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Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Public Health, Specialization in Jewish Studies, Bioethics Healthcare

Academic unitCollege of Health ScienceTotal credits120Estimated duration3 yearsSource documentDoctor_of_Philosophy_in_Faith_Based_Public_Health__Specialization_in_Jewish_Stud.docx

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Public Health, Specialization in Jewish Studies, Bioethics Healthcare

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

Three to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, academic progress, and completion of the doctoral project

Advanced faith-based public health and specialization courses

30 credit hours

Leadership, administration, and professional practice

21 credit hours

Research methods and program evaluation

18 credit hours

Professional application and doctoral residency

15 credit hours

Advanced electives or concentration courses

12 credit hours

Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy

6 credit hours

Applied doctoral project and defense

18 credit hours

Total

120 semester credit hours

The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Public Health, with a specialization in Jewish Studies and Bioethics Healthcare, provides an advanced academic framework for scholars seeking to bridge the intersection of public health policy and historical religious ethics. The program emphasizes rigorous quantitative and qualitative research methodologies alongside an intensive examination of the Jewish tradition's role in addressing modern systemic health challenges. Students engage in critical analysis of the relationship between institutional health mandates and the moral imperatives of community stewardship and ethical advocacy.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Public Health, Specialization in Jewish Studies, Bioethics Healthcare is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based public health, specialization in jewish studies, bioethics healthcare 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 120-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 public health, specialization in jewish studies, bioethics healthcare-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 Facts

Program facts

Degree abbreviation
Ph.D. in Faith-Based Public Health, Specialization in Jewish Studies, Bioethics Healthcare
Total program length
120 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
Academic unit
College of Health Science
Total credits
120
Duration
3 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Analyze the intersection of epidemiological public health frameworks and Jewish bioethical principles.
  • Evaluate systemic healthcare inequities using evidence-based research methodologies.
  • Design original public health research that demonstrates the application of ethical stewardship in diverse populations.
  • Integrate historical and theological understandings of health and healing into contemporary policy discourse.
  • Communicate complex research findings to interdisciplinary audiences and community stakeholders.
  • Demonstrate advanced scholarly leadership through the completion of an original, peer-reviewed dissertation.

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must possess a completed Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a field related to public health, social science, theology, or healthcare administration. A minimum graduate-level GPA of 3.25 is required, along with a comprehensive academic writing sample, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of intent outlining the student’s dedication to integrating ethical, faith-based leadership into public health practice.

Program Structure

Official program structure

Program Details

  • Total Credits: 120
  • Duration: 3 years
  • Degree Level: Doctorate

Semester-by-Semester Curriculum

Official course sequence

Year 1

Semester 1

13 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
RES701Advanced Research Methodology3None
View Description

This course covers advanced quantitative and qualitative research designs suitable for doctoral-level study in public health. It emphasizes the development of sound research questions and data collection strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

BIO705Foundations of Bioethics3None
View Description

An examination of the primary principles of bioethics and their historical development in modern healthcare. The course analyzes ethical frameworks for decision-making. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

HIS710Jewish Perspectives on Health and Healing3None
View Description

An exploration of historical and contemporary Jewish thought regarding bodily sanctity, healing, and the role of the community. It provides context for medical ethics within this religious tradition. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

PUB715Epidemiology and Community Health4RES701
View Description

Students analyze epidemiological data to determine community health trends and risk factors. The course emphasizes prevention strategies and community-level interventions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Semester 2

16 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
BIO720Clinical Ethics and Jurisprudence4BIO705
View Description

This course evaluates legal and ethical issues in clinical settings, focusing on patient rights and institutional responsibilities. It addresses the complexity of ethical navigation in modern medicine. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

HIS725Jewish Law and Medical Ethics4HIS710
View Description

A deep analysis of Jewish legal scholarship and its application to advanced medical questions and healthcare policies. The course focuses on critical interpretation of texts regarding life and death. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

RES730Applied Statistical Analysis4RES701
View Description

This course provides advanced training in statistical software and data modeling techniques. Students apply these tools to public health case studies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

PUB740Health Policy and Advocacy4PUB715
View Description

An analysis of public policy formulation, implementation, and the role of stakeholders in healthcare reform. Students learn to advocate for ethical policy changes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Semester 3

16 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
BIO745Genetics and Ethical Stewardship4BIO720
View Description

Explores the ethical dimensions of genetic technology and biotechnological advancements. It emphasizes the responsibility to protect human dignity in scientific research. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

HIS750Sociological Aspects of Jewish Communities4HIS725
View Description

Investigates the intersection of cultural, religious, and social health factors within the Jewish community. Focuses on social determinants of health and community support systems. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

RES755Qualitative Research Methods4RES730
View Description

Instruction in ethnographic, phenomenological, and ground theory methods for research. Focuses on understanding the human experience in healthcare settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

PUB760Global Health Equity and Social Determinants4PUB740
View Description

This course explores the sociological and economic factors influencing global health outcomes in marginalized populations. Students examine structural barriers to healthcare access and policy strategies for mitigating health disparities across international borders. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Year 2

Semester 4

16 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
BIO765End-of-Life Ethical Debates4BIO745
View Description

An in-depth study of palliative care, hospice, and the ethics of end-of-life decision-making. Analyzes conflicting moral imperatives in terminal care. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

HIS770Textual Tradition and Bioethics4HIS750
View Description

Advanced study of classical texts and their contemporary application to modern medical dilemmas. Focuses on bridging tradition and professional practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

RES775Research Proposal and Ethics Board Submission4RES755
View Description

A seminar preparing students to defend their dissertation research proposal and navigate Institutional Review Board (IRB) requirements. Students formalize their research scope and methodology. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

PUB801Organizational Leadership in Non-Profit Management4PUB760
View Description

This course investigates leadership theories and governance strategies specifically for the non-profit sector. Emphasis is placed on fiscal sustainability, stakeholder engagement, and the effective management of community-facing social services. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Semester 5

16 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
BIO805Advanced Bioethics Seminar4BIO765
View Description

A high-level seminar exploring current debates in bioethics, including emerging technologies and complex social issues. Emphasizes collaborative peer review. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

HIS810Comparative Ethics in Public Health4HIS770
View Description

Compares and contrasts Jewish, Christian, and other frameworks regarding public health responsibility. Encourages synthesis and scholarly dialogue. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

PUB815Community Health Implementation4PUB801
View Description

Focuses on the practical implementation of community health programming and intervention strategies. Integrates leadership, ethics, and sustainability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

BIO820Professional Ethics and Moral Leadership4BIO805
View Description

Advanced training in personal integrity, moral leadership, and professional conduct in the public health sector. Examines the impact of personal character on institutional success. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Semester 6

4 credits
CodeCourse TitleCreditsPrerequisite
HIS825Social Values and Public Policy Integration4HIS810
View Description

This course examines the role of community value systems and ethics in shaping contemporary public health policy and local legislation. Analysis focuses on how institutional frameworks translate ethical theories into actionable health initiatives and community advocacy programs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Final Project Requirement

Final project requirement

Dissertation Research I

  • 4
  • RES775
  • PUB801 — Organizational Leadership in Non-Profit Management: This course investigates leadership theories and governance strategies specifically for the non-profit sector. Emphasis is placed on fiscal sustainability, stakeholder engagement, and the effective management of community-facing social services. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BIO805 — Advanced Bioethics Seminar: A high-level seminar exploring current debates in bioethics, including emerging technologies and complex social issues. Emphasizes collaborative peer review. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • HIS810 — Comparative Ethics in Public Health: Compares and contrasts Jewish, Christian, and other frameworks regarding public health responsibility. Encourages synthesis and scholarly dialogue. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • DIS890 — Dissertation Research I: Initial phase of the dissertation, focused on data collection and preliminary analysis under faculty supervision. Students begin drafting primary chapters. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Finalization and Defense

  • 4
  • DIS890
  • PUB815 — Community Health Implementation: Focuses on the practical implementation of community health programming and intervention strategies. Integrates leadership, ethics, and sustainability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BIO820 — Professional Ethics and Moral Leadership: Advanced training in personal integrity, moral leadership, and professional conduct in the public health sector. Examines the impact of personal character on institutional success. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • HIS825 — Social Values and Public Policy Integration: This course examines the role of community value systems and ethics in shaping contemporary public health policy and local legislation. Analysis focuses on how institutional frameworks translate ethical theories into actionable health initiatives and community advocacy programs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • DIS899 — Dissertation Finalization and Defense: Final phase of the dissertation, including project completion, final manuscript preparation, and a formal oral defense before a faculty committee. Demonstrates mastery of the discipline. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

  • The Dissertation serves as the capstone of the doctoral experience, requiring students to execute an original research project that advances knowledge in the field of faith-based public health and bioethics. Students must identify a significant, real-world public health issue and provide a rigorous, theoretically informed study that offers viable, ethically sound solutions. This process demonstrates the student's mastery of research design, data analysis, and professional academic argumentation.
  • Integration of faith-based principles is mandatory; candidates must articulate how Jewish ethical frameworks or general principles of biblical stewardship influence their findings and proposed interventions. The final deliverable is a comprehensive, defended document that reflects both the academic rigor of an expert in the field and a commitment to servant leadership, demonstrating a maturity of character that balances scientific inquiry with moral responsibility in community service.

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, ensuring that each student has mastered the core competencies and specialization requirements. In addition to academic rigor, students must fulfill a residency requirement and participate in spiritual formation activities that emphasize the development of servant leadership, ethical integrity, and community engagement. This combination of academic excellence and commitment to the university’s faith-based mission ensures that graduates are prepared to model stewardship in all professional endeavors.
  • Successful completion of the dissertation, including a formal defense before an appointed faculty committee, is required for the awarding of the degree. Graduates must demonstrate a clear alignment between their clinical or policy-oriented work and the institution’s values of compassion, ethical responsibility, and community service, reflecting a readiness to contribute to the global good through their specialized research and scholarly practice.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Public Health Policy Advisor for Nonprofit Organizations
  • Bioethics Consultant for Healthcare Systems
  • Academic Researcher in Religion and Public Health
  • Health Program Director for Faith-Based Community Initiatives
  • Community Outreach Coordinator for Public Health Agencies
  • Ethical Compliance Officer in Institutional Healthcare
  • Advocacy Strategist for Global Humanitarian Organizations

Additional Official Information

Additional source information

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 Public Health, Specialization in Jewish Studies, Bioethics Healthcare
  • 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 | Three to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, academic progress, and completion of the doctoral project
  • Advanced faith-based public health and specialization courses | 30 credit hours
  • Leadership, administration, and professional practice | 21 credit hours
  • Research methods and program evaluation | 18 credit hours
  • Professional application and doctoral residency | 15 credit hours
  • Advanced electives or concentration courses | 12 credit hours
  • Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy | 6 credit hours
  • Applied doctoral project and defense | 18 credit hours
  • Total | 120 semester credit hours
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • RES701 | Advanced Research Methodology | 3 | None
  • BIO705 | Foundations of Bioethics | 3 | None
  • HIS710 | Jewish Perspectives on Health and Healing | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • PUB715 | Epidemiology and Community Health | 4 | RES701
  • BIO720 | Clinical Ethics and Jurisprudence | 4 | BIO705
  • HIS725 | Jewish Law and Medical Ethics | 4 | HIS710
  • RES730 | Applied Statistical Analysis | 4 | RES701
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • PUB740 | Health Policy and Advocacy | 4 | PUB715
  • BIO745 | Genetics and Ethical Stewardship | 4 | BIO720
  • HIS750 | Sociological Aspects of Jewish Communities | 4 | HIS725
  • RES755 | Qualitative Research Methods | 4 | RES730
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • PUB760 | Global Health Equity and Social Determinants | 4 | PUB740
  • BIO765 | End-of-Life Ethical Debates | 4 | BIO745
  • HIS770 | Textual Tradition and Bioethics | 4 | HIS750
  • RES775 | Research Proposal and Ethics Board Submission | 4 | RES755
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • PUB801 | Organizational Leadership in Non-Profit Management | 4 | PUB760
  • BIO805 | Advanced Bioethics Seminar | 4 | BIO765
  • HIS810 | Comparative Ethics in Public Health | 4 | HIS770
  • DIS890 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES775
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • PUB815 | Community Health Implementation | 4 | PUB801
  • BIO820 | Professional Ethics and Moral Leadership | 4 | BIO805
  • HIS825 | Social Values and Public Policy Integration | 4 | HIS810
  • DIS899 | Dissertation Finalization and Defense | 4 | DIS890