Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Global Ethics, Policy

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Global Ethics, Policy

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

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

Academic unit

HBIU College of International Studies

Total credits

120

Duration

3 years

• Analyze complex international policy issues through the integration of multifaceted ethical and social science frameworks.
• Evaluate the impact of global governance structures on marginalized populations using empirical research and normative moral theory.
• Design original, scholarly research that addresses significant challenges in global ethics and public policy.
• Communicate nuanced ethical arguments effectively to both academic and non-academic audiences to influence policy discourse.
• Integrate principles of stewardship and servant leadership into the development of sustainable policy recommendations.
• Demonstrate a high level of academic proficiency and intellectual autonomy in the conduct of independent, original research.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES700
• Advanced Research Methodology
• 3
• None
• ETH710
• Foundations of Global Ethics
• 3
• None
• POL720
• International Relations Theory
• 3
• None
• RES700 — Advanced Research Methodology: Explores qualitative and quantitative research methods appropriate for doctoral-level inquiry. Students develop skills in research design, data collection, and analytical strategiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ETH710 — Foundations of Global Ethics: Examines historical and contemporary ethical systems and their influence on global policy. The course focuses on moral decision-making frameworks within international contextsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• POL720 — International Relations Theory: Surveys major theoretical perspectives in international relations and their application to current global challenges. Students analyze the intersection of power, statehood, and ethicsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• SOC730
• Sociology of Global Development
• 4
• None
• POL740
• Comparative Public Policy
• 4
• None
• ETH750
• Human Rights and International Law
• 4
• None
• RES760
• Data Analysis for Policy Research
• 4
• RES700
• SOC730 — Sociology of Global Development: Investigates the sociological factors influencing development initiatives globally. Students analyze the impact of cultural values and economic structures on social equityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• POL740 — Comparative Public Policy: A comparative analysis of how different nations formulate and implement public policy. Emphasis is placed on cross-border policy transfer and local institutional adaptabilityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ETH750 — Human Rights and International Law: Explores the legal and ethical dimensions of human rights in the international arena. The course assesses the role of international bodies in upholding justice and dignityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES760 — Data Analysis for Policy Research: Provides advanced instruction in statistical analysis software used for policy evaluation. Students practice interpreting complex data sets to inform policy outcomesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MGT800
• Servant Leadership in Global Organizations
• 4
• None
• ETH810
• Environmental Ethics and Stewardship
• 4
• None
• POL820
• Global Economic Policy Analysis
• 4
• None
• RES830
• Dissertation Proposal Development
• 4
• RES700, RES760
• MGT800 — Servant Leadership in Global Organizations: Examines leadership theories focused on service, stewardship, and organizational health. Students evaluate how such models promote ethical outcomes in global settingsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ETH810 — Environmental Ethics and Stewardship: Analyzes the ethical implications of human interaction with the environment. Students develop policy frameworks based on principles of sustainability and responsible stewardshipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• POL820 — Global Economic Policy Analysis: Investigates the intersection of global trade, finance, and ethics. This course evaluates economic policies through the lens of social justice and equityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES830 — Dissertation Proposal Development: Guides students through the creation of a formal dissertation proposal. Students define their research question, methodology, and theoretical frameworkThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ETH840
• Ethics of Humanitarian Aid
• 4
• None
• POL850
• Governance and Public Integrity
• 4
• None
• SOC860
• Cultural Diversity and Policy Integration
• 4
• None
• RES870
• Advanced Qualitative Inquiry
• 4
• RES700
• ETH840 — Ethics of Humanitarian Aid: Explores the ethical complexities involved in providing international humanitarian assistance. Students assess the tension between intervention and sovereigntyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• POL850 — Governance and Public Integrity: Studies the mechanisms of public sector accountability and anti-corruption policies. Focuses on the role of institutional ethics in fostering public trustThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC860 — Cultural Diversity and Policy Integration: Analyzes how diverse cultural paradigms inform policy acceptance and effectiveness. Students discuss strategies for inclusive policy design in pluralistic environmentsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES870 — Advanced Qualitative Inquiry: Focuses on advanced qualitative methodologies such as ethnography and discourse analysis. Students apply these methods to their specific research interestsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ETH880
• Global Health Policy Ethics
• 4
• None
• POL890
• International Conflict Resolution
• 4
• None
• RES900
• Dissertation Research I
• 4
• RES830
• RES910
• Dissertation Research II
• 4
• RES900
• ETH880 — Global Health Policy Ethics: Examines ethical challenges in global health, including resource allocation and equitable care access. Students investigate policies that address health disparitiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• POL890 — International Conflict Resolution: Explores ethical approaches to mediation and conflict transformation in geopolitical disputes. Students analyze the role of diplomacy in fostering sustainable peaceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES900 — Dissertation Research I: Initial phase of full-scale data collection and primary research for the dissertation. Candidates work closely with their chair to refine analytical rigorThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES910 — Dissertation Research II: Second phase of research focusing on data interpretation and initial drafting of core chapters. Regular committee feedback is integrated into the writing processThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES920
• Dissertation Writing and Synthesis
• 4
• RES910
• CAP950
• Dissertation Defense
• 3
• RES920
• ETH930
• Advanced Seminar in Ethics and Policy
• 3
• None
• MGT940
• Professional Ethics in Global Practice
• 3
• None
• RES920 — Dissertation Writing and Synthesis: Focuses on finalizing the dissertation manuscript and preparing the argument for formal presentation. Students integrate ethical reflections throughout their findingsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CAP950 — Dissertation Defense: The oral defense of the doctoral dissertation before a committee of scholars. Successful defense completes the requirements for the doctoral degreeThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ETH930 — Advanced Seminar in Ethics and Policy: A synthetic seminar evaluating final research projects from a cohort perspective. Students reflect on their scholarly contribution to the fieldThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MGT940 — Professional Ethics in Global Practice: Addresses the transition from doctoral student to practitioner or faculty member. Emphasis on maintaining professional and spiritual integrity in the workplaceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Applicants must possess an earned Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field such as political science, international relations, public policy, theology, or ethics. A minimum graduate cumulative grade point average of 3.5 is required for consideration. Prospective students must submit a professional statement of purpose outlining their research interests, a formal writing sample demonstrating advanced analytical capacity, three letters of recommendation from academic or professional supervisors, and official transcripts from all previously attended post-secondary institutions. Dissertation Requirement The dissertation constitutes the culminating academic endeavor of the PhD program, representing a significant original contribution to the field of global ethics and public policy. Over the course of the final year, candidates engage in sustained, autonomous research under the guidance of a faculty committee to explore a specialized problem at the intersection of international policy and normative ethics. The dissertation requires a rigorous methodology, comprehensive literature review, and the synthesis of complex data to address a specific societal challenge. Beyond academic rigor, the dissertation serves as an instrument for the integration of a faith-informed worldview; students are encouraged to examine how principles of biblical stewardship, justice, and the sanctity of human dignity inform policy solutions. This project demonstrates both intellectual mastery of the chosen discipline and the development of the candidate’s capacity to lead with profound ethical integrity in a global context.

• Graduation necessitates the successful completion of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0. Students must complete all core doctoral coursework, maintain satisfactory progress in research, and demonstrate the attainment of program-specific competencies. The final requirement is the successful defense of the doctoral dissertation before a faculty panel, evidencing the candidate's mastery of the field and the ability to conduct independent, professional-grade research. In addition to academic metrics, students are expected to exhibit a commitment to the university’s mission through consistent participation in spiritual formation activities and demonstrated character development. Readiness for graduation is marked by the student's ability to pair high-level intellectual achievement with a deep, reflexive sense of ethical responsibility, ensuring they are prepared for lives of service that reflect both professional excellence and spiritual maturity.
• Career Opportunities
• International Policy Analyst
• Academic Faculty at Global Institutions
• Director of Ethics for Non-Governmental Organizations
• Diplomatic Advisor for Faith-Based Advocacy Groups
• Senior Consultant for Global Economic Development
• Human Rights Policy Strategist
• Director of Research for Think Tanks
• 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 Faith-Based Global Ethics, Policy
• 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 | Four to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, research progress, and dissertation completion
• Advanced faith-based global ethics and policy 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
• Dissertation research and defense | 18 credit hours
• Total | 120 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES700 | Advanced Research Methodology | 3 | None
• ETH710 | Foundations of Global Ethics | 3 | None
• POL720 | International Relations Theory | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC730 | Sociology of Global Development | 4 | None
• POL740 | Comparative Public Policy | 4 | None
• ETH750 | Human Rights and International Law | 4 | None
• RES760 | Data Analysis for Policy Research | 4 | RES700
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT800 | Servant Leadership in Global Organizations | 4 | None
• ETH810 | Environmental Ethics and Stewardship | 4 | None
• POL820 | Global Economic Policy Analysis | 4 | None
• RES830 | Dissertation Proposal Development | 4 | RES700, RES760
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ETH840 | Ethics of Humanitarian Aid | 4 | None
• POL850 | Governance and Public Integrity | 4 | None
• SOC860 | Cultural Diversity and Policy Integration | 4 | None
• RES870 | Advanced Qualitative Inquiry | 4 | RES700
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ETH880 | Global Health Policy Ethics | 4 | None
• POL890 | International Conflict Resolution | 4 | None
• RES900 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES830
• RES910 | Dissertation Research II | 4 | RES900
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES920 | Dissertation Writing and Synthesis | 4 | RES910
• CAP950 | Dissertation Defense | 3 | RES920
• ETH930 | Advanced Seminar in Ethics and Policy | 3 | None
• MGT940 | Professional Ethics in Global Practice | 3 | None