Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Social Work, Specialization in Social Services Community Engagement

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Social Work, Specialization in Social Services Community Engagement

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 social work 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 Social Work with a specialization in Social Services Community Engagement is a rigorous, research-intensive program designed for scholars and practitioners dedicated to the intersection of social welfare, community development, and moral stewardship. Through an interdisciplinary curriculum, students engage with advanced sociological theory, community organizing strategies, and administrative leadership principles within a framework of ethical responsibility. The program emphasizes the development of intellectual capacity to address complex social issues through sustainable community engagement and servant leadership models. Students are encouraged to integrate academic scholarship with a commitment to integrity and community well-being, fostering a holistic approach to addressing systemic social challenges. This doctoral degree serves as a foundational step for those seeking to influence nonprofit policy, program evaluation, and organizational management through rigorous research and informed practice.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Social Work, Specialization in Social Services Community Engagement is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based social work 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 social work, Specialization in Social Services Community Engagement-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

• 4
• RES800
• SOC860
• Applied Sociology in Local Government
• 3
• None
• COU870
• Crisis Management in Social Services
• 3
• None
• RES880
• Advanced Academic Writing for Publication
• 3
• None
• RES850 — Dissertation Research I: Students begin independent data collection and preliminary analysis under faculty supervision. The focus remains on methodological adherence and ethical integrity throughout the research process. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC860 — Applied Sociology in Local Government: This course explores the intersection between community service agencies and municipal governmental structures. Students identify ways to bridge organizational resources to address systemic community health needs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COU870 — Crisis Management in Social Services: Students examine frameworks for operational resilience and emergency response within community organizations. Emphasis is placed on servant leadership during times of organizational and social instability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES880 — Advanced Academic Writing for Publication: This course guides students in translating doctoral research into high-quality manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication. The goal is to contribute to professional knowledge and community best practices. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Defense

• 5
• RES850
• SOC891
• Leadership Capstone Seminar
• 3
• None
• BUS892
• Organizational Sustainability Strategies
• 3
• None
• HUM893
• Applied Ethics for Social Practitioners
• 3
• None
• RES890 — Dissertation Defense: Students finalize their dissertation and successfully defend their findings before a faculty committee. This capstone experience validates the student's readiness to lead and conduct advanced research in the field. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC891 — Leadership Capstone Seminar: This seminar facilitates the transition from student to scholarly leader by reviewing program outcomes and personal growth. Students reflect on their commitment to ethical stewardship and community engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS892 — Organizational Sustainability Strategies: Students analyze long-term models for financial and organizational sustainability within the social sector. The focus is on innovation and the creation of durable impact for local communities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM893 — Applied Ethics for Social Practitioners: This concluding ethics course focuses on applying moral reasoning to contemporary and emerging social challenges. Students define their professional practice in light of service to the broader common good. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation serves as the culminating academic experience of the Ph.D. program, requiring students to conduct original research that contributes significantly to the field of social work and community engagement. Students must identify a specific, manageable social problem, conduct an extensive literature review, and employ rigorous research methodologies to investigate potential solutions. The project emphasizes the integration of faith-based principles, particularly focusing on how ethical reasoning and servant leadership can inform the design and implementation of social service interventions. Students are expected to demonstrate scholarly mastery while articulating the moral and ethical implications of their research findings within the context of community health and social stability. The Dissertation is weighted at 9 credit hours and involves both an intensive proposal defense and a final oral examination, ensuring the candidate can defend their work with academic rigor and character integrity. This requirement serves as a synthesis of the student's theoretical knowledge, research capability, and commitment to the stewardship of resources in support of organizational missions.

Career Opportunities

• Nonprofit Program Director
• Community Development Coordinator
• Social Science Researcher
• Policy Analyst for Faith-Based Organizations
• Academic Faculty and Researcher
• Nonprofit Organizational Consultant
• Social Service Administrator

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 Social Work, Specialization in Social Services Community Engagement
• 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 social work 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 Social Research Methods | 3 | None
• SOC710 | Sociological Theory for Social Change | 3 | None
• COU705 | Ethical Leadership in Social Services | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES720 | Quantitative Data Analysis for Policy | 4 | RES700
• BUS715 | Fiscal Stewardship and Grant Management | 3 | None
• SOC725 | Community Organizing and Advocacy | 3 | None
• EDU730 | Program Development and Evaluation | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES740 | Qualitative Research Methods | 4 | RES700
• SOC750 | Social Stratification and Inequality | 3 | None
• MGT760 | Strategic Organizational Leadership | 3 | None
• THE770 | Philosophical Foundations of Service | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES800 | Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Seminar | 4 | RES740
• SOC810 | Policy Analysis in the Social Sector | 3 | None
• MGT820 | Public and Community Relations | 3 | None
• SOC830 | Global Perspectives on Social Welfare | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES850 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES800
• SOC860 | Applied Sociology in Local Government | 3 | None
• COU870 | Crisis Management in Social Services | 3 | None
• RES880 | Advanced Academic Writing for Publication | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES890 | Dissertation Defense | 5 | RES850
• SOC891 | Leadership Capstone Seminar | 3 | None
• BUS892 | Organizational Sustainability Strategies | 3 | None
• HUM893 | Applied Ethics for Social Practitioners | 3 | None