Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Alternative Medicine, Specialization in Holistic Health

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Alternative Medicine

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 Alternative Medicine and specialization courses

30 credit hours

Holistic health 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 Philosophy in Faith-Based Alternative Medicine with a specialization in Holistic Health is a rigorous, research-intensive program designed for scholars and practitioners dedicated to exploring the intersection of traditional wellness modalities and ethical, value-centered health perspectives. The curriculum emphasizes the scientific inquiry of integrative health practices alongside the philosophical frameworks of stewardship, servant leadership, and holistic wellness. Students engage in advanced study to bridge the gap between evidence-based health theories and the practical application of holistic care within community-focused environments. Throughout the program, participants analyze the complex dynamics of human health, focusing on the integration of physical, emotional, and relational well-being in service to others.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Alternative Medicine is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based alternative medicine 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 alternative medicine-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

• 12
• CAP850, RES870
• THE891
• Integrative Philosophy of Health
• 3
• None
• BUS892
• Professional Leadership Seminar
• 3
• None
• SOC893
• Social Innovation in Wellness
• 2
• None
• DIS890 — Dissertation: The final completion and defense of the original doctoral research project demonstrating academic competence and faith-informed perspectives. This represents the scholarly culmination of the student's doctoral work. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE891 — Integrative Philosophy of Health: This course synthesizes the philosophical and theological foundations of the student's doctoral study. It focuses on the ongoing integration of research and faith values in professional leadership. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS892 — Professional Leadership Seminar: This course focuses on the transition from doctoral candidate to practitioner-scholar. It addresses leadership challenges in the workplace and professional development strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC893 — Social Innovation in Wellness: This course examines innovative approaches to solving public health and wellness challenges. Students evaluate entrepreneurial models for positive social impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation serves as the capstone of the Ph.D. program, representing a rigorous, original contribution to the field of holistic health. Students are required to conduct independent, empirical, or theoretical research that addresses a critical problem within the intersection of integrative medicine and faith-based community support. This scholarly work is intended to demonstrate a mastery of research methodology, critical analysis, and the ability to synthesize complex disciplinary knowledge into actionable, ethical solutions.
• Beyond academic proficiency, the Dissertation integrates faith-based perspectives by requiring candidates to articulate how their findings promote biblical stewardship and servant leadership. Students are evaluated on their capacity to uphold ethical integrity and spiritual formation throughout the research process. The final product, which is worth 12 academic credits, must be defended before a faculty committee, serving as both a marker of scholarly excellence and a testament to the student's preparation for faith-informed professional service.

Career Opportunities

• Community Health Program Director
• Holistic Wellness Policy Analyst
• Health Education Research Consultant
• Nonprofit Health Services Administrator
• Integrative Wellness Program Coordinator
• Academic Faculty in Integrative Studies
• Faith-Based Wellness Ministry 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 Alternative Medicine
• 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 Alternative Medicine and specialization courses | 30 credit hours
• Holistic health 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
• RES700 | Foundations of Doctoral Research | 3 | None
• THE710 | Stewardship in Professional Practice | 3 | None
• PHI720 | Ethics in Holistic Health | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES730 | Quantitative Research Methods | 3 | RES700
• BIO740 | Systems Biology and Integrative Wellness | 4 | None
• COU750 | Psychosocial Aspects of Wellness | 3 | None
• MIN760 | Servant Leadership in Health Services | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES770 | Qualitative Research Methods | 3 | RES700
• SOC780 | Community Health and Social Systems | 4 | None
• PSY790 | Psychology of Personal Development and Wellness | 3 | None
• MGT800 | Strategic Planning for Nonprofits | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES810 | Advanced Research Proposal Development | 4 | RES730, RES770
• EDU820 | Health Education and Communication | 3 | None
• HIS830 | History of Holistic Health Movements | 3 | None
• BUS840 | Resource Development and Sustainability | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP850 | Doctoral Research Seminar I | 4 | RES810
• COM860 | Cultural Competence in Health Care | 3 | None
• RES870 | Advanced Data Analysis and Synthesis | 3 | CAP850
• MIN880 | Community Outreach and Engagement | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS890 | Dissertation | 12 | CAP850, RES870
• THE891 | Integrative Philosophy of Health | 3 | None
• BUS892 | Professional Leadership Seminar | 3 | None
• SOC893 | Social Innovation in Wellness | 2 | None