Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Public Health Specialization in Global health, vulnerable populations, critical issues

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Public Health

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 Health Science

Total credits

120

Duration

3 years

• Analyze complex global health disparities through rigorous epidemiological and sociological research methodologies.
• Evaluate the impact of policy interventions on the health outcomes of vulnerable and marginalized populations.
• Integrate ethical and faith-informed frameworks into public health strategies to promote sustainable community development.
• Design original, data-driven research that contributes meaningfully to the academic discourse in public health.
• Communicate findings from original research to both scholarly and practitioner audiences to influence practice and policy.
• Demonstrate advanced skills in servant leadership, stewardship, and ethical decision-making within international public health contexts.
• Synthesize the spiritual, social, and physical dimensions of health to advocate for holistic wellness solutions.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES700
• Advanced Research Methodology
• 3
• None
• PHL710
• Foundations of Global Health
• 3
• None
• ETH720
• Ethics and Stewardship in Public Health
• 4
• None
• RES700 — Advanced Research Methodology: An investigation into qualitative and quantitative research designs within the public health domain. Students develop mastery in scientific inquiry and methodological rigor. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PHL710 — Foundations of Global Health: An exploration of global health systems, international policy, and cross-cultural health challenges. The course emphasizes stewardship of resources in complex environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ETH720 — Ethics and Stewardship in Public Health: Analysis of moral decision-making, social justice, and the theological foundations of public health service. Students evaluate ethical frameworks for addressing human suffering. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES730
• Statistical Analysis for Health Research
• 4
• RES700
• PHL740
• Health Disparities among Vulnerable Populations
• 3
• PHL710
• MGT750
• Servant Leadership in Health Organizations
• 3
• None
• PHL760
• Epidemiology of Critical Health Issues
• 3
• RES700
• RES730 — Statistical Analysis for Health Research: Advanced application of statistical methods to public health data sets to inform policy and practice. Emphasis is placed on data integrity and interpretation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PHL740 — Health Disparities among Vulnerable Populations: An in-depth study of systemic barriers to health equality and the specific needs of marginalized groups. Students analyze socio-economic and environmental determinants of health. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT750 — Servant Leadership in Health Organizations: Examines models of leadership that prioritize the well-being of the organization and its community. Focuses on stewardship, collaboration, and cultural intelligence. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PHL760 — Epidemiology of Critical Health Issues: Investigation of the spread and control of diseases with a focus on urgent, contemporary global health challenges. Examines the impact of chronic and infectious diseases on community resilience. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES800
• Advanced Qualitative Inquiry
• 3
• RES730
• PHL810
• Community Engagement and Health Advocacy
• 3
• PHL740
• PHL820
• International Health Policy Development
• 3
• PHL710
• RES830
• Program Evaluation and Impact Assessment
• 4
• RES730
• RES800 — Advanced Qualitative Inquiry: Explores ethnographic and phenomenological approaches to understanding community health experiences. Students gain proficiency in interview and observation data analysis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PHL810 — Community Engagement and Health Advocacy: Development of strategies for fostering community partnership and systemic health advocacy. Focuses on the role of civil society in promoting public wellness. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PHL820 — International Health Policy Development: Analysis of the processes involved in developing and implementing public health policies in diverse cultural and geopolitical contexts. Focuses on evaluating policy efficacy and equity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES830 — Program Evaluation and Impact Assessment: Methods for measuring the success and societal impact of public health interventions. Emphasizes accountability and the optimization of resource allocation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES840
• Dissertation Seminar I
• 3
• RES800
• PHL850
• Environmental Health and Stewardship
• 3
• PHL760
• PHL860
• Mental Health in Vulnerable Populations
• 3
• PHL740
• RES870
• Advanced Quantitative Modeling
• 3
• RES730
• RES840 — Dissertation Seminar I: Preliminary research and topic development for the dissertation project. Students work under faculty guidance to solidify their research question and methodological approach. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PHL850 — Environmental Health and Stewardship: Explores the relationship between environmental conditions and community health outcomes. Emphasizes the moral obligation to steward natural resources for the common good. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PHL860 — Mental Health in Vulnerable Populations: Examines the intersection of mental health and social vulnerability. Focuses on trauma-informed care and support networks within a community context. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES870 — Advanced Quantitative Modeling: Advanced statistical techniques for predictive modeling and health outcome projection. Prepares students for complex data-driven decision-making in research. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES880
• Dissertation Seminar II
• 4
• RES840
• PHL885
• Interdisciplinary Health Systems
• 3
• PHL820
• PHL890
• Leadership in Global Crisis Management
• 3
• MGT750
• PHL800
• Professional Ethics and Organizational Communication
• 3
• None
• RES880 — Dissertation Seminar II: Continuation of dissertation research with a focus on data collection and preliminary analysis. Students provide updates and receive feedback from their supervisory committee. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PHL885 — Interdisciplinary Health Systems: An examination of integrated health systems that coordinate care across sectors. Focuses on partnership between private, public, and nonprofit providers. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PHL890 — Leadership in Global Crisis Management: Examines administrative and operational leadership during public health crises. Focuses on crisis preparedness, community response, and ethical decision-making. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PHL800 — Professional Ethics and Organizational Communication: This course examines the intersection of professional conduct, interpersonal communication strategies, and institutional accountability within public health sectors. Students analyze ethical frameworks that govern interpersonal relationships and organizational behavior in complex healthcare settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP900
• Dissertation Defense
• 12
• RES880
• PHL910
• Special Topics in Public Health Equity
• 2
• PHL810
• PHL920
• Health Policy Implementation Practicum
• 3
• PHL820
• RES930
• Advanced Grant Writing and Resource Stewardship
• 3
• RES830
• CAP900 — Dissertation Defense: Final synthesis of the dissertation project and oral defense before a committee of experts. Demonstrates the student's mastery of research and their commitment to faith-informed public health advocacy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PHL910 — Special Topics in Public Health Equity: Exploration of emerging issues in health equity through case study analysis and peer dialogue. Focuses on collaborative solutions to contemporary disparities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PHL920 — Health Policy Implementation Practicum: Application of research to practical settings, focusing on how to implement sustainable health improvements within organizations. Students analyze challenges to large-scale policy implementation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES930 — Advanced Grant Writing and Resource Stewardship: Strategies for identifying funding, crafting persuasive proposals, and managing grant resources ethically. Focuses on organizational sustainability in the health sector. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants for the Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Public Health must hold a master's degree in public health, health sciences, or a closely related field from an accredited institution, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Prospective students must submit a formal application, official academic transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining their research interests, three professional or academic letters of recommendation, and evidence of previous research experience. A successful interview with the doctoral committee is required to assess the alignment of the applicant’s research goals with the program’s focus on faith-based public health and ethical scholarship. Dissertation Requirement The dissertation serves as the culminating scholarly endeavor for this program, requiring students to execute an original research project that addresses a critical issue in global or community health. Students are expected to demonstrate mastery of research methodology, technical proficiency in data analysis, and the ability to contribute new insights to the field of public health while maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity and ethical stewardship. The dissertation is weighted at 12 credit hours and is developed under the close supervision of a faculty committee. Beyond technical rigor, the dissertation represents the student's integration of faith-informed character and critical disciplinary knowledge. Each student is expected to explicitly discuss how their research reflects principles of servant leadership, biblical stewardship, and social justice. The final defense provides an opportunity for the student to articulate how their scholarly work facilitates a holistic approach to service, demonstrating that their academic journey has fostered both intellectual prowess and a commitment to serving humanity with excellence and integrity.

• Graduation from the PhD program requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours, including the 35 transferable master's credits, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 throughout the duration of the program. Students must maintain continuous enrollment and pass all required coursework, qualifying examinations, and the final dissertation defense. Every candidate must demonstrate proficiency in research design and show evidence of academic maturity through the consistent application of sound methodology and ethical inquiry.
• In addition to academic benchmarks, the university values the development of faith-informed character as an essential component of professional readiness. Graduation requirements include ongoing engagement in community service, evidence of spiritual formation through designated seminars, and participation in institutional activities that foster leadership development. Graduates are expected to leave the program not only as proficient researchers but as individuals prepared to integrate their faith with professional practice, serving the public good with humility, integrity, and a clear vision for the flourishing of their communities.
• Career Opportunities
• Global Health Policy Advisor
• Public Health Researcher and Epidemiologist
• Nonprofit Health Program Director
• University Faculty or Scholar in Public Health
• Director of Community Health Initiatives
• International Development Consultant
• Humanitarian Aid Health Strategist
• 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 Public Health
• 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 public health 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
• RES700 | Advanced Research Methodology | 3 | None
• PHL710 | Foundations of Global Health | 3 | None
• ETH720 | Ethics and Stewardship in Public Health | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES730 | Statistical Analysis for Health Research | 4 | RES700
• PHL740 | Health Disparities among Vulnerable Populations | 3 | PHL710
• MGT750 | Servant Leadership in Health Organizations | 3 | None
• PHL760 | Epidemiology of Critical Health Issues | 3 | RES700
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES800 | Advanced Qualitative Inquiry | 3 | RES730
• PHL810 | Community Engagement and Health Advocacy | 3 | PHL740
• PHL820 | International Health Policy Development | 3 | PHL710
• RES830 | Program Evaluation and Impact Assessment | 4 | RES730
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES840 | Dissertation Seminar I | 3 | RES800
• PHL850 | Environmental Health and Stewardship | 3 | PHL760
• PHL860 | Mental Health in Vulnerable Populations | 3 | PHL740
• RES870 | Advanced Quantitative Modeling | 3 | RES730
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES880 | Dissertation Seminar II | 4 | RES840
• PHL885 | Interdisciplinary Health Systems | 3 | PHL820
• PHL890 | Leadership in Global Crisis Management | 3 | MGT750
• PHL800 | Professional Ethics and Organizational Communication | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP900 | Dissertation Defense | 12 | RES880
• PHL910 | Special Topics in Public Health Equity | 2 | PHL810
• PHL920 | Health Policy Implementation Practicum | 3 | PHL820
• RES930 | Advanced Grant Writing and Resource Stewardship | 3 | RES830