Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Women’s Studies, Specialization in Gender Equality Empowerment

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Women’s Studies, Specialization in Gender Equality Empowerment

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 Women’s Studies 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 Women’s Studies with a specialization in Gender Equality Empowerment is a rigorous, interdisciplinary doctoral program designed for advanced scholars and practitioners. This program explores the intersection of sociological analysis, gender theory, and the ethical responsibilities of stewardship within institutional and global frameworks. Students engage in advanced research methods, critical theoretical discourse, and practical applications that emphasize the empowerment of women through servant leadership and systemic change.

Rooted in an academic environment that values intellectual inquiry and ethical formation, the curriculum challenges candidates to synthesize contemporary research with a commitment to human flourishing. By examining the structural challenges to gender equality, candidates develop scholarly expertise that bridges the gap between academic theory and community-based application. The program fosters the development of research-driven solutions for organizations committed to social justice, equity, and the advancement of women in diverse societal sectors.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Women’s Studies, Specialization in Gender Equality Empowerment is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based women’s studies, specialization in gender equality empowerment 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 women’s studies, specialization in gender equality empowerment-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 Phase I

• 4
• RES850
• SOC910
• Advanced Seminar in Gender Issues
• 3
• None
• MGT920
• Leadership Ethics and Integrity
• 3
• MGT860
• CAP890 — Advanced Research Practicum: Practical application of research methods within a host organization to address a specific policy or equality concern. Requires the development of an actionable plan. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS900 — Dissertation Research Phase I: The initial implementation phase of doctoral research focusing on data collection and ongoing ethical analysis. Students work closely with their advisors. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC910 — Advanced Seminar in Gender Issues: Review of the latest academic literature on gender equality, challenging students to articulate new research directions. Emphasis on critical and constructive dialogue. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT920 — Leadership Ethics and Integrity: Final review of personal and professional leadership ethics in the context of institutional stewardship. Students synthesize their development as future leaders. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research Phase II

• 4
• DIS900
• DIS990

Dissertation Defense and Publication

• 4
• DIS950
• SOC960
• Advanced Trends in Social Advocacy
• 3
• None
• RES970
• Post-Doctoral Professional Seminar
• 3
• None
• DIS950 — Dissertation Research Phase II: Final phase of research focusing on data synthesis, academic writing, and preparation of the dissertation defense. Students finalize their scholarly contributions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS990 — Dissertation Defense and Publication: Final submission of the doctoral thesis and successful oral defense of research. Students demonstrate their expertise in the field of Gender Equality Empowerment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC960 — Advanced Trends in Social Advocacy: Examination of emerging trends in social equity, emphasizing the role of researchers in shaping community policy and practice. Focuses on future-oriented scholarship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES970 — Post-Doctoral Professional Seminar: Seminar on professional development for doctorates, including grant writing, academic publishing, and professional networking. Focuses on long-term career impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation serves as the culminating scholarly experience of the program, requiring candidates to produce an original, high-level research project that contributes significantly to the field of Women’s Studies and gender equality. This 12-credit component involves the identification of a significant problem, the execution of rigorous empirical or theoretical research, and the defense of findings before a faculty committee. The dissertation must exemplify high academic standards while reflecting the student's capacity to synthesize complex data with ethical and faith-informed reasoning.
• Integrating the program’s core focus, the dissertation must demonstrate how the candidate applies servant leadership and stewardship to solve real-world problems. Students are expected to articulate how their research findings inform the development of sustainable, equitable practices within community and organizational settings. By fostering spiritual maturity alongside academic rigor, the dissertation represents the student's readiness to contribute to the field with integrity, ethical foresight, and a steadfast commitment to the empowerment of others.

Career Opportunities

• Higher Education Professor
• Nonprofit Program Director
• Gender Equality Policy Analyst
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant
• Community Advocacy Organization Lead
• Human Rights Researcher
• Faith-Based Institutional Consultant

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 Women’s Studies, Specialization in Gender Equality Empowerment
• 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 Women’s Studies 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 | 3 | None
• SOC710 | Sociology of Gender and Power | 3 | None
• HUM720 | Ethics in Social Justice | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES750 | Statistical Analysis for Social Science | 3 | RES700
• MGT760 | Servant Leadership in Organizations | 3 | None
• SOC770 | Gender and Public Policy | 3 | SOC710
• HIS780 | Global Perspectives on Equality | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES800 | Qualitative Research Design | 4 | RES700
• SOC810 | Economics of Gender Empowerment | 3 | None
• EDU820 | Educational Theory and Empowerment | 3 | None
• COU830 | Community Resilience and Support | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES850 | Advanced Dissertation Proposal Seminar | 3 | RES800
• MGT860 | Organizational Strategy and Change | 4 | MGT760
• HUM870 | Foundations of Human Rights and Dignity | 3 | HUM720
• SOC880 | Social Movements and Activism | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP890 | Advanced Research Practicum | 4 | RES850
• DIS900 | Dissertation Research Phase I | 4 | RES850
• SOC910 | Advanced Seminar in Gender Issues | 3 | None
• MGT920 | Leadership Ethics and Integrity | 3 | MGT860
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS950 | Dissertation Research Phase II | 4 | DIS900
• DIS990 | Dissertation Defense and Publication | 4 | DIS950
• SOC960 | Advanced Trends in Social Advocacy | 3 | None
• RES970 | Post-Doctoral Professional Seminar | 3 | None