRM701 | Human Resources Management in Faith-Based Organizations | 3 | MGT701
• PHI701 | Philosophy of Ministry and Service | 3 | THE701
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP701 | Doctoral Research Seminar and Proposal Development | 4 | RES704, EDU701
• BUS702 | Financial Management and Stewardship | 3 | BUS701
• SOC703 | Global Social Issues and Faith-Based Responses | 3 | SOC702
• CHR701 | Spiritual Formation for Leaders | 3 | THE701, PHI701
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS800 | Doctoral Dissertation | 12 | CAP701
• MGT702 | Organizational Change and Innovation | 3 | MGT701
• COM701 | Advanced Communication and Public Relations | 3 | BUS701
• MIN701 | Applied Ministry and Leadership Capstone | 3 | CHR701, MGT702