Doctorate of Science in Faith-Based Political Science, Specialization in Governance Civic Engagement

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Political Science

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 political 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 Political Science with a specialization in Governance and Civic Engagement is an advanced professional degree designed to prepare scholar-practitioners for high-level leadership in public policy, community development, and governance. The curriculum explores the intersection of political systems, ethical inquiry, and the practical application of organizational stewardship, emphasizing the role of servant leadership in shaping public institutions. Students engage in rigorous academic inquiry to address complex social challenges through the lens of justice, integrity, and social responsibility. By combining theoretical foundations in political science with specialized research in civic engagement, the program equips graduates to serve as catalysts for positive systemic change. It fosters a deep understanding of the structural components of governance and the human dynamics essential for effective civic participation within diverse and pluralistic societies. The integration of ethical frameworks with political theory ensures that graduates are well-positioned to serve with humility and professional excellence.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Political Science is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based political 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 political 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 Research I

• 6
• RES835
• POL855
• Advanced Policy Consultation
• 3
• POL800
• POL840 — Seminar in Governance Trends: An advanced seminar analyzing emerging trends and challenges in contemporary governance and civic participation. Students engage in current event analysis and predictive modeling for public institutions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ETH845 — Professional Ethics and Institutional Accountability: This course examines ethical frameworks and regulatory compliance standards within public sector and civic institutions. It focuses on maintaining transparency and accountability in leadership roles across professional environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP850 — Dissertation Research I: The first phase of the formal dissertation research, focusing on data collection and initial analysis. Students work closely with their advisors to ensure academic rigor and consistency in research design. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• POL855 — Advanced Policy Consultation: Students apply theoretical knowledge to a real-world consultation project, providing strategic recommendations to an organization. This practicum emphasizes practical application of policy analysis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research II

• 6
• CAP850
• POL865
• Comparative Advocacy Models
• 4
• COM825
• MGT870
• Collaborative Governance Management
• 3
• BUS805
• SOC875
• Applied Ethics for Public Policy
• 3
• THE702
• CAP860 — Dissertation Research II: The second phase of the formal dissertation, involving comprehensive analysis, writing, and the final oral defense. Students demonstrate the ability to synthesize findings into a coherent scholarly document. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• POL865 — Comparative Advocacy Models: A final review of diverse advocacy models used to influence governmental and nongovernmental policy. Students synthesize lessons learned throughout the program regarding civic influence. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT870 — Collaborative Governance Management: Advanced study of managing cross-sector partnerships in governance. Focuses on collaborative strategies for achieving long-term civic goals and community impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC875 — Applied Ethics for Public Policy: A final capstone course evaluating the role of moral philosophy in professional public life. Students discuss the future of the field in light of historical ethical perspectives and faith-based values. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation represents the culminating academic experience of the Doctorate of Science program, requiring students to conduct original, independent research that addresses a significant problem within the field of governance and civic engagement. This project is structured as a 12-credit requirement spread across the final year, demanding high-level synthesis of theory, empirical methodology, and practical application. Students must demonstrate mastery of their specialization by designing a research study that not only advances academic understanding but also provides actionable, ethically sound recommendations for real-world governance challenges. The scope includes an extensive literature review, rigorous data collection and analysis, and a comprehensive defense before a faculty committee. Through this process, students integrate their academic findings with personal reflections on servant leadership, demonstrating how their research contributes to the flourishing of community life and the practice of biblical stewardship in public policy. The final deliverable is a scholarly manuscript that serves as a testament to both the student's technical competence and their commitment to faith-informed, professional character development.

Career Opportunities

• Public Policy Analyst
• Nonprofit Executive Director
• Director of Community Development
• Higher Education Administrator
• Government Relations Liaison
• Political Consultant
• Civic Engagement Coordinator
• Policy Advisor for Faith-Based Initiatives

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 Political Science
• 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 political 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
• RES700 | Advanced Research Methodology | 4 | None
• POL701 | Foundations of Political Theory | 4 | None
• THE702 | Ethics and Public Leadership | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL710 | Governance and Institutional Policy | 4 | POL701
• SOC715 | Community Dynamics and Civic Engagement | 4 | None
• RES720 | Data Analysis for Public Policy | 4 | RES700
• MIN725 | Servant Leadership in Public Life | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL800 | Policy Analysis and Strategy | 4 | POL710
• BUS805 | Organizational Stewardship and Resources | 4 | None
• POL810 | Comparative Governance Systems | 4 | POL701
• RES815 | Research Seminar I: Problem Identification | 3 | RES720
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL820 | Law and Civic Society | 4 | POL710
• COM825 | Strategic Communication and Advocacy | 4 | None
• SOC830 | Social Innovation and Urban Change | 4 | SOC715
• RES835 | Research Seminar II: Proposal Development | 3 | RES815
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL840 | Seminar in Governance Trends | 4 | POL800
• ETH845 | Professional Ethics and Institutional Accountability | 3 | None
• CAP850 | Dissertation Research I | 6 | RES835
• POL855 | Advanced Policy Consultation | 3 | POL800
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP860 | Dissertation Research II | 6 | CAP850
• POL865 | Comparative Advocacy Models | 4 | COM825
• MGT870 | Collaborative Governance Management | 3 | BUS805
• SOC875 | Applied Ethics for Public Policy | 3 | THE702