Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Law, Politics, Specialization in Laws that Govern Church State

Degree abbreviation Ed.D. in Faith-Based Law, Politics, Specialization in Laws that Govern Church State 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 Three to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, academic progress, and completion of the doctoral project Advanced Faith-Based Law, Politics, and Church-State specialization courses 30 credit hours Leadership, administration, and professional practice 21 credit hours Research methods and program evaluation 18 credit hours Professional application and doctoral residency 15 credit hours Advanced electives or concentration courses 12 credit hours Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy 6 credit hours Applied doctoral project and defense 18 credit hours Total 120 semester credit hours The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Law, Politics, and Church-State Relations is an advanced academic program designed to equip scholars for high-level research and policy analysis at the intersection of jurisprudence and ecclesiastical influence. The curriculum examines the complex structural and ethical dynamics governing the relationship between religious institutions and civil governments within a global context. Students engage in rigorous interdisciplinary inquiry, blending traditional legal theory with public policy analysis and socio-ethical frameworks to address contemporary issues of religious freedom, institutional autonomy, and civil responsibility. Through advanced theoretical and practical training, the program fosters a profound understanding of how diverse traditions influence legal landscapes and administrative structures. The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Law, Politics, Specialization in Laws that Govern Church State is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based law, politics, specialization in laws that govern church state knowledge, organizational leadership, ethical stewardship, program development, community-care systems, higher-education instruction, and evidence-informed professional practice. Students may receive up to 40 semester credit hours of approved graduate or doctoral transfer credit. Accepted transfer credits are applied toward the 120-credit graduation requirement and may reduce the number of courses and the amount of time required to complete the degree. A student receiving the maximum transfer-credit award must complete at least 80 semester credit hours through the University. The applied doctoral project must address a documented faith-based law, politics, specialization in laws that govern church state-support, educational, organizational, or community-care need. The project must include scholarly research, an implementation model, measurable outcomes, ethical safeguards, an evaluation plan, and a successful oral defense. DOCTORAL TRANSFER-CREDIT POLICY: The Doctor of Education and Doctor of Philosophy programs each require 120 semester credit hours. Students may transfer up to 40 semester credit hours of eligible graduate or doctoral coursework toward either degree. Transfer credit is not automatically awarded. Each request is evaluated individually according to: The academic level of the previous coursework; The relevance of the coursework to the doctoral curriculum; Course content and learning outcomes; Credit-hour equivalency; Grades earned; The age of the coursework; Official institutional documentation; The University's residency and transfer-credit policies. Accepted transfer credit may reduce the number of courses and the amount of time required to complete the degree. Students awarded the maximum 40 transfer credits will have 80 semester credit hours remaining in the 120-credit doctoral program. Comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidacy, doctoral residency, the applied doctoral project, dissertation research, and the final oral defense must ordinarily be completed through the University. These requirements may not be satisfied through transfer credit unless expressly permitted under a published University policy. Program Details Total Credits: 120 Duration: 3 years Degree Level: Doctorate

Academic unit

HBIU College of Law and Public Policy

Total credits

120

Duration

3 years

• Analyze the historical, legal, and political foundations governing church-state relations in contemporary society.
• Evaluate the impact of judicial precedents and legislative developments on the autonomy and societal engagement of faith-based institutions.
• Design original, empirical research that addresses complex problems in the intersection of law and public policy.
• Apply ethical frameworks and servant leadership principles to influence institutional governance and legislative advocacy.
• Communicate complex legal and theological concepts effectively to diverse academic and public audiences.
• Integrate a coherent, faith-informed worldview into the systematic practice of administrative law and organizational strategy.
• Develop evidence-based policy solutions that prioritize justice and community stewardship within pluralistic environments.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES701
• Advanced Research Methodology
• 3
• None
• LAW710
• Constitutional Foundations of Church and State
• 3
• None
• THE705
• Ethical Leadership in Public Governance
• 3
• None
• RES701 — Advanced Research Methodology: This course explores advanced qualitative and quantitative research designs essential for doctoral-level investigations in legal and political spheres. Emphasis is placed on validity, data analysis, and the development of a formal research inquiry. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LAW710 — Constitutional Foundations of Church and State: An intensive examination of the historical and legal frameworks governing the relationship between the state and religious entities. Students analyze significant judicial rulings and constitutional developments regarding religious establishment and free exercise. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE705 — Ethical Leadership in Public Governance: This course evaluates leadership paradigms through the lenses of servant leadership, personal integrity, and organizational stewardship. Students explore how leaders navigate the ethical tensions inherent in public and non-profit sector management. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• POL720
• Political Theory and Civil Governance
• 4
• RES701
• LAW725
• Administrative Law and Religious Institutions
• 4
• LAW710
• RES715
• Quantitative Data Analysis for Policy
• 3
• RES701
• HIS740
• History of Church-State Relations
• 3
• None
• POL720 — Political Theory and Civil Governance: This course investigates the origins and evolutions of political thought regarding the authority of the state in relation to the conscience of the individual and institutional structures. Topics include social contract theory, justice, and pluralism. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LAW725 — Administrative Law and Religious Institutions: A study of administrative law as it pertains to the regulation of faith-based nonprofit organizations, including employment law, tax-exempt status, and public funding. Students analyze the regulatory environment that shapes institutional operations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES715 — Quantitative Data Analysis for Policy: An advanced study of statistical techniques used to evaluate the effectiveness of public policies and organizational initiatives. Students gain experience in modeling data to drive informed decision-making within non-profit sectors. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS740 — History of Church-State Relations: This course traces the historical shifts in the relationship between religious movements and civil governing bodies from the pre-modern era to the present day. Attention is given to ideological shifts that influenced legal development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• LAW810
• Comparative Jurisprudence
• 4
• LAW710
• POL815
• Public Policy and Civil Society
• 3
• POL720
• RES820
• Advanced Qualitative Research
• 3
• RES701
• THE830
• Faith-Based Ethics and Social Justice
• 4
• THE705
• LAW810 — Comparative Jurisprudence: This course provides a cross-cultural analysis of different legal systems and their approaches to religious rights and institutional recognition. Students contrast diverse constitutional models regarding secularism and state neutrality. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• POL815 — Public Policy and Civil Society: An analysis of the role played by nongovernmental and religious organizations in shaping public policy and social welfare delivery. The course focuses on advocacy strategies and community development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES820 — Advanced Qualitative Research: Students advance their skills in interview, case study, and phenomenological research methodologies applied to legal and social contexts. This course emphasizes the rigor required for doctoral dissertation work. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE830 — Faith-Based Ethics and Social Justice: A doctoral-level exploration of moral theology and its application to modern questions of social justice, human rights, and legal equity. The course bridges the gap between ethical theory and policy-oriented practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• LAW840
• Legal Writing and Scholarly Communication
• 3
• LAW710
• POL850
• Global Trends in Religion and Law
• 3
• POL720
• RES890
• Dissertation Prospectus Development
• 4
• RES820
• MGT810
• Stewardship in Faith-Based Administration
• 4
• None
• LAW840 — Legal Writing and Scholarly Communication: This course focuses on developing the professional communication skills necessary for high-level legal research and scholarship. Students practice formulating legal arguments and drafting policy-related papers. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• POL850 — Global Trends in Religion and Law: An examination of emerging global legal trends that impact the standing of religious institutions and the expression of faith in the public square. Topics include international human rights standards. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES890 — Dissertation Prospectus Development: Under faculty guidance, students formulate their dissertation research proposal, including the research question, literature review, and methodology design. This stage is crucial for initiating the dissertation process. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT810 — Stewardship in Faith-Based Administration: An advanced management course focusing on resource management, fiscal integrity, and organizational sustainability within the nonprofit framework. It emphasizes the concept of stewardship as a model for organizational leadership. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP895
• Dissertation Research I
• 4
• RES890
• LAW880
• Advanced Seminar in Church-State Dynamics
• 4
• LAW810
• POL885
• Applied Policy Design
• 3
• POL815
• THE890
• Integrative Seminar in Faith and Policy
• 3
• THE830
• CAP895 — Dissertation Research I: The first phase of the dissertation, involving data collection, systematic analysis, and the synthesis of early findings under the supervision of the dissertation committee. This stage requires significant independent scholarly effort. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LAW880 — Advanced Seminar in Church-State Dynamics: This seminar facilitates deep analysis of contemporary case studies and legal challenges involving religion and the state. Students present ongoing work and engage in peer review. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• POL885 — Applied Policy Design: Students apply theoretical knowledge to develop practical policy solutions for common challenges faced by non-profit organizations in a legal context. The course involves iterative drafting and feedback cycles. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE890 — Integrative Seminar in Faith and Policy: This capstone-level seminar requires students to integrate their research with broader spiritual and ethical objectives, reflecting on the vocation of leadership. It emphasizes personal character development and ongoing professional growth. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP899
• Dissertation Defense and Final Manuscript
• 6
• CAP895
• RES897
• Research Colloquium
• 4
• RES890
• LAW895
• Current Issues in Legal Advocacy
• 3
• LAW840
• MGT890
• Leadership and Organizational Strategy
• 1
• MGT810
• CAP899 — Dissertation Defense and Final Manuscript: The final stage of the dissertation involving the completion of the written document and a formal oral defense before a faculty committee. Success marks the demonstration of advanced expertise and scholarly capability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES897 — Research Colloquium: A forum for doctoral candidates to discuss findings, address methodology questions, and prepare for academic or policy dissemination of their work. This provides a supportive network for final synthesis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LAW895 — Current Issues in Legal Advocacy: An analysis of the current legal landscape, focusing on advocacy and institutional representation in contemporary settings. Students refine their approach to policy influence and professional stewardship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT890 — Leadership and Organizational Strategy: This advanced seminar synthesizes management and strategy with the mission-driven approach to organizational health. It addresses the practicalities of steering complex organizations through regulatory challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission to the Doctor of Philosophy requires a completed master's degree from an accredited institution in law, political science, public policy, or a related field. Candidates must demonstrate academic excellence, typically evidenced by a cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants are required to submit official transcripts, three letters of academic and professional recommendation, a scholarly writing sample, and a statement of purpose outlining their research interests and how they align with the program's focus on faith-based governance and ethical leadership. Dissertation Requirement The Dissertation represents the culminating academic achievement of the PhD program, requiring students to produce an original, rigorous research study that advances the body of knowledge in church-state law. Students identify a significant problem within the field, conduct comprehensive literature reviews, employ advanced qualitative or quantitative methodologies, and present analytical findings that demonstrate a mastery of the subject matter. The scope of the work is expected to be of publishable quality and must demonstrate academic competence in both legal analysis and policy evaluation. Beyond technical proficiency, the dissertation serves as a primary vehicle for demonstrating the synthesis of academic theory with faith-informed character development. Candidates are required to apply ethical reasoning and biblical stewardship as they explore the implications of their research for society, demonstrating a commitment to servant leadership and the common good. This project serves as a capstone of the student's spiritual formation, showing how a Christian worldview informs their research objectives, their treatment of complex societal tensions, and their ultimate readiness to engage in service-oriented, academic, or professional practice.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 total credit hours, including 35 transferred graduate credits and 85 doctoral-level credits, maintaining a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students must fulfill all residency requirements and satisfy the departmental expectations for academic rigor. In addition to coursework, candidates must pass a qualifying examination and successfully defend their final dissertation before an appointed faculty committee.
• Beyond academic attainment, graduation signifies the achievement of professional and spiritual maturity commensurate with the mission of HBI University. This includes evidence of community service, regular engagement in university community life, and a demonstrated commitment to the principles of servant leadership and ethical integrity. Graduates must embody a synthesis of scholarly proficiency and spiritual formation, ensuring they are well-prepared to contribute to their communities and professional fields with a character grounded in institutional values and faith-informed service.
• Career Opportunities
• Policy Consultant for Nonprofit Organizations
• Legal Researcher for Religious Liberty Advocates
• University Professor or Academic Administrator
• Public Policy Advisor for Faith-Based Agencies
• Human Rights Advocate
• Nonprofit Executive Director
• Legislative Analyst
• 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 | Ed.D. in Faith-Based Law, Politics, Specialization in Laws that Govern Church State
• 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 | Three to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, academic progress, and completion of the doctoral project
• Advanced Faith-Based Law, Politics, and Church-State specialization courses | 30 credit hours
• Leadership, administration, and professional practice | 21 credit hours
• Research methods and program evaluation | 18 credit hours
• Professional application and doctoral residency | 15 credit hours
• Advanced electives or concentration courses | 12 credit hours
• Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy | 6 credit hours
• Applied doctoral project and defense | 18 credit hours
• Total | 120 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES701 | Advanced Research Methodology | 3 | None
• LAW710 | Constitutional Foundations of Church and State | 3 | None
• THE705 | Ethical Leadership in Public Governance | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• POL720 | Political Theory and Civil Governance | 4 | RES701
• LAW725 | Administrative Law and Religious Institutions | 4 | LAW710
• RES715 | Quantitative Data Analysis for Policy | 3 | RES701
• HIS740 | History of Church-State Relations | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• LAW810 | Comparative Jurisprudence | 4 | LAW710
• POL815 | Public Policy and Civil Society | 3 | POL720
• RES820 | Advanced Qualitative Research | 3 | RES701
• THE830 | Faith-Based Ethics and Social Justice | 4 | THE705
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• LAW840 | Legal Writing and Scholarly Communication | 3 | LAW710
• POL850 | Global Trends in Religion and Law | 3 | POL720
• RES890 | Dissertation Prospectus Development | 4 | RES820
• MGT810 | Stewardship in Faith-Based Administration | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP895 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES890
• LAW880 | Advanced Seminar in Church-State Dynamics | 4 | LAW810
• POL885 | Applied Policy Design | 3 | POL815
• THE890 | Integrative Seminar in Faith and Policy | 3 | THE830
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP899 | Dissertation Defense and Final Manuscript | 6 | CAP895
• RES897 | Research Colloquium | 4 | RES890
• LAW895 | Current Issues in Legal Advocacy | 3 | LAW840
• MGT890 | Leadership and Organizational Strategy | 1 | MGT810