Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Law, Politics, Specialization in Laws that govern church state

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Law, Politics, Specialization in Laws that Govern Church State

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 Law, Politics, Specialization in Laws that Govern Church State 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 Law and Politics is a rigorous terminal degree designed for scholars and practitioners seeking to examine the intersection of legal frameworks and governance through the lens of institutional stewardship and ethical leadership. This program emphasizes a critical exploration of the historical, constitutional, and normative interactions between religious institutions and state authorities. Students engage with advanced theories of jurisprudence and public policy, fostering the analytical skills necessary for complex governance challenges within diverse social environments.

By integrating interdisciplinary scholarship with professional integrity, the program cultivates an environment where advanced research informs practical, ethical problem-solving. Participants analyze the evolving landscape of church-state relations to develop frameworks that support community stability, protect organizational freedom, and uphold the highest standards of public policy analysis. The curriculum is built upon a foundation of critical inquiry, preparing graduates to navigate the complexities of contemporary legal systems while maintaining a commitment to service-oriented leadership.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Law, Politics, Specialization in Laws that Govern Church State is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based law, politics, specialization in laws that govern church state 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 law, politics, specialization in laws that govern church state-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: PhD

Dissertation Prospectus Development

• 3
• RES750
• MIN840
• Servant Leadership in Public Spaces
• 3
• None
• LAW810 — Advanced International Human Rights Law: This course analyzes the global status of religious freedom and human rights within international legal structures. Students compare diverse legal systems and their impacts on community organizations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• POL820 — Legislative Processes and Advocacy: A study of how public policy is formed and how stakeholders advocate for change within legislative frameworks. The course includes simulations and strategic planning exercises. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES830 — Dissertation Prospectus Development: Students develop the framework and research plan for their dissertation, including literature reviews and methodology justification. This serves as the preliminary stage of the capstone project. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN840 — Servant Leadership in Public Spaces: This course develops the character and skills necessary for leaders to serve effectively in secular and professional settings. It emphasizes humility, service, and integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Defense and Publication

• 6
• RES910
• LAW960
• Contemporary Issues in Law and Public Administration
• 3
• LAW850
• POL970
• Community Engagement and Social Change
• 3
• POL900
• MGT980
• Strategic Planning for Non-Profit Sustainability
• 3
• MGT760
• CAP950 — Dissertation Defense and Publication: The final submission and defense of the doctoral dissertation before a review committee. Students prepare their work for potential publication and academic review. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LAW960 — Contemporary Issues in Law and Public Administration: This course investigates current legal challenges at the intersection of private advocacy and public government policy. Students will examine the implications of regulatory shifts on organizational autonomy and public service engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• POL970 — Community Engagement and Social Change: Exploration of effective strategies for community-based advocacy and long-term social impact. The course highlights the role of civil society in public policy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT980 — Strategic Planning for Non-Profit Sustainability: Strategic development for organizations facing regulatory and economic pressures in the public sphere. Students create institutional sustainability models. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation serves as the culminating academic experience of the Ph.D. program, representing an original contribution to the field of law and public policy. Students are required to conduct independent, rigorous research that addresses a significant problem at the intersection of faith-based institutional governance and state law. The scope of this project includes the formulation of a research question, literature review, methodology application, and a comprehensive analysis of findings.
• Beyond academic rigor, the dissertation functions as a vessel for demonstrating the integration of Christian worldview perspectives with scholarly output. Students must evidence ethical reasoning, stewardship of intellectual resources, and a commitment to servant leadership throughout their research process. The deliverable is a formal manuscript defended before a committee, which validates both the student’s academic competence and their development as a character-driven scholar capable of advancing the public good.

Career Opportunities

• Public Policy Analyst for non-profit entities
• Legal Consultant for religious organizations
• University Professor of Law or Public Policy
• Government Relations Officer
• Constitutional Scholar and Researcher
• Administrative Director of Faith-Based Nonprofits
• Legislative Advisor on Religious Liberty

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 Law, Politics, Specialization in Laws that Govern Church State
• 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 Law, Politics, Specialization in Laws that Govern Church State 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 Methodology | 4 | None
• LAW710 | Constitutional Foundations of Civil Liberties | 4 | None
• THE720 | Ethical Foundations of Public Governance | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• LAW730 | Legal Frameworks for Non-Profit Organizations | 3 | LAW710
• POL740 | Politics and Moral Philosophy | 3 | None
• RES750 | Quantitative Data Analysis for Policy | 3 | RES701
• MGT760 | Stewardship and Organizational Governance | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• LAW810 | Advanced International Human Rights Law | 3 | LAW710
• POL820 | Legislative Processes and Advocacy | 3 | None
• RES830 | Dissertation Prospectus Development | 3 | RES750
• MIN840 | Servant Leadership in Public Spaces | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• LAW850 | Tax Policy and Exempt Organizations | 3 | LAW730
• HIS860 | Historical Perspectives on Public Policy and Jurisprudence | 3 | None
• COM870 | Advanced Discourse and Public Communication | 3 | None
• RES880 | Advanced Dissertation Research I | 3 | RES830
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• LAW890 | Comparative Constitutional Law | 3 | LAW810
• POL900 | Public Policy Analysis and Evaluation | 3 | POL820
• RES910 | Advanced Dissertation Research II | 4 | RES880
• ETH920 | Professional Ethics in Law and Politics | 3 | THE720
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP950 | Dissertation Defense and Publication | 6 | RES910
• LAW960 | Contemporary Issues in Law and Public Administration | 3 | LAW850
• POL970 | Community Engagement and Social Change | 3 | POL900
• MGT980 | Strategic Planning for Non-Profit Sustainability | 3 | MGT760