Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Health Education, Specialization in World Religion Healthcare Spirituality

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Health Education, Specialization in World Religion Healthcare Spirituality

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 health education and specialization 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 Health Education, Specialization in World Religion Healthcare Spirituality, is an advanced research-based degree designed for scholars and practitioners seeking to examine the intersection of global religious traditions and health education. The program provides a rigorous framework for investigating how spiritual paradigms influence health-seeking behaviors, community wellness programs, and institutional approaches to holistic care. Through advanced inquiry, candidates analyze the structural, cultural, and theological dimensions of health education within diverse societal contexts.

Students engage in deep academic exploration of health policy, ethical leadership, and religious pluralism. The curriculum emphasizes the application of scholarly research to address complex challenges in public health and community health advocacy. By integrating faith-based perspectives with evidence-based health education, the program equips graduates to contribute meaningful discourse to the fields of spirituality and wellness, fostering servant leadership and professional excellence.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Health Education, Specialization in World Religion Healthcare Spirituality is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based health education 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 health education-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 Research I

• 4
• RES870
• EDU920
• Contemporary Issues in Global Health
• 3
• None
• MIN930
• Collaborative Community Health Ministry
• 3
• None
• CAP940
• Professional Seminar in Health Advocacy
• 3
• None
• RES910 — Dissertation Research I: Students begin the formal collection and analysis of data for their doctoral research. Requires consistent faculty supervision and progress toward study objectives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU920 — Contemporary Issues in Global Health: An overview of current worldwide public health challenges and the role of religious organizations. Students analyze systemic issues and sustainable solutions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN930 — Collaborative Community Health Ministry: Examines models of cooperation between religious organizations and clinical health partners. Focuses on networking, resource sharing, and community impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP940 — Professional Seminar in Health Advocacy: A capstone seminar preparing students for professional careers in research, education, and health policy advocacy. Emphasizes ethical leadership and communication. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research II

• 4
• RES910
• RES960

Dissertation Defense

• 3
• RES950
• EDU970
• Advanced Leadership and Global Engagement
• 3
• None
• HUM980
• Philosophy of Holistic Health Advocacy
• 3
• None
• RES950 — Dissertation Research II: The concluding stage of the doctoral research process, focusing on synthesizing findings into a final dissertation document. Candidates prepare for the formal defense. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES960 — Dissertation Defense: The formal oral presentation and defense of the doctoral research project to the faculty review committee. This represents the final requirement for graduation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU970 — Advanced Leadership and Global Engagement: Examines global stewardship and the expansion of health education reach through international engagement. Prepares students for leadership in diverse cultural settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM980 — Philosophy of Holistic Health Advocacy: An integrative seminar evaluating the philosophical underpinnings of faith-based health advocacy. It challenges students to synthesize their learning for future practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation represents the culminating academic experience of the Ph.D. program, requiring students to conduct original, independent research that contributes significant knowledge to the field of health education and spirituality. Students work under the guidance of a faculty committee to design a study that addresses a critical gap in existing research, ensuring the work meets the highest standards of academic rigor and intellectual integrity. This project serves as a demonstration of the candidate's mastery of research methodology, critical analysis, and scholarly communication.
• Throughout the dissertation process, students are challenged to integrate faith-based perspectives, applying principles of ethical reasoning, biblical stewardship, and servant leadership to their research topics. Candidates must demonstrate how their findings reflect a commitment to spiritual formation and the betterment of community life. Upon completion, the dissertation must be defended before a faculty board, serving as a testament to both the student's academic competence and their development as a faith-informed scholar capable of leading in complex, multi-religious environments.

Career Opportunities

• Health Education Consultant for Faith-Based Nonprofits
• Director of Community Wellness Initiatives
• Academic Researcher in Religion and Health
• Policy Advisor for Religious Healthcare Organizations
• University Faculty in Health Sciences
• Community Health Program Administrator
• Spiritual Care Program 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 | Ed.D. in Faith-Based Health Education, Specialization in World Religion Healthcare Spirituality
• 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 health education and specialization 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
• RES700 | Advanced Research Methodology | 3 | None
• THE710 | Theology of Health and Healing | 3 | None
• EDU720 | Pedagogical Theory in Higher Education | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES750 | Statistical Analysis for Health Research | 4 | RES700
• HIS800 | World Religions and Global Health | 3 | None
• MGT810 | Servant Leadership in Health Organizations | 3 | None
• SOC820 | Sociology of Spiritual Wellness | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES830 | Advanced Qualitative Inquiry | 4 | RES750
• COU840 | Counseling and Spirituality in Practice | 3 | None
• BUS850 | Ethical Stewardship in Health Programs | 3 | MGT810
• EDU860 | Curriculum Design in Health Education | 3 | EDU720
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES870 | Advanced Dissertation Proposal Development | 4 | RES830
• BIO880 | Biomedical Ethics and Religious Tradition | 3 | None
• CHR890 | Spiritual Formation and Character Development | 3 | None
• COM900 | Public Health Communication and Outreach | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES910 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES870
• EDU920 | Contemporary Issues in Global Health | 3 | None
• MIN930 | Collaborative Community Health Ministry | 3 | None
• CAP940 | Professional Seminar in Health Advocacy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES950 | Dissertation Research II | 4 | RES910
• RES960 | Dissertation Defense | 3 | RES950
• EDU970 | Advanced Leadership and Global Engagement | 3 | None
• HUM980 | Philosophy of Holistic Health Advocacy | 3 | None