Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Global Health Diplomacy, Human Security

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Global Health Diplomacy, Human Security

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 health diplomacy and human security 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 Health Diplomacy and Human Security is an interdisciplinary doctoral program designed to equip scholars and practitioners to navigate the complex intersection of global health policy, international relations, and human security. Grounded in a commitment to stewardship and social responsibility, the curriculum examines the determinants of health in vulnerable populations while exploring diplomatic frameworks for sustainable development. Students investigate how global health initiatives function as instruments of peace and security, ensuring that health outcomes are viewed as fundamental human rights and essential components of global stability.
• The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Global Health Diplomacy, Human Security is a research-intensive doctoral program emphasizing advanced faith-based global health diplomacy, human security theory, original research, quantitative and qualitative methodology, scholarly publication, higher-education teaching, ethical leadership, and the development and evaluation of faith-based global health diplomacy, human security-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 Proposal Development

• 4
• RES702
• GHD810
• Strategic Alliances in Diplomacy
• 3
• GHD705
• BIO820
• Epidemiological Trends and Global Security
• 3
• None
• HIS830
• Historical Perspectives on Public Health
• 3
• None
• RES801 — Dissertation Proposal Development: Systematic preparation of the dissertation proposal, including literature review and methodology selection. Requires faculty committee approval of the research planThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• GHD810 — Strategic Alliances in Diplomacy: Study of coalition building and multilateral cooperation in international health. Focuses on the role of diverse stakeholders in consensus buildingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• BIO820 — Epidemiological Trends and Global Security: Investigates the role of infectious disease and non-communicable illness in national security assessments. Analyzes data-driven approaches to preventionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• HIS830 — Historical Perspectives on Public Health: An examination of key historical moments in global health and the evolution of international response institutions. Provides context for current diplomatic effortsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Dissertation Research I

• 4
• RES801
• GHD870
• Advanced Seminars in Global Governance
• 3
• GHD705
• EDU880
• Public Health Policy Communication
• 3
• None
• SOC895
• Sociology of International Humanitarianism
• 3
• None
• RES890 — Dissertation Research I: Independent execution of original research as defined by the approved dissertation proposal. Involves continuous consultation with the research committeeThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• GHD870 — Advanced Seminars in Global Governance: High-level examination of international governance structures and their impact on global health. Critically analyzes the effectiveness of existing treaties and agreementsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU880 — Public Health Policy Communication: Techniques for effective scholarly communication in the public domain. Focuses on drafting policy briefs and reports for governmental and NGO useThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC895 — Sociology of International Humanitarianism: This course examines the socio-political structures of international nongovernmental organizations and their role in addressing global social inequality. Students will analyze the theoretical foundations of collective action and humanitarian aid delivery in diverse cultural contexts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research II and Defense

• 6
• RES890
• CAP890

Capstone: Ethical Stewardship Practice

• 3
• None
• GHD892
• Special Topics in Diplomacy
• 3
• None
• MGT894
• Professional Development in Global Health
• 3
• None
• RES899 — Dissertation Research II and Defense: Final phase of research completion, writing, and successful oral defense of the dissertation. Demonstrates scholarly independence and contribution to the academic fieldThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CAP890 — Capstone: Ethical Stewardship Practice: Reflective application of program principles to a real-world community service initiative. Requires a comprehensive report on impact and professional growthThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• GHD892 — Special Topics in Diplomacy: Focused exploration of current issues in health diplomacy not covered in core coursework. Encourages depth in emerging research topicsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MGT894 — Professional Development in Global Health: Preparation for entry into high-level positions in global health leadership. Focuses on networking, ethics in practice, and professional communicationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation serves as the culminating scholarly experience, requiring students to contribute original research to the field of global health diplomacy. The project must demonstrate high-level academic competence in data analysis, critical inquiry, and theoretical synthesis while addressing a specific, complex challenge in human security. The dissertation process is supervised by a faculty committee, ensuring the research aligns with established doctoral standards while fostering intellectual rigor and professional growth.
• Beyond technical mastery, the dissertation provides a platform for students to demonstrate their commitment to a faith-informed worldview. Students are expected to integrate principles of ethical stewardship, justice, and servant leadership into their research questions and findings. This requirement emphasizes that scholarly work should honor the dignity of the human person and contribute to the common good, ensuring that graduates emerge as both subject matter experts and ethically grounded leaders in the global health community.

Dissertation research and defense | 18 credit hours

• Total | 120 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES701 | Advanced Qualitative Research Methods | 3 | None
• GHD705 | Foundations of Global Health Diplomacy | 3 | None
• HUM710 | Ethics and Stewardship in Global Systems | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES702 | Advanced Quantitative Research Methods | 3 | RES701
• GHD715 | Human Security and Health Vulnerability | 3 | GHD705
• SOC720 | Global Social Policy and Justice | 4 | None
• MGT730 | Servant Leadership in Global Health Organizations | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES801 | Dissertation Proposal Development | 4 | RES702
• GHD810 | Strategic Alliances in Diplomacy | 3 | GHD705
• BIO820 | Epidemiological Trends and Global Security | 3 | None
• HIS830 | Historical Perspectives on Public Health | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES805 | Advanced Data Analysis for Social Issues | 4 | RES702
• GHD840 | Health Diplomacy in Developing Regions | 3 | GHD705
• BUS850 | Public Health Economics and Stewardship | 3 | None
• COU860 | Psychosocial Impacts of Global Crises | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES890 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES801
• GHD870 | Advanced Seminars in Global Governance | 3 | GHD705
• EDU880 | Public Health Policy Communication | 3 | None
• SOC895 | Sociology of International Humanitarianism | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES899 | Dissertation Research II and Defense | 6 | RES890
• CAP890 | Capstone: Ethical Stewardship Practice | 3 | None
• GHD892 | Special Topics in Diplomacy | 3 | None
• MGT894 | Professional Development in Global Health | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

• Global Health Policy Analyst
• International Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Director
• Diplomatic Liaison for Health Initiatives
• Human Security Research Fellow
• University Faculty in Health and International Studies
• Global Health Program Administrator
• Humanitarian Aid Coordinator
• Public Policy Consultant for Global 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 Global Health Diplomacy, Human Security
• 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 health diplomacy and human security 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