Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Public Leadership, Ethics

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Public Leadership, Ethics

Total program length

87 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 public leadership and ethics 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: 87
• Duration: 3 years
• Degree Level: PhD

Dissertation research and defense

• 18 credit hours
• Total
• 87 semester credit hours
• The PhD in Faith-Based Public Leadership and Ethics offers a rigorous academic trajectory that synthesizes advanced administrative theory with the transformative principles of biblical stewardship and servant leadership. Students engage in profound inquiry regarding public policy and governance, viewed through the lens of a Christian worldview and foundational ethical reasoning. By integrating spiritual formation with scholarly research, the program prepares graduates to serve as salt and light in public and private sectors. The curriculum emphasizes the application of moral discernment to societal challenges, equipping scholars to lead with integrity and purpose as they seek to cultivate justice and the common good in their respective spheres of influence.
• The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Public Leadership, Ethics is a research-intensive doctoral program emphasizing advanced faith-based public leadership, ethics theory, original research, quantitative and qualitative methodology, scholarly publication, higher-education teaching, ethical leadership, and the development and evaluation of faith-based public leadership, ethics-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 87-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 Research Seminar I

• 3
• None
• PPLA 851

Dissertation Research Seminar II

• 3
• None
• PPLA 860
• Teaching Public Administration in Higher Education
• 3
• None
• PPLA 870
• Scholarly Writing & Publication
• 3
• None
• PPLA 841 — Advanced Statistics & Data Analytics II: Advanced Statistics & Data Analytics II - Part of PhD programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PPLA 841 — Advanced Statistics & Data Analytics: Advanced Statistics & Data Analytics - Part of PhD in Public Leadership and Administration programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PPLA 842 — Crisis Leadership & Risk Management: Crisis Leadership & Risk Management - Part of PhD Program in College Of LeadershipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PPLA 850 — Dissertation Research Seminar I: Dissertation Research Seminar I - Part of PhD in Public Leadership and Administration programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PPLA 851 — Dissertation Research Seminar II: Dissertation Research Seminar II - Part of PhD in Public Leadership and Administration programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PPLA 860 — Teaching Public Administration in Higher Education: Teaching Public Administration in Higher Education - Part of PhD in Public Leadership and Administration programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PPLA 870 — Scholarly Writing & Publication: Scholarly Writing & Publication - Part of PhD in Public Leadership and Administration programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Dissertation Proposal & Defense

• 3
• None
• CETH 910
• Foundations of Christian Ethics
• 3
• None
• CETH 920
• Moral Theology & Public Responsibility
• 3
• None
• CETH 930
• Christian Ethics in Leadership & Governance
• 3
• None
• CETH 940
• Faith, Justice, & Social Ethics
• 3
• None
• CETH 950
• Ethics, Law, & Public Moral Reasoning
• 3
• None
• PPLA 890 — Dissertation Proposal & Defense: Dissertation Proposal & Defense - Part of PhD in Public Leadership and Administration programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CETH 910 — Foundations of Christian Ethics: Foundations of Christian Ethics - Part of PhD in Public Leadership and Administration programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CETH 920 — Moral Theology & Public Responsibility: Moral Theology & Public Responsibility - Part of PhD in Public Leadership and Administration programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CETH 930 — Christian Ethics in Leadership & Governance: Christian Ethics in Leadership & Governance - Part of PhD in Public Leadership and Administration programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CETH 940 — Faith, Justice, & Social Ethics: Faith, Justice, & Social Ethics - Part of PhD in Public Leadership and Administration programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CETH 950 — Ethics, Law, & Public Moral Reasoning: Ethics, Law, & Public Moral Reasoning - Part of PhD in Public Leadership and Administration programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Dissertation Requirement

• The capstone requirement consists of a doctoral dissertation that serves as a culmination of the student’s scholarly and spiritual journey. Candidates must conduct original, empirical research that addresses complex administrative or policy dilemmas, applying rigorous ethical analysis and a Christian framework to propose solutions that promote human flourishing and responsible stewardship. The process requires a public defense before a faculty committee, where the candidate must demonstrate both advanced mastery of the field and a commitment to integrating professional expertise with their theological foundations, proving their readiness to impact society as a servant leader.

Dissertation research and defense | 18 credit hours

• Total | 87 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• STRL 632 | Strategic Leadership and Organizational Decision-Making | 3 | Foundation Courses SPCh 500, GEN 502, GRAD 501 and MADC 500
• PPLA 801 | Advanced Public Leadership Theory | 3 | None
• PPLA 802 | Foundations of Public Administration Research | 3 | None
• PPLA 803 | Quantitative Research Methods I | 3 | None
• PPLA 804 | Governance & Institutional Theory | 3 | None
• PPLA 810 | Organizational Theory in Public & Nonprofit Sectors | 3 | None
• PPLA 811 | Public Policy Theory & Analysis | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PPLA 812 | Qualitative Research Methods | 3 | None
• PPLA 812 | Qualitative Research Methods | 3 | None
• PPLA 813 | Ethics & Accountability in Public Administration | 3 | None
• PPLA 813 | Ethics & Accountability in Public Administration | 3 | None
• PPLA 820 | Advanced Public Finance & Fiscal Policy | 3 | None
• PPLA 820 | Advanced Public Finance & Fiscal Governance | 3 | None
• PPLA 821 | Human Capital & Administrative Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PPLA 821 | Human Capital & Talent Management in Public Institutions | 3 | None
• PPLA 822 | Program Evaluation & Performance Measurement | 3 | None
• PPLA 823 | Comparative & Global Public Administration | 3 | None
• PPLA 823 | Comparative & Global Public Administration | 3 | None
• PPLA 830 | Strategic Leadership & Change Management | 3 | None
• PPLA 830 | Strategic Leadership & Change in Public Systems | 3 | None
• PPLA 831 | Administrative Law & Regulatory Governance | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PPLA 831 | Law, Regulation, & Administrative Justice | 3 | None
• PPLA 832 | Intergovernmental & Collaborative Governance | 3 | None
• PPLA 832 | Intergovernmental & Nonprofit Governance | 3 | None
• PPLA 833 | Advanced Policy Analysis & Decision Sciences | 3 | None
• PPLA 833 | Advanced Policy Analysis & Decision Sciences | 3 | None
• PPLA 840 | Doctoral Seminar in Public Leadership | 3 | None
• PPLA 840 | Doctoral Seminar in Public Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PPLA 841 | Advanced Statistics & Data Analytics II | 3 | None
• PPLA 841 | Advanced Statistics & Data Analytics | 3 | None
• PPLA 842 | Crisis Leadership & Risk Management | 3 | Semester 5
• PPLA 850 | Dissertation Research Seminar I | 3 | None
• PPLA 851 | Dissertation Research Seminar II | 3 | None
• PPLA 860 | Teaching Public Administration in Higher Education | 3 | None
• PPLA 870 | Scholarly Writing & Publication | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PPLA 890 | Dissertation Proposal & Defense | 3 | None
• CETH 910 | Foundations of Christian Ethics | 3 | None
• CETH 920 | Moral Theology & Public Responsibility | 3 | None
• CETH 930 | Christian Ethics in Leadership & Governance | 3 | None
• CETH 940 | Faith, Justice, & Social Ethics | 3 | None
• CETH 950 | Ethics, Law, & Public Moral Reasoning | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

• Public Policy Analyst
• Nonprofit Executive Director
• City Manager
• Ethics Compliance Officer
• University Professor of Public Administration
• Government Affairs Specialist
• Leadership Consultant

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 Leadership, Ethics
• Total program length | 87 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 public leadership and ethics 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