Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Nursing, Major in Health Policy, Advocacy, Specialization in Health Ministry

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Nursing

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, research progress, and dissertation completion

Academic unit

HBIU College of Health Science

Total credits

120

Duration

3 years

• Analyze complex health policy frameworks to identify gaps in service delivery and equitable resource distribution.
• Develop evidence-based advocacy strategies that influence public policy to improve community health outcomes.
• Evaluate the impact of socioeconomic and spiritual determinants of health on population wellness and policy design.
• Integrate advanced nursing research methodologies to address health disparities within diverse community sectors.
• Apply principles of servant leadership and ethical reasoning to navigate complex legislative and organizational environments.
• Design innovative health ministry models that align with organizational mission and sustainable community service goals.
• Communicate scholarly findings effectively to diverse stakeholders to foster collaborative action and systemic improvement.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES701
• Foundations of Nursing Research
• 3
• None
• POL705
• Health Policy and Legislative Systems
• 3
• None
• THE710
• Ethical Reasoning in Healthcare
• 3
• None
• RES701 — Foundations of Nursing Research: This course examines the epistemological foundations of nursing research and the application of rigorous methodology to complex clinical and community issues. Students evaluate various research paradigms to inform evidence-based policy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• POL705 — Health Policy and Legislative Systems: An analysis of the legislative and political processes that shape healthcare delivery and nurse advocacy at the state and federal levels. Students explore the intersection of civic duty and nursing practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE710 — Ethical Reasoning in Healthcare: This course explores advanced ethical frameworks for nursing leaders, focusing on the integration of biblical values and professional codes. Students evaluate moral dilemmas in health administration and policy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES715
• Quantitative Methods in Policy Research
• 4
• RES701
• MIN720
• Organizational Leadership in Health Ministry
• 3
• None
• POL725
• Public Health Advocacy and Communication
• 3
• POL705
• SOC730
• Sociology of Faith and Health
• 3
• None
• RES715 — Quantitative Methods in Policy Research: Focuses on the use of statistical data and quantitative methods to assess the efficacy of health policies. Students learn to interpret data sets to support advocacy initiatives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN720 — Organizational Leadership in Health Ministry: Examines models of servant leadership within healthcare ministries and faith-based institutional environments. Students develop skills for fostering organizational stewardship and mission alignment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• POL725 — Public Health Advocacy and Communication: Covers strategies for effective communication with stakeholders, policymakers, and the public regarding health issues. Emphasis is placed on advocacy as a form of community service. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC730 — Sociology of Faith and Health: Investigates the intersection of religious affiliation, social determinants of health, and community wellbeing. Students analyze how faith-based social capital influences health outcomes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES801
• Qualitative Methods in Nursing Research
• 4
• RES715
• POL805
• Economics of Healthcare Policy
• 3
• POL705
• MGT810
• Strategic Planning in Health Ministries
• 3
• MIN720
• RES815
• Doctoral Research Seminar I
• 3
• RES701
• RES801 — Qualitative Methods in Nursing Research: Explores ethnographic and phenomenological research methods to understand the lived experiences of patients and populations. Students gain proficiency in narrative analysis for advocacy research. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• POL805 — Economics of Healthcare Policy: Provides a critical review of healthcare financial models and their impact on access to care. Students assess resource allocation from the perspective of biblical stewardship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT810 — Strategic Planning in Health Ministries: Students learn to design long-term strategic plans for community health organizations, incorporating assessment, mission focus, and sustainable development. Focuses on the role of the visionary servant leader. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES815 — Doctoral Research Seminar I: The initial phase of dissertation planning, focusing on topic selection, literature review refinement, and theoretical framing. Students prepare their research proposal for committee review. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• POL820
• Global Health Policy and Ethics
• 3
• POL805
• CHR825
• Christian Stewardship and Resource Management
• 3
• MIN720
• RES830
• Doctoral Research Seminar II
• 4
• RES815
• EDU835
• Mentorship and Professional Development
• 3
• None
• POL820 — Global Health Policy and Ethics: Analyzes healthcare policy from an international perspective, focusing on global health disparities and ethical responsibility across borders. Students explore how faith-informed service addresses international gaps in care. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR825 — Christian Stewardship and Resource Management: Explores the theological and practical dimensions of stewardship within clinical and nonprofit administration. Students apply these principles to healthcare resource management. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES830 — Doctoral Research Seminar II: Advanced refinement of research methodology, human subjects protection, and data collection planning. Students defend their research proposal to faculty for formal approval. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU835 — Mentorship and Professional Development: Examines the pedagogical role of the nurse scholar in mentoring future healthcare leaders and community advocates. Focuses on the development of character and professional identity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES840
• Dissertation Research Phase I
• 6
• RES830
• POL845
• Contemporary Issues in Nursing Policy
• 3
• POL805
• MIN850
• Community Engagement and Service Leadership
• 3
• MIN720
• RES855
• Scholarly Publishing and Dissemination
• 2
• RES815
• RES840 — Dissertation Research Phase I: Dedicated time for data collection and initial analysis under the guidance of a dissertation committee. Students maintain consistent communication regarding progress and scholarly rigor. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• POL845 — Contemporary Issues in Nursing Policy: A seminar course addressing current, emerging trends in the intersection of health policy, nursing roles, and legal environments. Students analyze current events through the lens of ethical leadership. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN850 — Community Engagement and Service Leadership: Focuses on the practical application of community-based leadership in faith-based settings. Students design a project to increase civic participation in health initiatives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES855 — Scholarly Publishing and Dissemination: Instructs students in the process of submitting peer-reviewed research for publication in academic journals. Emphasis is placed on the ethical responsibility to disseminate findings for public good. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP860
• Dissertation Finalization and Defense
• 6
• RES840
• POL865
• Evaluation of Health Systems Reform
• 3
• POL705
• THE870
• Advanced Theological Reflection in Professional Practice
• 3
• THE710
• RES875
• Doctoral Research Symposium
• 2
• RES840
• CAP860 — Dissertation Finalization and Defense: The concluding phase of the doctoral program, involving the completion of the written dissertation manuscript and the oral defense of findings. Students demonstrate mastery of subject matter and integration of faith-based professional ethics. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• POL865 — Evaluation of Health Systems Reform: Students evaluate the outcomes of recent health policy changes and propose future-focused strategies for reform based on equity and justice. Applies systematic critical thinking to large-scale policy outcomes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE870 — Advanced Theological Reflection in Professional Practice: A capstone seminar integrating the student's personal faith journey with their professional career path in health policy and advocacy. Students articulate their future commitment to service-oriented scholarship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES875 — Doctoral Research Symposium: Participation in a culminating symposium where students present their research findings to the university community and peer groups. Demonstrates effective communication skills and professional contribution to the discipline. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must hold a Master of Science in Nursing or a closely related graduate degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Candidates are required to submit an academic curriculum vitae, three professional letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose outlining their research interests in health policy and their commitment to faith-based service. Admission is contingent upon the assessment of prior graduate-level academic achievement, professional experience, and the alignment of the applicant’s proposed research focus with the university’s mission. Dissertation Requirement The Dissertation serves as the culminating academic achievement of the PhD program, requiring students to conduct original, independent research that contributes substantively to the field of health policy and nursing advocacy. Candidates are expected to identify a significant challenge within the health sector, perform a rigorous methodological analysis, and propose a viable policy solution. This process encourages students to synthesize their scholarly learning with a commitment to biblical stewardship and servant leadership, ensuring that their research addresses the needs of vulnerable communities with both excellence and integrity. The project is weighted at 12 credits, emphasizing deep intellectual engagement and professional contributions to the field. It demonstrates not only academic mastery of the discipline but also the integration of faith-informed character development, as students reflect on the ethical implications of their research findings and their responsibility to advocate for the common good. The dissertation process is mentored by faculty to ensure that students effectively articulate how their work reflects a Christian worldview in practical, high-level health policy applications.

• Graduation from the program requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Beyond academic coursework, students must successfully defend their doctoral dissertation before a faculty committee, demonstrating advanced synthesis of knowledge and professional maturity. The university views academic accomplishment as intrinsically linked to character formation, and thus, students are expected to participate in community engagement and spiritual formation activities throughout their residency. These requirements ensure that graduates leave not only with a high degree of technical competence in policy and research but also with the spiritual grounding and ethical resolve necessary for lifelong service. Each candidate must demonstrate readiness for professional leadership by embodying the values of humility, integrity, and stewardship in all interactions within the university and the broader community. The final certification of graduation is a holistic affirmation of the student’s intellectual capacity and commitment to faith-informed professional practice.
• Career Opportunities
• Health Policy Consultant for Nonprofit Organizations
• Director of Faith-Based Community Health Initiatives
• Public Health Advocate for Nursing Policy
• Academic Faculty in Nursing and Public Health
• Director of Institutional Research for Healthcare Ministries
• Legislative Liaison for Healthcare Advocacy Groups
• Director of Clinical Stewardship
• 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 Nursing
• 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 nursing 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
• Dissertation research and defense | 18 credit hours
• Total | 120 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES701 | Foundations of Nursing Research | 3 | None
• POL705 | Health Policy and Legislative Systems | 3 | None
• THE710 | Ethical Reasoning in Healthcare | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES715 | Quantitative Methods in Policy Research | 4 | RES701
• MIN720 | Organizational Leadership in Health Ministry | 3 | None
• POL725 | Public Health Advocacy and Communication | 3 | POL705
• SOC730 | Sociology of Faith and Health | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES801 | Qualitative Methods in Nursing Research | 4 | RES715
• POL805 | Economics of Healthcare Policy | 3 | POL705
• MGT810 | Strategic Planning in Health Ministries | 3 | MIN720
• RES815 | Doctoral Research Seminar I | 3 | RES701
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL820 | Global Health Policy and Ethics | 3 | POL805
• CHR825 | Christian Stewardship and Resource Management | 3 | MIN720
• RES830 | Doctoral Research Seminar II | 4 | RES815
• EDU835 | Mentorship and Professional Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES840 | Dissertation Research Phase I | 6 | RES830
• POL845 | Contemporary Issues in Nursing Policy | 3 | POL805
• MIN850 | Community Engagement and Service Leadership | 3 | MIN720
• RES855 | Scholarly Publishing and Dissemination | 2 | RES815
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP860 | Dissertation Finalization and Defense | 6 | RES840
• POL865 | Evaluation of Health Systems Reform | 3 | POL705
• THE870 | Advanced Theological Reflection in Professional Practice | 3 | THE710
• RES875 | Doctoral Research Symposium | 2 | RES840