Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Global Security, Peace with, Specialization in Religion, Conflict Peacebuilding

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Global Security, Peace with, Specialization in Religion, Conflict Peacebuilding

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 conflicts using diverse theoretical frameworks and interdisciplinary perspectives.
• Evaluate the role of faith-based institutions in promoting long-term reconciliation and societal stability.
• Design rigorous, independent research studies that contribute original insights to the field of global security.
• Integrate ethical reasoning and concepts of stewardship into the analysis of international security policies.
• Communicate scholarly findings effectively to academic, policy, and community-based audiences.
• Develop evidence-based strategies for conflict mediation and peacebuilding that reflect principles of servant leadership.
• Demonstrate advanced competency in research methodology through the successful completion of a dissertation.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES800
• Advanced Research Methodology
• 3
• None
• SEC805
• Foundations of Global Security
• 3
• None
• ETH810
• Ethical Frameworks in International Relations
• 3
• None
• RES800 — Advanced Research Methodology: An examination of quantitative and qualitative research methods appropriate for doctoral-level inquiry. Students explore design strategies and data analysis techniques essential for scholarly research in international studiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SEC805 — Foundations of Global Security: This course analyzes the historical and theoretical development of international security concepts. Topics include state sovereignty, human security, and the evolving nature of global threatsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ETH810 — Ethical Frameworks in International Relations: An exploration of normative ethics and their application to global political scenarios. Students evaluate how virtue ethics and social justice frameworks influence decision-making in international contextsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES815
• Qualitative Inquiry and Peace Studies
• 4
• RES800
• SEC820
• Theology and Practice of Reconciliation
• 4
• None
• SOC825
• Global Sociology and Cultural Identity
• 4
• None
• MGT830
• Servant Leadership in Global Organizations
• 4
• None
• RES815 — Qualitative Inquiry and Peace Studies: Focuses on ethnographic and case-study methods within the context of peacebuilding research. Students develop the skills to capture nuance in cross-cultural conflict scenariosThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SEC820 — Theology and Practice of Reconciliation: Analyzes the role of religious institutions and grassroots faith-based groups in post-conflict reconstruction. Students critically evaluate strategies for promoting peace in divided societiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC825 — Global Sociology and Cultural Identity: Examines the intersection of globalization, ethnicity, and religious identity in contemporary conflict. Discusses the impact of cultural dynamics on international security agendasThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MGT830 — Servant Leadership in Global Organizations: Investigates models of leadership that prioritize service, stewardship, and ethical influence. Students apply these models to the management of humanitarian and peacebuilding agenciesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES835
• Quantitative Data Analysis for Global Issues
• 4
• RES800
• SEC840
• Human Security and Development
• 4
• None
• CHR845
• Stewardship in Global Governance
• 4
• None
• HIS850
• Conflict History and Resolution Patterns
• 4
• None
• RES835 — Quantitative Data Analysis for Global Issues: Provides advanced statistical training for assessing trends in global stability and conflict. Students utilize software to analyze large-scale datasets relevant to international securityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SEC840 — Human Security and Development: Explores the link between economic development, health, and national stability. Focuses on the role of sustainable practices in fostering long-term securityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CHR845 — Stewardship in Global Governance: Analyzes the responsibility of global actors in resource management and institutional integrity. Examines historical and modern examples of stewardship in international policyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• HIS850 — Conflict History and Resolution Patterns: A deep dive into the history of international conflicts and the efficacy of previous resolution efforts. Students interpret patterns to improve future peacebuilding interventionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• SEC855
• Advanced International Mediation Strategies
• 4
• SEC820
• POL860
• Policy Analysis for Global Security
• 4
• None
• SOC865
• Community Resilience and Reconstruction
• 4
• None
• RES870
• Doctoral Research Prospectus
• 3
• RES835
• SEC855 — Advanced International Mediation Strategies: Focuses on high-level negotiation techniques and mediation practices in complex political environments. Students participate in simulations to refine their conflict resolution skillsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• POL860 — Policy Analysis for Global Security: Develops competencies in crafting and critiquing security policies. Students address the challenges of balancing national interests with global humanitarian needsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC865 — Community Resilience and Reconstruction: Examines community-led peace initiatives and social recovery strategies after major conflicts. Highlights the role of local engagement in rebuilding social capitalThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES870 — Doctoral Research Prospectus: Supports students in the development of their dissertation proposal. Students receive feedback on their research questions, methodological alignment, and literature review scopeThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• SEC875
• Advanced Topics in Global Peacebuilding
• 4
• None
• CHR880
• Spiritual Formation and Character in Leadership
• 3
• None
• DIS900
• Dissertation Phase I
• 4
• RES870
• DIS905
• Dissertation Phase II
• 4
• DIS900
• SEC875 — Advanced Topics in Global Peacebuilding: A seminar exploring current emerging issues in peace research, such as climate security and technological ethics. Students debate and present research on these contemporary challengesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CHR880 — Spiritual Formation and Character in Leadership: Explores the psychological and spiritual dimensions of leadership, focusing on integrity and the cultivation of character. Students reflect on their personal and professional growthThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• DIS900 — Dissertation Phase I: The initial phase of the doctoral dissertation focusing on data collection and literature synthesis. Students work under the guidance of a faculty advisor to refine their researchThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• DIS905 — Dissertation Phase II: The analytical phase of the dissertation, involving rigorous data interpretation and initial draft construction. Focuses on ensuring that the research contributes original insightsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• DIS910
• Dissertation Phase III
• 4
• DIS905
• DIS915
• Doctoral Dissertation Defense
• 3
• DIS910
• CAP895
• Professional Capstone: Global Engagement
• 4
• None
• RES899
• Doctoral Dissertation Completion
• 4
• DIS910
• DIS910 — Dissertation Phase III: Focuses on the final writing and revision of the dissertation. Students prepare their work for review by the committee and future publicationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• DIS915 — Doctoral Dissertation Defense: The formal defense of the doctoral research before the faculty panel. Candidates present their findings and answer questions regarding their methodology and theoretical contributionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CAP895 — Professional Capstone: Global Engagement: A cumulative reflection project where students bridge their research with practical service applications. Requires a final assessment of their professional trajectory and ethical commitmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES899 — Doctoral Dissertation Completion: Final administrative and editorial completion of the dissertation. Ensuring compliance with all institutional standards, formatting requirements, and documentation of research findingsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Admission to the PhD program requires an earned Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a related field such as international relations, political science, history, or social sciences. Prospective students must provide official transcripts reflecting a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3 in graduate work, a statement of purpose outlining their research interests, three letters of recommendation, and a writing sample that demonstrates the capacity for high-level academic analysis. Dissertation Requirement The dissertation serves as the culminating academic experience for the PhD program, representing a rigorous 12-credit independent research project that contributes new knowledge to the field of global security. Candidates must identify a significant, unresolved challenge in international peacebuilding and apply advanced methodological tools to investigate, analyze, and propose solutions, ensuring the research aligns with the highest standards of academic excellence. Beyond technical proficiency, the dissertation requires an explicit integration of the student's scholarly work with faith-informed values. Candidates must demonstrate how principles of ethical leadership, justice, and communal stewardship inform their research design and ethical considerations. The final product is a comprehensive written document defended before a faculty committee, serving as evidence of both the candidate's mastery of the discipline and their commitment to serving the global community through faith-informed academic inquiry.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours, including the required 35 transfer credits, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students must successfully pass all comprehensive examinations and complete the doctoral dissertation, demonstrating mastery of the subject matter and the ability to conduct independent, professional-level research. Candidates must also demonstrate satisfactory progress in all required coursework, maintaining the university's standard of academic excellence throughout their residency.
• In addition to academic achievement, the university places a high value on the development of character and professional identity. Candidates are expected to actively participate in community service, foster connections with faculty and peer mentors, and demonstrate ongoing spiritual and professional formation consistent with the university’s mission. Graduation signifies that the student has attained the necessary academic proficiency and the moral and ethical maturity required for sustained service and leadership in the field of global security.
• Career Opportunities
• University Professor or Researcher
• International Policy Analyst
• Diplomatic Consultant for NGOs
• Conflict Resolution Specialist
• Director of Faith-Based Global Advocacy
• International Human Rights Advisor
• Policy Consultant for Humanitarian 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 | Ph.D. in Faith-Based Global Security, Peace with, Specialization in Religion, Conflict Peacebuilding
• 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 security and peacebuilding 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 Research Methodology | 3 | None
• SEC805 | Foundations of Global Security | 3 | None
• ETH810 | Ethical Frameworks in International Relations | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES815 | Qualitative Inquiry and Peace Studies | 4 | RES800
• SEC820 | Theology and Practice of Reconciliation | 4 | None
• SOC825 | Global Sociology and Cultural Identity | 4 | None
• MGT830 | Servant Leadership in Global Organizations | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES835 | Quantitative Data Analysis for Global Issues | 4 | RES800
• SEC840 | Human Security and Development | 4 | None
• CHR845 | Stewardship in Global Governance | 4 | None
• HIS850 | Conflict History and Resolution Patterns | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SEC855 | Advanced International Mediation Strategies | 4 | SEC820
• POL860 | Policy Analysis for Global Security | 4 | None
• SOC865 | Community Resilience and Reconstruction | 4 | None
• RES870 | Doctoral Research Prospectus | 3 | RES835
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SEC875 | Advanced Topics in Global Peacebuilding | 4 | None
• CHR880 | Spiritual Formation and Character in Leadership | 3 | None
• DIS900 | Dissertation Phase I | 4 | RES870
• DIS905 | Dissertation Phase II | 4 | DIS900
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS910 | Dissertation Phase III | 4 | DIS905
• DIS915 | Doctoral Dissertation Defense | 3 | DIS910
• CAP895 | Professional Capstone: Global Engagement | 4 | None
• RES899 | Doctoral Dissertation Completion | 4 | DIS910