Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Public Leadership, Ethics

Degree abbreviation

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

Total program length

87 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 Leadership

Total credits

87

Duration

3 years

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of public administration theories and practices.
• Analyze the intersection of ethics and leadership in public policy.
• Conduct original research that contributes to the field of public leadership.
• Evaluate the implications of cultural diversity in public administration settings.
• Apply Christian ethical principles to address complex societal issues.
• Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders in public and private sectors.
• Develop strategic solutions to enhance public service delivery.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• 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
• STRL 632 — Strategic Leadership and Organizational Decision-Making: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PPLA 801 — Advanced Public Leadership Theory: Advanced Public Leadership Theory - Part of PhD programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PPLA 802 — Foundations of Public Administration Research: Foundations of Public Administration Research - Part of PhD programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PPLA 803 — Quantitative Research Methods I: Quantitative Research Methods I - Part of PhD programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PPLA 804 — Governance & Institutional Theory: Governance & Institutional Theory - Part of PhD programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PPLA 810 — Organizational Theory in Public & Nonprofit Sectors: Organizational Theory in Public & Nonprofit Sectors - Part of PhD programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PPLA 811 — Public Policy Theory & Analysis: Public Policy Theory & Analysis - Part of PhD programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• 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
• PPLA 812 — Qualitative Research Methods: Qualitative Research Methods - Part of PhD programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PPLA 812 — Qualitative Research Methods: Qualitative Research Methods - Part of PhD in Public Leadership and Administration programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PPLA 813 — Ethics & Accountability in Public Administration: Ethics & Accountability in Public Administration - Part of PhD programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PPLA 813 — Ethics & Accountability in Public Administration: Ethics & Accountability in Public Administration - Part of PhD in Public Leadership and Administration programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PPLA 820 — Advanced Public Finance & Fiscal Policy: Advanced Public Finance & Fiscal Policy - Part of PhD programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PPLA 820 — Advanced Public Finance & Fiscal Governance: Advanced Public Finance & Fiscal Governance - Part of PhD in Public Leadership and Administration programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PPLA 821 — Human Capital & Administrative Leadership: Human Capital & Administrative Leadership - Part of PhD programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• 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
• PPLA 821 — Human Capital & Talent Management in Public Institutions: Human Capital & Talent Management in Public Institutions - Part of PhD in Public Leadership and Administration programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PPLA 822 — Program Evaluation & Performance Measurement: Program Evaluation & Performance Measurement - Part of PhD in Public Leadership and Administration programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PPLA 823 — Comparative & Global Public Administration: Comparative & Global Public Administration - Part of PhD programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PPLA 823 — Comparative & Global Public Administration: Comparative & Global Public Administration - Part of PhD in Public Leadership and Administration programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PPLA 830 — Strategic Leadership & Change Management: Strategic Leadership & Change Management - Part of PhD programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PPLA 830 — Strategic Leadership & Change in Public Systems: Strategic Leadership & Change in Public Systems - Part of PhD in Public Leadership and Administration programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PPLA 831 — Administrative Law & Regulatory Governance: Administrative Law & Regulatory Governance - Part of PhD programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• 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
• PPLA 831 — Law, Regulation, & Administrative Justice: Law, Regulation, & Administrative Justice - Part of PhD in Public Leadership and Administration programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PPLA 832 — Intergovernmental & Collaborative Governance: Intergovernmental & Collaborative Governance - Part of PhD programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PPLA 832 — Intergovernmental & Nonprofit Governance: Intergovernmental & Nonprofit Governance - Part of PhD in Public Leadership and Administration programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PPLA 833 — Advanced Policy Analysis & Decision Sciences: Advanced Policy Analysis & Decision Sciences - Part of PhD programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PPLA 833 — Advanced Policy Analysis & Decision Sciences: Advanced Policy Analysis & Decision Sciences - Part of PhD in Public Leadership and Administration programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PPLA 840 — Doctoral Seminar in Public Leadership: Doctoral Seminar in Public Leadership - Part of PhD programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PPLA 840 — Doctoral Seminar in Public Leadership: Doctoral Seminar in Public Leadership - Part of PhD in Public Leadership and Administration programThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• 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
• 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..
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• 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
• 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..

Applicants must possess a master's degree in a related field and demonstrate a commitment to public service, along with a strong academic record and relevant professional experience. Additionally, candidates should provide research proposals and letters of recommendation attesting to their potential for doctoral study. 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.

• To graduate with the PhD in Faith-Based Public Leadership and Ethics, students must successfully complete 60 credit hours of doctoral-level coursework with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Beyond academic excellence, students are expected to demonstrate consistent evidence of spiritual formation and a dedication to the principles of biblical ethics throughout their residency. Candidates must complete all comprehensive examinations, satisfy the residency requirements, and receive final approval from the faculty committee on their dissertation, affirming that their research reflects a rigorous adherence to both administrative best practices and a faithful Christian worldview.
• 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
• 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