Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Biomedical Engineering, Specialization in Catholic Bioethics Medical Engineering

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Biomedical Engineering, Specialization in Catholic Bioethics Medical Engineering

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 biomedical engineering 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 Philosophy in Faith-Based Biomedical Engineering is a rigorous, research-intensive program designed for scholars seeking to integrate advanced engineering principles with ethical frameworks derived from Catholic moral philosophy. This program emphasizes the development of medical technologies that respect the dignity of the human person while addressing complex physiological challenges through innovative, stewardship-minded engineering solutions. Students engage in multidisciplinary study that blends advanced biomaterials, biomechanics, and systems engineering with a robust academic engagement in bioethical theory. This approach ensures that technical proficiency is balanced with a deep understanding of the moral and societal implications of technological advancement within the healthcare landscape. The curriculum fosters an environment of critical inquiry where academic excellence is directed toward the service of humanity and the promotion of the common good.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Biomedical Engineering, Specialization in Catholic Bioethics Medical Engineering is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based biomedical engineering, specialization in catholic bioethics medical engineering 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 biomedical engineering, specialization in catholic bioethics medical engineering-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
• BME801 — Neural Engineering and Interfaces: Investigation into the intersection of neural pathways and electronic systems. The focus is on ethical development of restorative neuro-technologies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE810 — Stewardship in Technical Innovation: Examination of the theological foundations of stewardship applied to technological resource management. Students explore the responsibility of the scientist to the broader community. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BME820 — Biomedical Systems Engineering: Development of complex systems architectures for sustainable and cost-effective healthcare delivery. Analysis of the global health equity impact is emphasized. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES830 — Dissertation Proposal Development: Supervised development of a formal research proposal, defining the scope and methodology for the dissertation project. Focus is placed on ethical review and project feasibility. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research Phase I

• 4
• RES830
• BME890
• Technology Transfer and Ethics
• 3
• None
• BME895
• Advanced Multidisciplinary Engineering Synthesis
• 3
• THE810
• BME899
• Advanced Clinical Engineering Review
• 4
• None
• CAP880 — Dissertation Research Phase I: Independent investigation and data collection as outlined in the approved dissertation proposal. Faculty guidance ensures strict adherence to research ethics and methodology. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BME890 — Technology Transfer and Ethics: A study of the pathways from academic discovery to community application, focusing on IP rights and ethical distribution. Students analyze how to ensure fair access for all. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BME895 — Advanced Multidisciplinary Engineering Synthesis: This course focuses on the integration of complex biomedical engineering principles with systemic management and public policy frameworks. Students analyze interdisciplinary case studies to solve large-scale health infrastructure challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BME899 — Advanced Clinical Engineering Review: Synthesis of advanced engineering theories and clinical applications, preparing students for professional leadership. Students demonstrate mastery of interdisciplinary concepts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Finalization and Defense

• 4
• CAP880
• RES890
• Professional Communication in Engineering
• 3
• None
• MGT890
• Operations in Ethical Healthcare Engineering
• 3
• None
• RES895
• Peer Review and Research Mentorship
• 4
• RES860
• CAP895 — Dissertation Finalization and Defense: Final completion of the dissertation manuscript and successful oral defense of research before a faculty committee. The work demonstrates high-level academic competence and moral maturity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES890 — Professional Communication in Engineering: Advanced technical writing and public presentation training for research communication. Students focus on conveying the societal value of their engineering work. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT890 — Operations in Ethical Healthcare Engineering: Strategic management of engineering teams within a healthcare environment, emphasizing integrity and human-centered design. Students learn to navigate professional ethical complexities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES895 — Peer Review and Research Mentorship: Students participate in reviewing peer research and mentoring junior students, reinforcing institutional values. Focus is on academic collaboration and ethical stewardship of knowledge. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation serves as the capstone of the doctoral experience, requiring original, independent research that makes a substantive contribution to the field of biomedical engineering. Students must identify a problem of critical importance, conduct a rigorous scientific investigation, and document their findings in a comprehensive manuscript that undergoes a formal oral defense. This project integrates technical engineering competence with deep ethical reflection, ensuring that the student's work addresses the needs of vulnerable populations through the lens of justice and stewardship.
• The dissertation process is designed to demonstrate both academic mastery and character maturity. Through the research phase, students are encouraged to seek solutions that prioritize human dignity and sustainability, reflecting a Christian worldview in their methodology. By successfully defending their work, students demonstrate readiness to lead in research, academic, and community settings, acting as agents of integrity who bring faith-informed wisdom to the advancement of science.

Career Opportunities

• Biomedical Engineering Researcher
• Bioethics Consultant for Healthcare Systems
• Medical Device Regulatory Specialist
• Nonprofit Engineering Program Coordinator
• Academic Faculty in Faith-Based Higher Education
• Health Technology Policy Analyst
• Clinical Research Director

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 Biomedical Engineering, Specialization in Catholic Bioethics Medical Engineering
• 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 biomedical engineering 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 | Doctoral Research Methodology | 3 | None
• THE710 | Ethics in Medical Technology | 3 | None
• BME705 | Advanced Biomaterials | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BME715 | Biomechanics and Human Performance | 4 | None
• RES720 | Biostatistics for Engineering Research | 3 | RES701
• MIN730 | Servant Leadership in Science | 3 | None
• BME725 | Medical Imaging Systems | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BME801 | Neural Engineering and Interfaces | 4 | None
• THE810 | Stewardship in Technical Innovation | 3 | THE710
• BME820 | Biomedical Systems Engineering | 4 | None
• RES830 | Dissertation Proposal Development | 3 | RES701
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BME840 | Advanced Computational Bioengineering | 4 | BME725
• SOC850 | Community Health and Engineering Equity | 3 | None
• BME855 | Design of Sustainable Medical Devices | 4 | BME820
• RES860 | Advanced Engineering Research Seminar | 3 | RES830
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP880 | Dissertation Research Phase I | 4 | RES830
• BME890 | Technology Transfer and Ethics | 3 | None
• BME895 | Advanced Multidisciplinary Engineering Synthesis | 3 | THE810
• BME899 | Advanced Clinical Engineering Review | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP895 | Dissertation Finalization and Defense | 4 | CAP880
• RES890 | Professional Communication in Engineering | 3 | None
• MGT890 | Operations in Ethical Healthcare Engineering | 3 | None
• RES895 | Peer Review and Research Mentorship | 4 | RES860