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

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Sustainable Development, Global 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 Law and Public Policy

Total credits

120

Duration

3 years

• Analyze complex global policy issues using advanced interdisciplinary research methodologies.
• Evaluate the intersection of sustainable development goals and international public policy frameworks.
• Integrate ethical reasoning and concepts of stewardship into the design of global institutional strategies.
• Develop original research that advances the knowledge base of sustainable development and international policy.
• Communicate complex academic findings to diverse stakeholders to influence policy reform.
• Apply principles of servant leadership to the management of global resources and community-based development programs.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES800
• Advanced Quantitative Research Methods
• 3
• None
• POL801
• Global Governance and Policy Theory
• 3
• None
• SUS802
• Foundations of Sustainable Development
• 3
• None
• RES800 — Advanced Quantitative Research Methods: Exploration of advanced statistical modeling and data analysis for public policy research. Focuses on the application of quantitative tools to evaluate development program outcomesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• POL801 — Global Governance and Policy Theory: An examination of international regulatory frameworks and policy theories. Analyzes how global institutions function within geopolitical and ethical constraintsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SUS802 — Foundations of Sustainable Development: Theoretical exploration of sustainable development paradigms. Covers the balance of environmental, economic, and social pillars within a global contextThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES810
• Advanced Qualitative Research Methods
• 3
• RES800
• POL811
• Ethics and Public Policy Analysis
• 3
• None
• SUS812
• Global Resource Stewardship
• 3
• SUS802
• MGT820
• Servant Leadership in Global Systems
• 3
• None
• RES810 — Advanced Qualitative Research Methods: Deep dive into case studies, ethnography, and narrative analysis for policy evaluation. Emphasis on field research techniques and ethical data collectionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• POL811 — Ethics and Public Policy Analysis: Critical analysis of the ethical dimensions of policy-making. Examines the role of moral philosophy and character in professional decision-makingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SUS812 — Global Resource Stewardship: Study of resource management, scarcity, and sustainable distribution. Explores stewardship of natural resources from both economic and ethical viewpointsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MGT820 — Servant Leadership in Global Systems: Analysis of leadership models that prioritize service and organizational health. Applies these concepts to the context of international development agenciesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• POL821
• Economic Policy and Global Poverty
• 4
• POL801
• SUS822
• Climate Policy and Global Stability
• 4
• SUS812
• RES830
• Dissertation Proposal Development
• 3
• RES810
• SOC840
• Sociology of Human Well-being and Development
• 3
• None
• POL821 — Economic Policy and Global Poverty: Analysis of macroeconomic policies designed to alleviate poverty. Focuses on the efficacy of international aid and local community empowermentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SUS822 — Climate Policy and Global Stability: Investigates the intersection of climate change, migration, and political stability. Develops strategies for sustainable resilience in vulnerable populationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES830 — Dissertation Proposal Development: Structured development of the dissertation research proposal. Includes literature review completion and methodology justificationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC840 — Sociology of Human Well-being and Development: This course examines the socio-economic and psychological frameworks that contribute to human well-being and societal development across diverse global contexts. Students will analyze data on life satisfaction, social capital, and holistic community progress models. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• POL831
• Policy Advocacy and Communication
• 4
• POL821
• SUS832
• Development Economics and Emerging Markets
• 4
• POL821
• RES850
• Directed Doctoral Research I
• 3
• RES830
• MGT855
• Non-Profit Strategy and Compliance
• 3
• MGT820
• POL831 — Policy Advocacy and Communication: Advanced training in communicating research to public policy leaders. Focuses on evidence-based storytelling and strategic institutional influenceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SUS832 — Development Economics and Emerging Markets: Examination of economic development in emerging nations. Evaluates the impact of policy interventions on market health and social stabilityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES850 — Directed Doctoral Research I: Independent research under the supervision of a faculty advisor. Focuses on data gathering for the dissertationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MGT855 — Non-Profit Strategy and Compliance: Study of operational compliance and strategic growth for global NGOs. Focuses on best practices in accountability and fiscal responsibilityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES860
• Directed Doctoral Research II
• 4
• RES850
• POL865
• Comparative Global Policy Studies
• 3
• POL831
• SUS870
• Urbanization and Sustainable Infrastructure
• 3
• SUS832
• RES880
• Dissertation Seminar
• 3
• RES860
• RES860 — Directed Doctoral Research II: Continuation of research efforts. Emphasis on data analysis and preliminary drafting of dissertation chaptersThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• POL865 — Comparative Global Policy Studies: Comparative analysis of regional policy solutions across the globe. Identifies best practices in addressing systemic social challengesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SUS870 — Urbanization and Sustainable Infrastructure: Explores policy challenges related to rapid urbanization and the need for sustainable, equitable city infrastructureThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES880 — Dissertation Seminar: Peer review seminar for dissertation progress. Focuses on integrating research into a professional scholarly documentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP900
• Doctoral Dissertation
• 12
• RES880
• RES890
• Professional Scholarly Publication
• 3
• RES880
• MGT895
• Advanced Seminar in Professional Ethics and Purpose
• 3
• THE840
• POL899
• Policy Implementation Strategy
• 3
• POL865
• CAP900 — Doctoral Dissertation: The final submission and oral defense of the doctoral dissertation. Demonstrates independent research capability and synthesis of faith-informed policy insightThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES890 — Professional Scholarly Publication: Preparation of research findings for peer-reviewed submission. Focuses on academic publishing ethics and impactThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MGT895 — Advanced Seminar in Professional Ethics and Purpose: This seminar explores the intersection of organizational leadership, vocational purpose, and ethical decision-making within complex global systems. Participants evaluate how personal and institutional values influence professional practices and long-term strategic impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• POL899 — Policy Implementation Strategy: Capstones the program by reviewing strategic implementation of long-term sustainable development projects. Focuses on sustainability beyond the initial policy launchThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Applicants for the Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Sustainable Development and Global Policy must hold a completed Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a related field such as Public Policy, Economics, International Relations, or Sustainable Development. Candidates are expected to submit official transcripts, a comprehensive curriculum vitae, three professional letters of recommendation, and a statement of intent detailing their research interests and alignment with the program's values of ethical stewardship. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in academic research and writing through a portfolio or a writing sample of graduate-level work. Final admission is determined through a holistic review of academic potential, scholarly readiness, and the capacity to integrate research with the institution’s mission of service and integrity. Dissertation Requirement The Dissertation serves as the culminating academic achievement for the PhD candidate, requiring the original contribution of new knowledge to the field of sustainable development and global policy. Students are expected to identify a specific, researchable problem that impacts international development, conduct extensive primary or secondary research, and synthesize their findings within a cohesive, scholarly document. The dissertation process encourages candidates to weave together professional policy analysis with a Christian worldview, specifically examining how principles of justice, stewardship, and servant leadership can inform the implementation of global policy solutions. The dissertation accounts for 12 credit hours, and progress is monitored through a series of research seminars and mentor-led committee reviews. Beyond demonstrating academic mastery, the dissertation must reflect the candidate’s maturation as a faith-informed scholar who prioritizes the common good and the dignity of the human person in all proposed interventions. The defense of the dissertation before a faculty committee represents the final step in confirming the candidate's professional readiness to lead and innovate within the global public policy landscape.

• Graduation requirements for this PhD program include the successful completion of 120 credit hours, maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and the formal submission and successful defense of the dissertation. In addition to academic rigors, students must demonstrate growth in spiritual formation and ethical integrity, documented through active participation in faculty-led mentorship sessions and completion of required community service or institutional service hours. This program emphasizes that academic achievement is inseparable from character development; thus, students are evaluated on their ability to articulate a professional philosophy that balances technical expertise with compassionate, faith-informed service. Final clearance for graduation involves a comprehensive review confirming that the candidate has mastered the required doctoral competencies, upheld the university’s honor code, and exhibited the potential to engage in professional practice with moral clarity and a steadfast commitment to the stewardship of global resources.
• Career Opportunities
• International Policy Consultant
• Global Non-Governmental Organization Director
• University Researcher and Faculty Member
• Sustainable Development Project Manager
• Governmental Affairs Advisor
• Humanitarian Aid Strategy Director
• Global Public Policy Analyst
• 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 Sustainable Development, Global 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 sustainable development and global 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
• RES800 | Advanced Quantitative Research Methods | 3 | None
• POL801 | Global Governance and Policy Theory | 3 | None
• SUS802 | Foundations of Sustainable Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES810 | Advanced Qualitative Research Methods | 3 | RES800
• POL811 | Ethics and Public Policy Analysis | 3 | None
• SUS812 | Global Resource Stewardship | 3 | SUS802
• MGT820 | Servant Leadership in Global Systems | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL821 | Economic Policy and Global Poverty | 4 | POL801
• SUS822 | Climate Policy and Global Stability | 4 | SUS812
• RES830 | Dissertation Proposal Development | 3 | RES810
• SOC840 | Sociology of Human Well-being and Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL831 | Policy Advocacy and Communication | 4 | POL821
• SUS832 | Development Economics and Emerging Markets | 4 | POL821
• RES850 | Directed Doctoral Research I | 3 | RES830
• MGT855 | Non-Profit Strategy and Compliance | 3 | MGT820
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES860 | Directed Doctoral Research II | 4 | RES850
• POL865 | Comparative Global Policy Studies | 3 | POL831
• SUS870 | Urbanization and Sustainable Infrastructure | 3 | SUS832
• RES880 | Dissertation Seminar | 3 | RES860
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP900 | Doctoral Dissertation | 12 | RES880
• RES890 | Professional Scholarly Publication | 3 | RES880
• MGT895 | Advanced Seminar in Professional Ethics and Purpose | 3 | THE840
• POL899 | Policy Implementation Strategy | 3 | POL865