Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Robotics, Specialization in Technological Innovation for Development

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Robotics and Technological Innovation for Development

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 robotics 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 Robotics, Specialization in Technological Innovation for Development, is an advanced research-oriented program designed for scholars who aim to integrate high-level technical engineering with ethical stewardship and servant leadership. The curriculum explores the intersection of autonomous systems, human-robot interaction, and the socio-economic implications of emerging technology within global development contexts. Students engage in rigorous inquiry, examining how technological advancements can serve the vulnerable and promote human flourishing through responsible innovation. The program emphasizes a holistic approach, where technical proficiency is balanced with profound ethical reflection and a commitment to communal well-being. By blending advanced computational theory with moral philosophy, the program challenges candidates to address complex global issues through the lens of faith-informed service, ensuring that technological deployment remains aligned with principles of justice, sustainability, and human dignity. Through this synthesis, graduates are equipped to lead at the forefront of the robotics field while maintaining a steady commitment to the ethical imperatives that define their professional identity.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Robotics and Technological Innovation for Development is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based robotics and technological innovation for development 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 robotics and technological innovation for development-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 I

• 3
• RES820
• ROB905
• Advanced Control Systems for Humanitarian Use
• 3
• ROB830
• BUS910
• Global Innovation Policy
• 3
• None
• RES915

Dissertation Research II

• 4
• RES900
• RES900 — Dissertation Research I: Focused research and data collection for the doctoral dissertation project. This phase requires independent work and regular consultation with an advisor. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ROB905 — Advanced Control Systems for Humanitarian Use: Detailed study of specialized control theory for autonomous vehicles in non-standard terrains. Emphasis is placed on safety and mission success. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS910 — Global Innovation Policy: An examination of international policies and regulations surrounding robotic deployment and drone usage. Students learn how to navigate legal and cultural frameworks. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES915 — Dissertation Research II: Progressing through the analytical phase of the dissertation, students interpret data and refine their findings. This course is for intensive development of the dissertation manuscript. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research III

• 3
• RES915
• CAP960

Capstone: Defense of Dissertation

• 3
• RES950
• RES970
• Advanced Seminar in Applied Social Robotics
• 3
• None
• ROB980
• Technology Innovation Internship
• 4
• None
• RES950 — Dissertation Research III: Final phase of research involving completion of the dissertation document and preparation for the defense. Students synthesize their theoretical and technical work. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP960 — Capstone: Defense of Dissertation: The final defense of the doctoral dissertation before a panel of faculty experts. Successful completion is a requirement for graduation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES970 — Advanced Seminar in Applied Social Robotics: This seminar focuses on the complex integration of robotic systems within diverse community environments, emphasizing ethical deployment strategies and user adoption frameworks. Students analyze case studies to determine how autonomous solutions can effectively address systemic development challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ROB980 — Technology Innovation Internship: A practical application experience where the candidate demonstrates technical leadership in a community or organizational setting. Focus is on long-term project sustainability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation serves as the capstone experience of the doctoral program, requiring candidates to conduct original, independent research that contributes significant new knowledge to the field of robotics as applied to global development. The project scope must address a specific technical challenge while critically engaging with the ethical, social, and spiritual implications of the proposed innovation. The dissertation is weighted at 12 credit hours and culminates in a formal defense before a faculty committee. Through this process, students demonstrate both high-level academic rigor and the capacity to articulate how their work reflects values such as stewardship, justice, and the promotion of human dignity. By integrating a faith-based worldview, the dissertation demonstrates that the candidate possesses not only technical competence but also the wisdom and integrity necessary to guide technological development as a vehicle for meaningful service.

Career Opportunities

• Director of Technology for International Development NGOs
• Robotics Research Scientist for Socially Responsible Enterprises
• Senior Policy Advisor on Emerging Technology and Ethics
• Academic Faculty in Robotics and Engineering Ethics
• Chief Technical Officer for Faith-Based Community Development Foundations
• Consultant for Sustainable Humanitarian Infrastructure

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 Robotics and Technological Innovation for Development
• 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 robotics 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 Methodologies | 3 | None
• THE701 | Ethics in Technological Innovation | 3 | None
• ROB702 | Autonomous Systems Foundations | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ROB705 | Human-Robot Interaction Design | 3 | ROB702
• RES710 | Computational Data Analysis | 3 | RES700
• THE715 | Stewardship and Technology | 3 | None
• ROB720 | Embedded Robotics for Global Development | 4 | ROB702
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ROB800 | Advanced Artificial Intelligence | 3 | ROB702
• SOC805 | Technological Impact on Marginalized Communities | 3 | None
• BUS810 | Leadership in Tech-Driven Nonprofits | 3 | None
• ROB815 | Environmental Robotics Sensors | 4 | ROB702
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES820 | Doctoral Research Seminar | 3 | RES710
• SCI825 | Philosophy of Science and Technology | 3 | None
• ROB830 | Mechatronics for Rural Infrastructure | 3 | ROB720
• ROB835 | Field Research in Robotics | 4 | RES820
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES900 | Dissertation Research I | 3 | RES820
• ROB905 | Advanced Control Systems for Humanitarian Use | 3 | ROB830
• BUS910 | Global Innovation Policy | 3 | None
• RES915 | Dissertation Research II | 4 | RES900
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES950 | Dissertation Research III | 3 | RES915
• CAP960 | Capstone: Defense of Dissertation | 3 | RES950
• RES970 | Advanced Seminar in Applied Social Robotics | 3 | None
• ROB980 | Technology Innovation Internship | 4 | None