Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Theoretical Physics, Specialization in Science Education

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Theoretical Physics

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

Four to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, research progress, and dissertation completion

Advanced faith-based theoretical physics 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: 120
• Duration: 3 years
• Degree Level: PhD

Dissertation research and defense

• 18 credit hours
• Total
• 120 semester credit hours
• The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Theoretical Physics, Specialization in Science Education, is a rigorous academic program designed for scholars who seek to bridge the gap between advanced theoretical physics and pedagogical excellence. The curriculum explores the philosophical and mathematical foundations of the physical universe, while equipping candidates with the educational frameworks necessary to transmit complex scientific concepts within educational environments. Students engage in deep inquiry regarding the mechanics of reality, balancing empirical scientific rigor with the ethical responsibilities inherent in academic leadership.
• The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Theoretical Physics is a research-intensive doctoral program emphasizing advanced faith-based theoretical physics theory, original research, quantitative and qualitative methodology, scholarly publication, higher-education teaching, ethical leadership, and the development and evaluation of faith-based theoretical physics-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 120-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 Seminar I

• 3
• RES710
• THE805
• Mathematical Physics Specialization
• 3
• THE715
• EDU810
• Curriculum Assessment and Evaluation
• 3
• EDU720
• THE815
• Applied Ethics in STEM
• 3
• THE725
• RES800 — Dissertation Seminar I: Students begin the formal conceptualization of their dissertation research proposal. Includes review of pertinent literature and identification of research questions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE805 — Mathematical Physics Specialization: Investigates advanced mathematical methods used in high-level physical research. Provides the technical foundation for doctoral-level investigations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU810 — Curriculum Assessment and Evaluation: Provides tools for assessing the effectiveness of science education programs in various contexts. Students learn to measure student achievement and program impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE815 — Applied Ethics in STEM: Examines complex ethical dilemmas facing researchers and educators in the STEM fields. Promotes the development of professional integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Seminar II

• 3
• RES800
• EDU825
• Technology in Science Education
• 3
• EDU810
• THE830
• Theoretical Models in Science
• 3
• THE805
• EDU835
• Community Engagement in Science
• 3
• None
• RES810 — Dissertation Seminar II: Focuses on the development of the formal dissertation proposal and research design approval. Facilitates peer review and advisor feedback. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU825 — Technology in Science Education: Examines the application of emerging technologies in teaching physical sciences. Addresses how technology can extend educational access and quality. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE830 — Theoretical Models in Science: Advanced exploration of how models are used to explain the physical world. Addresses the limitations and potential of predictive theoretical frameworks. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU835 — Community Engagement in Science: Explores methods for connecting university research to community and societal needs. Emphasizes outreach and practical science education application. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research and Writing

• 4
• RES810
• THE860
• Advanced Topics in Physics
• 3
• THE830
• EDU860
• Pedagogy for Diverse Populations
• 3
• EDU825
• THE870
• Professional Formation and Service
• 3
• None
• RES850 — Dissertation Research and Writing: Guided research period focused on the execution of the dissertation project. Candidates work with faculty advisors to synthesize data and write preliminary chapters. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE860 — Advanced Topics in Physics: A deep dive into current challenges and emerging theories in the field of physical science. Encourages students to stay at the cutting edge of their discipline. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU860 — Pedagogy for Diverse Populations: Focuses on creating equitable educational experiences for students from varied backgrounds. Emphasizes the ethical mandate to educate all learners. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE870 — Professional Formation and Service: Integrates career planning with personal faith formation and professional service commitment. Addresses the transition from doctoral candidate to scholar. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Defense

• 4
• RES850
• THE880
• Integrative Seminar in Science
• 3
• None
• EDU880
• Leadership in Academic Institutions
• 3
• None
• THE890
• Scientific Stewardship Seminar
• 3
• None
• RES890 — Dissertation Defense: Final phase of the dissertation, including the defense of the completed work. Candidates demonstrate their mastery and contribution to the field. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE880 — Integrative Seminar in Science: A capstone synthesis of the intersection of physical science, education, and moral inquiry. Prepares graduates to engage with broader societal issues. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU880 — Leadership in Academic Institutions: Advanced study of administrative and organizational leadership in educational settings. Focuses on the role of educators in shaping institutional character. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE890 — Scientific Stewardship Seminar: An exploration of how professional scientific labor contributes to the service of humanity. Emphasizes the responsibility of the expert in a global context. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation serves as the culminating academic experience of the doctoral program, representing an original contribution to the field of theoretical physics or science education. Candidates are expected to conduct independent research that addresses a significant problem in the field, utilizing rigorous analytical methodologies and demonstrating advanced scholarly writing skills.
• Beyond technical mastery, the dissertation process requires students to synthesize their disciplinary research with an ethical framework informed by their Christian worldview. This involves addressing how their research contributes to human flourishing, stewards the natural environment, and serves the broader community. The final deliverable must reflect a sophisticated integration of intellectual rigor and moral integrity, demonstrating the candidate's transition from student to independent scholar-leader who is prepared to engage in faith-informed service within academia and beyond.

Dissertation research and defense | 18 credit hours

• Total | 120 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES700 | Quantitative Research Methods | 4 | None
• THE701 | Theoretical Foundations of Reality | 4 | None
• EDU702 | Pedagogy and Educational Design | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES710 | Qualitative Research and Ethics | 3 | RES700
• THE715 | Advanced Quantum Theory | 3 | THE701
• EDU720 | Science Education Leadership | 3 | EDU702
• THE725 | Stewardship in Scientific Practice | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES800 | Dissertation Seminar I | 3 | RES710
• THE805 | Mathematical Physics Specialization | 3 | THE715
• EDU810 | Curriculum Assessment and Evaluation | 3 | EDU720
• THE815 | Applied Ethics in STEM | 3 | THE725
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES810 | Dissertation Seminar II | 3 | RES800
• EDU825 | Technology in Science Education | 3 | EDU810
• THE830 | Theoretical Models in Science | 3 | THE805
• EDU835 | Community Engagement in Science | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES850 | Dissertation Research and Writing | 4 | RES810
• THE860 | Advanced Topics in Physics | 3 | THE830
• EDU860 | Pedagogy for Diverse Populations | 3 | EDU825
• THE870 | Professional Formation and Service | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES890 | Dissertation Defense | 4 | RES850
• THE880 | Integrative Seminar in Science | 3 | None
• EDU880 | Leadership in Academic Institutions | 3 | None
• THE890 | Scientific Stewardship Seminar | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

• University Professor of Physics or Science Education
• Educational Policy Advisor for Faith-Based Nonprofits
• Science Curriculum Developer for Community Organizations
• Academic Administrator for Christian Educational Institutions
• Research Consultant for Science Foundations
• Director of Community Science Engagement Programs
• Professional Editor for Scientific Journals

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 Theoretical Physics
• 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 | Four to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, research progress, and dissertation completion
• Advanced faith-based theoretical physics 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