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 complex international human rights doctrines and legal frameworks through rigorous, evidence-based research methodologies.
• Evaluate the intersection of global public policy and individual liberties within diverse cultural and faith-based contexts.
• Design comprehensive strategies for human rights advocacy that prioritize dignity, servant leadership, and effective stakeholder engagement.
• Integrate advanced ethical reasoning into the development of international policy, addressing issues of systemic inequality and social justice.
• Demonstrate advanced scholarly competency by producing original research that contributes to the field of international human rights.
• Communicate nuanced human rights challenges to both academic and non-academic audiences using professional and persuasive academic discourse.
• Apply principles of biblical stewardship and ethical integrity to address contemporary human rights crises.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES701
• Advanced Research Methodology
• 4
• None
• HUM710
• Foundations of International Human Rights
• 4
• None
• THE720
• Ethics and Stewardship in Global Policy
• 4
• None
• RES701 — Advanced Research Methodology: This course explores advanced qualitative and quantitative methodologies essential for doctoral-level social science research. Students examine the design and execution of rigorous studies while addressing ethical research standardsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• HUM710 — Foundations of International Human Rights: A comprehensive analysis of the legal and philosophical foundations of human rights in the global context. Focus is placed on international treaties, institutional frameworks, and historical developmentsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• THE720 — Ethics and Stewardship in Global Policy: This course investigates the intersection of theological ethics and international human rights policy. Students evaluate the role of stewardship in shaping governance and addressing global inequalitiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• SOC730
• Global Justice and Social Responsibility
• 4
• HUM710
• MGT740
• Strategic Leadership in Non-Profit Organizations
• 4
• None
• RES750
• Advanced Data Analysis for Social Inquiry
• 4
• RES701
• HIS760
• Historical Perspectives on Humanitarianism
• 3
• None
• SOC730 — Global Justice and Social Responsibility: An examination of social justice movements and the impact of human rights advocacy on marginalized populations. Students analyze current global challenges through the lens of servant leadershipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MGT740 — Strategic Leadership in Non-Profit Organizations: Focuses on the management of non-profit organizations dedicated to humanitarian and human rights work. Topics include operational efficiency, resource management, and organizational mission alignmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES750 — Advanced Data Analysis for Social Inquiry: Practical application of advanced statistical and analytical software for interpreting complex data sets in humanitarian fields. Emphasizes accuracy and ethical interpretation of human rights dataThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• HIS760 — Historical Perspectives on Humanitarianism: A survey of the historical trajectory of international humanitarian efforts and their philosophical underpinnings. Students critique the evolution of moral obligations in global contextsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• HUM810
• Gender and Rights in a Globalized World
• 4
• HUM710
• COU820
• Humanitarian Conflict and Trauma Mitigation
• 4
• None
• PHL830
• Philosophical Foundations of Human Rights
• 4
• THE720
• RES840
• Dissertation Proposal Seminar
• 3
• RES750
• HUM810 — Gender and Rights in a Globalized World: An interdisciplinary approach to understanding the specific human rights challenges faced by marginalized demographics. Explores policy development and advocacy through ethical engagementThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COU820 — Humanitarian Conflict and Trauma Mitigation: An analysis of systemic approaches to community restoration following large-scale conflict. Focuses on the role of community support, mediation, and leadership in social recoveryThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PHL830 — Philosophical Foundations of Human Rights: This course explores the evolution of universal human rights through the lens of political philosophy and ethical discourse. Students analyze seminal works on the inherent worth of individuals within global legal frameworks. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES840 — Dissertation Proposal Seminar: A seminar dedicated to the refinement of the dissertation proposal, literature review development, and methodology selection. Students receive intensive faculty guidance in project designThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• BUS850
• Global Economics and Labor Rights
• 4
• MGT740
• COM860
• Diplomacy and Global Policy Communication
• 4
• None
• RES870
• Advanced Dissertation Research I
• 4
• RES840
• EDU880
• Pedagogy for Social Justice Education
• 3
• None
• BUS850 — Global Economics and Labor Rights: Explores the relationship between international trade, global economic systems, and human rights. Analyzes the impact of corporate responsibility on sustainable developmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COM860 — Diplomacy and Global Policy Communication: Provides training in communicating human rights policies to diverse international stakeholders. Emphasis on media literacy, advocacy writing, and professional diplomatic conductThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES870 — Advanced Dissertation Research I: The initial stage of independent research and data collection for the dissertation. Students operate under the supervision of a faculty advisor to ensure systematic data gatheringThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU880 — Pedagogy for Social Justice Education: Explores instructional strategies for teaching human rights in academic and non-academic settings. Focuses on curriculum design and ethical discourse developmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES910
• Advanced Dissertation Research II
• 4
• RES870
• SOC920
• Pluralism and Human Rights in Global Societies
• 3
• THE830
• MGT930
• Institutional Accountability and Integrity
• 3
• MGT740
• RES940
• Dissertation Drafting Seminar
• 3
• RES910
• RES910 — Advanced Dissertation Research II: The second stage of independent research, focusing on the analysis of findings and drafting the preliminary dissertation chapters. Students maintain regular engagement with their dissertation committeeThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC920 — Pluralism and Human Rights in Global Societies: This course examines the role of diverse cultural traditions and social belief systems in shaping contemporary human rights practices. It investigates how different social structures impact the implementation and recognition of rights across international boundaries. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT930 — Institutional Accountability and Integrity: Analyzes the internal governance structures of NGOs and international organizations. Emphasizes the role of transparency, accountability, and ethical culture in organizational longevityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES940 — Dissertation Drafting Seminar: A cohort-based seminar focusing on the writing process and rigorous editing of the dissertation manuscript. Students participate in peer review and faculty-led critiques of their draftsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP990
• Dissertation Defense and Final Submission
• 4
• RES940
• RES950
• Advanced Research Integration
• 4
• RES940
• HIS960
• Human Rights and International Security
• 3
• None
• CHR970
• Vocational Ethics and Servant Leadership
• 2
• None
• CAP990 — Dissertation Defense and Final Submission: The final stage of the doctoral program, involving the oral defense of the dissertation before a committee and the submission of the completed, approved manuscriptThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES950 — Advanced Research Integration: A final synthesis course where students connect their doctoral research to potential professional applications and long-term career goals in human rights. Students refine their research for publicationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• HIS960 — Human Rights and International Security: An in-depth analysis of the complex relationship between national security requirements and international human rights law. Examines the tension between sovereign state rights and universal human libertiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CHR970 — Vocational Ethics and Servant Leadership: A concluding seminar on maintaining ethical integrity and a servant-leader mindset within the demanding landscape of human rights practice. Focuses on spiritual resilience and moral enduranceThis 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 relevant field such as law, international relations, sociology, or public policy, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25. Applicants must submit a formal statement of purpose, current curriculum vitae, three letters of academic and professional recommendation, and a writing sample demonstrating research capability. Candidates will participate in a faculty interview to assess their academic preparation, research interests, and alignment with the program’s focus on ethical inquiry and service-oriented leadership. Dissertation Requirement The dissertation serves as the terminal scholarly project of the PhD program, representing an original and substantial contribution to the academic discipline of international human rights. Students are expected to conduct independent, rigorous research that addresses a specific gap in current literature, applying ethical frameworks and analytical expertise to complex, real-world human rights challenges. The project necessitates the synthesis of interdisciplinary knowledge, systematic research, and critical analysis to produce a document that meets high standards of academic scholarship. The dissertation integrates faith-based perspectives by challenging students to evaluate their research through the lens of servant leadership and spiritual formation, ensuring that academic rigor is matched by a commitment to human dignity. Students must demonstrate how their findings facilitate stewardship and ethical action in public or private sectors. This process of scholarly maturation requires the student to articulate a clear moral framework that guides their research philosophy, ensuring that their intellectual contributions are grounded in a sincere commitment to justice and human flourishing.

• Graduation from the PhD program requires the completion of 120 credit hours, including the 35-credit transfer block, with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. Students must successfully pass all core doctoral examinations and defend their dissertation before a faculty committee. Beyond academic milestones, candidates are expected to demonstrate ongoing commitment to community engagement and ethical integrity, reflecting the university’s dedication to forming scholars who are not only intellectually prepared but also characterized by spiritual maturity and a vocational sense of service.
• Furthermore, students must complete specific requirements related to spiritual formation, including active participation in university community life, service projects, and periodic evaluations of their character development. The culmination of the program signifies that the candidate has successfully integrated rigorous academic pursuit with an enduring commitment to ethical leadership, preparing them to engage in the global arena with the wisdom, discernment, and moral clarity necessary for sustainable impact.
• Career Opportunities
• International Human Rights Policy Consultant
• Academic Researcher in Global Law and Ethics
• Non-Governmental Organization Program Director
• Humanitarian Affairs Specialist
• Diplomatic Liaison for Justice and Development
• University Faculty in International Studies
• Ethical Compliance Officer in Global Institutions
• Advocacy Strategist for Humanitarian 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 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
• RES701 | Advanced Research Methodology | 4 | None
• HUM710 | Foundations of International Human Rights | 4 | None
• THE720 | Ethics and Stewardship in Global Policy | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• SOC730 | Global Justice and Social Responsibility | 4 | HUM710
• MGT740 | Strategic Leadership in Non-Profit Organizations | 4 | None
• RES750 | Advanced Data Analysis for Social Inquiry | 4 | RES701
• HIS760 | Historical Perspectives on Humanitarianism | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HUM810 | Gender and Rights in a Globalized World | 4 | HUM710
• COU820 | Humanitarian Conflict and Trauma Mitigation | 4 | None
• PHL830 | Philosophical Foundations of Human Rights | 4 | THE720
• RES840 | Dissertation Proposal Seminar | 3 | RES750
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BUS850 | Global Economics and Labor Rights | 4 | MGT740
• COM860 | Diplomacy and Global Policy Communication | 4 | None
• RES870 | Advanced Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES840
• EDU880 | Pedagogy for Social Justice Education | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES910 | Advanced Dissertation Research II | 4 | RES870
• SOC920 | Pluralism and Human Rights in Global Societies | 3 | THE830
• MGT930 | Institutional Accountability and Integrity | 3 | MGT740
• RES940 | Dissertation Drafting Seminar | 3 | RES910
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP990 | Dissertation Defense and Final Submission | 4 | RES940
• RES950 | Advanced Research Integration | 4 | RES940
• HIS960 | Human Rights and International Security | 3 | None
• CHR970 | Vocational Ethics and Servant Leadership | 2 | None