Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Public Policy, Specialization in Public Policy in Nonprofit Organizations

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Public Policy, Specialization in Public Policy in Nonprofit Organizations

Total program length

72 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 policy 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: 72
• Duration: 2 years
• Degree Level: PhD

Dissertation research and defense

• 18 credit hours
• Total
• 72 semester credit hours
• The Ph.D. in Faith-Based Public Policy with a specialization in Public Policy in Nonprofit Organizations equips students to develop, analyze, and implement effective public policies through the lens of a Christian worldview. By integrating rigorous quantitative and qualitative research methods with the tenets of biblical stewardship and ethical reasoning, students examine the critical role of faith-based nonprofit organizations in public service. The program emphasizes the cultivation of servant leadership as an essential framework for addressing complex societal challenges. Through this interdisciplinary approach, graduates are prepared to advance scholarship and practice in academia, government, and the nonprofit sector, ultimately serving as thought leaders committed to advocating for justice and flourishing in their communities and beyond.
• The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Public Policy, Specialization in Public Policy in Nonprofit Organizations is a research-intensive doctoral program emphasizing advanced faith-based public policy theory, original research, quantitative and qualitative methodology, scholarly publication, higher-education teaching, ethical leadership, and the development and evaluation of faith-based public policy-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 72-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 Proposal Seminar

• 3
• Completion of core courses in Public Policy
• PP 723
• Policy Impact Assessment
• 3
• None
• PP 724

Capstone Seminar in Public Policy & Nonprofit Leadership

• 3
• Completion of core courses in Public Policy and Nonprofit Leadership or equivalent graduate courses
• PP 721 — Doctoral Research Design in Public Policy: Doctoral Research Design in Public PolicyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PP 722 — Dissertation Proposal Seminar: Dissertation Proposal SeminarThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PP 723 — Policy Impact Assessment: Policy Impact AssessmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PP 724 — Capstone Seminar in Public Policy & Nonprofit Leadership: Capstone Seminar in Public Policy & Nonprofit LeadershipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Dissertation Requirement

• The capstone requirement serves as the culmination of the candidate’s spiritual formation and academic training, requiring the completion of a doctoral dissertation. This original research project must demonstrate a sophisticated command of policy analysis while applying theological insights to contemporary social issues. Candidates are expected to synthesize their research with a commitment to public service, presenting evidence-based solutions that reflect a rigorous application of their specialized study in nonprofit governance. This project assesses the candidate’s ability to articulate, defend, and apply scholarly work within the context of their calling as faith-informed public policy practitioners.

Dissertation research and defense | 18 credit hours

• Total | 72 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PP 701 | Foundations of Public Policy | 3 | None
• PP 702 | Public Policy Analysis | 3 | None
• PP 703 | Quantitative Methods for Public Policy | 3 | None
• PP 704 | Qualitative Research Methods in Policy Studies | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PP 705 | Economics for Public Policy | 3 | None
• PP 706 | Public Administration Theory | 3 | None
• PP 707 | Policy Design & Implementation | 3 | None
• PP 708 | Ethics & Accountability in Public Policy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PP 709 | Comparative Public Policy | 3 | None
• PP 710 | Governance, Institutions & Regulation | 3 | None
• PP 711 | Advanced Policy Evaluation | 3 | None
• PP 712 | Public Policy Research Seminar | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PP 713 | Nonprofit Policy & Governance | 3 | None
• PP 714 | Public Finance for Nonprofit Organizations | 3 | None
• PP 715 | Nonprofit Advocacy & Public Policy | 3 | None
• PP 716 | Policy Leadership in the Nonprofit Sector | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PP 717 | Advanced Topics in Public Policy | 3 | None
• PP 718 | Social Policy & Community Development | 3 | None
• PP 719 | Grant Policy, Philanthropy & Public Funding | 3 | None
• PP 720 | Nonprofit Law & Regulatory Policy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PP 721 | Doctoral Research Design in Public Policy | 3 | None
• PP 722 | Dissertation Proposal Seminar | 3 | Completion of core courses in Public Policy
• PP 723 | Policy Impact Assessment | 3 | None
• PP 724 | Capstone Seminar in Public Policy & Nonprofit Leadership | 3 | Completion of core courses in Public Policy and Nonprofit Leadership or equivalent graduate courses

Career Opportunities

• Public Policy Analyst
• Nonprofit Organization Director
• Government Affairs Specialist
• Policy Researcher
• Foundation Program Officer
• Advocacy Director
• Consultant for Public Policy Evaluation

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 Policy, Specialization in Public Policy in Nonprofit Organizations
• Total program length | 72 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 policy 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