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Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Humanitarianism, Conflict Response

Academic unitHBIU College of Social Science and HumanitarianismTotal credits78Estimated duration2 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

B.A. in Faith-Based Humanitarianism, Conflict Response

Total program length

78 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

Four academic years

General education

36 credit hours

Faith-Based Humanitarianism, Conflict Response core

21 credit hours

Professional application courses

15 credit hours

Capstone requirement

6 credit hours

The PhD in Faith-Based Humanitarianism and Conflict Response prepares scholars to critically engage with the complexities of global suffering through the lens of a Christian worldview. Rooted in the mandate of servant leadership, the program provides advanced theoretical and practical training that integrates humanitarian strategy with biblical stewardship. Students are equipped to analyze geopolitical conflicts and propose interventions guided by ethical reasoning and moral courage. By fostering a commitment to spiritual formation, the curriculum challenges graduates to contribute to global discourse while developing rigorous research methodologies that honor the dignity of the human person created in the image of God. This interdisciplinary approach cultivates leaders who view humanitarian service as a vocation, ensuring they are prepared to address real-world crises with both academic excellence and a steadfast commitment to justice and reconciliation.

The Bachelor of Arts in Faith-Based Humanitarianism, Conflict Response combines a robust liberal arts foundation with comprehensive study in humanitarian theory, behavioral science, human development, and ethical frameworks. The curriculum integrates research methodologies, crisis awareness, referral protocols, program development, and community-based support strategies to equip students for service within diverse societal and conflict-affected environments.

Florida's current standard establishes a minimum of 120 semester credits for a bachelor's degree and at least 30 general-education credits for a Bachelor of Arts. This curriculum exceeds the general-education minimum.

Program Facts

Program facts

Degree abbreviation
B.A. in Faith-Based Humanitarianism, Conflict Response
Total program length
78 semester credit hours
Normal completion time
Four academic years
General education
36 credit hours
Professional application courses
15 credit hours
Capstone requirement
6 credit hours
Academic unit
HBIU College of Social Science and Humanitarianism
Total credits
78
Duration
2 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Analyze and assess the impact of humanitarian interventions in conflict settings.
  • Develop effective response strategies to address the needs of affected populations.
  • Critique ethical dilemmas and policy frameworks in humanitarian work.
  • Conduct original research and contribute to scholarly discourse in humanitarianism.
  • Collaborate with diverse organizations to enhance conflict resolution efforts.
  • Communicate complex ideas effectively to various stakeholders.
  • Apply theoretical knowledge to practical challenges in humanitarian contexts.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • HCRI 600-PHD
  • Humanitarianism in Conflict Response
  • 3
  • None
  • HCRI 602-PHD
  • History of the Humanitarian System
  • 3
  • None
  • HCRD 610
  • Humanitarianism & Diplomacy
  • 3
  • None
  • HCRM 620
  • Humanitarianism & Migration
  • 3
  • None
  • HCRI 600-PHD — Humanitarianism in Conflict Response: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • HCRI 602-PHD — History of the Humanitarian System: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • HCRD 610 — Humanitarianism & Diplomacy: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • HCRM 620 — Humanitarianism & Migration: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • HCRI 630
  • Research and Evaluation Methods
  • 3
  • None
  • HCRM 650
  • Humanitarianism in Crisis
  • 3
  • None
  • MGDI 690
  • Key Issues in Environment & Development
  • 3
  • None
  • HCRI 700
  • Climate Change, Resilience & Environmental Justice
  • 3
  • None
  • HCRI 630 — Research and Evaluation Methods: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • HCRM 650 — Humanitarianism in Crisis: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGDI 690 — Key Issues in Environment & Development: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • HCRI 700 — Climate Change, Resilience & Environmental Justice: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • MGDI 700
  • Characteristics & Skills of Development Practice
  • 3
  • None
  • HCRI 710
  • Emergency Humanitarian Assistance
  • 3
  • None
  • PHUM 711
  • Field Research / Case Study
  • 3
  • None
  • PHUM 712
  • Advanced Humanitarian Issues (Elective)
  • 3
  • None
  • MGDI 700 — Characteristics & Skills of Development Practice: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • HCRI 710 — Emergency Humanitarian Assistance: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PHUM 711 — Field Research / Case Study: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PHUM 712 — Advanced Humanitarian Issues (Elective): This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • HCRI 720
  • Ethics, Human Rights & Culture
  • 3
  • None
  • DPLS 722
  • Quantitative Data Analysis
  • 3
  • None
  • HCRI 730
  • Young People in Conflicts & Displacement (20th–21st Centuries)
  • 3
  • None
  • HCRI 730-EHR
  • Ethics, Human Rights & Health
  • 3
  • None
  • HCRI 720 — Ethics, Human Rights & Culture: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • DPLS 722 — Quantitative Data Analysis: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • HCRI 730 — Young People in Conflicts & Displacement (20th–21st Centuries): This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • HCRI 730-EHR — Ethics, Human Rights & Health: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 5 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • HCRI 740
  • Health Systems
  • 3
  • None
  • HCRI 750
  • Refugee Law & Protection
  • 3
  • None
  • HCRI 760
  • Management & Leadership in Health & Humanitarianism
  • 3
  • None
  • DISR 800
  • Doctoral Dissertation Seminar: Proposal Development
  • 3
  • None
  • HCRI 740 — Health Systems: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • HCRI 750 — Refugee Law & Protection: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • HCRI 760 — Management & Leadership in Health & Humanitarianism: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • DISR 800 — Doctoral Dissertation Seminar: Proposal Development: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 6 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • DISR 801
  • Human Subjects Protection & IRB Approval
  • 3
  • None
  • DISR 803
  • Dissertation Writing, Defense & Publication
  • 3
  • None
  • DISR 806
  • Data Collection & Analysis
  • 3
  • None
  • HCRM 810
  • Evaluating Humanitarian Action
  • 3
  • None
  • DISR 801 — Human Subjects Protection & IRB Approval: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • DISR 803 — Dissertation Writing, Defense & Publication: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • DISR 806 — Data Collection & Analysis: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • HCRM 810 — Evaluating Humanitarian Action: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 7 — Year 4
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • HCRM 820
  • Community Engagement in Humanitarian Action
  • 3
  • None
  • HCRM 830
  • Crisis & Emergency Management
  • 3
  • None
  • HCRM 820 — Community Engagement in Humanitarian Action: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • HCRM 830 — Crisis & Emergency Management: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must hold a relevant bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Professional experience in humanitarian or conflict-related fields is highly desirable, along with strong letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose outlining research interests. Senior Capstone Project The capstone requirement mandates a doctoral dissertation that serves as an original contribution to the field of humanitarian studies, viewed through the framework of Christian ethical reasoning. Candidates must conduct exhaustive research into a specific area of conflict or humanitarian response, demonstrating how their findings align with, or challenge, paradigms of faith-based practice. The research process requires students to integrate their scholarship with a theological reflection on global crises, illustrating how servant leadership can be applied to sustainable policy development and conflict resolution. Completion of this project serves as a capstone of the student's spiritual formation, proving their capacity to synthesize complex theoretical frameworks with a profound commitment to biblical stewardship in the global arena.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • To qualify for the Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Humanitarianism and Conflict Response, students must complete 60 credit hours of graduate-level coursework with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. The program structure requires the successful completion of core seminars, advanced research electives, and a comprehensive examination that assesses both academic rigor and the integration of a Christian worldview within humanitarian policy. Furthermore, candidates must fulfill the residency requirement through active participation in collaborative research symposiums designed to foster interdisciplinary synergy. Final graduation clearance is contingent upon the successful defense of a doctoral dissertation, demonstrating a mastery of humanitarian intervention strategies underpinned by a foundational commitment to spiritual growth and the compassionate pursuit of peace.
  • Career Opportunities
  • Humanitarian Program Manager
  • Conflict Resolution Specialist
  • International Aid Coordinator
  • Policy Advisor for NGOs
  • Research Analyst in Humanitarian Studies
  • Emergency Response Coordinator
  • Consultant for Development Agencies
  • 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 | B.A. in Faith-Based Humanitarianism, Conflict Response
  • Total program length | 78 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Four academic years
  • General education | 36 credit hours
  • Faith-Based Humanitarianism, Conflict Response core | 21 credit hours
  • Professional application courses | 15 credit hours
  • Capstone requirement | 6 credit hours
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • HCRI 600-PHD | Humanitarianism in Conflict Response | 3 | None
  • HCRI 602-PHD | History of the Humanitarian System | 3 | None
  • HCRD 610 | Humanitarianism & Diplomacy | 3 | None
  • HCRM 620 | Humanitarianism & Migration | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • HCRI 630 | Research and Evaluation Methods | 3 | None
  • HCRM 650 | Humanitarianism in Crisis | 3 | None
  • MGDI 690 | Key Issues in Environment & Development | 3 | None
  • HCRI 700 | Climate Change, Resilience & Environmental Justice | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MGDI 700 | Characteristics & Skills of Development Practice | 3 | None
  • HCRI 710 | Emergency Humanitarian Assistance | 3 | None
  • PHUM 711 | Field Research / Case Study | 3 | None
  • PHUM 712 | Advanced Humanitarian Issues (Elective) | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • HCRI 720 | Ethics, Human Rights & Culture | 3 | None
  • DPLS 722 | Quantitative Data Analysis | 3 | None
  • HCRI 730 | Young People in Conflicts & Displacement (20th–21st Centuries) | 3 | None
  • HCRI 730-EHR | Ethics, Human Rights & Health | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • HCRI 740 | Health Systems | 3 | None
  • HCRI 750 | Refugee Law & Protection | 3 | None
  • HCRI 760 | Management & Leadership in Health & Humanitarianism | 3 | None
  • DISR 800 | Doctoral Dissertation Seminar: Proposal Development | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • DISR 801 | Human Subjects Protection & IRB Approval | 3 | None
  • DISR 803 | Dissertation Writing, Defense & Publication | 3 | None
  • DISR 806 | Data Collection & Analysis | 3 | None
  • HCRM 810 | Evaluating Humanitarian Action | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • HCRM 820 | Community Engagement in Humanitarian Action | 3 | None
  • HCRM 830 | Crisis & Emergency Management | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Humanitarian Program Manager
  • Conflict Resolution Specialist
  • International Aid Coordinator
  • Policy Advisor for NGOs
  • Research Analyst in Humanitarian Studies
  • Emergency Response Coordinator
  • Consultant for Development Agencies

Additional Official Information

Additional source information

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 | B.A. in Faith-Based Humanitarianism, Conflict Response
  • Total program length | 78 semester credit hours
  • Normal completion time | Four academic years