Doctorate of Science in Faith-Based Legal Science, Specialization in Laws that Govern Non-Profit Organization

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Legal Science, Specialization in Laws that Govern Non-Profit Organization

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 legal science 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 Doctorate of Science in Faith-Based Legal Science, with a specialization in the laws governing non-profit organizations, provides an advanced, interdisciplinary framework for scholars and practitioners dedicated to the legal and ethical stewardship of charitable entities. This doctoral program explores the complex intersections of regulatory compliance, organizational governance, and tax-exempt status, equipping students with the tools to navigate the sophisticated legal landscape of the non-profit sector. By integrating rigorous legal analysis with a commitment to service-oriented leadership, the program cultivates professionals prepared to serve as stewards of the public trust. Students engage with foundational legal theories, contemporary regulatory shifts, and management paradigms essential for the sustainability of non-profit organizations. The curriculum encourages critical discourse on how legal frameworks interact with organizational missions, ensuring that students develop the specialized skills required to lead, advise, and operate entities that serve community needs through a framework of integrity, ethical accountability, and sound administrative practice.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Legal Science, Specialization in Laws that Govern Non-Profit Organization is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based legal science 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 legal science-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 Development

• 4
• RES800
• LAW875
• Comparative Regulatory Systems
• 3
• LAW701
• SOC880
• Sociology of Community Engagement and Public Service
• 3
• None
• LAW885
• Property and Land Use for Non-Profits
• 3
• LAW701
• CAP870 — Dissertation Seminar I: Proposal Development: Candidates formalize their research inquiry, literature review, and study design under faculty guidance. This seminar ensures the feasibility and academic rigor of the dissertation topic. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LAW875 — Comparative Regulatory Systems: An advanced exploration of international regulatory variations and the harmonization of standards for non-profit entities. Students evaluate the benefits of diverse jurisdictional approaches. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC880 — Sociology of Community Engagement and Public Service: This course explores the sociological frameworks of civic participation, altruistic behavior, and the impact of non-profit service models on local societal development. Students will analyze data-driven strategies for community outreach and the role of third-sector institutions in addressing public needs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LAW885 — Property and Land Use for Non-Profits: A focus on legal considerations for real estate ownership, zoning regulations, and property maintenance for charitable organizations. Students study the complexities of institutional expansion. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation II: Research and Defense

• 4
• CAP870
• LAW892
• Advanced Litigation for Non-Profits
• 3
• LAW805
• MGT895
• Public-Private Partnerships and Compliance
• 3
• MGT710
• LAW898
• Emerging Issues in Non-Profit Law
• 3
• LAW701
• CAP890 — Dissertation II: Research and Defense: Candidates finalize their original research, submit the completed manuscript, and undergo a formal oral defense. This experience showcases the application of legal science and leadership ethics. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LAW892 — Advanced Litigation for Non-Profits: This course analyzes the procedural and substantive aspects of litigation involving tax-exempt entities. Candidates review case studies on dispute resolution and legal defense. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT895 — Public-Private Partnerships and Compliance: A study of the legal frameworks necessary for effective collaboration between charitable organizations and public sector entities. Students analyze complex regulatory interfaces. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LAW898 — Emerging Issues in Non-Profit Law: A seminar exploring contemporary legal challenges such as cyber-security, digital privacy, and the impact of technology on non-profit transparency. Current legal debates are rigorously addressed. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation serves as the final, capstone intellectual contribution of the Doctorate of Science program, requiring the candidate to conduct original, scholarly research that addresses a significant legal or regulatory challenge faced by non-profit organizations. This project is intended to demonstrate the student's mastery of the field, their ability to synthesize complex legal data with institutional ethics, and their capacity to offer substantive recommendations that enhance organizational sustainability. Candidates are expected to produce a high-quality manuscript that meets the highest standards of academic inquiry while reflecting the practical application of legal and administrative principles.
• The dissertation process facilitates the integration of faith-based perspectives by requiring students to evaluate their research through the lenses of stewardship, justice, and the common good. Students are challenged to articulate how their scholarly findings advance the mission of organizations rooted in values-based service, ensuring that academic competence is matched by a commitment to integrity and ethical leadership. Upon completion, the student will defend their research before a panel of faculty, demonstrating not only the technical validity of their study but also a mature understanding of their vocation as a leader who promotes the flourishing of the communities they serve.

Career Opportunities

• General Counsel for national non-profit organizations
• Director of Compliance for faith-based philanthropic foundations
• Non-profit Governance Consultant
• Higher Education Administration focusing on institutional policy
• Policy Analyst for non-profit advocacy organizations
• Executive Director of mission-driven charitable entities
• Regulatory affairs specialist for religious or community organizations

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 Legal Science, Specialization in Laws that Govern Non-Profit Organization
• 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 legal science 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
• LAW701 | Foundations of Non-Profit Law | 3 | None
• RES800 | Research Methods in Legal Science | 3 | None
• MGT710 | Governance and Stewardship | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• LAW705 | Tax-Exempt Status and Compliance | 3 | LAW701
• ETH720 | Ethical Reasoning in Organizations | 3 | None
• LAW715 | Regulatory Risk Management | 3 | LAW701
• BUS730 | Financial Stewardship and Reporting | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• LAW805 | Advanced Contract Law for Non-Profits | 3 | LAW701
• EDU810 | Leadership and Organizational Culture | 3 | None
• LAW820 | Employment Law in the Non-Profit Sector | 3 | None
• COM830 | Strategic Communication and Policy Advocacy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• LAW835 | Public Policy and Institutional Impact | 4 | None
• HIS840 | History of the Non-Profit Sector | 3 | None
• RES850 | Advanced Data Analytics for Legal Science | 3 | RES800
• MGT860 | Strategic Sustainability and Innovation | 3 | MGT710
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP870 | Dissertation Seminar I: Proposal Development | 4 | RES800
• LAW875 | Comparative Regulatory Systems | 3 | LAW701
• SOC880 | Sociology of Community Engagement and Public Service | 3 | None
• LAW885 | Property and Land Use for Non-Profits | 3 | LAW701
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP890 | Dissertation II: Research and Defense | 4 | CAP870
• LAW892 | Advanced Litigation for Non-Profits | 3 | LAW805
• MGT895 | Public-Private Partnerships and Compliance | 3 | MGT710
• LAW898 | Emerging Issues in Non-Profit Law | 3 | LAW701