Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Health Informatics Specialization in Public health concepts, epidemiology, US healthcare system

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Health Informatics

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 health informatics 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 Health Informatics is a rigorous, research-oriented doctoral program designed to equip scholars with the analytical skills necessary to integrate health data systems with complex public health, epidemiological, and administrative frameworks. The curriculum emphasizes the application of high-level informatics solutions to address societal health challenges, grounded in a commitment to ethical stewardship and the pursuit of human flourishing through systemic improvement. Students engage in advanced research methodologies and quantitative analysis, preparing them to lead in environments where technology and population-level health initiatives intersect. By bridging technical informatics expertise with a robust academic focus on health policy and social determinants, graduates are prepared to influence institutional effectiveness and community health outcomes. The program maintains a focus on the intersection of technological advancement and human-centered leadership, ensuring that every research endeavor reflects a commitment to institutional and community service.
• The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Health Informatics is a research-intensive doctoral program emphasizing advanced faith-based health informatics theory, original research, quantitative and qualitative methodology, scholarly publication, higher-education teaching, ethical leadership, and the development and evaluation of faith-based health informatics-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

• 4
• RES810
• HIN860
• Informatics Leadership and Governance
• 4
• None
• HIN870
• Global Trends in Health Informatics
• 4
• HIN720
• BUS880
• Strategic Planning in Health Systems
• 4
• BUS730
• RES850 — Dissertation Seminar I: Development of the dissertation prospectus and IRB submission protocols. Students work closely with faculty mentors to define their research project scope. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIN860 — Informatics Leadership and Governance: Explores the role of informatics leaders in shaping organizational culture and compliance. Students assess leadership theories through the lens of stewardship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIN870 — Global Trends in Health Informatics: An analysis of international standards and comparative health informatics practices. Students critique global strategies for addressing population health disparities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS880 — Strategic Planning in Health Systems: Focuses on long-term systemic planning for organizational sustainability and growth. Students learn to align health technologies with community health goals. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Seminar II

• 4
• RES850
• HIN920
• Emerging Technologies in Health
• 4
• HIN750
• HIN930
• Advanced Population Health Analytics
• 4
• HIN820
• BUS940
• Policy Advocacy and Health Communication
• 4
• BUS730
• RES910 — Dissertation Seminar II: Implementation phase of the doctoral dissertation, focusing on primary data collection and analysis. Students provide ongoing reporting on research progress. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIN920 — Emerging Technologies in Health: Review of current advancements such as telehealth, AI in diagnostics, and remote patient monitoring. Students assess the impact of these technologies on accessibility and quality. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIN930 — Advanced Population Health Analytics: Deep dive into analytical techniques for tracking social determinants of health. Students synthesize clinical and demographic data to inform targeted outreach strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS940 — Policy Advocacy and Health Communication: Development of skills for effectively communicating research results to policy makers and community stakeholders. Emphasizes evidence-based messaging. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Completion

• 4
• RES910
• HIN950

Capstone Integration Seminar

• 3
• None
• RES960
• Advanced Scholarly Writing
• 3
• RES810
• HIN970
• Informatics for Social Justice
• 3
• HIN860
• CAP990 — Dissertation Completion: Finalization, submission, and defense of the doctoral dissertation. Students demonstrate professional competence and the synthesis of faith-based principles in their research findings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIN950 — Capstone Integration Seminar: Synthesis of program learnings, reflecting on the integration of ethics, informatics, and service. Students prepare for long-term career impacts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES960 — Advanced Scholarly Writing: Advanced training in academic publication, grant writing, and research dissemination for professional journals. Focus on clarity and scholarly impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIN970 — Informatics for Social Justice: A capstone reflection on how informatics can reduce health disparities and promote social justice within vulnerable communities. Students finalize their philosophy of service. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation serves as the capstone of the PhD program, requiring students to execute an original, independent research project that addresses a critical issue within health informatics or public health. Students must demonstrate mastery of research design, data analysis, and technical writing, while applying ethical frameworks and a worldview of stewardship to their findings. The project must culminate in a formal written document and an oral defense, demonstrating that the candidate can effectively contribute to the professional field while upholding the values of servant leadership.
• Beyond technical academic success, the dissertation is an exercise in faith-informed character development, requiring students to articulate how their findings promote justice, equity, and the responsible use of institutional resources. By addressing how data-driven decisions impact vulnerable populations, students reflect on their role as stewards of health information. This integration ensures that the doctoral experience is not merely an intellectual pursuit but a manifestation of professional and spiritual maturity, preparing graduates to lead in service to the common good.

Dissertation research and defense | 18 credit hours

• Total | 120 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES700 | Quantitative Methods in Health Research | 3 | None
• HIN710 | Information Systems in Public Health | 3 | None
• HIN720 | Principles of Epidemiology | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BUS730 | U.S. Healthcare System and Policy | 4 | None
• RES740 | Qualitative Research Design | 3 | RES700
• HIN750 | Health Data Standards and Interoperability | 4 | HIN710
• HIN760 | Ethical Stewardship in Informatics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES810 | Advanced Research Methods | 4 | RES700, RES740
• HIN820 | Big Data in Population Health | 4 | HIN710
• HIN830 | Public Health Systems Modeling | 4 | HIN720
• BUS840 | Financial Stewardship in Healthcare | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES850 | Dissertation Seminar I | 4 | RES810
• HIN860 | Informatics Leadership and Governance | 4 | None
• HIN870 | Global Trends in Health Informatics | 4 | HIN720
• BUS880 | Strategic Planning in Health Systems | 4 | BUS730
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES910 | Dissertation Seminar II | 4 | RES850
• HIN920 | Emerging Technologies in Health | 4 | HIN750
• HIN930 | Advanced Population Health Analytics | 4 | HIN820
• BUS940 | Policy Advocacy and Health Communication | 4 | BUS730
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP990 | Dissertation Completion | 4 | RES910
• HIN950 | Capstone Integration Seminar | 3 | None
• RES960 | Advanced Scholarly Writing | 3 | RES810
• HIN970 | Informatics for Social Justice | 3 | HIN860

Career Opportunities

• Public Health Data Analyst
• Chief Information Officer for Health Nonprofits
• Health Informatics Consultant
• Epidemiological Policy Researcher
• Healthcare Systems Administrator
• Academic Faculty in Health Sciences
• Population Health Strategy Manager

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 Health Informatics
• 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 health informatics 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