Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Healthcare Administration Ethics, Management

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Healthcare Administration Ethics, Management

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 healthcare management challenges through the lens of established ethical, economic, and organizational theories.
• Evaluate the impact of governance structures and policy frameworks on the operational effectiveness of healthcare institutions.
• Design original research projects that investigate administrative, ethical, and organizational dynamics within healthcare systems.
• Integrate principles of servant leadership and biblical stewardship into executive decision-making and human resource management.
• Communicate scholarly findings and administrative recommendations effectively to diverse organizational stakeholders.
• Develop strategic frameworks for managing healthcare organizations that prioritize social responsibility and organizational mission alignment.
• Interpret contemporary research methodologies to advance empirical knowledge in the field of healthcare administration.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES700
• Advanced Research Methodology
• 3
• None
• MGT705
• Ethical Leadership in Healthcare
• 3
• None
• BUS710
• Organizational Stewardship
• 3
• None
• RES700 — Advanced Research Methodology: This course covers advanced qualitative and quantitative research designs pertinent to health sciences. Students learn to critique research literature and formulate testable hypotheses. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT705 — Ethical Leadership in Healthcare: Students examine the intersection of leadership theories and moral philosophy within healthcare environments. The focus is on decision-making that honors human dignity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS710 — Organizational Stewardship: This course explores the principles of financial and human resource management within a framework of ethical stewardship. Students evaluate fiscal policies that promote sustainable service. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES715
• Applied Statistics for Health Administration
• 3
• RES700
• THE720
• Ethics and Governance in Healthcare
• 3
• MGT705
• MGT725
• Strategic Healthcare Operations
• 3
• None
• BUS730
• Health Systems Policy and Reform
• 4
• None
• RES715 — Applied Statistics for Health Administration: This course provides training in statistical software and data analysis methods for healthcare research. Application of data sets to policy evaluation is emphasized. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE720 — Ethics and Governance in Healthcare: An investigation of the moral dimensions of healthcare governance, focusing on institutional mission and accountability. Students analyze case studies of complex ethical dilemmas. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT725 — Strategic Healthcare Operations: This course analyzes operations management strategies to improve organizational efficiency and service quality. Focus is placed on aligning operations with community needs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS730 — Health Systems Policy and Reform: An analysis of public policy trends in healthcare and their impact on diverse institutional settings. Students evaluate legislative frameworks affecting non-profit providers. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES800
• Qualitative Research Inquiry
• 3
• RES715
• MGT805
• Servant Leadership Theory
• 3
• MGT705
• BUS810
• Financial Integrity and Non-profit Management
• 3
• BUS710
• LAW815
• Advanced Professional Standards and Regulatory Ethics
• 4
• THE720
• RES800 — Qualitative Research Inquiry: Exploration of phenomenological and ethnographic research methods applied to health organizational cultures. Students develop tools for interviewing and narrative analysis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT805 — Servant Leadership Theory: A study of servant leadership models and their effectiveness in fostering ethical, healthy organizational cultures. Students design leadership development modules. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS810 — Financial Integrity and Non-profit Management: This course addresses fiscal sustainability, fundraising ethics, and financial transparency in the non-profit healthcare sector. Analysis includes best practices for auditing. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LAW815 — Advanced Professional Standards and Regulatory Ethics: This course examines the complexities of legal compliance, professional conduct, and ethical decision-making within the healthcare management sector. Students will analyze regulatory frameworks and the moral obligations of administrators in high-stakes environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES820
• Advanced Dissertation Seminar
• 3
• RES800
• MGT825
• Human Capital and Organizational Behavior
• 3
• None
• BUS830
• Health Marketing and Community Engagement
• 3
• None
• RES835
• Research Design and Proposal Development
• 4
• RES820
• RES820 — Advanced Dissertation Seminar: This seminar facilitates the development of the dissertation proposal and the selection of a faculty committee. Students refine their research questions and methodologies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT825 — Human Capital and Organizational Behavior: Analysis of talent management and conflict resolution within mission-driven environments. Strategies for fostering community engagement are reviewed. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS830 — Health Marketing and Community Engagement: Examination of ethical marketing practices for community-based health providers. Students develop strategies for mission-aligned public health outreach. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES835 — Research Design and Proposal Development: Focused work on the formal research design and proposal submission for the dissertation. Peer feedback and committee approval are integral components. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES850
• Dissertation Research I
• 3
• RES835
• MGT855
• Global Perspectives in Health Administration
• 3
• None
• BUS860
• Strategic Innovation in Healthcare
• 3
• None
• RES865
• Dissertation Research II
• 4
• RES850
• RES850 — Dissertation Research I: Initial phases of data collection and primary research for the dissertation. Students work closely with chairs to implement their research designs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT855 — Global Perspectives in Health Administration: Investigation of international healthcare challenges and the role of global health missions. Comparative analyses of governance are discussed. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS860 — Strategic Innovation in Healthcare: Study of innovative models for healthcare delivery that focus on accessibility and ethical impact. Evaluation of change management is key. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES865 — Dissertation Research II: Continued data collection and analysis under the supervision of the dissertation committee. Drafting of the initial research findings occurs here. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES880
• Dissertation Research III
• 3
• RES865
• RES885
• Dissertation Defense
• 3
• RES880
• MGT890
• Professionalism and Ethical Advocacy
• 3
• None
• RES895
• Dissertation Final Submission
• 4
• RES885
• RES880 — Dissertation Research III: Final analysis of data and synthesis of scholarly findings into the dissertation document. Preparation for the formal defense is undertaken. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES885 — Dissertation Defense: The oral presentation and defense of the completed dissertation research before a committee. This signifies the completion of the doctoral degree. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT890 — Professionalism and Ethical Advocacy: Capstone seminar focusing on the professional responsibilities of healthcare administrators in public life. Emphasis is placed on policy advocacy and ethics. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES895 — Dissertation Final Submission: Final formatting and archival submission of the dissertation. Ensuring compliance with all scholarly, ethical, and university requirements. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must hold a master's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. A strong academic foundation in healthcare, business, or ethics is preferred. Prospective students must submit a formal statement of purpose articulating their academic goals, alignment with the university's mission of service, and their commitment to ethical leadership. Additionally, applicants must provide three professional or academic letters of recommendation, official transcripts from all prior institutions, and a scholarly writing sample to demonstrate research aptitude. Dissertation Requirement The dissertation serves as the capstone of the PhD program, representing the culmination of rigorous academic inquiry and original research. Candidates are expected to identify a significant problem within the field of healthcare administration and apply advanced methodological techniques to derive evidence-based solutions. This 12-credit requirement necessitates a comprehensive literature review, the collection and analysis of data, and the formal defense of the work before a faculty committee. The dissertation process requires students to demonstrate both technical mastery of their chosen specialty and the capacity for high-level critical thinking. Beyond technical proficiency, the dissertation integrates the student’s academic work with their faith-informed perspective, requiring a reflection on how the research findings uphold the dignity of the human person and the principle of stewardship. Students must demonstrate how their findings align with ethical organizational practices and contribute to the flourishing of the communities they serve. This integration ensures that the doctoral experience is not merely an intellectual exercise, but a formative journey that shapes the scholar’s character and commitment to service-oriented, faith-informed leadership within the healthcare sector.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours, including the transfer of up to 35 credits from a previous master's degree and the completion of 85 credits of doctoral-level coursework. Candidates must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 throughout their tenure, with no grade below a B in any core course. Successful defense of the dissertation is mandatory, as is the formal submission of the approved manuscript to the university library.
• In accordance with the university's mission, students are expected to exhibit spiritual maturity and a commitment to servant leadership throughout their residency. This includes active participation in community service initiatives and periodic engagement in institutional spiritual formation events, which underscore the university’s commitment to integrating academic achievement with moral integrity. Graduates must demonstrate a readiness to employ their advanced training in service to society, maintaining the highest standards of professional ethics and personal character in their future professional endeavors.
• Career Opportunities
• Chief Executive Officer in non-profit health systems
• Director of Ethics and Compliance in healthcare organizations
• Healthcare Policy Advisor for faith-based foundations
• Academic Faculty in Healthcare Administration programs
• Health Systems Administrator for mission-driven agencies
• Consultant for ethical organizational governance
• Strategic Planning Director for humanitarian health initiatives
• 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 Healthcare Administration Ethics, Management
• 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 healthcare administration ethics and management 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
• MGT705 | Ethical Leadership in Healthcare | 3 | None
• BUS710 | Organizational Stewardship | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES715 | Applied Statistics for Health Administration | 3 | RES700
• THE720 | Ethics and Governance in Healthcare | 3 | MGT705
• MGT725 | Strategic Healthcare Operations | 3 | None
• BUS730 | Health Systems Policy and Reform | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES800 | Qualitative Research Inquiry | 3 | RES715
• MGT805 | Servant Leadership Theory | 3 | MGT705
• BUS810 | Financial Integrity and Non-profit Management | 3 | BUS710
• LAW815 | Advanced Professional Standards and Regulatory Ethics | 4 | THE720
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES820 | Advanced Dissertation Seminar | 3 | RES800
• MGT825 | Human Capital and Organizational Behavior | 3 | None
• BUS830 | Health Marketing and Community Engagement | 3 | None
• RES835 | Research Design and Proposal Development | 4 | RES820
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES850 | Dissertation Research I | 3 | RES835
• MGT855 | Global Perspectives in Health Administration | 3 | None
• BUS860 | Strategic Innovation in Healthcare | 3 | None
• RES865 | Dissertation Research II | 4 | RES850
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES880 | Dissertation Research III | 3 | RES865
• RES885 | Dissertation Defense | 3 | RES880
• MGT890 | Professionalism and Ethical Advocacy | 3 | None
• RES895 | Dissertation Final Submission | 4 | RES885