Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Political Science, Specialization in Governance Civic Engagement

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Political Science

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 Science and Social Science

Total credits

120

Duration

3 years

• Analyze foundational political theories and governance models through a critical, interdisciplinary perspective.
• Evaluate the intersection of public policy, social justice, and civic engagement within institutional frameworks.
• Design and conduct original, high-level research using advanced statistical and qualitative methodologies.
• Integrate ethical principles and biblical stewardship into the formulation and implementation of public policy.
• Communicate complex political insights effectively to academic, professional, and public audiences.
• Demonstrate servant leadership by facilitating collaborative solutions to civic and community challenges.
• Develop sustainable strategies for community engagement that reflect a commitment to the common good.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• POL700
• Advanced Political Theory
• 4
• None
• RES701
• Quantitative Research Methods
• 4
• None
• ETH702
• Ethics and Governance
• 4
• None
• POL700 — Advanced Political Theory: An examination of classical and contemporary political philosophy and its applications to modern governance. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES701 — Quantitative Research Methods: Training in statistical software and advanced data analysis for social science research. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ETH702 — Ethics and Governance: Analysis of moral frameworks within political decision-making and administrative stewardship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• POL710
• Public Policy Analysis
• 4
• POL700
• RES711
• Qualitative Research Methods
• 4
• RES701
• SOC712
• Civil Society and Civic Engagement
• 4
• None
• MGT713
• Nonprofit Leadership
• 4
• None
• POL710 — Public Policy Analysis: Evaluation of policy design, implementation, and assessment in democratic systems. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES711 — Qualitative Research Methods: Methods including ethnographic study, interviews, and thematic analysis for social inquiry. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC712 — Civil Society and Civic Engagement: Study of the role of voluntary organizations in promoting democratic stability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT713 — Nonprofit Leadership: Application of servant leadership and stewardship principles to the management of nonprofit organizations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• POL720
• Global Governance and Human Rights
• 4
• POL710
• RES721
• Advanced Statistical Modeling
• 4
• RES711
• HIS722
• History of Political Thought
• 4
• None
• POL723
• Social Equity and Public Policy
• 4
• None
• POL720 — Global Governance and Human Rights: Analysis of international political structures and their impact on global human rights. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES721 — Advanced Statistical Modeling: Application of advanced multivariate techniques to political science research questions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS722 — History of Political Thought: Exploration of historical ideologies that influence contemporary civic systems. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• POL723 — Social Equity and Public Policy: This course examines theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence regarding social equity, justice, and the distribution of public resources within diverse democratic societies. Students analyze policy impact on marginalized populations and the role of systemic reform in achieving equitable outcomes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• POL730
• Comparative Politics
• 4
• POL720
• COM731
• Political Communication and Advocacy
• 4
• None
• RES732
• Research Design Seminar
• 4
• RES721
• EDU733
• Pedagogy for Political Science
• 4
• None
• POL730 — Comparative Politics: Study of institutional variations across global political systems. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM731 — Political Communication and Advocacy: Strategies for effective communication in public policy and advocacy settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES732 — Research Design Seminar: Development of the student's independent research focus and proposal strategy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU733 — Pedagogy for Political Science: Methods for teaching political science at the collegiate level with a focus on ethical engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• POL800
• Advanced Institutional Analysis
• 4
• POL730
• RES801
• Advanced Dissertation Research I
• 4
• RES732
• SOC802
• Community Organizing and Development
• 4
• None
• MGT803
• Strategic Planning in Public Service
• 4
• MGT713
• POL800 — Advanced Institutional Analysis: Evaluation of complex interactions within democratic political institutions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES801 — Advanced Dissertation Research I: Initial phases of the dissertation project under faculty supervision. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC802 — Community Organizing and Development: Practical application of civic engagement theories to local community settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT803 — Strategic Planning in Public Service: Development of strategic initiatives for the nonprofit and public sectors. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• POL810
• Seminar in Public Leadership
• 3
• POL800
• RES811
• Advanced Dissertation Research II
• 3
• RES801
• RES812
• Dissertation Defense
• 3
• RES811
• CAP813
• Integrative Capstone Seminar
• 3
• All Core Coursework
• POL810 — Seminar in Public Leadership: Critical examination of character-driven leadership in contemporary political environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES811 — Advanced Dissertation Research II: Continuing dissertation research with a focus on data synthesis and formal writing. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES812 — Dissertation Defense: Final review and defense of the original scholarly research project. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP813 — Integrative Capstone Seminar: Final synthesis of program objectives and preparation for professional practice. This 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 political science, public administration, sociology, or a related field, with a minimum cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must submit a formal research proposal, three letters of professional or academic recommendation, and a personal statement articulating their commitment to the program’s focus on ethical governance and community service. Candidates should demonstrate readiness for rigorous doctoral-level inquiry and professional maturity appropriate for advanced graduate study. Dissertation Requirement The Dissertation serves as the culminating academic achievement of the PhD program, requiring students to conduct original, independent research that contributes new knowledge to the field of political science and civic engagement. Students are expected to identify a significant problem in governance, formulate a research question, and utilize advanced methodological approaches to generate a substantive, high-quality scholarly manuscript. This process is overseen by a faculty committee that mentors the student through the stages of proposal, research design, implementation, and final defense. Beyond technical academic competence, the dissertation must explicitly integrate the candidate's research findings with their personal commitment to ethical inquiry and servant leadership. Candidates are encouraged to frame their research through the lens of biblical stewardship and spiritual formation, demonstrating how their findings might impact policy and civic health. Through this synthesis, the dissertation stands as a testament to both the student’s intellectual rigor and their ability to apply faith-informed character to address complex societal needs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students must complete all required coursework, demonstrate proficiency in research methodology, and successfully defend their final dissertation before a faculty panel. Academic success is paired with ongoing participation in the university’s spiritual formation initiatives, which include regular community service and engagement in collective reflection on the intersection of faith and public life.
• Candidates are expected to demonstrate consistent evidence of professional integrity, ethical maturity, and a commitment to servant leadership throughout their residency. Graduation recognizes the student’s transition from a learner to an independent scholar who is prepared to advance the common good through their specific discipline, reflecting a holistic achievement of both rigorous academic standards and a sustained commitment to faith-informed service.
• Career Opportunities
• Public Policy Analyst
• Civic Engagement Consultant
• Nonprofit Executive Director
• Academic Faculty and Researcher
• Director of Community Development
• Public Administration Administrator
• Advocacy Strategist for Non-Governmental Organizations
• 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 Political Science
• 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 political science 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
• POL700 | Advanced Political Theory | 4 | None
• RES701 | Quantitative Research Methods | 4 | None
• ETH702 | Ethics and Governance | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL710 | Public Policy Analysis | 4 | POL700
• RES711 | Qualitative Research Methods | 4 | RES701
• SOC712 | Civil Society and Civic Engagement | 4 | None
• MGT713 | Nonprofit Leadership | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL720 | Global Governance and Human Rights | 4 | POL710
• RES721 | Advanced Statistical Modeling | 4 | RES711
• HIS722 | History of Political Thought | 4 | None
• POL723 | Social Equity and Public Policy | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL730 | Comparative Politics | 4 | POL720
• COM731 | Political Communication and Advocacy | 4 | None
• RES732 | Research Design Seminar | 4 | RES721
• EDU733 | Pedagogy for Political Science | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL800 | Advanced Institutional Analysis | 4 | POL730
• RES801 | Advanced Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES732
• SOC802 | Community Organizing and Development | 4 | None
• MGT803 | Strategic Planning in Public Service | 4 | MGT713
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL810 | Seminar in Public Leadership | 3 | POL800
• RES811 | Advanced Dissertation Research II | 3 | RES801
• RES812 | Dissertation Defense | 3 | RES811
• CAP813 | Integrative Capstone Seminar | 3 | All Core Coursework