Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based International Trade, Specialization in Fair Trade Advocacy

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based International Trade

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 trade and specialization courses

30 credit hours

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 Trade with a specialization in Fair Trade Advocacy is a rigorous, research-intensive terminal degree designed to prepare scholars and practitioners to address the intersection of global economic systems and ethical stewardship. The curriculum emphasizes the application of rigorous economic analysis, supply chain transparency, and international trade policy through the lens of servant leadership and social responsibility. By engaging with complex global market dynamics, students develop the analytical tools necessary to advocate for equitable trade practices that honor human dignity and promote sustainable development across diverse cultural contexts.

Students in this program benefit from an interdisciplinary approach that bridges economic theory, social justice, and organizational ethics. The program facilitates deep critical engagement with global commerce by evaluating the systemic impact of trade policies on marginalized communities. Participants are encouraged to synthesize academic scholarship with actionable advocacy strategies, ultimately fostering a scholarly environment where intellectual rigor and ethical commitment drive the pursuit of a more equitable global marketplace.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based International Trade is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based international trade 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 trade-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 Prospectus Development

• 4
• RES801
• BUS870
• International Trade Elective
• 3
• None
• BUS840 — Financial Stewardship for Nonprofits: Examination of financial management and resource allocation in faith-based organizations. Covers budgeting, fund development, and fiscal transparency. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS850 — Globalization and Cultural Integrity: An analysis of the tension between global economic integration and local cultural preservation. Students develop adaptive strategies for fair trade initiatives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES860 — Dissertation Prospectus Development: Preparation of the dissertation proposal, including literature review, methodology selection, and ethical review board submission. The course ensures research feasibility. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS870 — International Trade Elective: An elective course focusing on emerging issues in international trade such as climate change or digital markets. Students pursue independent research projects. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research I

• 4
• RES860
• BUS885
• Organizational Sustainability
• 3
• BUS840
• BUS890
• Global Trade Specialization Seminar
• 3
• None
• RES895
• Independent Study in Trade Law
• 3
• BUS820
• RES880 — Dissertation Research I: Initial phase of data collection and analysis under committee oversight. Focus is on primary research implementation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS885 — Organizational Sustainability: Strategic planning for the long-term viability of advocacy organizations. Covers governance, staff development, and mission alignment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS890 — Global Trade Specialization Seminar: Advanced seminar discussing contemporary challenges in international fair trade advocacy. Peer critique of emerging trade policies is prioritized. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES895 — Independent Study in Trade Law: Guided research on specific international legal frameworks affecting fair trade. Tailored to student's dissertation focus. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research II

• 8
• RES880
• RES910

Dissertation Defense

• 4
• RES900
• BUS920
• Professional Ethics in Advocacy
• 3
• CHR730
• BUS930
• Global Development Capstone
• 3
• None
• RES900 — Dissertation Research II: Final synthesis of data and writing of the dissertation manuscript. Includes preparation for the oral defense and finalizing academic documentation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES910 — Dissertation Defense: Final presentation and defense of the doctoral research before the committee. Demonstrates mastery of research findings and implications for the field. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS920 — Professional Ethics in Advocacy: Culminating reflection on professional ethics, spiritual growth, and integrity in advocacy leadership. Focuses on preparation for long-term service. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS930 — Global Development Capstone: Integration of classroom learning and practical field experience in trade advocacy. Students present a final strategy for a community development project. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation serves as the culminating academic experience of the doctoral program, requiring candidates to produce an original, high-level research contribution to the field of fair trade advocacy. Students are expected to identify a specific, unresolved issue within the global trade landscape and apply scholarly research methodologies to provide an evidence-based resolution. The project encompasses 12 credit hours and is developed under the guidance of a faculty committee to ensure rigorous academic standards and depth of inquiry.
• Beyond technical research, the dissertation integrates faith-based perspectives by requiring candidates to articulate how their findings promote human flourishing, ethical accountability, and biblical stewardship. This process encourages students to reflect on their own servant leadership and ethical development, ensuring that their intellectual contributions are grounded in moral integrity. Successful completion culminates in an oral defense that demonstrates both the candidate's mastery of the subject matter and their commitment to advancing faith-informed practice in the international arena.

Career Opportunities

• International Policy Analyst
• Fair Trade Organization Director
• Global Supply Chain Ethics Consultant
• Nonprofit Development Executive
• Academic Researcher in Economic Justice
• Advocacy Strategist for Global Development Agencies
• Corporate Social Responsibility Director

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 Trade
• 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 trade and specialization courses | 30 credit hours
• 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
• RES701 | Advanced Research Methodologies | 3 | None
• BUS710 | Foundations of Global Trade | 3 | None
• THE720 | Ethics and Stewardship in Economics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BUS715 | Supply Chain Transparency | 3 | BUS710
• RES702 | Statistical Analysis for Social Research | 3 | RES701
• BUS725 | Fair Trade Policy Advocacy | 3 | BUS710
• CHR730 | Servant Leadership in Global Organizations | 3 | THE720
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BUS810 | Economic Development and Poverty Alleviation | 3 | BUS710
• RES801 | Qualitative Research in Trade Systems | 3 | RES702
• BUS820 | Comparative Trade Law | 3 | BUS715
• MIN830 | Community Engagement Strategies | 3 | CHR730
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BUS840 | Financial Stewardship for Nonprofits | 3 | BUS810
• BUS850 | Globalization and Cultural Integrity | 3 | BUS810
• RES860 | Dissertation Prospectus Development | 4 | RES801
• BUS870 | International Trade Elective | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES880 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES860
• BUS885 | Organizational Sustainability | 3 | BUS840
• BUS890 | Global Trade Specialization Seminar | 3 | None
• RES895 | Independent Study in Trade Law | 3 | BUS820
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES900 | Dissertation Research II | 8 | RES880
• RES910 | Dissertation Defense | 4 | RES900
• BUS920 | Professional Ethics in Advocacy | 3 | CHR730
• BUS930 | Global Development Capstone | 3 | None