Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Professional Doctorate in Human, Social Services (DHSS)

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Professional Doctorate in Ministry of Human, Social Services

Total program length

48 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 Professional Doctorate in Ministry of Human, Social Services and specialization courses

6 credit hours

Leadership, administration, and professional practice

6 credit hours

Research methods and program evaluation

6 credit hours

Professional application and doctoral residency

6 credit hours

Advanced electives or concentration courses

6 credit hours

Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy

6 credit hours

Applied doctoral project and defense

12 credit hours

Total

48 semester credit hours

The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Professional Doctorate in Human and Social Services (DHSS) provides an advanced academic framework for scholars committed to addressing complex social challenges through the lens of a Christian worldview. By synthesizing rigorous theoretical inquiry with practical application, the program empowers students to investigate human services delivery as a form of vocational ministry and stewardship. Students will refine their capacity for servant leadership and ethical decision-making, ensuring that research and policy development are rooted in the pursuit of human flourishing and biblical justice. The curriculum prioritizes evidence-based practice and social transformation, preparing graduates to serve as intellectual leaders in academic, research, and community contexts while upholding the dignity of all persons created in the image of God.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Professional Doctorate in Ministry of Human, Social Services is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based professional doctorate in ministry of human, social services 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 48-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 professional doctorate in ministry of human, social services-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: 48
• Duration: 1 years
• Degree Level: Doctorate

Capstone Project Work

• 3
• Completion of all core courses within the Doctorate program
• DHSS 712 — Human Services & Christian Ministry: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DHSS 713 — Spiritual Warfare at the Intersection: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DHSS 714 — Building Counseling Services and Programs: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DHSS 715 — Capstone Project Work: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The DHSS capstone project serves as the culmination of the candidate's spiritual and professional development, requiring the completion of a dissertation or applied research study that addresses a critical issue within human services. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to integrate advanced academic research with biblical principles, specifically applying ethical reasoning and the tenets of servant leadership to real-world social problems. This project must reflect the student's growth in spiritual formation and their commitment to acting as a catalyst for redemptive change within their chosen field. The final work is expected to present a comprehensive, scholarly contribution that honors the call to stewardship and advances the standards of excellence in human service delivery.

Career Opportunities

• Director of Social Services
• Community Program Manager
• Policy Analyst
• Research Coordinator
• Health Services Administrator
• Nonprofit Executive Director
• Academic Researcher
• Consultant in Human Services

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 Professional Doctorate in Ministry of Human, Social Services
• Total program length | 48 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 Professional Doctorate in Ministry of Human, Social Services and specialization courses | 6 credit hours
• Leadership, administration, and professional practice | 6 credit hours
• Research methods and program evaluation | 6 credit hours
• Professional application and doctoral residency | 6 credit hours
• Advanced electives or concentration courses | 6 credit hours
• Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy | 6 credit hours
• Applied doctoral project and defense | 12 credit hours
• Total | 48 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DHSS 700 | The Field of Human Services | 3 | None
• DHSS 701 | Human Services Professions | 3 | None
• DHSS 702 | Quality of Life, Needs, and Problems | 3 | None
• DHSS 703 | The Holistic Approach in Human Services | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DHSS 704 | The Bio-Psycho-Social Model in Human Services | 3 | None
• DHSS 705 | The Bio-Ecological Model in Human Services | 3 | None
• DHSS 706 | Building Human Services Organizations: Legal Structure | 3 | None
• DHSS 707 | Religious/Faith-Based vs. Secular Human Services Organizations | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DHSS 708 | Infrastructure Development in Human Services Organizations | 3 | None
• DHSS 709 | Leadership & Management in Human Services | 3 | None
• DHSS 710 | Management Levels in Human Service Organizations | 3 | None
• DHSS 711 | Funding Human Services | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DHSS 712 | Human Services & Christian Ministry | 3 | None
• DHSS 713 | Spiritual Warfare at the Intersection | 3 | None
• DHSS 714 | Building Counseling Services and Programs | 3 | None
• DHSS 715 | Capstone Project Work | 3 | Completion of all core courses within the Doctorate program