Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Global Ethics, Policy

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Global Ethics, Policy

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 global ethics and policy 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 Global Ethics and Policy is a rigorous research-oriented doctoral program designed to equip scholars and practitioners to engage with the most pressing ethical challenges facing global society. Through a multidisciplinary lens, students examine the intersection of international policy, governance, and institutional stewardship within the framework of moral integrity and social responsibility. The curriculum facilitates deep inquiry into the philosophical underpinnings of justice and the practical application of policy frameworks that promote human flourishing and community development on a global scale. By synthesizing advanced theoretical research with real-world empirical analysis, candidates are prepared to influence policy discourse through evidence-based insights and a commitment to servant leadership. This program fosters an environment where academic excellence is paired with character formation, encouraging students to act as stewards of societal values in diverse international contexts.
• The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Global Ethics, Policy is a research-intensive doctoral program emphasizing advanced faith-based global ethics, policy theory, original research, quantitative and qualitative methodology, scholarly publication, higher-education teaching, ethical leadership, and the development and evaluation of faith-based global ethics, policy-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 Research Phase I

• 4
• RES835
• CAP881

Dissertation Research Phase II

• 4
• CAP880
• ELE895
• Doctoral Elective: Special Topics in Ethics
• 4
• Graduate standing
• ETH875 — Integrative Seminar in Global Ethics: Synthesizes coursework through advanced seminar discussion on contemporary challenges. Requires students to draft a publishable synthesis of their research findingsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CAP880 — Dissertation Research Phase I: Initial phase of the dissertation project involving primary data collection or in-depth analytical writing. Mentorship focuses on methodological executionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CAP881 — Dissertation Research Phase II: Continuing phase of original research focusing on the preliminary analysis of findings. Students present drafts to the faculty committee for critical appraisalThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ELE895 — Doctoral Elective: Special Topics in Ethics: Allows students to explore specific niches of ethics and policy relevant to their dissertation goals. Topics are approved by the doctoral chairThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Dissertation Finalization and Defense

• 12
• CAP881
• ETH910
• Professionalism and Ethical Influence
• 3
• Graduate standing
• MGT920
• Principles of Organizational Resource Management
• 3
• Graduate standing
• RES930
• Doctoral Portfolio Development
• 3
• Graduate standing
• CAP900 — Dissertation Finalization and Defense: Culminating experience requiring the completion and defense of the doctoral dissertation. Demonstrates scholarly excellence and integration of ethical principles in professional researchThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ETH910 — Professionalism and Ethical Influence: Examines the role of the expert advisor in influencing policy circles with integrity. Discusses strategies for disseminating research to a broader audienceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MGT920 — Principles of Organizational Resource Management: This course examines the strategic allocation and sustainable management of assets within non-profit and public sector environments. It focuses on fiscal responsibility, operational transparency, and the long-term viability of mission-driven institutions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES930 — Doctoral Portfolio Development: Final assembly of research work, publications, and service records into a portfolio. Serves as a testament to the student’s academic and professional maturityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation represents the pinnacle of the doctoral experience, requiring candidates to produce an original, substantial contribution to the field of global ethics and policy. This research project must utilize robust methodological frameworks to investigate a significant problem in contemporary policy, ensuring that findings have both academic rigor and practical relevance. Students are expected to demonstrate comprehensive mastery of their chosen specialty, applying critical analysis to identify gaps in existing knowledge and proposing evidence-based solutions that align with the values of justice and social stewardship. The dissertation process is supervised by a faculty committee, providing students with guidance as they translate abstract ethical concepts into actionable policy recommendations. Throughout this journey, students integrate faith-based perspectives by reflecting on the inherent dignity of the human person and the responsibilities of leadership in a global context. This culmination of study is weighted at 12 credit hours, signifying its status as the most significant academic milestone in the program, reflecting the candidate's growth as an independent scholar and ethical thinker.

Dissertation research and defense | 18 credit hours

• Total | 120 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES701 | Advanced Research Methodology | 4 | Graduate standing
• ETH705 | Theoretical Foundations of Ethics | 4 | Graduate standing
• POL710 | Global Policy and Governance | 4 | Graduate standing
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ETH720 | Justice and Social Equity | 4 | ETH705
• BUS730 | Stewardship in Global Markets | 4 | Graduate standing
• RES740 | Quantitative Policy Analysis | 4 | RES701
• HIS750 | Historical Context of Global Policy | 4 | Graduate standing
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ETH805 | Bioethics and Global Policy | 4 | ETH705
• POL815 | Environmental Policy and Ethics | 4 | POL710
• MGT825 | Servant Leadership in International Contexts | 4 | Graduate standing
• RES835 | Advanced Dissertation Proposal Design | 4 | RES740
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ETH840 | Comparative Normative Frameworks in Public Policy | 4 | Graduate standing
• POL850 | Peace, Conflict, and Reconciliation | 4 | POL710
• SOC860 | Sociological Perspectives on Global Development | 4 | Graduate standing
• RES890 | Advanced Empirical Research Practicum | 4 | RES835
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ETH875 | Integrative Seminar in Global Ethics | 4 | Completion of core courses
• CAP880 | Dissertation Research Phase I | 4 | RES835
• CAP881 | Dissertation Research Phase II | 4 | CAP880
• ELE895 | Doctoral Elective: Special Topics in Ethics | 4 | Graduate standing
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP900 | Dissertation Finalization and Defense | 12 | CAP881
• ETH910 | Professionalism and Ethical Influence | 3 | Graduate standing
• MGT920 | Principles of Organizational Resource Management | 3 | Graduate standing
• RES930 | Doctoral Portfolio Development | 3 | Graduate standing

Career Opportunities

• International Policy Analyst
• Human Rights Researcher
• University Professor of Ethics and Public Policy
• Director of Global Advocacy Organizations
• Corporate Social Responsibility Consultant
• Diplomatic Advisor for Non-Profit Agencies
• Global Development Strategy Coordinator

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 Global Ethics, Policy
• 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 global ethics and policy 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