Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based International Relations, Global Governance

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based International Relations, Global Governance

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 relations and global governance 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 Relations and Global Governance is a rigorous research-oriented degree program designed for scholars and practitioners seeking to address the intersection of global political structures and ethical leadership. This program provides an advanced academic framework for analyzing international power dynamics, human security, and global justice through the lens of ethical responsibility and societal stewardship. By synthesizing empirical research with normative theories, students engage in deep inquiry into the challenges facing the contemporary international community.
• Students in this program are expected to demonstrate mastery of historical, theoretical, and empirical approaches to global governance. The curriculum encourages critical reflection on institutional mechanisms, conflict resolution, and development initiatives, preparing graduates to influence public policy and academic discourse. HBI University emphasizes the integration of academic excellence with a commitment to integrity, public service, and the cultivation of character as essential components of professional international practice.
• The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based International Relations, Global Governance is a research-intensive doctoral program emphasizing advanced faith-based international relations, global governance theory, original research, quantitative and qualitative methodology, scholarly publication, higher-education teaching, ethical leadership, and the development and evaluation of faith-based international relations, global governance-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 Prospectus Development

• 4
• RES701, RES801
• IRG810
• Transnational Public Policy
• 4
• None
• EDU820
• Pedagogy in International Studies
• 3
• None
• POL802
• Sociological Factors in Foreign Policy
• 3
• None
• RES805 — Dissertation Prospectus Development: Guides students through the creation of a formal dissertation proposal. Includes literature review synthesis and methodology finalizationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• IRG810 — Transnational Public Policy: Analyzes the formulation and implementation of public policy across borders. Addresses the role of advocacy and diplomatic negotiationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU820 — Pedagogy in International Studies: Prepares doctoral students for university-level instruction in international relations. Covers curriculum design, academic assessment, and mentoring studentsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• POL802 — Sociological Factors in Foreign Policy: This course evaluates how diverse sociocultural identity groups and non-state actors influence international relations and foreign policy formulation. Emphasis is placed on the impact of belief systems and collective cultural values on diplomatic engagement and statecraft. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research I

• 4
• RES805
• IRG850
• Advanced Seminar: Global Justice
• 4
• None
• RES820
• Academic Writing and Publishing
• 3
• None
• ELE803
• Case Studies in Humanitarian Intervention
• 3
• None
• DIS890 — Dissertation Research I: Initial stage of independent dissertation execution. Students gather data and synthesize primary findings under faculty guidanceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• IRG850 — Advanced Seminar: Global Justice: A high-level seminar focusing on contemporary debates regarding international law and distributive justice. Encourages scholarly debate and critical evaluationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES820 — Academic Writing and Publishing: Refines skills in preparing scholarly manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and academic presses in the field of international relationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ELE803 — Case Studies in Humanitarian Intervention: An elective focused on evaluating past and present humanitarian interventions through ethical and geopolitical frameworksThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Dissertation Completion and Defense

• 4
• DIS890
• CAP895
• Professional Capstone Integration
• 4
• All Core Courses
• IRG890
• Global Governance Colloquium
• 3
• None
• SOC804
• Civil Society and Civic Participation
• 3
• None
• DIS899 — Dissertation Completion and Defense: The final stage of the doctoral program, involving the writing and oral defense of the dissertation before a faculty committee. Demonstrates scholarly expertise and original contribution to the fieldThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CAP895 — Professional Capstone Integration: Synthesizes the academic and spiritual growth of the program. Students articulate their professional identity, commitment to service, and plans for future impact in their fieldThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• IRG890 — Global Governance Colloquium: Participatory seminar where students present findings and engage in professional discourse with faculty and peers regarding current and future career pathsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC804 — Civil Society and Civic Participation: This course explores the role of non-governmental organizations and community associations in fostering civic participation and public discourse within global society. Students investigate the relationship between social movements and policy change in diverse democratic frameworks. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The dissertation serves as the culminating academic experience for the PhD program, representing a significant original contribution to the discipline of international relations and global governance. Students are required to conduct independent, rigorous research that addresses a critical international issue, utilizing sophisticated methodology and deep scholarly synthesis. The dissertation must demonstrate the candidate’s ability to conduct independent investigation and articulate findings that offer meaningful insights into global systems.
• Beyond academic rigor, the dissertation must demonstrate the integration of the candidate's faith-informed worldview with professional practice. This includes the application of ethical reasoning, biblical stewardship, and principles of servant leadership to the chosen research problem. Through the defense of their work, students demonstrate not only academic expertise but also the development of a character grounded in moral integrity, reflecting the university’s commitment to graduates who serve the global community with wisdom and humility.

Dissertation research and defense | 18 credit hours

• Total | 120 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES701 | Advanced Research Methodologies | 3 | None
• IRG710 | Theories of Global Governance | 3 | None
• ETH705 | Ethics in International Affairs | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES702 | Statistical Analysis for International Studies | 4 | RES701
• IRG720 | International Political Economy | 4 | None
• HIS715 | History of Global Institutions | 3 | None
• ORG701 | Organizational Leadership and Strategic Management | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES801 | Qualitative Research Design | 4 | RES701
• IRG730 | Global Security and Human Rights | 4 | None
• MGT750 | Management of International Organizations | 3 | None
• ELE801 | Special Topics in Global Policy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES805 | Dissertation Prospectus Development | 4 | RES701, RES801
• IRG810 | Transnational Public Policy | 4 | None
• EDU820 | Pedagogy in International Studies | 3 | None
• POL802 | Sociological Factors in Foreign Policy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS890 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES805
• IRG850 | Advanced Seminar: Global Justice | 4 | None
• RES820 | Academic Writing and Publishing | 3 | None
• ELE803 | Case Studies in Humanitarian Intervention | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS899 | Dissertation Completion and Defense | 4 | DIS890
• CAP895 | Professional Capstone Integration | 4 | All Core Courses
• IRG890 | Global Governance Colloquium | 3 | None
• SOC804 | Civil Society and Civic Participation | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

• University Professor of International Relations
• Senior Policy Analyst for Global Non-Governmental Organizations
• International Affairs Advisor for Faith-Based Humanitarian Agencies
• Diplomatic Liaison for Intergovernmental Organizations
• Research Director for Global Governance Think Tanks
• Public Policy Consultant for Ethical Development Programs
• Global Strategy Consultant for International Non-Profits

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 Relations, Global Governance
• 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 relations and global governance 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