Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Criminal Justice, Specialization in Restorative Justice Advocacy

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Criminal Justice, Specialization in Restorative Justice Advocacy

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 criminal justice and restorative justice advocacy 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 Criminal Justice with a specialization in Restorative Justice Advocacy is a rigorous doctoral program designed to equip scholars and practitioners with the theoretical framework and practical competencies necessary to address complex issues within the justice system. The curriculum emphasizes the intersection of legal theory, public policy, and the ethical foundations of restorative practice, fostering an environment of deep academic inquiry and social stewardship. Students engage in advanced study of systemic challenges while developing strategies to facilitate healing, reconciliation, and institutional reform within the framework of their professional callings. By integrating interdisciplinary research with a commitment to the common good, the program addresses the intricate needs of victims, offenders, and the broader community through the lens of ethical leadership and justice-oriented advocacy.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Criminal Justice, Specialization in Restorative Justice Advocacy is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based criminal justice and restorative justice advocacy 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 criminal justice and restorative justice advocacy-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 I: Research and Analysis

• 6
• RES840
• CRJ855
• Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice
• 3
• None
• COM860
• Communication and Advocacy Strategies
• 3
• None
• SOC870
• Sociology of Community-Based Advocacy
• 3
• None
• CAP850 — Dissertation I: Research and Analysis: Students execute original research under the guidance of a dissertation committee. This phase includes robust data collection and primary analysis, focusing on restorative justice advocacy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CRJ855 — Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice: Examination of emerging trends, such as digital justice, data surveillance, and shifting sentencing laws. Critical engagement with current legislative and public debates is required. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM860 — Communication and Advocacy Strategies: Development of skills for public advocacy, professional writing, and speaking to address justice reform. Students practice translating complex research for non-academic audiences. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC870 — Sociology of Community-Based Advocacy: This course explores the sociological impact of grassroots movements and community engagement on judicial and social reform. It focuses on how collaborative community structures influence public policy and social equity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation II: Findings and Defense

• 6
• CAP850
• CRJ880
• Justice System Leadership Practicum
• 3
• All Core Courses
• SOC890
• Social Ethics and Justice Reform
• 3
• None
• ETH895
• Advanced Professional Ethics and Integrity
• 3
• ETH805
• CAP851 — Dissertation II: Findings and Defense: The concluding phase of the dissertation, involving the completion of the written document and the final oral defense before a committee. Focus is on synthesizing findings and communicating their implications for the field. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CRJ880 — Justice System Leadership Practicum: Application of theoretical learning within a professional justice or nonprofit setting. Students demonstrate mastery of restorative leadership skills and community engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC890 — Social Ethics and Justice Reform: This course investigates the intersection of ethical theory and social justice initiatives within public and legal systems. Students analyze the role of civic engagement in promoting equality and addressing systemic barriers to justice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ETH895 — Advanced Professional Ethics and Integrity: A comprehensive review of professional ethical standards and the personal integrity required for long-term service in the field of justice. Students create a life-long development plan for ethical advocacy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The dissertation serves as the culminating scholarly endeavor for the Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Criminal Justice, requiring students to execute an original, independent research project that contributes significantly to the field of restorative justice. Students work under the guidance of a faculty committee to identify a research problem, formulate a hypothesis, and conduct extensive analysis, ensuring that their work meets the highest standards of academic rigor and methodological integrity. This 12-credit requirement spans the final two semesters, demanding a comprehensive synthesis of theoretical knowledge and practical application.
• The project integrates faith-informed perspectives by requiring students to address how their findings reflect principles of biblical stewardship, ethical discernment, and the promotion of human dignity. Scholars are encouraged to evaluate the moral implications of their research, demonstrating how servant leadership and restorative frameworks can be applied to complex systemic issues. Ultimately, the dissertation serves as a testament to the candidate’s capacity for transformative research, personal integrity, and character development, bridging the gap between sophisticated academic inquiry and the advancement of justice in the real world.

Career Opportunities

• Criminal Justice Policy Advisor
• Restorative Justice Program Director
• Nonprofit Legal Advocate
• Community Reconciliation Consultant
• Higher Education Faculty
• Correctional Chaplaincy Administrator
• Victim Advocacy Specialist
• Governmental Reform Strategist

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 Criminal Justice, Specialization in Restorative Justice Advocacy
• 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 criminal justice and restorative justice advocacy 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 | Advanced Qualitative Research Methods | 4 | None
• CRJ705 | Philosophy of Justice and Restorative Practice | 3 | None
• MGT710 | Organizational Leadership in Public Policy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES702 | Advanced Quantitative Research Methods | 4 | RES701
• CRJ715 | Restorative Justice Theory and Application | 3 | None
• SOC720 | Criminology and Social Inequality | 3 | None
• ETH805 | Ethics and Stewardship in Public Life | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CRJ810 | Victim-Offender Mediation Systems | 3 | CRJ715
• POL815 | Public Policy Analysis and Advocacy | 3 | None
• CRJ820 | Community-Based Reintegration Programs | 3 | None
• RES830 | Doctoral Research Seminar I | 3 | RES701, RES702
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CRJ825 | Comparative Justice Systems | 3 | None
• MGT830 | Strategic Leadership in Social Service Organizations | 3 | MGT710
• HIS840 | History of Penal Reform | 3 | None
• RES840 | Doctoral Research Seminar II | 3 | RES830
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP850 | Dissertation I: Research and Analysis | 6 | RES840
• CRJ855 | Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice | 3 | None
• COM860 | Communication and Advocacy Strategies | 3 | None
• SOC870 | Sociology of Community-Based Advocacy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP851 | Dissertation II: Findings and Defense | 6 | CAP850
• CRJ880 | Justice System Leadership Practicum | 3 | All Core Courses
• SOC890 | Social Ethics and Justice Reform | 3 | None
• ETH895 | Advanced Professional Ethics and Integrity | 3 | ETH805