Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Data Science, Specialization in Analytics for Social Impact

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Data Science

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 data science 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 Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Data Science with a specialization in Analytics for Social Impact is a terminal research degree designed for scholars who aim to bridge advanced computational methodologies with the ethical demands of community-driven service. This program addresses the growing need for data-literate professionals capable of leveraging big data, machine learning, and predictive modeling to solve complex societal challenges through a lens of stewardship and social responsibility. Students engage in rigorous methodological training while grounding their research in the practical realities of nonprofit and mission-driven organizations.
• Beyond technical proficiency, the curriculum emphasizes the development of the scholar-practitioner who views data as a stewardship responsibility. The program fosters critical inquiry into the social, economic, and moral implications of algorithmic decision-making, ensuring that technological interventions align with principles of justice, human dignity, and communal well-being. Graduates are prepared to contribute original research that advances the field of data science while serving as leaders who translate technical insights into sustainable solutions for local and global communities.
• The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Data Science is a research-intensive doctoral program emphasizing advanced faith-based data science theory, original research, quantitative and qualitative methodology, scholarly publication, higher-education teaching, ethical leadership, and the development and evaluation of faith-based data science-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 Requirement

• The Dissertation represents the culminating intellectual achievement of the PhD program, requiring students to execute an original, independent research project that advances the field of data science within a social impact framework. Students are expected to identify a significant, real-world problem and apply rigorous quantitative methods to generate actionable insights or theoretical developments. The scope of this research must reflect a commitment to ethical rigor and practical utility for organizations dedicated to the public good.
• The dissertation process integrates the student’s academic technical expertise with faith-informed character development, emphasizing biblical stewardship, ethical integrity, and a commitment to serving others through scholarship. Students must defend their findings before a committee, demonstrating both the quality of their computational research and their ability to articulate how their work promotes a vision of justice and flourishing. Through this process, candidates demonstrate not only scholarly mastery but also the capacity for servant leadership and the capacity to synthesize technical truth with the moral foundations of their faith.

Dissertation research and defense | 18 credit hours

• Total | 120 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES700 | Advanced Quantitative Methods | 4 | None
• THE701 | Ethical Reasoning and Digital Stewardship | 3 | None
• RES705 | Research Design and Social Impact | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DAT710 | Machine Learning for Social Good | 4 | RES700
• SOC720 | Data Visualization and Community Narrative | 3 | None
• MGT730 | Data Governance and Leadership | 3 | None
• RES715 | Qualitative Inquiry in Data Science | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DAT740 | Predictive Analytics for Community Resources | 4 | DAT710
• RES750 | Doctoral Research Seminar I | 3 | RES705
• BUS760 | Economic Impact of Social Interventions | 3 | None
• SOC770 | Algorithmic Bias and Social Equity | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES780 | Doctoral Research Seminar II | 4 | RES750
• DAT790 | Data Privacy and Security for Nonprofits | 3 | None
• MGT810 | Collaborative Leadership in the Data Age | 3 | None
• SOC820 | Sociological Frameworks for Community Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES830 | Advanced Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES780
• DAT840 | Applied Network Analysis for Communities | 3 | None
• BUS850 | Strategic Implementation of Data Strategies | 3 | None
• SOC860 | Global Perspectives in Data for Good | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES890 | Final Dissertation Defense | 4 | RES830
• RES880 | Advanced Dissertation Research II | 3 | RES830
• COM870 | Public Scholarship and Advocacy | 3 | None
• MIN885 | Formation for Servant Leadership | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

• Chief Data Officer in non-profit and faith-based organizations
• Director of Social Impact Analytics
• University Faculty in Data Science or Social Computing
• Data Strategy Consultant for Global Non-Governmental Organizations
• Policy Analyst for Community-Centric Government Initiatives
• Research Scientist in Applied Social Impact Tech
• Ethics and Stewardship Officer for Algorithmic Development

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 Data Science
• 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 data science 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