Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Psychology — Minor: Christian Psychology, Theological Integration

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Psychology

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 psychology 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 Psychology is an advanced research-oriented program designed for scholars who seek to integrate psychological theory with a rigorous Christian worldview. The curriculum focuses on the scientific study of human behavior, cognition, and emotion through the lens of ethical responsibility and servant leadership. Students engage in deep academic inquiry to address contemporary social and behavioral challenges, emphasizing stewardship and community-focused scholarship.
• The program fosters a collaborative research environment where doctoral candidates analyze theoretical frameworks and empirical data. By synthesizing psychological principles with theological reflection, students develop the capacity to address complex human experiences with empathy, integrity, and intellectual precision. The program aims to prepare professionals who contribute original research to the field while exemplifying the principles of faith-informed service and character-driven leadership.
• The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Psychology is a research-intensive doctoral program emphasizing advanced faith-based psychology theory, original research, quantitative and qualitative methodology, scholarly publication, higher-education teaching, ethical leadership, and the development and evaluation of faith-based psychology-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 Prospectus Development

• 3
• RES820, RES850
• PSY890
• Advanced Topics in Personality Theory
• 3
• None
• EDU820
• Pedagogy in Higher Education
• 3
• None
• SOC850
• Cross-Cultural Psychology
• 3
• None
• RES890 — Dissertation Prospectus Development: Guides students in the development of their dissertation proposal. Includes refinement of research questions and methodological justificationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PSY890 — Advanced Topics in Personality Theory: Explores the complexities of individual differences and character development. Links theoretical personality models to modern diagnostic frameworksThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU820 — Pedagogy in Higher Education: Prepares doctoral students for teaching roles. Focuses on curriculum design and fostering student engagement in faith-based academic settingsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC850 — Cross-Cultural Psychology: Studies the influence of culture on psychological processes. Emphasizes empathy and global awareness in research and community interactionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Dissertation Research I

• 4
• RES890
• PSY910
• Advanced Social Psychology
• 3
• None
• COM810
• Scholarly Communication and Publication
• 3
• None
• THE900
• Spiritual Formation and Character Development
• 3
• THE850
• RES900 — Dissertation Research I: Initiation of data collection and initial analysis for the dissertation. Regular consultation with the dissertation advisor is requiredThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PSY910 — Advanced Social Psychology: Focuses on social influence, group dynamics, and conflict resolution. Examines how service and altruism influence social outcomesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COM810 — Scholarly Communication and Publication: Provides instruction on writing for academic journals and professional dissemination of research. Emphasizes clarity and scholarly rigorThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• THE900 — Spiritual Formation and Character Development: An advanced seminar on the development of personal and professional character. Focuses on aligning psychological knowledge with a life of integrityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Dissertation Finalization and Defense

• 4
• RES900
• PSY950

Capstone Seminar: Leadership in Practice

• 3
• None
• BUS880
• Professional Ethics and Public Policy
• 3
• None
• MIN850
• Servant Leadership in Academic Settings
• 3
• None
• RES950 — Dissertation Finalization and Defense: Completion of the final dissertation manuscript and successful oral defense. Demonstrates final competency in research and faith-informed integrationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PSY950 — Capstone Seminar: Leadership in Practice: Synthesizes program learning to address professional leadership challenges. Students reflect on their future contributions as researchers and practitionersThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• BUS880 — Professional Ethics and Public Policy: Explores how psychological research influences public policy and corporate ethics. Discusses the role of the researcher in the public sphereThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MIN850 — Servant Leadership in Academic Settings: Focuses on applying the principles of servant leadership to academic environments. Examines the role of the scholar-practitioner as a mentorThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Dissertation Requirement

• The dissertation serves as the culminating scholarly endeavor, requiring the candidate to conduct an original, independent research study that contributes new knowledge to the field of faith-based psychology. Students must identify a significant research question, conduct a thorough literature review, collect and analyze data, and synthesize findings to demonstrate mastery of their chosen specialty. The project reflects the candidate's ability to navigate complex ethical landscapes and apply rigorous scientific methodology to meaningful human inquiries.
• Integration of faith is a mandatory component of the dissertation process, requiring students to reflect on the theological and ethical implications of their research outcomes. Candidates must articulate how their work promotes stewardship, human flourishing, and the principles of servant leadership within their specific area of study. The dissertation is evaluated on its technical rigor, scholarly innovation, and its potential to serve the community, ensuring that academic expertise is balanced with the character development expected of a PhD graduate.

Dissertation research and defense | 18 credit hours

• Total | 120 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES800 | Advanced Research Methodology | 3 | None
• PSY810 | Theoretical Foundations of Psychology | 3 | None
• THE800 | Theological Integration in the Behavioral Sciences | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES820 | Advanced Statistical Analysis | 3 | RES800
• PSY830 | Cognitive and Behavioral Processes | 3 | None
• COU850 | Ethics in Professional Practice | 3 | None
• SOC810 | Community Dynamics and Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES850 | Qualitative Inquiry Methods | 3 | RES800
• PSY870 | Psychology of Human Development | 3 | None
• THE850 | Christian Worldview and Ethics | 3 | THE800
• MGT820 | Organizational Psychology and Stewardship | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES890 | Dissertation Prospectus Development | 3 | RES820, RES850
• PSY890 | Advanced Topics in Personality Theory | 3 | None
• EDU820 | Pedagogy in Higher Education | 3 | None
• SOC850 | Cross-Cultural Psychology | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES900 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES890
• PSY910 | Advanced Social Psychology | 3 | None
• COM810 | Scholarly Communication and Publication | 3 | None
• THE900 | Spiritual Formation and Character Development | 3 | THE850
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES950 | Dissertation Finalization and Defense | 4 | RES900
• PSY950 | Capstone Seminar: Leadership in Practice | 3 | None
• BUS880 | Professional Ethics and Public Policy | 3 | None
• MIN850 | Servant Leadership in Academic Settings | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

• Postsecondary Faculty in Psychology
• Psychological Research Consultant
• Non-Profit Organizational Leader
• Academic Administrator
• Policy Analyst for Social Services
• Director of Community Outreach
• Human Resource Development Consultant
• Applied Behavioral Researcher

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 Psychology
• 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 psychology 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