Doctorate of Science in Faith-Based Theoretical Physics, Specialization in Science Education

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.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

Three to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, academic progress, and completion of the doctoral project

Advanced faith-based theoretical physics and science education 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 Theoretical Physics, Specialization in Science Education, is a rigorous terminal degree designed to synthesize complex mathematical and physical theories with the ethical and stewardship-oriented values of a faith-based worldview. The curriculum challenges scholars to explore the foundational principles of quantum mechanics, relativity, and cosmology while simultaneously developing pedagogical strategies that promote servant leadership and integrity within the science education community. By bridging the gap between rigorous scientific inquiry and moral responsibility, the program prepares candidates to serve as leaders in academic and community environments where technical expertise must be informed by character-driven decision-making. Through original research and advanced instruction, participants gain the depth of knowledge required to advance theoretical understanding while upholding the principles of community-focused, ethical stewardship. This program fosters an environment where academic excellence is inextricably linked to the service of others, preparing graduates to navigate contemporary scientific discourse through a lens of profound ethical awareness and professional integrity.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Theoretical Physics, Specialization in Science Education is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based theoretical physics and science education 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 theoretical physics and science education-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

• 4
• RES725
• PHY835
• Advanced Topics in Particle Physics
• 4
• PHY720
• EDU840
• Assessment and Evaluation in Science
• 3
• EDU815
• HUM845
• Community Engagement in Science Education
• 3
• None
• RES830 — Dissertation Seminar I: Students begin the formal dissertation process by identifying a research problem and conducting a comprehensive literature review. Emphasis is placed on aligning the topic with ethical, professional, and community goals. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PHY835 — Advanced Topics in Particle Physics: Analysis of the Standard Model and extensions including symmetry, gauge theories, and modern discoveries. The course emphasizes scientific precision and the intellectual pursuit of truth. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU840 — Assessment and Evaluation in Science: Examination of formative and summative assessment strategies to measure learning outcomes. Students learn to use assessment data to improve educational efficacy within community settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM845 — Community Engagement in Science Education: This course focuses on creating partnerships between educational institutions and community-based nonprofit organizations. It emphasizes shared goals for social and intellectual growth. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Seminar II

• 4
• RES830
• PHY855
• Computational Physics for Researchers
• 4
• PHY730
• EDU860
• Mentorship and Leadership Development
• 3
• MGT820
• ETH865
• Professional Ethics and Organizational Governance
• 3
• None
• RES850 — Dissertation Seminar II: Development of the dissertation research design and initial data collection or theoretical modeling. Students integrate ethical reflections and stewardship implications into their work. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PHY855 — Computational Physics for Researchers: Utilization of advanced computational tools to simulate complex physical systems. Emphasis is placed on accuracy, reproducibility, and utility in practical applications. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU860 — Mentorship and Leadership Development: Strategies for effective mentorship within the academic scientific community. Students learn how to cultivate character and technical excellence in others through active service. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ETH865 — Professional Ethics and Organizational Governance: This course examines ethical frameworks and regulatory standards governing professional conduct within academic and scientific research environments. It emphasizes the development of accountability protocols and the management of organizational integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Defense

• 4
• RES850
• PHY875
• Advanced Theoretical Synthesis
• 3
• PHY855
• EDU885
• Future Trends in Science Education
• 3
• EDU840
• CAP890
• Integrated Capstone Portfolio
• 4
• None
• RES880 — Dissertation Defense: The final stage of the dissertation, involving data synthesis, completion of the final manuscript, and an oral defense before the doctoral committee. It confirms the student's readiness for independent scholarly leadership. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PHY875 — Advanced Theoretical Synthesis: Consolidation of physical and mathematical concepts studied throughout the program. Students demonstrate how these concepts contribute to their final research goals. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU885 — Future Trends in Science Education: An investigation into emerging technologies and pedagogical methods shaping the future of science education. Focuses on responsible and equitable integration. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP890 — Integrated Capstone Portfolio: Compilation of scholarly, pedagogical, and leadership experiences demonstrating overall mastery of the program’s core objectives. The portfolio displays readiness for faith-informed service. 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 conduct a significant, original study that bridges theoretical physics with implications for science education or the ethical application of technology. Students are expected to demonstrate academic excellence through rigorous investigation, data analysis, and the synthesis of scientific literature, while simultaneously reflecting on the project’s alignment with ethical reasoning and biblical stewardship. This project is a 12-credit requirement spread across the final three semesters.
• The dissertation process encourages candidates to model servant leadership by considering how their research findings can serve the needs of community-based or nonprofit scientific organizations. Deliverables include a formal proposal, an oral defense, and the submission of a finalized manuscript that exhibits both technical competence and the ability to articulate how faith-informed values influence one's research agenda and professional practice. The project must reflect high standards of scholarly integrity and character maturity.

Career Opportunities

• Higher Education Faculty in Physics or Science Education
• Curriculum Developer for Faith-Based Educational Organizations
• Nonprofit Scientific Outreach Director
• Science Policy Consultant for Ethical Organizations
• Research Scientist in Theoretical Applications
• Educational Leadership Consultant for Community Foundations
• Instructional Designer for Technical Education 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 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 | Three to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, academic progress, and completion of the doctoral project
• Advanced faith-based theoretical physics and science education 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 | Foundations of Scientific Research | 3 | None
• THE705 | Ethics and Stewardship in Science | 3 | None
• PHY710 | Advanced Theoretical Mechanics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PHY720 | Quantum Dynamics and Applications | 4 | PHY710
• EDU715 | Pedagogy for Science Education | 3 | None
• RES725 | Quantitative Data Analysis | 3 | RES700
• PHY730 | Statistical Mechanics of Complex Systems | 4 | PHY710
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PHY810 | Advanced Electrodynamics | 4 | PHY710
• EDU815 | Curriculum Design for Science Excellence | 3 | EDU715
• MGT820 | Servant Leadership in Academic Settings | 3 | None
• PHY825 | Relativistic Cosmology | 4 | PHY810
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES830 | Dissertation Seminar I | 4 | RES725
• PHY835 | Advanced Topics in Particle Physics | 4 | PHY720
• EDU840 | Assessment and Evaluation in Science | 3 | EDU815
• HUM845 | Community Engagement in Science Education | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES850 | Dissertation Seminar II | 4 | RES830
• PHY855 | Computational Physics for Researchers | 4 | PHY730
• EDU860 | Mentorship and Leadership Development | 3 | MGT820
• ETH865 | Professional Ethics and Organizational Governance | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES880 | Dissertation Defense | 4 | RES850
• PHY875 | Advanced Theoretical Synthesis | 3 | PHY855
• EDU885 | Future Trends in Science Education | 3 | EDU840
• CAP890 | Integrated Capstone Portfolio | 4 | None