Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Nursing, Major in Leadership, Management, Specialization in Health Ministry

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Nursing

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 advanced management and leadership theories within the context of faith-based healthcare organizational structures.
• Evaluate the ethical implications of complex healthcare policies through the lens of biblical stewardship and servant leadership.
• Design original research studies that contribute to the disciplinary knowledge of nursing leadership and health ministry.
• Integrate spiritual formation and ethical reasoning into professional administrative practices to promote institutional mission fulfillment.
• Communicate research findings effectively to diverse stakeholders to improve health outcomes and community well-being.
• Apply administrative frameworks to optimize organizational resource management for sustainable community support.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES700
• Advanced Research Methodology
• 4
• None
• MGT710
• Leadership in Healthcare Organizations
• 3
• None
• THE720
• Ethics and Stewardship in Management
• 3
• None
• RES700 — Advanced Research Methodology: Examination of quantitative and qualitative research designs applicable to healthcare administration and policy. Emphasis is placed on rigour and ethical data collection practices. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT710 — Leadership in Healthcare Organizations: Analysis of leadership theories as applied to modern healthcare environments and complex organizational structures. Focuses on the development of personal leadership identity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE720 — Ethics and Stewardship in Management: Exploration of ethical decision-making models rooted in stewardship and fiscal responsibility. Students evaluate the management of organizational resources for the public good. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES710
• Statistical Analysis for Nurse Scholars
• 4
• RES700
• MGT730
• Human Resource Management in Nursing
• 3
• None
• MIN740
• Foundations of Health Ministry
• 3
• None
• RES720
• Qualitative Research Inquiry
• 3
• RES700
• RES710 — Statistical Analysis for Nurse Scholars: Advanced application of statistical procedures to health-related data sets. Focuses on data interpretation and evidence-based decision-making for leadership. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT730 — Human Resource Management in Nursing: Study of organizational behavior, talent management, and employee development within healthcare settings. Strategies for fostering an equitable and supportive work culture are analyzed. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN740 — Foundations of Health Ministry: Overview of the theological and social dimensions of faith-based community health initiatives. Students develop frameworks for holistic outreach. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES720 — Qualitative Research Inquiry: Advanced study of qualitative methods including case study, phenomenology, and ethnography in nursing. Focuses on gathering deep insights into community needs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MGT800
• Financial Stewardship and Budgeting
• 4
• MGT710
• RES810
• Research Proposal Development
• 3
• RES700, RES720
• MIN820
• Community Health and Social Outreach
• 3
• MIN740
• MGT830
• Organizational Policy and Governance
• 3
• MGT710
• MGT800 — Financial Stewardship and Budgeting: Examination of financial management strategies for healthcare systems, emphasizing transparency and long-term sustainability. Focuses on balancing mission-driven objectives with economic realities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES810 — Research Proposal Development: Directed study in framing research questions and designing the methodology for the doctoral dissertation. Focuses on the preliminary research phase. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN820 — Community Health and Social Outreach: Development of strategies for implementing health programs within vulnerable and underserved community populations. Examines cross-sector collaboration for enhanced impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT830 — Organizational Policy and Governance: Evaluation of governance structures and policy development within healthcare organizations. Analyzes how institutional mission informs policy implementation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES820
• Data Synthesis and Analysis Seminar
• 4
• RES710
• MGT840
• Conflict Resolution and Collaborative Leadership
• 3
• MGT710
• MIN850
• Spiritual Formation and Leadership Identity
• 3
• None
• RES830
• Advanced Literature Review Techniques
• 3
• RES810
• RES820 — Data Synthesis and Analysis Seminar: Advanced seminar on synthesizing complex data sets to inform institutional policy and management decisions. Focuses on integrating research into practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT840 — Conflict Resolution and Collaborative Leadership: Analysis of interpersonal and organizational communication strategies for navigating conflicts. Emphasizes mediation and team unity based on servant leadership principles. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN850 — Spiritual Formation and Leadership Identity: Deep examination of the leader's spiritual development and its impact on professional practice. Focuses on integration of personal belief and administrative duties. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES830 — Advanced Literature Review Techniques: Mastery of systematic review methods for establishing a theoretical framework for original research. Supports dissertation preparation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• DIS890
• Dissertation Research I
• 4
• RES810
• MGT850
• Strategic Innovation in Healthcare
• 3
• MGT710
• MIN860
• Faith-Based Health Advocacy
• 3
• MIN740
• MGT860
• Global Health and Stewardship Systems
• 3
• None
• DIS890 — Dissertation Research I: Initial execution of the approved doctoral dissertation research under the guidance of a faculty committee. Focuses on data gathering and methodology validation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT850 — Strategic Innovation in Healthcare: Exploration of innovative management strategies to improve patient care delivery and organizational health. Emphasizes adaptation in changing healthcare landscapes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN860 — Faith-Based Health Advocacy: Strategic analysis of healthcare advocacy for marginalized groups within faith-informed structures. Examines public health education and community impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT860 — Global Health and Stewardship Systems: Evaluation of global health trends and the role of faith-based health initiatives in managing resources across borders. Analyzes sustainable humanitarian practices. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• DIS899
• Dissertation Completion and Defense
• 4
• DIS890
• MGT880
• Advanced Administrative Internship
• 3
• None
• MIN870
• Ethics of Care in Diverse Populations
• 3
• None
• MGT890
• Capstone Seminar in Organizational Management
• 3
• All prior coursework
• DIS899 — Dissertation Completion and Defense: Final synthesis of research findings, submission of the written dissertation, and successful defense before the doctoral committee. Confirms original contribution to the field. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT880 — Advanced Administrative Internship: Supervised application of administrative leadership theories within an approved organizational environment. Focuses on reflective professional practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN870 — Ethics of Care in Diverse Populations: Examination of ethical frameworks for care that respect cultural and spiritual diversity while maintaining institutional core values. Develops inclusive leadership models. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT890 — Capstone Seminar in Organizational Management: Comprehensive review of management, ethics, and research to prepare for professional transition. Focuses on integrating the totality of the PhD experience. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must possess a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a related graduate degree from an accredited institution. A minimum cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required. Candidates must provide official transcripts, three professional letters of recommendation, a current curriculum vitae, and a statement of purpose outlining their research interests and how their professional goals align with the mission of HBI University. A personal interview with the doctoral faculty committee is required to assess academic aptitude and alignment with the program's values. Dissertation Requirement The dissertation serves as the culminating scholarly endeavor, requiring candidates to perform original, empirical, or theoretical research that addresses a significant problem in nursing leadership or health ministry management. The project demands the synthesis of advanced research methodologies and the application of ethical, faith-informed perspectives to propose innovative solutions. Students are expected to produce a high-quality, comprehensive manuscript that demonstrates mastery of the discipline, critical thinking, and the ability to contribute original knowledge to the field. Throughout the process, the dissertation emphasizes the integration of faith-based principles such as stewardship, integrity, and servant leadership. Candidates must demonstrate how their research informs their character development and serves to advance the missions of faith-based organizations. Successful completion requires a rigorous defense before a committee of scholars, ensuring the work meets the highest standards of academic excellence and spiritual maturity.

• Candidates must achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 throughout their doctoral coursework to remain in good standing and earn the degree. The program requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours, including the 35 hours of transfer credit and 85 hours of specialized doctoral-level coursework. All students must achieve a passing grade on the final dissertation defense and submit all required scholarly documentation to the university archives.
• Beyond academic success, students are expected to demonstrate spiritual formation and character development consistent with the university's identity. This includes active participation in community service, engagement in institutional chapel requirements, and a demonstrated commitment to servant leadership. Graduation signifies not only the achievement of a terminal academic credential but also the cultivation of an ethical foundation and readiness to serve others with professional excellence and institutional integrity.
• Career Opportunities
• Chief Nursing Officer in Faith-Based Health Systems
• Director of Health Ministry and Community Outreach
• Healthcare Administration Consultant for Nonprofits
• Academic Faculty in Nursing Leadership Programs
• Executive Director of Community Health Initiatives
• Healthcare Ethics Policy Advisor
• Organizational Management Specialist
• 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 Nursing
• 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 nursing 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 | 4 | None
• MGT710 | Leadership in Healthcare Organizations | 3 | None
• THE720 | Ethics and Stewardship in Management | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES710 | Statistical Analysis for Nurse Scholars | 4 | RES700
• MGT730 | Human Resource Management in Nursing | 3 | None
• MIN740 | Foundations of Health Ministry | 3 | None
• RES720 | Qualitative Research Inquiry | 3 | RES700
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT800 | Financial Stewardship and Budgeting | 4 | MGT710
• RES810 | Research Proposal Development | 3 | RES700, RES720
• MIN820 | Community Health and Social Outreach | 3 | MIN740
• MGT830 | Organizational Policy and Governance | 3 | MGT710
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES820 | Data Synthesis and Analysis Seminar | 4 | RES710
• MGT840 | Conflict Resolution and Collaborative Leadership | 3 | MGT710
• MIN850 | Spiritual Formation and Leadership Identity | 3 | None
• RES830 | Advanced Literature Review Techniques | 3 | RES810
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS890 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES810
• MGT850 | Strategic Innovation in Healthcare | 3 | MGT710
• MIN860 | Faith-Based Health Advocacy | 3 | MIN740
• MGT860 | Global Health and Stewardship Systems | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS899 | Dissertation Completion and Defense | 4 | DIS890
• MGT880 | Advanced Administrative Internship | 3 | None
• MIN870 | Ethics of Care in Diverse Populations | 3 | None
• MGT890 | Capstone Seminar in Organizational Management | 3 | All prior coursework