Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based International Political Economy, Global Markets

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based International Political Economy, Global Markets

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 international political economy and global markets 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 International Political Economy and Global Markets is a rigorous, research-intensive program designed to prepare scholars to analyze the intersection of economic theory, global policy, and moral philosophy. Students examine the structural complexities of international trade, development, and market dynamics through the lens of ethical leadership and social responsibility. This program fosters deep intellectual inquiry, challenging candidates to address contemporary global challenges by integrating economic analysis with the foundational principles of justice, stewardship, and the common good. By synthesizing advanced quantitative research methods with qualitative normative theory, the program equips graduates to contribute meaningful, faith-informed insights to the academic, policy, and non-profit sectors. Students engage in a collaborative, community-focused learning environment that emphasizes the development of original research capable of advancing understanding in global economic systems.
• The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based International Political Economy, Global Markets is a research-intensive doctoral program emphasizing advanced faith-based international political economy and global markets theory, original research, quantitative and qualitative methodology, scholarly publication, higher-education teaching, ethical leadership, and the development and evaluation of faith-based international political economy and global markets-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
• RES830
• RES830 — Doctoral Seminar in Advanced Analysis: Critical analysis of current literature in political economy. Students refine their research proposals through peer and faculty feedbackThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ECO835 — Financial Markets and Moral Responsibility: Examines the structure of financial systems and the role of ethics in banking and investment. Focuses on sustainable capital allocationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• POL840 — Public Policy and Global Justice: Evaluates policy instruments and legal frameworks through a justice-oriented lens. Discusses the role of international bodies in mediating disputesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES850 — Dissertation Proposal Development: Directed study for the development of the dissertation prospectus. Focuses on refining the research question and methodological approachThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Dissertation Writing I

• 3
• RES850
• RES901 — Independent Research and Data Collection: Independent study time dedicated to data collection and field research for the dissertation. Faculty provide guidance on data management and synthesisThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ECO910 — Comparative Economic Systems: Analysis of various economic systems and their effectiveness in serving diverse societies. Compares capitalistic, socialistic, and mixed-model approachesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• BUS920 — Ethics in International Business Practice: Advanced exploration of dilemmas in international business. Focuses on the role of faith-informed leadership in decision-makingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES950 — Dissertation Writing I: Formal writing of the dissertation chapters. Focuses on drafting original findings and theoretical discussionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Dissertation Defense

• 4
• RES950
• RES970

Dissertation Finalization and Publication

• 3
• RES950
• CAP980
• Integrated Scholarship Capstone
• 3
• None
• ECO990
• Advanced Seminar in Global Policy
• 3
• None
• RES960 — Dissertation Defense: Final review and oral defense of the doctoral dissertation. Demonstrates scholarly contribution and ability to communicate findings effectivelyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES970 — Dissertation Finalization and Publication: Edits and final polishing of the dissertation for publication and academic submission. Emphasizes rigor and clarity of contributionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CAP980 — Integrated Scholarship Capstone: Summarizes the student's entire academic journey, reflecting on the integration of faith and discipline. Prepares the student for transition into the professionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ECO990 — Advanced Seminar in Global Policy: Synthesis of current global trends, policy challenges, and the role of the scholar-practitioner. Focuses on long-term professional impactThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation serves as the culminating academic experience of the PhD program, representing an original and substantial contribution to the field of international political economy. Students are expected to identify a critical research problem, formulate robust hypotheses, and employ sophisticated methodological frameworks to produce findings that expand current theoretical or policy knowledge. The scope of the project must demonstrate high-level technical expertise while grounding the inquiry in a framework of ethical responsibility and systemic stewardship. Through this work, students address complex global issues, offering evidence-based recommendations that prioritize long-term societal well-being and justice. The dissertation process is overseen by a faculty committee, ensuring that the research maintains rigorous academic standards of inquiry and critical evaluation. By requiring the integration of faith-based perspectives, the dissertation encourages students to bridge the gap between abstract economic theory and the practical application of virtue, integrity, and servant leadership in global market contexts. This document stands as a testament to both the candidate’s technical proficiency in the discipline and their growth as a scholar committed to the ethical advancement of the global common good.

Dissertation research and defense | 18 credit hours

• Total | 120 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES701 | Advanced Research Methods in Social Sciences | 3 | None
• ECO702 | Foundations of Political Economy | 3 | None
• THE703 | Ethics and Stewardship in Global Systems | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES710 | Statistical Analysis for Global Markets | 4 | RES701
• ECO712 | Advanced Microeconomics for Policy | 3 | None
• ECO715 | International Trade and Global Development | 3 | None
• BUS720 | Organizational Leadership and Ethics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES801 | Qualitative Research and Case Studies | 4 | RES701
• ECO805 | Emerging Market Dynamics | 3 | None
• HIS810 | Globalization and Social History | 3 | None
• MIN825 | Community Engagement and Social Responsibility | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES830 | Doctoral Seminar in Advanced Analysis | 4 | RES801
• ECO835 | Financial Markets and Moral Responsibility | 3 | None
• POL840 | Public Policy and Global Justice | 3 | None
• RES850 | Dissertation Proposal Development | 3 | RES830
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES901 | Independent Research and Data Collection | 4 | RES850
• ECO910 | Comparative Economic Systems | 3 | None
• BUS920 | Ethics in International Business Practice | 3 | None
• RES950 | Dissertation Writing I | 3 | RES850
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES960 | Dissertation Defense | 4 | RES950
• RES970 | Dissertation Finalization and Publication | 3 | RES950
• CAP980 | Integrated Scholarship Capstone | 3 | None
• ECO990 | Advanced Seminar in Global Policy | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

• University Professor of Economics or Political Science
• Senior Policy Analyst for International Governmental Organizations
• Global Development Advisor for Non-Profit Organizations
• Corporate Social Responsibility Director for Multinational Corporations
• Lead Researcher for Global Economic Think Tanks
• Diplomatic Liaison for Faith-Based Human Rights Agencies

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 International Political Economy, Global Markets
• 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 international political economy and global markets 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