Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based African Studies

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based African Studies

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

Four to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, research progress, and dissertation completion

Advanced Faith-Based African Studies theory and specialization

30 credit hours

Research methods, statistics, and scholarly inquiry

24 credit hours

Professional leadership and higher-education teaching

15 credit hours

Advanced electives and concentration courses

18 credit hours

Scholarly writing and publication

9 credit hours

Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy

6 credit hours

Program Details

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

Dissertation research and defense

• 18 credit hours
• Total
• 120 semester credit hours
• The PhD in Faith-Based African Studies is a rigorous, multidisciplinary doctoral program designed to foster advanced scholarship regarding the sociopolitical, historical, and cultural landscapes of the African continent. This program synthesizes deep academic inquiry with a commitment to ethical leadership, examining the complex intersections of global development, indigenous knowledge systems, and historical resilience. Students engage in critical analysis of regional trends while maintaining a focus on the practical application of social justice, stewardship, and community-centered service models.
• Throughout their studies, doctoral candidates are encouraged to integrate rigorous research methodologies with perspectives rooted in servant leadership and moral integrity. The program prepares scholars to contribute original research to the field of African studies, equipping them to navigate the nuances of global cross-cultural engagement while maintaining a steadfast commitment to the betterment of human conditions through scholarship and service.
• The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based African Studies is a research-intensive doctoral program emphasizing advanced faith-based african studies theory, original research, quantitative and qualitative methodology, scholarly publication, higher-education teaching, ethical leadership, and the development and evaluation of faith-based african studies-support programs.
• 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 student's remaining coursework and anticipated completion time. A student receiving the maximum transfer-credit award must complete at least 80 semester credit hours through the University.
• The Ph.D. requires successful completion of all required coursework, comprehensive examinations, admission to doctoral candidacy, approval of a dissertation proposal, original scholarly research, submission of an approved written dissertation, 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.

Dissertation Prospectus Development

• 3
• RES730, RES800
• RES800 — Quantitative Inquiry and Statistical Analysis: Application of statistical methods to social research. Focuses on data-driven decision-making in policy and organizational contextsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC810 — Global Diaspora and Cultural Identity: Explores the movement of African peoples and the maintenance of identity. Examines the impact of migration on community cohesion and developmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MGT820 — Organizational Leadership in Global Contexts: Study of management models for international NGOs and government bodies. Stresses servant leadership and fiscal transparencyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES830 — Dissertation Prospectus Development: Guided development of the dissertation research proposal. Includes research design finalization and initial literature review synthesisThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Dissertation Defense and Final Writing

• 4
• RES900
• RES960
• Applied Research Seminar
• 3
• RES900
• HIS970
• African Studies Colloquium
• 3
• None
• MGT980
• Professional Leadership Seminar
• 3
• MGT920
• CAP950 — Dissertation Defense and Final Writing: Completion of the final dissertation manuscript and the oral defense of findings. Demonstrates mastery of research, logic, and ethical scholarshipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES960 — Applied Research Seminar: Preparation for presenting findings in academic and professional forums. Focuses on communication for broad societal impactThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• HIS970 — African Studies Colloquium: A collaborative forum to discuss current trends and research in the field. Students present their work to faculty and peersThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MGT980 — Professional Leadership Seminar: Preparation for transitioning into senior leadership roles. Emphasizes character, ethical decision-making, and long-term societal contributionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation serves as the crowning achievement of the PhD in Faith-Based African Studies, requiring original, independent research that makes a substantial contribution to the academic discipline. Students are expected to identify a specific, complex problem within the African context and apply rigorous scholarly methods to analyze, interpret, and propose solutions. This process demonstrates a candidate's mastery of the literature, methodology, and theoretical frameworks necessary for high-level academic inquiry.
• Beyond technical research, the dissertation serves as an instrument of spiritual and ethical formation. Candidates must articulate how their work reflects principles of biblical stewardship and servant leadership, ensuring their academic conclusions promote the dignity and flourishing of individuals and communities. This 12-credit requirement results in a formal defense before a faculty committee, where the candidate must demonstrate both advanced intellectual proficiency and a character reflective of integrated, faith-informed maturity.

Dissertation research and defense | 18 credit hours

• Total | 120 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES700 | Foundations of Research Methodology | 3 | None
• HIS705 | Historiography of Modern Africa | 3 | None
• ETH710 | Ethical Frameworks in Organizational Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC720 | Sociology of Development in Africa | 4 | RES700
• HIS725 | African Political Systems | 3 | HIS705
• RES730 | Advanced Qualitative Research | 3 | RES700
• AFS740 | Humanitarian Assistance and Global Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES800 | Quantitative Inquiry and Statistical Analysis | 4 | RES700
• SOC810 | Global Diaspora and Cultural Identity | 3 | SOC720
• MGT820 | Organizational Leadership in Global Contexts | 3 | THE710
• RES830 | Dissertation Prospectus Development | 3 | RES730, RES800
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC840 | Sociocultural Dynamics and Political Transformation | 3 | HIS725
• EDU850 | Educational Systems and Human Development | 3 | SOC720
• RES860 | Advanced Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES830
• COM870 | Cross-Cultural Communication Strategies | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES900 | Advanced Dissertation Research II | 4 | RES860
• SOC910 | Policy Advocacy and Humanitarian Law | 3 | SOC720, HIS725
• MGT920 | Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding | 3 | MGT820
• AFS930 | Advanced Seminar in African Studies and Professional Practice | 3 | CHR740
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP950 | Dissertation Defense and Final Writing | 4 | RES900
• RES960 | Applied Research Seminar | 3 | RES900
• HIS970 | African Studies Colloquium | 3 | None
• MGT980 | Professional Leadership Seminar | 3 | MGT920

Career Opportunities

• International Policy Consultant
• Academic Researcher and Professor
• Global Development Non-Profit Director
• Strategic Advisor for Humanitarian Organizations
• Cultural Analyst for Government Agencies
• Community Development Specialist
• Faith-Based Advocacy Coordinator

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 | Ph.D. in Faith-Based African Studies
• 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 | Four to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, research progress, and dissertation completion
• Advanced Faith-Based African Studies theory and specialization | 30 credit hours
• Research methods, statistics, and scholarly inquiry | 24 credit hours
• Professional leadership and higher-education teaching | 15 credit hours
• Advanced electives and concentration courses | 18 credit hours
• Scholarly writing and publication | 9 credit hours
• Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy | 6 credit hours