Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Marine Biology, Specialization in Ocean Conservation

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Marine Biology

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 marine biology 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 Marine Biology with a specialization in Ocean Conservation is a comprehensive research-oriented doctoral program designed to equip scholars with advanced scientific expertise in marine ecosystems, species management, and conservation policy. The curriculum integrates rigorous quantitative and qualitative research methodologies with an emphasis on environmental stewardship, ethical decision-making, and the application of sustainability principles within diverse ecological contexts. Students will engage with advanced biological theories, statistical modeling, and oceanographic principles to address complex environmental challenges while grounding their scholarly inquiry in values of integrity, servant leadership, and global responsibility. This program emphasizes the intersection of scientific excellence and ethical responsibility, fostering an environment where rigorous academic inquiry informs the practice of environmental stewardship. Graduates are prepared to contribute to the global scientific community through original research and the implementation of effective, community-responsive conservation strategies.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Marine Biology is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based marine biology 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 marine biology-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 Research Phase I

• 3
• RES800
• BIO830 — Sustainable Aquaculture and Fisheries: Evaluates the balance between food security and ocean health, focusing on sustainable practices. Investigates global trends and regulatory frameworks. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES810 — Field Research Techniques: Practical application of data collection and monitoring methodologies in diverse coastal settings. Focuses on safety, field ethics, and high-precision instrumentation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE850 — Integrative Seminar: Science and Society: Integrates scientific knowledge with socio-ethical frameworks to address global environmental crises. Focuses on the role of the scientist as a contributor to public good. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS890 — Dissertation Research Phase I: Initial phase of independent research, focusing on primary data collection and early analysis. Guided by the dissertation committee. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research Phase II

• 4
• DIS890
• BIO840
• Global Ocean Governance
• 3
• SOC820
• BIO850
• Climate Resilience in Coastal Communities
• 3
• BIO810
• RES820
• Grant Writing and Project Management
• 3
• MGT750
• DIS891 — Dissertation Research Phase II: Continuation of dissertation research with a focus on comprehensive data interpretation and discussion drafting. Students demonstrate academic rigor in their analytical process. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BIO840 — Global Ocean Governance: Examines international laws and treaties governing the use of ocean resources. Focuses on the role of NGOs and faith-based institutions in shaping policy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BIO850 — Climate Resilience in Coastal Communities: Analyzes adaptation strategies for communities vulnerable to sea-level rise and environmental degradation. Investigates socio-technical solutions and local empowerment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES820 — Grant Writing and Project Management: Teaches the professional skills required to secure funding for research and conservation projects in nonprofit sectors. Emphasizes transparency and project accountability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Defense

• 5
• DIS891
• BIO860
• Professional Ethics in Marine Biology
• 3
• THE850
• RES830
• Advanced Data Synthesis and Publication
• 3
• DIS891
• COM810
• Scientific Communication and Advocacy
• 3
• SOC820
• DIS899 — Dissertation Defense: The final stage of the doctoral program, involving the written submission of the dissertation and an oral defense before the doctoral committee. Confirms scholarly mastery and professional readiness. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BIO860 — Professional Ethics in Marine Biology: Explores the ethical challenges encountered by professional marine scientists, including advocacy, corporate interest, and public truth-telling. Fosters personal character development and integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES830 — Advanced Data Synthesis and Publication: Focuses on the peer-review publication process, preparing students to share their research findings with the broader scientific community. Emphasizes writing precision and clarity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM810 — Scientific Communication and Advocacy: Develops the skills to communicate scientific concepts to lay audiences, policymakers, and faith-based community leaders effectively. Focuses on bridge-building and public trust. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation is the culminating scholarly requirement for the Ph.D. program, representing 12 credit hours of rigorous research. Students are expected to produce an original contribution to the field of marine biology or ocean conservation, demonstrating mastery of scientific methodology, statistical rigor, and the ability to synthesize data within a broader theoretical framework. The scope of the project must involve field or laboratory research that addresses a significant, unexamined challenge in aquatic ecology or conservation policy.
• Beyond technical competence, the dissertation must integrate faith-based perspectives on environmental stewardship and ethical responsibility. Students are required to articulate how their findings reflect a commitment to the preservation of natural systems and a servant-leader approach to environmental management. Through this process, candidates demonstrate not only their scholarly prowess but also the development of a character-driven professional identity, ensuring that their scientific work serves to enhance the well-being of the broader global community.

Career Opportunities

• Marine Research Scientist
• Director of Conservation Programs
• Environmental Policy Analyst
• Coastal Resource Manager
• Nonprofit Environmental Consultant
• Higher Education Faculty
• Aquatic Stewardship 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 Marine Biology
• 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 marine biology 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
• RES700 | Advanced Quantitative Research Methods | 3 | Graduate standing
• BIO710 | Marine Biodiversity and Ecology | 3 | Graduate standing
• THE705 | Foundations of Ethical Stewardship | 3 | Graduate standing
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO720 | Conservation Biology of Marine Species | 3 | BIO710
• RES710 | Qualitative Inquiry in Environmental Studies | 3 | RES700
• MGT750 | Servant Leadership in Nonprofits | 3 | Graduate standing
• BIO730 | Oceanographic Systems and Climate Impacts | 3 | BIO710
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO810 | Marine Spatial Planning | 3 | BIO730
• RES800 | Research Seminar: Dissertation Prospectus | 3 | RES710
• SOC820 | Community Outreach and Environmental Policy | 3 | MGT750
• BIO820 | Advanced Topics in Aquatic Toxicology | 3 | BIO730
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO830 | Sustainable Aquaculture and Fisheries | 3 | BIO720
• RES810 | Field Research Techniques | 4 | RES800
• THE850 | Integrative Seminar: Science and Society | 3 | THE705
• DIS890 | Dissertation Research Phase I | 3 | RES800
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS891 | Dissertation Research Phase II | 4 | DIS890
• BIO840 | Global Ocean Governance | 3 | SOC820
• BIO850 | Climate Resilience in Coastal Communities | 3 | BIO810
• RES820 | Grant Writing and Project Management | 3 | MGT750
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS899 | Dissertation Defense | 5 | DIS891
• BIO860 | Professional Ethics in Marine Biology | 3 | THE850
• RES830 | Advanced Data Synthesis and Publication | 3 | DIS891
• COM810 | Scientific Communication and Advocacy | 3 | SOC820