Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Migration, Diaspora Studies

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Migration, Diaspora 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 Migration and Diaspora 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 PhD in Faith-Based Migration and Diaspora Studies is a rigorous, research-oriented doctoral program designed to explore the complex intersections of global human movement, cultural integration, and the role of communities in navigating displacement. Students engage in advanced interdisciplinary inquiry, synthesizing sociological, historical, and ethical frameworks to understand the multifaceted experiences of diaspora populations. Through comprehensive theoretical training and empirical research, scholars are prepared to address the challenges and opportunities inherent in global migration patterns. The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking and analytical rigor necessary to produce original scholarship that contributes significantly to the field of migration studies. By fostering an environment of intellectual curiosity and scholarly excellence, the curriculum prepares graduates to navigate the complexities of contemporary displacement with competence and insight. Students engage with diverse global perspectives, ensuring a robust exploration of how migration impacts societal structures and human identity within a globalized world.
• The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Migration, Diaspora Studies is a research-intensive doctoral program emphasizing advanced faith-based migration, diaspora studies theory, original research, quantitative and qualitative methodology, scholarly publication, higher-education teaching, ethical leadership, and the development and evaluation of faith-based migration, diaspora 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 Proposal Development

• 4
• RES800
• SOC825
• Sociology of Transnational Diaspora Networks
• 3
• THE702
• SOC830
• Economic Integration of Migrant Workers
• 3
• MIG701
• COM835
• Cross-Cultural Communication
• 3
• None
• RES820 — Dissertation Proposal Development: Assists students in finalizing their research proposal and literature review. Requires submission of a draft to the committeeThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC825 — Sociology of Transnational Diaspora Networks: This course analyzes the structural dynamics and institutional networks that sustain migrant communities across international borders. Students examine the formation of communal support systems and their influence on social integration and cultural preservation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC830 — Economic Integration of Migrant Workers: Analyzes economic participation and social mobility of migrants. Covers the impact of labor policies and market dynamicsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COM835 — Cross-Cultural Communication: Focuses on intercultural dialogue and communication as a tool for building bridges. Emphasizes active listening and empathetic engagementThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Dissertation Research I

• 4
• RES820
• MIG905
• Advanced Seminar in Diaspora Studies
• 3
• MIG701
• EDU910
• Pedagogy and Advocacy
• 3
• None
• RES915
• Grant Writing and Project Management
• 3
• None
• DIS900 — Dissertation Research I: Guided independent research towards the completion of the dissertation. Focuses on data collection and early analysisThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MIG905 — Advanced Seminar in Diaspora Studies: A seminar course exploring current trends and debates in the discipline. Encourages critical synthesis of multidisciplinary perspectivesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU910 — Pedagogy and Advocacy: Focuses on the role of the researcher as an educator and advocate. Emphasizes effective communication of findings for policy impactThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES915 — Grant Writing and Project Management: Provides training in securing funding and managing community projects. Focuses on accountability and ethical resource managementThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Dissertation Research II and Defense

• 8
• DIS900
• MGT920
• Organizational Leadership in Humanitarian Sectors
• 3
• THE702
• RES925
• Publication and Dissemination
• 3
• DIS900
• CAP930

Capstone of Scholarly Engagement

• 3
• None
• DIS950 — Dissertation Research II and Defense: Final phase of the dissertation including completion of manuscript and successful defense. Demonstrates scholarly contribution to the fieldThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MGT920 — Organizational Leadership in Humanitarian Sectors: This course evaluates contemporary theories of leadership, organizational behavior, and strategic management within the context of global humanitarian and social services. Students explore effective administration, ethical decision-making, and resource mobilization for complex international missions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES925 — Publication and Dissemination: Prepares research findings for academic publication. Covers journal submission, peer review processes, and professional presentationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CAP930 — Capstone of Scholarly Engagement: Culminating project reflecting on the integration of theory and practice. Includes a presentation on service-learning and community impactThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation represents the pinnacle of the doctoral journey, serving as a significant contribution to the field of migration and diaspora studies. Students are required to conduct original, independent research that addresses a specific gap in existing literature, demonstrating mastery of both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The scope of the work must be of publishable quality and exhibit critical rigor in the application of theoretical frameworks. Through the integration of Christian stewardship and ethical reasoning, students are challenged to ensure their research addresses the human condition with compassion and integrity. The dissertation process is monitored by a faculty committee, providing mentorship in research design, data analysis, and professional writing. This work serves as a testament to the student’s academic expertise and their commitment to utilizing knowledge as a tool for informed, faith-informed advocacy and societal contribution. The dissertation accounts for 12 credit hours within the program structure.

Dissertation research and defense | 18 credit hours

• Total | 120 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES700 | Advanced Research Methodology | 4 | None
• MIG701 | Theories of Global Migration | 3 | None
• THE702 | Ethics in Global Displacement | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MIG710 | Diaspora and Cultural Identity | 4 | MIG701
• RES715 | Quantitative Data Analysis for Social Science | 3 | RES700
• HIS720 | Historical Perspectives on Displacement | 3 | None
• SOC725 | Social Networks in Refugee Communities | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES800 | Qualitative Research and Ethnography | 4 | RES700
• MIG805 | Policy and Governance in Migration | 3 | MIG701
• MGT810 | Leadership in Humanitarian Relief | 3 | None
• PSY815 | Psychosocial Aspects of Migration | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES820 | Dissertation Proposal Development | 4 | RES800
• SOC825 | Sociology of Transnational Diaspora Networks | 3 | THE702
• SOC830 | Economic Integration of Migrant Workers | 3 | MIG701
• COM835 | Cross-Cultural Communication | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS900 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES820
• MIG905 | Advanced Seminar in Diaspora Studies | 3 | MIG701
• EDU910 | Pedagogy and Advocacy | 3 | None
• RES915 | Grant Writing and Project Management | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS950 | Dissertation Research II and Defense | 8 | DIS900
• MGT920 | Organizational Leadership in Humanitarian Sectors | 3 | THE702
• RES925 | Publication and Dissemination | 3 | DIS900
• CAP930 | Capstone of Scholarly Engagement | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

• University Professor of Migration Studies
• International Non-Governmental Organization Policy Advisor
• Director of Diaspora and Refugee Services
• Humanitarian Research Consultant
• Public Policy Advocate for Migrant Integration
• Cultural Anthropologist specializing in Displacement
• Strategic Advisor for Faith-Based Relief Agencies

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 Migration, Diaspora 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 Migration and Diaspora 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