Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Global Development, Policy Development

Degree abbreviation

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

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 systemic challenges in global development using advanced interdisciplinary research methods.
• Evaluate the impact of international policies on diverse economic and social contexts.
• Design innovative policy frameworks that promote sustainable development and institutional stability.
• Integrate ethical reasoning and biblical stewardship into global development strategies.
• Communicate complex research findings to stakeholders through professional and academic platforms.
• Demonstrate advanced competency in quantitative and qualitative data analysis for policy evaluation.
• Apply principles of servant leadership to address global challenges in multicultural environments.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES800
• Advanced Qualitative Research Methods
• 3
• None
• POL805
• Foundations of Global Policy Development
• 3
• None
• THE810
• Ethical Stewardship in Global Governance
• 3
• None
• RES800 — Advanced Qualitative Research Methods: Focuses on rigorous qualitative inquiry and case study methodology in international settings. Students learn to interpret complex human narratives to inform policyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• POL805 — Foundations of Global Policy Development: Analyzes the theoretical underpinnings of international policy. Examines how historical, economic, and social frameworks influence global development modelsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• THE810 — Ethical Stewardship in Global Governance: Explores the intersection of professional ethics and global leadership. Students evaluate concepts of responsibility and justice in resource allocationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES815
• Quantitative Policy Analysis
• 4
• RES800
• POL820
• International Economic Systems
• 4
• None
• MGT825
• Organizational Leadership in Global Contexts
• 3
• None
• SOC830
• Social Justice and Global Development
• 3
• None
• RES815 — Quantitative Policy Analysis: Provides training in statistical modeling and data-driven evaluation for policy development. Emphasis is placed on interpreting datasets to improve project efficacyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• POL820 — International Economic Systems: Evaluates the mechanisms of international trade, finance, and economic growth. Students analyze how these systems affect development outcomes in lower-income nationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MGT825 — Organizational Leadership in Global Contexts: Examines models of servant leadership within multi-institutional and cross-cultural frameworks. Focuses on the management of humanitarian and development teamsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC830 — Social Justice and Global Development: Addresses the sociological impacts of development policy on vulnerable populations. Students explore frameworks for equity, human rights, and social stabilityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• POL835
• Policy Implementation Strategies
• 4
• POL805
• HIS840
• Historical Perspectives on Global Growth
• 3
• None
• RES845
• Advanced Research Design for Dissertation
• 3
• RES815
• BUS850
• Public-Private Partnerships in Development
• 3
• None
• POL835 — Policy Implementation Strategies: Focuses on the practical application of policy from design to evaluation. Covers institutional barriers, bureaucratic hurdles, and stakeholder engagementThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• HIS840 — Historical Perspectives on Global Growth: Analyzes the evolution of development theories and their historical successes and failures. Encourages critical evaluation of past interventionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES845 — Advanced Research Design for Dissertation: Assists students in formalizing their research questions and methodological approach. Students begin drafting their comprehensive research proposalThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• BUS850 — Public-Private Partnerships in Development: Investigates how corporate social responsibility and governmental agencies collaborate for development. Analyzes the sustainability of these joint effortsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• POL855
• Comparative Policy Models
• 3
• POL805
• COM860
• Strategic Communication for Policy Reform
• 3
• None
• INT865
• International Development Paradigms
• 3
• THE810
• RES870
• Data Analysis Workshop
• 4
• RES845
• POL855 — Comparative Policy Models: Examines how different nations approach policy development across various economic stages. Provides comparative analysis to inform best practicesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COM860 — Strategic Communication for Policy Reform: Teaches the art of clear, persuasive communication for policy advocacy. Focuses on bridging the gap between technical data and public perceptionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• INT865 — International Development Paradigms: This course examines the evolution of global development frameworks, analyzing institutional impacts on cross-cultural community engagement. It evaluates current socio-economic strategies to address poverty and infrastructure needs in diverse international contexts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES870 — Data Analysis Workshop: An intensive workshop designed to assist students with specific analytical needs for their upcoming dissertation research. Focuses on advanced software and techniquesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• POL875
• Global Security and Policy Impacts
• 3
• POL805
• MGT880
• Sustainable Development Advocacy
• 3
• MGT825
• DIS885
• Dissertation Proposal Defense
• 3
• RES870
• POL890
• Advanced Topics in Policy Reform
• 4
• None
• POL875 — Global Security and Policy Impacts: Analyzes the link between economic instability, policy failure, and regional conflict. Emphasizes the development of stabilizing policy solutionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MGT880 — Sustainable Development Advocacy: Focuses on mobilizing resources and support for long-term development sustainability. Explores the ethics of fundraising and resource allocationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• DIS885 — Dissertation Proposal Defense: The candidate defends their research proposal before a faculty committee. Approval authorizes the student to proceed to formal data collection and writingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• POL890 — Advanced Topics in Policy Reform: Explores contemporary issues in international policy, including climate, migration, and digital infrastructure. Develops adaptive thinking for evolving global landscapesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• DIS900
• Dissertation Writing and Defense
• 6
• DIS885
• POL905
• Capstone Seminar: Ethical Leadership in Practice
• 3
• None
• SOC910
• Advanced Sociological Policy Research
• 3
• None
• THE915
• Character Formation and Global Service
• 3
• None
• DIS900 — Dissertation Writing and Defense: The final stage of the program requiring the completion, submission, and successful oral defense of the doctoral dissertation. Demonstrates research mastery and professional integrityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• POL905 — Capstone Seminar: Ethical Leadership in Practice: A final synthesis course where students reflect on their role as global leaders. Integrates academic findings with personal commitment to service and integrityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC910 — Advanced Sociological Policy Research: Examines complex social stratification patterns and their impact on development outcomes. Provides a final look at equitable solution modelsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• THE915 — Character Formation and Global Service: Explores the necessity of character, moral courage, and resilience in long-term international service. Final assessment of professional and ethical maturityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Applicants must possess a completed Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field such as Public Policy, Economics, International Relations, or a related social science. Candidates must submit official transcripts demonstrating a minimum graduate-level GPA of 3.0, a detailed statement of research intent, three professional or academic letters of recommendation, and a current curriculum vitae. Admission is competitive and based upon the applicant's research potential and alignment with the program’s focus on ethical global engagement. Dissertation Requirement The Dissertation serves as the culminating academic experience for the PhD program, representing an original contribution to the field of global development. Students are required to conduct independent, rigorous research that addresses a significant policy challenge, demonstrating mastery of the literature, methodological expertise, and the ability to synthesize complex data into practical policy recommendations. The scope of the project must be comprehensive, reflecting the candidate's capacity for advanced critical inquiry. Integration of faith-based perspectives is a foundational component of the dissertation. Candidates must demonstrate how their research aligns with a commitment to biblical stewardship, justice, and the holistic well-being of global populations. By applying ethical reasoning to policy implementation, the student showcases how their academic work serves as a vehicle for servant leadership, ensuring that research outcomes are not only intellectually sound but also morally directed toward the empowerment of vulnerable communities.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours, including the 35-credit transfer block, with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Students must successfully defend their dissertation before a faculty committee, proving both technical proficiency and an ability to navigate the complexities of global policy development. All course requirements must be completed within the 3-year timeline to ensure consistency in academic progression.
• Beyond academic milestones, candidates must demonstrate alignment with the university’s mission through consistent participation in spiritual formation activities, including documented community service and engagement in institutional character development programs. The university views academic achievement as inseparable from spiritual maturity; therefore, graduates are expected to exhibit the ethical integrity, humility, and servant-hearted commitment necessary to represent the institution’s values in their professional and global service engagements.
• Career Opportunities
• International Policy Consultant
• Director of Global Development Initiatives
• Senior Research Analyst for Humanitarian Organizations
• Governmental Policy Advisor
• Academic Faculty in Global Studies
• NGO Executive Director
• International Human Rights Advocate
• 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 Development, Policy Development
• 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 development and policy theory | 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
• RES800 | Advanced Qualitative Research Methods | 3 | None
• POL805 | Foundations of Global Policy Development | 3 | None
• THE810 | Ethical Stewardship in Global Governance | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES815 | Quantitative Policy Analysis | 4 | RES800
• POL820 | International Economic Systems | 4 | None
• MGT825 | Organizational Leadership in Global Contexts | 3 | None
• SOC830 | Social Justice and Global Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL835 | Policy Implementation Strategies | 4 | POL805
• HIS840 | Historical Perspectives on Global Growth | 3 | None
• RES845 | Advanced Research Design for Dissertation | 3 | RES815
• BUS850 | Public-Private Partnerships in Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL855 | Comparative Policy Models | 3 | POL805
• COM860 | Strategic Communication for Policy Reform | 3 | None
• INT865 | International Development Paradigms | 3 | THE810
• RES870 | Data Analysis Workshop | 4 | RES845
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL875 | Global Security and Policy Impacts | 3 | POL805
• MGT880 | Sustainable Development Advocacy | 3 | MGT825
• DIS885 | Dissertation Proposal Defense | 3 | RES870
• POL890 | Advanced Topics in Policy Reform | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS900 | Dissertation Writing and Defense | 6 | DIS885
• POL905 | Capstone Seminar: Ethical Leadership in Practice | 3 | None
• SOC910 | Advanced Sociological Policy Research | 3 | None
• THE915 | Character Formation and Global Service | 3 | None