Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Anthropology, Specialization in Community Development Cultural Awareness

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Anthropology

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 anthropology and specialization courses

30 credit hours

Community development 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 Anthropology is a rigorous, advanced research degree designed to equip scholars and practitioners with the expertise to navigate the complex intersections of cultural dynamics and community development. The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on ethnographic methodology, sociological inquiry, and global development strategy to address contemporary social challenges within diverse populations. Through a lens of ethical responsibility, students explore the transformative potential of servant leadership and social stewardship in local and global contexts. By engaging with advanced theoretical frameworks and empirical research, participants are prepared to provide leadership in academic, research, and non-profit settings where cultural competence and social equity are paramount. The curriculum fosters intellectual depth and research excellence while encouraging students to apply their findings within the context of mission-driven organizations.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Anthropology, Specialization in Community Development Cultural Awareness is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based anthropology 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 anthropology-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 Research I

• 4
• RES820
• BUS870
• Organizational Leadership Systems
• 4
• MIN730
• SOC880
• Applied Social Policy Analysis
• 3
• SOC720
• ANT890
• Advanced Seminars in Anthropology
• 3
• ANT825
• RES860 — Dissertation Research I: Focuses on the primary collection and organization of dissertation research data. Regular consultation with faculty mentors ensures methodological accuracy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS870 — Organizational Leadership Systems: Explores the systems and structures of large-scale, faith-based non-profits. Focuses on change management, governance, and effective organizational design. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC880 — Applied Social Policy Analysis: Provides an overview of current social policies and their implementation at local and regional levels. Focuses on evaluating the impact of policies on community development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ANT890 — Advanced Seminars in Anthropology: A rotating seminar topic that examines the latest developments in anthropological practice. Students synthesize current trends with their research interests. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Completion and Defense

• 4
• RES860
• MGT891
• Executive Leadership and Integrity
• 3
• MIN730
• EDU892
• Pedagogy and Knowledge Dissemination
• 3
• None
• COM893
• Professional Communication for Leaders
• 4
• None
• RES899 — Dissertation Completion and Defense: The final stage of the dissertation process, involving synthesis of research, document finalization, and oral defense. Demonstrates full mastery of the chosen field. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT891 — Executive Leadership and Integrity: Focuses on maintaining ethical character and integrity in high-level executive positions. Discusses personal sustainability in demanding social environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU892 — Pedagogy and Knowledge Dissemination: Explores methods of teaching and communicating findings within higher education and professional training settings. Focuses on effective knowledge mobilization. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM893 — Professional Communication for Leaders: Enhances skills in public speaking, writing for diverse audiences, and media relations for non-profits. Emphasizes clarity and effective representation of mission. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation serves as the culminating academic experience of the PhD program, requiring students to engage in a systematic, original, and substantive research project that addresses a critical issue in anthropology or community development. The process involves identifying a research gap, designing a rigorous study, and presenting findings that advance the disciplinary knowledge base. Students are expected to demonstrate high-level critical thinking, sophisticated analytical capabilities, and mastery of scholarly writing as they synthesize their academic work with the principles of ethical stewardship and social justice.
• Integrating the program’s faith-based mission, the dissertation invites students to examine how a commitment to the common good, compassion, and vocational service shapes their scholarly investigation. The project must reflect how academic competence functions in service to human dignity, requiring the student to articulate a worldview that links professional excellence with spiritual maturity. Through the defense of their research before a faculty committee, candidates demonstrate not only their academic proficiency but also their readiness to pursue vocations that prioritize community transformation, integrity, and servant leadership.

Career Opportunities

• Community Development Director
• Non-Profit Research Consultant
• Humanitarian Program Administrator
• College or University Faculty Member
• Social Advocacy Strategist
• Cultural Program Coordinator
• Public Policy Advisor

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 Anthropology
• 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 anthropology and specialization courses | 30 credit hours
• Community development 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 | Advanced Qualitative Research Methods | 3 | None
• ANT710 | Theories in Cultural Anthropology | 3 | None
• COU705 | Ethical Frameworks for Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES702 | Advanced Quantitative Research Methods | 3 | RES701
• SOC720 | Global Development and Social Change | 3 | ANT710
• MIN730 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 3 | None
• HIS740 | Historical Contexts of Social Movements | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ANT805 | Ethnographic Field Methods | 4 | RES701
• BUS750 | Resource Stewardship and Sustainability | 4 | None
• HUM810 | Culture and Human Flourishing | 3 | None
• RES820 | Proposal Development for Dissertation | 3 | RES702
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ANT825 | Advanced Cultural Awareness Seminar | 3 | ANT710
• SOC830 | Urban Sociology and Community Revitalization | 3 | None
• COU840 | Conflict Resolution in Diverse Populations | 3 | None
• ANT850 | Professionalism and Social Impact in Community Service | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES860 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES820
• BUS870 | Organizational Leadership Systems | 4 | MIN730
• SOC880 | Applied Social Policy Analysis | 3 | SOC720
• ANT890 | Advanced Seminars in Anthropology | 3 | ANT825
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES899 | Dissertation Completion and Defense | 4 | RES860
• MGT891 | Executive Leadership and Integrity | 3 | MIN730
• EDU892 | Pedagogy and Knowledge Dissemination | 3 | None
• COM893 | Professional Communication for Leaders | 4 | None