Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based MENA, Politics Studies

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based MENA, Politics Studies

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 geopolitical dynamics within the MENA region using advanced qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
• Evaluate the impact of governance and institutional structures on regional political stability and human development.
• Integrate ethical reasoning and principles of servant leadership into the design of public policy and community engagement initiatives.
• Formulate original research that contributes to the academic discourse on the intersection of religious thought and political behavior.
• Demonstrate advanced communication skills by disseminating complex research findings to both academic and professional stakeholder audiences.
• Apply principles of biblical stewardship and ethical integrity to the analysis of conflict resolution and peacebuilding strategies.

Applicants must hold a conferred Master’s degree from an accredited institution in political science, international relations, Middle Eastern studies, or a closely related social science field. Candidates are required to submit official transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining their research interests, a professional curriculum vitae, and three letters of recommendation that attest to their academic aptitude and commitment to ethical leadership. Admission is competitive, and applicants are expected to demonstrate strong research potential and the capacity for high-level analytical inquiry. Dissertation Requirement The dissertation serves as the culminating academic achievement of the PhD program, representing a significant original contribution to the study of MENA politics. Candidates must design and execute a comprehensive research project that addresses a critical gap in current literature, utilizing rigorous methodology to evaluate political or social phenomena within the region. The project is expected to demonstrate the scholar’s ability to synthesize interdisciplinary knowledge with ethical reflection, ensuring that the research output is not only academically sound but also reflective of a commitment to servant leadership and the common good. The dissertation process is comprised of 15 credit hours of sustained research and writing, completed under the mentorship of a faculty committee. Throughout this process, students are encouraged to demonstrate how their findings apply principles of stewardship and social responsibility, framing their research outcomes within a Christian worldview. This culminating experience requires the submission of a formal manuscript and a successful oral defense, affirming the candidate's mastery of the discipline and their readiness to serve as a leader in their professional field.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students must complete all required coursework, including the transfer of 35 master's level credits and 85 doctoral credits, with no grade lower than a B. The program culminates in the successful oral defense and final submission of the dissertation, which must be approved by the faculty committee and meet the university's rigorous standards for original scholarly inquiry.
• In addition to academic requirements, candidates must demonstrate alignment with the university’s commitment to spiritual and character formation. This includes active participation in community engagement, modeling ethical integrity, and demonstrating a commitment to servant leadership as expected in a faith-informed academic community. Graduation marks both the achievement of intellectual mastery and the affirmation of a candidate's readiness to integrate their academic expertise with professional and personal character, contributing to the broader global community with humility and purpose.
• Career Opportunities
• University Professor of International Relations
• Senior Policy Analyst for Global NGOs
• Diplomatic Advisor for Faith-Based Organizations
• Strategic Consultant for Conflict Resolution Programs
• Director of Regional Research Initiatives
• International Development Consultant
• Foreign Affairs Researcher for Public Policy Institutes
• 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 MENA, Politics Studies
• 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 MENA, Politics Studies 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
• RES701 | Advanced Qualitative Research Methods | 3 | None
• HIS705 | Historical Context of MENA Governance | 3 | None
• THE710 | Ethics and Stewardship in Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES702 | Quantitative Analysis in Social Science | 4 | RES701
• POL715 | Political Theory and the MENA Region | 4 | None
• SOC720 | Sociocultural Dynamics in MENA | 3 | None
• COM725 | Communicating Research to Diverse Audiences | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL801 | Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding | 4 | POL715
• MGT805 | Strategic Leadership in Global Contexts | 4 | None
• RES810 | Research Design for the Dissertation | 3 | RES702
• POL815 | Social Movements and Political Ideologies in the Middle East | 3 | HIS705
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL820 | Comparative MENA Political Systems | 4 | POL715
• SOC825 | Community Resilience and Development | 4 | SOC720
• RES830 | Advanced Analytical Writing | 3 | RES810
• SOC835 | Civic Engagement and Community Advocacy Strategies | 3 | THE710
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS901 | Dissertation Research and Analysis I | 4 | RES830
• POL905 | Current Issues in Middle Eastern Policy | 4 | POL820
• EDU910 | Teaching and Mentoring in Higher Education | 3 | None
• DIS915 | Dissertation Writing and Development II | 3 | DIS901
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS920 | Dissertation Completion III | 4 | DIS915
• DIS925 | Dissertation Finalization and Defense | 4 | DIS920
• CAP930 | Professional Capstone Seminar | 3 | Completion of all other courses
• ETH935 | Professional Ethics and Global Academic Standards | 3 | None