Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Epidemiology, Public Health

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Epidemiology, Public Health

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 epidemiology and public health 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 Epidemiology and Public Health is a rigorous, research-intensive program designed for scholars who seek to address complex global health challenges through a lens of ethical stewardship and compassionate service. By merging the quantitative precision of epidemiology with a foundational commitment to community well-being, the program equips students to analyze disease patterns and health disparities within diverse populations. Students engage in advanced inquiry that bridges academic scholarship with a commitment to the flourishing of vulnerable communities. The curriculum emphasizes the application of high-level research methodologies to public health interventions, ensuring that graduates are prepared to serve as leaders who uphold human dignity and institutional integrity. This program is rooted in the belief that rigorous scientific exploration and faith-informed ethical reasoning are complementary pillars in the pursuit of equitable public health outcomes.
• The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Epidemiology, Public Health is a research-intensive doctoral program emphasizing advanced faith-based epidemiology and public health theory, original research, quantitative and qualitative methodology, scholarly publication, higher-education teaching, ethical leadership, and the development and evaluation of faith-based epidemiology and public health-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 Seminar I: Proposal Development

• 4
• RES810
• PUB800 — Global Health and Infectious Disease: Investigates the global transmission of disease and the management of public health outbreaks in diverse social contexts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES810 — Qualitative Research Methods: Explores ethnographic and qualitative inquiry techniques to understand community health behaviors and perceptions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PUB820 — Health Policy and Legal Frameworks: Critical evaluation of public health policy development and legal considerations in non-profit health settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS830 — Dissertation Seminar I: Proposal Development: Guided instruction on the dissertation process, focusing on research question formulation and the literature review. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Seminar II: Methodology

• 4
• DIS830
• PUB840 — Environmental Epidemiology: Assessment of environmental exposures and their long-term effects on public health at the population level. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PUB850 — Chronic Disease Intervention Strategies: Evaluation of multi-sectoral strategies aimed at reducing the burden of chronic diseases in community settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PUB860 — Epidemiology of Maternal and Child Health: Analysis of epidemiological indices related to vulnerable maternal and child populations and the efficacy of service delivery. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS870 — Dissertation Seminar II: Methodology: Focuses on the implementation of the research methodology and data acquisition protocols. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Seminar III: Data Analysis

• 4
• DIS870
• PUB900 — Behavioral Epidemiology: Studies the impact of social and behavioral patterns on disease progression and community wellness outcomes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PUB910 — Advanced Public Health Informatics: Leveraging technology and data systems to improve the efficiency and reach of health initiatives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PUB920 — Community Health Program Evaluation: Practical application of evaluation frameworks to measure the impact of community-based health programs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS930 — Dissertation Seminar III: Data Analysis: Analytical processing of dissertation data and formalization of findings toward final completion. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Defense

• 4
• DIS930
• PUB940 — Grant Writing and Resource Stewardship: Training in secure funding acquisition while ensuring ethical fiscal management and resource allocation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PUB950 — Professionalism and Academic Integrity: Focuses on ethical publishing, peer review, and maintaining institutional standards in public health scholarship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PUB960 — Contemporary Issues in Epidemiology: Critical analysis of emerging epidemiological challenges and the role of leadership in shaping effective responses. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS999 — Dissertation Defense: Final review, oral defense, and submission of the doctoral dissertation to the faculty board. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The dissertation serves as the culminating scholarly endeavor for the PhD program, representing an original contribution to the field of epidemiology and public health. Students are required to conduct rigorous, independent research that addresses a significant public health question, emphasizing methodology, statistical validity, and public impact. This process requires the student to demonstrate mastery of the literature, sophisticated analytical techniques, and the ability to disseminate findings through a formal defense before a faculty committee. The dissertation is weighted at 12 credit hours and is structured to be completed over the final three semesters of the program. Integrating faith-based perspectives, the dissertation necessitates that students articulate the ethical implications of their research, ensuring their work reflects principles of biblical stewardship, justice, and the promotion of human flourishing. By framing their research within the context of service and moral responsibility, candidates demonstrate the integration of high-level academic inquiry with the character required for leadership in faith-informed community health initiatives.

Dissertation research and defense | 18 credit hours

• Total | 120 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES700 | Advanced Epidemiological Methods | 3 | None
• PUB705 | Ethical Stewardship in Public Health | 3 | None
• BIO710 | Biostatistics for Health Research | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PUB715 | Population Health and Social Justice | 4 | RES700
• RES720 | Quantitative Research Design | 4 | RES700
• MGT730 | Strategic Leadership in Public Health | 4 | None
• SOC740 | Community Dynamics and Health Advocacy | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PUB800 | Global Health and Infectious Disease | 4 | RES700
• RES810 | Qualitative Research Methods | 4 | RES720
• PUB820 | Health Policy and Legal Frameworks | 4 | PUB715
• DIS830 | Dissertation Seminar I: Proposal Development | 4 | RES810
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PUB840 | Environmental Epidemiology | 4 | PUB800
• PUB850 | Chronic Disease Intervention Strategies | 4 | RES810
• PUB860 | Epidemiology of Maternal and Child Health | 4 | PUB800
• DIS870 | Dissertation Seminar II: Methodology | 4 | DIS830
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PUB900 | Behavioral Epidemiology | 4 | PUB850
• PUB910 | Advanced Public Health Informatics | 4 | BIO710
• PUB920 | Community Health Program Evaluation | 4 | RES810
• DIS930 | Dissertation Seminar III: Data Analysis | 4 | DIS870
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PUB940 | Grant Writing and Resource Stewardship | 4 | None
• PUB950 | Professionalism and Academic Integrity | 4 | None
• PUB960 | Contemporary Issues in Epidemiology | 4 | PUB900
• DIS999 | Dissertation Defense | 4 | DIS930

Career Opportunities

• Director of Public Health Research for Nonprofit Organizations
• Global Health Strategy Consultant for Faith-Based NGOs
• Epidemiology Professor at Private Research Institutions
• Public Health Policy Analyst for Community Outreach Programs
• Health Program Evaluator for Faith-Informed Nonprofits
• Population Health Manager for Community Clinics
• Director of Health Equity and Social Advocacy

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 Epidemiology, Public Health
• 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 epidemiology and public health 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