Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Statistics, Specialization in Research Policy Analysis

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Statistics, Specialization in Research Policy Analysis

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 statistics 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 Statistics with a specialization in Research Policy Analysis is an advanced degree program designed for scholars and practitioners seeking to integrate rigorous quantitative methodologies with ethical, value-based organizational leadership. This program provides an intensive exploration of statistical modeling, survey design, and data-driven policymaking within the context of mission-oriented institutions and community-focused sectors. Students are challenged to bridge the gap between complex analytical output and the practical, ethical stewardship of resources for the betterment of society. By fostering a deep understanding of longitudinal research, predictive analytics, and program evaluation, the curriculum empowers graduates to navigate the complexities of contemporary policy environments with intellectual precision and moral clarity. The program emphasizes the role of the researcher as an ethical agent who leverages empirical evidence to enhance the sustainability and social impact of community organizations.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Statistics, Specialization in Research Policy Analysis is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based statistics, specialization in research policy analysis 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 statistics, specialization in research policy analysis-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 Seminar I: Proposal

• 3
• All Core
• RES902
• Advanced Research Ethics
• 3
• None
• RES905
• Global Trends in Social Policy
• 4
• RES715
• RES910
• Professional Communication for Researchers
• 4
• None
• RES901 — Dissertation Seminar I: Proposal: Students begin the formalization of their doctoral research, including literature review and methodology design. Guidance is provided on ethical compliance and institutional research standards. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES902 — Advanced Research Ethics: A seminar dedicated to the ethical handling of human subject data and community impact. It emphasizes the researcher's duty of care and justice in policy advocacy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES905 — Global Trends in Social Policy: An analysis of global policy trends and their adaptation to local, mission-driven contexts. Students compare different international approaches to social challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES910 — Professional Communication for Researchers: Designed to hone the student's ability to communicate findings to academic, governmental, and private audiences. The course focuses on clarity, accuracy, and persuasiveness in policy writing. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Seminar II: Defense

• 3
• RES901
• RES955
• Advanced Topics in Statistical Policy
• 3
• None
• RES960
• Strategic Organizational Consulting
• 4
• None
• CAP999
• Culminating Capstone Seminar
• 4
• All Courses
• RES950 — Dissertation Seminar II: Defense: This course covers the completion and defense of the doctoral dissertation. Students present their final research and demonstrate academic and ethical maturity in their findings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES955 — Advanced Topics in Statistical Policy: This course synthesizes current research in the field with emerging technological and social shifts. It prepares students for the dynamic landscape of policy and analytical work. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES960 — Strategic Organizational Consulting: Students learn to provide evidence-based consulting services to nonprofits. The course emphasizes practical problem-solving in real-time, mission-critical environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP999 — Culminating Capstone Seminar: The final capstone integrates faith, research, and professional practice as students prepare for post-doctoral contributions. It focuses on the long-term impact of their work on society. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation serves as the capstone of the doctoral program, representing a rigorous and original contribution to the field of statistics and policy analysis. Students are expected to identify a complex, real-world issue, design an original quantitative study to address it, and present their findings in a comprehensive document that reflects both advanced academic rigor and profound ethical consideration. This culminating experience requires the synthesis of all prior coursework, demonstrating the student's mastery of research design, statistical computation, and policy synthesis. Beyond the technical requirements, the dissertation requires an integration of the student's faith-informed perspective, analyzing how data-driven solutions can advance the cause of justice, stewardship, and organizational health. The project serves as an opportunity to demonstrate how intellectual competence is married with a calling to serve, ensuring that the student is prepared to lead with both excellence and wisdom in their professional field. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Career Opportunities

• Director of Institutional Research
• Policy Analyst for Non-Profit Organizations
• Academic Faculty in Quantitative Social Science
• Data Scientist for Humanitarian Agencies
• Director of Program Evaluation and Impact
• Strategic Planning Consultant for Faith-Based Institutions
• Public Policy Advisor

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 Statistics, Specialization in Research Policy Analysis
• 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 statistics 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
• RES701 | Advanced Quantitative Methods | 3 | None
• RES702 | Research Policy Analysis I | 3 | None
• THE705 | Ethical Reasoning in Data Science | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES710 | Longitudinal Data Analysis | 3 | RES701
• RES715 | Research Policy Analysis II | 3 | RES702
• MGT801 | Strategic Stewardship of Resources | 4 | None
• RES720 | Survey Design and Sampling | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES805 | Program Evaluation Metrics | 3 | RES701
• RES810 | Advanced Econometrics | 3 | RES701
• SOC820 | Demographic Trends and Policy | 4 | None
• RES825 | Statistical Software for Social Good | 4 | RES701
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES830 | Qualitative-Quantitative Integration | 3 | RES805
• RES835 | Public Policy and Institutional Change | 3 | RES715
• LDR840 | Servant Leadership in Research | 4 | None
• RES845 | Advanced Data Visualization | 4 | RES825
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES901 | Dissertation Seminar I: Proposal | 3 | All Core
• RES902 | Advanced Research Ethics | 3 | None
• RES905 | Global Trends in Social Policy | 4 | RES715
• RES910 | Professional Communication for Researchers | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES950 | Dissertation Seminar II: Defense | 3 | RES901
• RES955 | Advanced Topics in Statistical Policy | 3 | None
• RES960 | Strategic Organizational Consulting | 4 | None
• CAP999 | Culminating Capstone Seminar | 4 | All Courses