Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based International Human Rights

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based International Human Rights

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 the historical, legal, and theological foundations of international human rights frameworks.
• Evaluate the efficacy of international advocacy strategies through empirical research and critical assessment.
• Develop advanced methodological competencies to conduct original research on complex human rights issues.
• Apply principles of servant leadership and ethical stewardship to the design of public policy and humanitarian programs.
• Integrate cross-disciplinary insights from sociology, law, and ethics to address systemic inequality.
• Communicate complex human rights findings to academic, professional, and community stakeholders with scholarly precision.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES800
• Advanced Qualitative Research Methods
• 3
• None
• HIS810
• Global History of Human Rights Movements
• 3
• None
• THE820
• Ethical Stewardship in Global Governance
• 3
• None
• RES800 — Advanced Qualitative Research Methods: Explores methodologies for qualitative inquiry in human rights research. Focuses on ethnographic studies and discourse analysis within global humanitarian contextsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• HIS810 — Global History of Human Rights Movements: Analyzes the historical trajectory of international human rights discourse. Examines key documents and movements that have shaped the global legal landscapeThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• THE820 — Ethical Stewardship in Global Governance: Investigates the intersection of moral philosophy and public policy. Emphasizes the ethical responsibilities of global leaders in managing humanitarian resourcesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES815
• Advanced Quantitative Research Methods
• 3
• RES800
• SOC830
• Social Justice and Global Inequality
• 3
• None
• MGT840
• Servant Leadership in Non-Profit Organizations
• 4
• None
• HUM850
• Humanitarian Law and International Treaties
• 3
• None
• RES815 — Advanced Quantitative Research Methods: Provides technical training in statistical analysis applied to human rights data. Students learn to interpret large-scale humanitarian datasets to drive policy recommendationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC830 — Social Justice and Global Inequality: Examines the sociological roots of systemic inequality in an international context. Students evaluate structural barriers to equality and strategies for sustainable reformThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MGT840 — Servant Leadership in Non-Profit Organizations: Studies the application of servant leadership models within international humanitarian organizations. Focuses on organizational culture, ethical management, and community impactThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• HUM850 — Humanitarian Law and International Treaties: Provides an overview of international conventions and their enforcement mechanisms. Reviews the role of international courts in adjudicating human rights violationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES860
• Research Seminar: Human Rights Data Analysis
• 3
• RES815
• BUS870
• Economic Systems and Global Dignity
• 4
• None
• EDU880
• Education as an Instrument of Human Rights
• 3
• None
• COU890
• Psychological Resilience in Crisis Situations
• 3
• None
• RES860 — Research Seminar: Human Rights Data Analysis: Focuses on the practical application of research design to specific human rights case studies. Students refine their data collection techniques for their dissertation workThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• BUS870 — Economic Systems and Global Dignity: Analyzes the impact of macroeconomic policies on individual human dignity. Students explore the intersection of international trade and human rights protectionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU880 — Education as an Instrument of Human Rights: Examines the role of global educational initiatives in advancing human rights. Discusses curriculum design and policy interventions in underdeveloped regionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COU890 — Psychological Resilience in Crisis Situations: Addresses the psychological impact of human rights abuses on individuals and communities. Explores psychosocial recovery frameworks in post-conflict zonesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES900
• Advanced Dissertation Prospectus
• 3
• RES860
• SOC910
• Migration, Identity, and Global Borders
• 4
• None
• LAW920
• Jurisprudence and Comparative Human Rights Systems
• 3
• None
• COM930
• Global Communication and Human Rights Advocacy
• 3
• None
• RES900 — Advanced Dissertation Prospectus: Students develop the formal research plan for their dissertation. Involves peer review, committee feedback, and foundational literature synthesisThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC910 — Migration, Identity, and Global Borders: Investigates the complexities of migration, displacement, and statelessness. Critically assesses current international approaches to the rights of refugees and migrantsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• LAW920 — Jurisprudence and Comparative Human Rights Systems: This course examines the philosophical foundations of human justice and the structural evolution of rights within international legal frameworks. Students analyze how legal systems interpret equity and social justice to advocate for marginalized populations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM930 — Global Communication and Human Rights Advocacy: Analyzes the role of media and digital communication in humanitarian advocacy. Explores effective messaging strategies for international policy changeThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES940
• Dissertation Research Phase I
• 4
• RES900
• RES950
• Advanced Policy Analysis Workshop
• 3
• RES900
• MGT960
• Institutional Development for Humanitarian Impact
• 3
• MGT840
• HIS970
• Contemporary Challenges in Global Human Rights
• 3
• None
• RES940 — Dissertation Research Phase I: Initial phase of independent research for the dissertation project. Focuses on data collection and the primary analytical synthesis phaseThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES950 — Advanced Policy Analysis Workshop: Practical workshop for converting research findings into policy briefs. Students learn to communicate complex data to legislative bodiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MGT960 — Institutional Development for Humanitarian Impact: Focuses on building sustainable humanitarian institutions. Covers fundraising, strategic planning, and long-term organizational stewardshipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• HIS970 — Contemporary Challenges in Global Human Rights: A seminar exploring current threats to global human rights. Focuses on emerging issues such as environmental justice and technological ethicsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP980
• Doctoral Dissertation Defense
• 8
• RES940
• RES990
• Ethics in Professional Academic Research
• 3
• None
• ORG995
• Organizational Ethics and Professional Integrity
• 3
• None
• RES999
• Advanced Research Practicum
• 3
• None
• CAP980 — Doctoral Dissertation Defense: Final phase of the dissertation including completion of the manuscript and oral defense. Represents the culmination of the candidate's academic and scholarly workThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES990 — Ethics in Professional Academic Research: Review of institutional research ethics and academic integrity standards. Prepares candidates for professional dissemination of findingsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ORG995 — Organizational Ethics and Professional Integrity: This course provides an intensive review of ethical decision-making frameworks within public and humanitarian organizational sectors. Participants evaluate the role of institutional transparency, professional conduct codes, and personal accountability in sustaining long-term social impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES999 — Advanced Research Practicum: Supervised practical application of research findings in a community-identified humanitarian project. Bridges the gap between doctoral theory and global serviceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Applicants must hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution in a related field such as international relations, law, sociology, or public policy. The admissions committee requires a minimum graduate GPA of 3.0, a formal research proposal outlining a potential area of study, three letters of professional or academic recommendation, and a personal statement articulating the alignment of the applicant’s professional goals with the university’s mission of faith-informed ethical service. Dissertation Requirement The Dissertation serves as the culminating academic experience of the PhD program, representing a significant original contribution to the field of international human rights. Students are required to conduct independent, rigorous research that addresses a specific global challenge, applying multi-disciplinary methodologies to generate new knowledge. The project must demonstrate high-level scholarly competence and the capacity for critical, independent synthesis of complex human rights data. Beyond academic rigor, the dissertation requires an intentional integration of faith-based principles, challenging students to articulate how ethical reasoning, biblical stewardship, and servant leadership inform their research outcomes. Scholars must demonstrate how their findings serve the common good and advance justice in a manner consistent with a worldview that honors human dignity. The dissertation constitutes 12 credit hours and is evaluated by a committee for its intellectual impact, methodological integrity, and commitment to the ethical service of humanity.

• Graduation requires the completion of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, ensuring that all academic standards are met with excellence. Students must successfully defend their dissertation, demonstrating mastery of their research topic and the ability to contribute original knowledge to the scholarly community. All required courses and research seminars must be completed within the designated timeframe.
• In addition to academic benchmarks, the university emphasizes spiritual formation and character development as essential components of the doctoral journey. Candidates are expected to maintain professional integrity throughout their studies and participate in community engagement and stewardship activities that reflect the university’s commitment to faith-informed service. Graduation symbolizes not only the attainment of intellectual expertise but also the readiness to serve in global capacities with spiritual maturity, ethical steadfastness, and a character dedicated to the well-being of all people.
• Career Opportunities
• International Human Rights Policy Analyst
• Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Program Director
• Academic Researcher and Professor
• Global Humanitarian Strategy Consultant
• Human Rights Legal Advisor
• International Diplomacy and Advocacy Specialist
• Public Policy 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 International Human Rights
• 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 international human rights 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
• RES800 | Advanced Qualitative Research Methods | 3 | None
• HIS810 | Global History of Human Rights Movements | 3 | None
• THE820 | Ethical Stewardship in Global Governance | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES815 | Advanced Quantitative Research Methods | 3 | RES800
• SOC830 | Social Justice and Global Inequality | 3 | None
• MGT840 | Servant Leadership in Non-Profit Organizations | 4 | None
• HUM850 | Humanitarian Law and International Treaties | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES860 | Research Seminar: Human Rights Data Analysis | 3 | RES815
• BUS870 | Economic Systems and Global Dignity | 4 | None
• EDU880 | Education as an Instrument of Human Rights | 3 | None
• COU890 | Psychological Resilience in Crisis Situations | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES900 | Advanced Dissertation Prospectus | 3 | RES860
• SOC910 | Migration, Identity, and Global Borders | 4 | None
• LAW920 | Jurisprudence and Comparative Human Rights Systems | 3 | None
• COM930 | Global Communication and Human Rights Advocacy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES940 | Dissertation Research Phase I | 4 | RES900
• RES950 | Advanced Policy Analysis Workshop | 3 | RES900
• MGT960 | Institutional Development for Humanitarian Impact | 3 | MGT840
• HIS970 | Contemporary Challenges in Global Human Rights | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP980 | Doctoral Dissertation Defense | 8 | RES940
• RES990 | Ethics in Professional Academic Research | 3 | None
• ORG995 | Organizational Ethics and Professional Integrity | 3 | None
• RES999 | Advanced Research Practicum | 3 | None