Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based MENA, Politics Studies

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based MENA, Politics Studies

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 MENA, Politics Studies 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 MENA, Politics Studies is a rigorous, research-oriented doctoral program designed to provide scholars with an advanced understanding of the intersection between political dynamics, sociocultural complexities, and religious landscapes within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The curriculum emphasizes the application of interdisciplinary research methodologies to evaluate how governance, policy, and communal structures shape regional development and peacebuilding efforts within an ethical framework.
• Students engage with complex theoretical constructs in political science and regional studies, balanced by an intentional focus on the role of ethical stewardship and leadership. This program fosters an environment where advanced academic inquiry meets a commitment to servant leadership, preparing graduates to navigate volatile geopolitical climates with integrity, intellectual rigor, and a commitment to service-oriented global engagement.
• The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based MENA, Politics Studies is a research-intensive doctoral program emphasizing advanced faith-based MENA, politics studies theory, original research, quantitative and qualitative methodology, scholarly publication, higher-education teaching, ethical leadership, and the development and evaluation of faith-based MENA, politics studies-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 Research and Analysis I

• 4
• RES830
• POL905
• Current Issues in Middle Eastern Policy
• 4
• POL820
• EDU910
• Teaching and Mentoring in Higher Education
• 3
• None
• DIS915

Dissertation Writing and Development II

• 3
• DIS901
• DIS901 — Dissertation Research and Analysis I: Initiates formal independent research under faculty supervision. Focuses on data collection and initial thematic synthesis of the study findingsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• POL905 — Current Issues in Middle Eastern Policy: Evaluates contemporary regional challenges and their impact on global policy. Requires high-level critical analysis of current affairsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU910 — Teaching and Mentoring in Higher Education: Examines pedagogical approaches for teaching social science within an ethical framework. Focuses on developing leadership skills through teaching and mentorshipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• DIS915 — Dissertation Writing and Development II: Concentrates on drafting primary chapters of the dissertation. Involves iterative revision processes with the dissertation chairThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Dissertation Completion III

• 4
• DIS915
• DIS925

Dissertation Finalization and Defense

• 4
• DIS920
• CAP930
• Professional Capstone Seminar
• 3
• Completion of all other courses
• ETH935
• Professional Ethics and Global Academic Standards
• 3
• None
• DIS920 — Dissertation Completion III: Focuses on the final stages of manuscript completion and defense preparation. Requires a full review of scholarly contributions and ethical implications of the studyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• DIS925 — Dissertation Finalization and Defense: Includes final revisions based on committee feedback and the successful oral defense of the doctoral dissertation. Final approval is required for degree completionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CAP930 — Professional Capstone Seminar: Integrates career development with the research themes of the doctoral program. Focuses on the transition from student researcher to scholar-practitionerThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ETH935 — Professional Ethics and Global Academic Standards: This course focuses on the application of ethical principles in international scholarly research and global institutional leadership. It addresses cross-cultural professional standards, institutional integrity, and accountability in diverse social sectors. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The dissertation serves as the culminating academic achievement of the PhD program, representing a significant original contribution to the study of MENA politics. Candidates must design and execute a comprehensive research project that addresses a critical gap in current literature, utilizing rigorous methodology to evaluate political or social phenomena within the region. The project is expected to demonstrate the scholar’s ability to synthesize interdisciplinary knowledge with ethical reflection, ensuring that the research output is not only academically sound but also reflective of a commitment to servant leadership and the common good.
• The dissertation process is comprised of 15 credit hours of sustained research and writing, completed under the mentorship of a faculty committee. Throughout this process, students are encouraged to demonstrate how their findings apply principles of stewardship and social responsibility, framing their research outcomes within a Christian worldview. This culminating experience requires the submission of a formal manuscript and a successful oral defense, affirming the candidate's mastery of the discipline and their readiness to serve as a leader in their professional field.

Dissertation research and defense | 18 credit hours

• Total | 120 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES701 | Advanced Qualitative Research Methods | 3 | None
• HIS705 | Historical Context of MENA Governance | 3 | None
• THE710 | Ethics and Stewardship in Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES702 | Quantitative Analysis in Social Science | 4 | RES701
• POL715 | Political Theory and the MENA Region | 4 | None
• SOC720 | Sociocultural Dynamics in MENA | 3 | None
• COM725 | Communicating Research to Diverse Audiences | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL801 | Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding | 4 | POL715
• MGT805 | Strategic Leadership in Global Contexts | 4 | None
• RES810 | Research Design for the Dissertation | 3 | RES702
• POL815 | Social Movements and Political Ideologies in the Middle East | 3 | HIS705
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL820 | Comparative MENA Political Systems | 4 | POL715
• SOC825 | Community Resilience and Development | 4 | SOC720
• RES830 | Advanced Analytical Writing | 3 | RES810
• SOC835 | Civic Engagement and Community Advocacy Strategies | 3 | THE710
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS901 | Dissertation Research and Analysis I | 4 | RES830
• POL905 | Current Issues in Middle Eastern Policy | 4 | POL820
• EDU910 | Teaching and Mentoring in Higher Education | 3 | None
• DIS915 | Dissertation Writing and Development II | 3 | DIS901
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS920 | Dissertation Completion III | 4 | DIS915
• DIS925 | Dissertation Finalization and Defense | 4 | DIS920
• CAP930 | Professional Capstone Seminar | 3 | Completion of all other courses
• ETH935 | Professional Ethics and Global Academic Standards | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

• University Professor of International Relations
• Senior Policy Analyst for Global NGOs
• Diplomatic Advisor for Faith-Based Organizations
• Strategic Consultant for Conflict Resolution Programs
• Director of Regional Research Initiatives
• International Development Consultant
• Foreign Affairs Researcher for Public Policy Institutes

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 MENA, Politics Studies
• 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 MENA, Politics Studies 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