Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based International Relations, Specialization in Global Development Diplomacy

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based International Relations

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 international relations and specialization courses

30 credit hours

Global development 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 International Relations, with a specialization in Global Development Diplomacy, offers an advanced, research-oriented curriculum designed to equip scholars for high-level contributions to the field of international affairs. This program integrates rigorous academic inquiry into political, economic, and cultural dynamics with a foundational commitment to ethical leadership, stewardship, and global service. Students examine the complexities of diplomatic statecraft and developmental initiatives through an interdisciplinary lens, balancing theory with practical application in diverse institutional settings. By engaging with multifaceted geopolitical challenges, candidates develop the analytical tools necessary to address systemic issues and promote sustainable international cooperation. This program emphasizes the role of institutional and personal integrity in navigating the global landscape, fostering a scholarly environment where academic excellence and character development converge to prepare leaders for impactful engagement in global public service. Through a combination of thematic seminars, advanced research methodologies, and a substantive dissertation, participants contribute original insights to the discourse on how ethics and policy intersect within international relations.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based International Relations is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based international relations 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 international relations-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 Proposal Development

• 4
• RES820
• INT860
• International Trade and Human Flourishing
• 3
• None
• EDU865
• Educational Systems in Developing Nations
• 3
• None
• INT870
• Seminar in Public Policy and Global Governance
• 3
• THE810
• RES855 — Dissertation Proposal Development: Guided instruction on constructing a rigorous doctoral dissertation proposal. Emphasis is on framing questions, reviewing literature, and establishing scope. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• INT860 — International Trade and Human Flourishing: Evaluates economic policies through the lens of human welfare and sustainability. Examines the impact of trade agreements on vulnerable populations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU865 — Educational Systems in Developing Nations: Analyzes the role of education in national development and long-term societal progress. Focuses on capacity building within communities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• INT870 — Seminar in Public Policy and Global Governance: This seminar examines the intersection of governmental policy and international institutional frameworks to address global systemic challenges. It focuses on the evaluation of policy outcomes through rigorous empirical analysis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research I

• 4
• RES855
• INT880
• Human Rights and International Law
• 3
• None
• MGT885
• Strategic Project Management
• 3
• None
• POL890
• Geopolitical Intelligence and Risk
• 3
• None
• RES875 — Dissertation Research I: Initial data collection and analysis phase for the doctoral dissertation under faculty mentorship. Emphasizes strict research adherence. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• INT880 — Human Rights and International Law: Explores the legal framework protecting human dignity in a globalizing world. Critically analyzes legal challenges in sovereign and non-sovereign spaces. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT885 — Strategic Project Management: Practical application of project management tools for international NGOs and diplomatic agencies. Focuses on scale and sustainability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• POL890 — Geopolitical Intelligence and Risk: Study of risk assessment techniques for organizations operating in volatile global environments. Analyzes systemic stressors. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research II

• 4
• RES875
• CAP899

Dissertation Defense

• 4
• RES895
• INT896
• Advanced Global Policy Seminar
• 3
• None
• MGT897
• Professional Ethics and Organizational Leadership
• 3
• None
• RES895 — Dissertation Research II: Final phase of research, synthesis of findings, and writing the dissertation manuscript. Includes preparation for the oral defense. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP899 — Dissertation Defense: Formal defense of the dissertation research before a faculty committee, demonstrating mastery and contribution to the field. Completion of the final documentation is required. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• INT896 — Advanced Global Policy Seminar: Synthesis seminar examining future trends in international development and the ethical imperatives for policy makers. Focuses on long-term systemic impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT897 — Professional Ethics and Organizational Leadership: This course explores the principles of professional conduct, leadership integrity, and ethical decision-making within international nongovernmental organizations. It covers behavioral standards and accountability measures essential for high-level organizational management. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation serves as the culminating academic experience for the Doctor of Philosophy, requiring the candidate to conduct original, independent research that contributes new knowledge to the field of international relations and global development diplomacy. Spanning 12 credit hours, the dissertation process includes a proposal defense, comprehensive research, and a final oral defense before a faculty committee. The scope of the project must be sufficiently robust to address a significant contemporary problem in global diplomacy, requiring students to demonstrate advanced proficiency in research methodology, critical analysis, and scholarly communication.
• Beyond technical mastery, the dissertation provides a platform for candidates to synthesize their academic training with a robust commitment to faith-based ethical reasoning and spiritual formation. Students are expected to articulate how their findings reflect a philosophy of stewardship and how their proposed solutions promote equitable development and human dignity. This research experience demonstrates both the candidate's professional competence in the discipline and their growth as a leader capable of conducting ethically informed, globally conscious scholarship that serves the common good.

Career Opportunities

• Global Policy Analyst
• Diplomatic Liaison for Faith-Based Organizations
• Director of International Humanitarian Programs
• Academic Faculty in Political Science or International Relations
• Development Strategist for International NGOs
• Consultant for Cross-Cultural Governance Initiatives
• Research Director for Public Policy Think Tanks

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 International Relations
• 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 international relations and specialization courses | 30 credit hours
• Global development 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
• RES801 | Advanced Research Methodologies | 3 | None
• INT805 | International Relations Theory | 4 | None
• THE810 | Ethics and Global Stewardship | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• INT815 | Global Development Diplomacy | 3 | INT805
• RES820 | Applied Quantitative Analysis | 4 | RES801
• BUS825 | Financial Stewardship for Global NGOs | 3 | None
• HIS830 | History of Global Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• INT835 | Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding | 3 | INT815
• COM840 | Cross-Cultural Communication | 4 | None
• MGT845 | Servant Leadership in Global Institutions | 3 | None
• SOC850 | Sociology of Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES855 | Dissertation Proposal Development | 4 | RES820
• INT860 | International Trade and Human Flourishing | 3 | None
• EDU865 | Educational Systems in Developing Nations | 3 | None
• INT870 | Seminar in Public Policy and Global Governance | 3 | THE810
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES875 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES855
• INT880 | Human Rights and International Law | 3 | None
• MGT885 | Strategic Project Management | 3 | None
• POL890 | Geopolitical Intelligence and Risk | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES895 | Dissertation Research II | 4 | RES875
• CAP899 | Dissertation Defense | 4 | RES895
• INT896 | Advanced Global Policy Seminar | 3 | None
• MGT897 | Professional Ethics and Organizational Leadership | 3 | None