Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Religious Law, Specialization in Law Policy

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Religious Law

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 religious law 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 Religious Law with a specialization in Law Policy is an advanced research-oriented program designed to prepare scholars and practitioners to critically examine the intersection of legal frameworks and religious institutional governance. This curriculum integrates rigorous academic inquiry with the study of administrative, constitutional, and policy-driven legal environments within a faith-based context. Through intensive study, students engage with the complexities of public and private law, developing the intellectual capacity to serve as leaders who bridge the gap between complex regulatory systems and the foundational principles of organizational stewardship. The program emphasizes the development of high-level research competencies and the application of interdisciplinary methodologies to contemporary legal and policy challenges. By fostering an environment of critical thought and ethical analysis, the degree empowers students to navigate the legal landscape with discernment, ensuring that policies remain congruent with organizational missions and broader societal contributions.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Religious Law is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based religious law 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 religious law-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 Details

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

Dissertation Research and Drafting I

• 6
• RES820
• LAW905
• Current Issues in Regulatory Policy
• 3
• LAW825
• COM910
• Professional Communications for Policy Leaders
• 3
• None
• POL915
• Interorganizational Policy Collaboration
• 3
• POL830
• DIS900 — Dissertation Research and Drafting I: Individualized research phase focusing on primary data collection and drafting initial chapters of the dissertation. Candidates work closely with their advisors to ensure academic rigor. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LAW905 — Current Issues in Regulatory Policy: Seminar on emerging legal trends and regulatory shifts affecting civil society and religious institutions. Discussions prioritize interdisciplinary analysis of contemporary case law. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM910 — Professional Communications for Policy Leaders: Development of high-level communication skills for engaging with stakeholders, media, and public policy influencers. Training includes public speaking and written testimony. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• POL915 — Interorganizational Policy Collaboration: Study of how different entities work together within a legal framework to achieve collective community goals. Emphasis is placed on cross-sector legal agreements and policy alignment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Finalization and Defense

• 6
• DIS900
• LAW925
• Advanced Seminar in Legal Strategy
• 3
• LAW905
• THE930
• Faith and Service in the Public Square
• 3
• THE835
• CAP935
• Professional Portfolio and Leadership Review
• 3
• None
• DIS920 — Dissertation Finalization and Defense: Final completion of the dissertation manuscript and preparation for the oral defense before the doctoral committee. Students integrate all feedback to produce a scholarly, defensible final document. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LAW925 — Advanced Seminar in Legal Strategy: A comprehensive review of strategic legal planning and conflict resolution techniques for organizational leaders. Candidates evaluate complex scenarios requiring nuanced application of the law. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE930 — Faith and Service in the Public Square: Integration course exploring the intersection of theological commitments and public policy engagement. Students develop a philosophy of service for their future careers. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP935 — Professional Portfolio and Leadership Review: Final synthesis of the student’s academic portfolio, demonstrating growth, professional capability, and ethical development. This concluding requirement ensures students are prepared for transition into leadership roles. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation represents the culminating academic achievement of the PhD program, serving as an original contribution to the field of religious law and public policy. Candidates must identify a significant, researchable problem within their specialization, develop a rigorous methodological approach, and produce a high-quality manuscript of professional caliber. The dissertation is weighted at 12 credit hours, and students are expected to demonstrate synthesis of their interdisciplinary training through a defense conducted before a faculty committee. This project serves as a practical application of the candidate’s ability to conduct independent inquiry, demonstrating both academic precision and the ability to articulate complex legal phenomena through a lens of ethical integrity. The integration of faith-based perspectives is central to the dissertation, requiring students to articulate how their research findings align with the principles of servant leadership and stewardship within the context of their chosen sector. By exploring the ethical implications of their legal and policy arguments, students demonstrate how their scholarly work facilitates the flourishing of faith-based organizations and the communities they serve. The final manuscript is not merely a theoretical exercise but a functional tool for fostering organizational accountability and informed policy engagement.

Career Opportunities

• Legal Policy Consultant for Faith-Based Nonprofits
• Director of Institutional Compliance
• Advocacy Strategist for Religious Organizations
• Policy Analyst for Governmental Affairs Departments
• Faculty Member in Law and Religion Studies
• Executive Leader of Public Policy Research Institutes
• Legal Counsel Liaison for Community Development Corporations

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 | Ed.D. in Faith-Based Religious Law
• 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 religious law 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
• RES700 | Advanced Research Methodology | 4 | None
• LAW705 | Foundations of Religious Law | 4 | None
• THE710 | Ethical Stewardship and Leadership | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• LAW720 | Administrative Law for Nonprofits | 4 | LAW705
• POL725 | Public Policy and Institutional Influence | 4 | None
• RES730 | Advanced Data Analysis in Legal Research | 4 | RES700
• LAW735 | Constitutional Law and Religious Liberty | 3 | LAW705
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• LAW800 | International Legal Perspectives | 3 | None
• POL805 | Community Engagement and Advocacy | 3 | POL725
• RES810 | Research Seminar I | 3 | RES730
• MGT815 | Strategic Governance and Human Capital | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES820 | Research Seminar II | 3 | RES810
• LAW825 | Corporate Governance and Liability | 3 | LAW720
• POL830 | Economic Policy and Social Well-being | 3 | None
• THE835 | Spiritual Formation and Professional Integrity | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS900 | Dissertation Research and Drafting I | 6 | RES820
• LAW905 | Current Issues in Regulatory Policy | 3 | LAW825
• COM910 | Professional Communications for Policy Leaders | 3 | None
• POL915 | Interorganizational Policy Collaboration | 3 | POL830
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS920 | Dissertation Finalization and Defense | 6 | DIS900
• LAW925 | Advanced Seminar in Legal Strategy | 3 | LAW905
• THE930 | Faith and Service in the Public Square | 3 | THE835
• CAP935 | Professional Portfolio and Leadership Review | 3 | None