Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Intelligence Studies, Specialization in Human Rights Security

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Intelligence Studies, Specialization in Human Rights 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 intelligence 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 PhD in Faith-Based Intelligence Studies with a specialization in Human Rights Security is an advanced interdisciplinary program designed for scholars and practitioners dedicated to the intersection of global security, human rights advocacy, and ethical leadership. The program provides a rigorous academic framework for exploring the complexities of human rights in the modern era, emphasizing the role of faith-based institutional frameworks in promoting justice, dignity, and sustainable security. Students engage in critical analysis of geopolitical challenges, international law, and the moral dimensions of conflict resolution through a scholarly, research-driven lens.
• As a research-intensive degree, this program fosters the development of advanced intellectual competence, analytical rigor, and ethical maturity. Candidates are challenged to synthesize theoretical knowledge with practical applications, exploring how faith-informed service, stewardship, and servant leadership can effectively address human rights crises. The curriculum is crafted to prepare graduates for high-level contributions to academic, policy, and advocacy environments, ensuring they are equipped to lead with both intellectual clarity and moral fortitude.
• The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Intelligence Studies, Specialization in Human Rights Security is a research-intensive doctoral program emphasizing advanced faith-based intelligence studies theory, original research, quantitative and qualitative methodology, scholarly publication, higher-education teaching, ethical leadership, and the development and evaluation of faith-based intelligence studies-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

• 3
• RES701, RES801
• HIS850
• Comparative Global Perspectives on Human Rights Frameworks
• 3
• None
• CRJ860
• Transnational Justice and Conflict Resolution
• 3
• CRJ720
• PSY870
• Trauma-Informed Community Response
• 4
• None
• RES840 — Dissertation Proposal Development: Students work to finalize their dissertation research proposal, including the research question, literature review, and methodology. This course culminates in a formal proposal defense before the faculty committee. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS850 — Comparative Global Perspectives on Human Rights Frameworks: This course provides a cross-cultural analysis of human rights development across diverse international jurisdictions. It examines the interplay between localized legal norms and universal declarations in modern history. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CRJ860 — Transnational Justice and Conflict Resolution: Study of transitional justice mechanisms, such as truth and reconciliation commissions, in post-conflict societies. Focus includes the role of restorative justice in healing communities and restoring peace. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY870 — Trauma-Informed Community Response: Investigation into the psychological impacts of rights violations and the development of effective, compassionate community support systems. Students learn to implement strategies that prioritize psychological safety and dignity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research I

• 4
• RES840
• MGT890
• Strategic Planning for Social Impact
• 3
• MGT820
• POL895
• Ethics of Global Governance
• 3
• None
• MIN898
• Servant Leadership and Organizational Culture
• 3
• None
• RES880 — Dissertation Research I: The first phase of primary research for the dissertation, focusing on data collection and preliminary synthesis. Students receive ongoing mentorship as they engage in the rigorous execution of their chosen methodology. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT890 — Strategic Planning for Social Impact: Focus on high-level strategic alignment within nonprofits to maximize social impact and human rights outcomes. Students analyze organizational structure and resource allocation for long-term sustainability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• POL895 — Ethics of Global Governance: Advanced study of the moral frameworks governing international organizations and their impact on global human rights. Students critically evaluate institutional power and accountability in a globalized world. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN898 — Servant Leadership and Organizational Culture: Exploration of leadership styles that prioritize humility, stewardship, and the empowerment of others. Students assess how these styles influence organizational efficacy and moral performance. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research II and Final Defense

• 4
• RES880
• POL897
• Integrated Analysis of International Public Policy
• 3
• None
• CAP896
• Advanced Policy Seminar
• 3
• None
• RES894
• Research Colloquium
• 3
• None
• RES899 — Dissertation Research II and Final Defense: The final stage of the doctoral journey, focusing on writing the dissertation and preparing for the oral defense. Candidates present their findings to demonstrate original contribution to the field. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• POL897 — Integrated Analysis of International Public Policy: This course explores the complexities of designing and implementing global policy initiatives within diverse socio-political environments. It emphasizes multi-disciplinary strategies for cross-border advocacy and institutional compliance. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP896 — Advanced Policy Seminar: Review of current global policy trends and the identification of future research needs in human rights security. Students engage in peer-to-peer analysis of contemporary dilemmas in the field. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES894 — Research Colloquium: Students present their ongoing research projects in a formal academic setting, fostering critical dialogue and refining their contributions. This course emphasizes the collaborative nature of scholarly inquiry. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation represents the culminating academic achievement of the PhD program, requiring the student to conduct original, significant research that advances the knowledge base in the field of human rights security. Students work under the guidance of a faculty advisor to design, execute, and defend a comprehensive scholarly work that integrates critical analysis with ethical, faith-based perspectives. The scope of the research must address a contemporary human rights challenge, applying rigorous methodology to propose actionable solutions that uphold the dignity and stewardship of human life.
• Beyond demonstrating technical research proficiency, the dissertation serves as a testament to the candidate's development as an ethical scholar and servant leader. Throughout the project, candidates must articulate how their work is informed by a commitment to spiritual integrity and the application of moral philosophy to public policy. The final defense requires the candidate to demonstrate not only academic expertise but also the capacity to translate complex findings into a framework that supports the mission of faith-based organizations dedicated to justice and community stability.

Dissertation research and defense | 18 credit hours

• Total | 120 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES701 | Advanced Research Methodology | 4 | None
• HIS705 | History of Human Rights and Ethics | 3 | None
• THE710 | Ethical Leadership in Public Policy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CRJ720 | International Security and Human Rights | 3 | None
• RES730 | Quantitative Analysis in Policy Studies | 3 | RES701
• LAW740 | International Law and Human Dignity | 3 | None
• SOC750 | Sociology of Civil Society and Organizational Change | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES801 | Advanced Qualitative Research | 3 | RES701
• COM810 | Strategic Communication for Advocacy | 3 | None
• MGT820 | Stewardship and Nonprofit Management | 3 | None
• EDU830 | Human Rights Education and Formation | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES840 | Dissertation Proposal Development | 3 | RES701, RES801
• HIS850 | Comparative Global Perspectives on Human Rights Frameworks | 3 | None
• CRJ860 | Transnational Justice and Conflict Resolution | 3 | CRJ720
• PSY870 | Trauma-Informed Community Response | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES880 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES840
• MGT890 | Strategic Planning for Social Impact | 3 | MGT820
• POL895 | Ethics of Global Governance | 3 | None
• MIN898 | Servant Leadership and Organizational Culture | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES899 | Dissertation Research II and Final Defense | 4 | RES880
• POL897 | Integrated Analysis of International Public Policy | 3 | None
• CAP896 | Advanced Policy Seminar | 3 | None
• RES894 | Research Colloquium | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

• Human Rights Policy Analyst
• Faith-Based NGO Executive Director
• Global Security Consultant
• University Professor of Human Rights
• International Development Specialist
• Advocacy Strategist for Nonprofits
• Government Liaison for Humanitarian Affairs

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 Intelligence Studies, Specialization in Human Rights 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 intelligence 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