Ph.D. in Renewable Energy** Minor: Sustainable Business Management in the Faith Community

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Renewable Energy

Total program length

90 semester credit hours

Maximum approved transfer credit

Up to 40 semester credit hours

Minimum credits completed through the University after maximum transfer

50 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

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

Advanced renewable energy 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: 90
• Duration: 4 years
• Degree Level: PhD

Dissertation research and defense

• 18 credit hours
• Total
• 90 semester credit hours
• The Ph.D. in Renewable Energy with a Minor in Sustainable Business Management in the Faith Community offers a unique interdisciplinary approach that combines advanced studies in renewable energy technologies and sustainable business practices within faith-based organizations. Students will engage in rigorous research that addresses critical energy challenges from both a technological and a socio-economic perspective. The program prepares graduates to become leaders in academia, industry, and faith communities, equipping them with the skills to develop sustainable energy solutions that resonate with ethical considerations. Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical applications, this program fosters innovative thinking and problem-solving abilities, making it invaluable for responding to current and future energy needs in alignment with community values.
• The Doctor of Philosophy in Renewable Energy is a research-intensive doctoral program emphasizing advanced renewable energy theory, original research, quantitative and qualitative methodology, scholarly publication, higher-education teaching, ethical leadership, and the development and evaluation of renewable energy-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 90-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 50 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 Philosophy programs each require 90 semester credit hours. Students may transfer up to 40 semester credit hours of eligible graduate or doctoral coursework toward the 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 50 semester credit hours remaining in the 90-credit doctoral program. Comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidacy, doctoral residency, 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 Research I: Proposal Development

• 3
• None
• PRE 831 — Smart Grids, Microgrids & Energy Informatics: Advanced smart grid technologies, microgrids, and energy information systemsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PRE 832 — Energy Policy, Regulation & Global Energy Governance: Doctoral-level analysis of energy policy, regulation, and international governanceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PRE 833 — Energy Economics, Finance & Infrastructure Investment: Advanced energy economics and financial analysis of large-scale energy infrastructureThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PRE 834 — Comprehensive Examination Seminar: Preparation seminar for doctoral comprehensive examinations in renewable energyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PRE 901 — Dissertation Research I: Proposal Development: First phase of doctoral dissertation: research proposal development and approvalThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Dissertation Research II: Literature Review & Methodology

• 3

Dissertation Research I (PRE 901)

• PRE 903
• Advanced Research Colloquium
• 3
• None
• PRE 904
• Academic Writing & Scholarly Publication
• 3
• None
• PRE 905

Dissertation Research III: Data Collection & Analysis

• 4

Dissertation Research I and II or equivalent

• SBFC 901 — Foundations of Faith-Based Business Stewardship: Biblical and theological foundations for business stewardship in faith communitiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PRE 902 — Dissertation Research II: Literature Review & Methodology: Comprehensive literature review and methodology development for dissertationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PRE 903 — Advanced Research Colloquium: Advanced research presentation and scholarly discussion forumThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PRE 904 — Academic Writing & Scholarly Publication: Advanced academic writing and preparation for scholarly publicationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PRE 905 — Dissertation Research III: Data Collection & Analysis: Primary research data collection and advanced analytical methodsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Dissertation Research IV: Findings & Interpretation

• 4
• Completion of Dissertation Research III
• PRE 907

Dissertation Research V: Writing & Defense Preparation

• 4
• Completion of previous dissertation courses in the program
• PRE 908

Dissertation Defense & Publication Seminar

• 3
• Completion of dissertation proposal and all coursework requirements for the PhD program
• PRE 910
• Advanced Dissertation Synthesis and Final Defense Strategy
• 3
• PRE 905, PRE 906, PRE 907
• SBFC 911
• Sustainable Leadership & Ethics in Faith Communities
• 3
• None
• PRE 906 — Dissertation Research IV: Findings & Interpretation: Analysis, interpretation, and synthesis of dissertation research findingsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PRE 907 — Dissertation Research V: Writing & Defense Preparation: Dissertation writing, revision, and preparation for doctoral defenseThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PRE 908 — Dissertation Defense & Publication Seminar: Final dissertation defense and preparation for publication and disseminationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PRE 910 — Advanced Dissertation Synthesis and Final Defense Strategy: This capstone experience provides advanced doctoral students with rigorous review sessions for refining their final dissertation findings and preparing for the comprehensive oral defense. Participants will master professional academic presentation skills while ensuring alignment with both technical energy standards and mission-driven community impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SBFC 911 — Sustainable Leadership & Ethics in Faith Communities: Leadership development and ethical frameworks for sustainable faith-based organizationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Dissertation research and defense | 18 credit hours

• Total | 90 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PRE 801 | Advanced Renewable Energy Systems Theory | 3 | Master's degree in a related field or equivalent experience
• PRE 802 | Advanced Energy Mathematics & Numerical Methods | 3 | A solid foundation in calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations is recommended.
• PRE 804 | Energy Systems Modeling & Simulation | 3 | Basic understanding of energy principles and modeling techniques
• PRE 811 | Advanced Thermodynamics & Energy Conversion | 3 | Completed coursework in basic thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, or equivalent knowledge
• PRE 812 | Power Systems & Grid Integration for Renewables | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PRE 813 | Energy Storage, Batteries & Advanced Materials | 3 | None
• PRE 821 | Solar Energy Systems: Advanced Design & Optimization | 3 | None
• PRE 822 | Wind Energy Systems: Aerodynamics & Structural Modeling | 3 | None
• PRE 823 | Hydrogen, Fuel Cells & Emerging Energy Technologies | 3 | None
• PRE 824 | Advanced Statistics & Data Analytics for Energy Research | 3 | A foundation in basic statistics and data analytics, preferably from previous coursework or professional experience.
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PRE 831 | Smart Grids, Microgrids & Energy Informatics | 3 | None
• PRE 832 | Energy Policy, Regulation & Global Energy Governance | 3 | None
• PRE 833 | Energy Economics, Finance & Infrastructure Investment | 3 | None
• PRE 834 | Comprehensive Examination Seminar | 3 | None
• PRE 901 | Dissertation Research I: Proposal Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SBFC 901 | Foundations of Faith-Based Business Stewardship | 3 | None
• PRE 902 | Dissertation Research II: Literature Review & Methodology | 3 | Dissertation Research I (PRE 901)
• PRE 903 | Advanced Research Colloquium | 3 | None
• PRE 904 | Academic Writing & Scholarly Publication | 3 | None
• PRE 905 | Dissertation Research III: Data Collection & Analysis | 4 | Dissertation Research I and II or equivalent
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PRE 906 | Dissertation Research IV: Findings & Interpretation | 4 | Completion of Dissertation Research III
• PRE 907 | Dissertation Research V: Writing & Defense Preparation | 4 | Completion of previous dissertation courses in the program
• PRE 908 | Dissertation Defense & Publication Seminar | 3 | Completion of dissertation proposal and all coursework requirements for the PhD program
• PRE 910 | Advanced Dissertation Synthesis and Final Defense Strategy | 3 | PRE 905, PRE 906, PRE 907
• SBFC 911 | Sustainable Leadership & Ethics in Faith Communities | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SBFC 921 | Faith-Based Social Entrepreneurship & Sustainable Enterprise | 3 | None
• SBFC 931 | Financial Management and Resource Development in Faith-Based Organizations | 3 | None
• SBFC 941 | Faith-Based Sustainability Leadership Practicum | 3 | None
• SBFC 951 | Theological Perspectives on Environmental Justice and Corporate Governance | 3 | SBFC 901, SBFC 911

Career Opportunities

• Renewable Energy Consultant
• Sustainability Director for Non-Profits
• Government Policy Advisor on Renewable Energy
• Academician in Environmental Science
• Corporate Sustainability Manager
• Faith-Based Community Energy Coordinator
• Energy Policy Analyst

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 Renewable Energy
• Total program length | 90 semester credit hours
• Maximum approved transfer credit | Up to 40 semester credit hours
• Minimum credits completed through the University after maximum transfer | 50 semester credit hours
• Normal completion time | Four to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, research progress, and dissertation completion
• Advanced renewable energy 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