Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Nursing, Specialization in Healthcare Ministry

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Nursing, Specialization in Healthcare Ministry

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 delivery systems through the lens of evidence-based nursing theory and ethical leadership.
• Design rigorous original research to address systemic health challenges in faith-informed community contexts.
• Evaluate the impact of servant leadership models on organizational morale, patient care quality, and community health outcomes.
• Integrate theological and philosophical frameworks with contemporary nursing scholarship to address bioethical dilemmas.
• Demonstrate scholarly expertise by synthesizing academic literature to advocate for policy changes in health-related nonprofit environments.
• Communicate research findings to academic and professional stakeholders to promote sustainable health equity initiatives.
• Develop strategic, data-driven approaches to resource stewardship within resource-constrained healthcare ministries.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• NUR700
• Advanced Nursing Philosophy
• 3
• None
• RES701
• Quantitative Research Design
• 3
• None
• MIN702
• Theology of Servant Leadership
• 3
• None
• NUR700 — Advanced Nursing Philosophy: Explores the historical and philosophical foundations of nursing science and its relationship to spiritual care. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES701 — Quantitative Research Design: Covers methodologies for collecting and analyzing quantitative data in healthcare settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN702 — Theology of Servant Leadership: Examines models of leadership that prioritize service, stewardship, and organizational health. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• NUR710
• Healthcare Policy and Advocacy
• 4
• NUR700
• RES711
• Qualitative Research Design
• 4
• RES701
• CHR712
• Ethical Systems in Healthcare
• 4
• MIN702
• NUR713
• Population Health Management
• 4
• None
• NUR710 — Healthcare Policy and Advocacy: Analyzes the role of nurses in shaping public health policy at local and regional levels. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES711 — Qualitative Research Design: Introduces qualitative approaches such as ethnography and grounded theory for studying community health. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR712 — Ethical Systems in Healthcare: Investigates complex ethical dilemmas through theological and secular moral frameworks. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• NUR713 — Population Health Management: Focuses on evidence-based strategies for improving wellness outcomes in diverse populations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• NUR800
• Nursing Education Pedagogies
• 4
• NUR710
• RES801
• Advanced Statistical Analysis
• 4
• RES711
• BUS802
• Nonprofit Resource Management
• 4
• MIN702
• SOC803
• Community Health Sociology
• 4
• None
• NUR800 — Nursing Education Pedagogies: Develops competencies for teaching and mentoring nursing students in diverse educational settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES801 — Advanced Statistical Analysis: Utilizes advanced software to interpret data sets pertinent to clinical and community health. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS802 — Nonprofit Resource Management: Examines financial oversight and resource allocation within mission-focused health organizations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC803 — Community Health Sociology: Explores the sociological factors influencing community wellness and social health structures. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• NUR810
• Advanced Clinical Leadership
• 4
• NUR800
• RES811
• Dissertation Seminar
• 4
• RES801
• CHR812
• Spiritual Care Integration
• 4
• CHR712
• MGT813
• Organizational Behavior for Health
• 4
• BUS802
• NUR810 — Advanced Clinical Leadership: Develops leadership strategies for managing high-performing clinical teams in diverse environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES811 — Dissertation Seminar: Guides students in the development of their dissertation proposal and research design. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR812 — Spiritual Care Integration: Explores the psychological and emotional impacts of spiritual health on patient recovery. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT813 — Organizational Behavior for Health: Analyzes dynamics of organizational structure and institutional change management. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES820
• Dissertation Research I
• 4
• RES811
• NUR821
• Global Health Perspectives
• 4
• NUR713
• COM822
• Interprofessional Communication
• 4
• None
• EDU823
• Adult Learning in Healthcare
• 4
• NUR800
• RES820 — Dissertation Research I: Initial phase of independent scholarly investigation and data collection for the dissertation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• NUR821 — Global Health Perspectives: Evaluates global health initiatives and the role of international healthcare partnerships. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM822 — Interprofessional Communication: Develops advanced skills in collaborative leadership and conflict resolution among professionals. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU823 — Adult Learning in Healthcare: Analyzes pedagogical theories applied to continuing professional education in nursing. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES830
• Dissertation Research II
• 4
• RES820
• NUR831
• Clinical Innovation and Change
• 4
• NUR810
• CHR832
• Faith and Justice in Healthcare
• 4
• CHR812
• CAP833
• Professional Integration Seminar
• 4
• All Core Courses
• RES830 — Dissertation Research II: Final analysis of data, drafting of the dissertation, and defense before the committee. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• NUR831 — Clinical Innovation and Change: Focuses on implementing new healthcare technologies and quality improvement protocols. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR832 — Faith and Justice in Healthcare: Explores the nexus of social justice and systemic healthcare provision in marginalized settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP833 — Professional Integration Seminar: Reflective final seminar synthesizing academic experience and mission-focused career goals. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must possess a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25. Additionally, candidates must provide documentation of current professional licensure as a Registered Nurse, three letters of professional recommendation, a statement of intent detailing their research interests, and a curriculum vitae demonstrating at least two years of recent clinical or administrative experience. Dissertation Requirement The Dissertation serves as the culminating scholarly endeavor, requiring the candidate to conduct original research that contributes new knowledge to the field of faith-based healthcare ministry. Students must identify a critical gap in organizational or community health, apply rigorous quantitative or qualitative methodologies to study the problem, and synthesize their findings into a cohesive scholarly work. This process emphasizes the synthesis of empirical data with ethical reasoning, requiring students to demonstrate how their research findings can be implemented to enhance the mission and effectiveness of community health organizations. Beyond technical academic proficiency, the Dissertation requires a reflective integration of faith-informed character, highlighting how research influences the development of servant leadership and stewardship. Candidates are expected to document the alignment between their academic inquiry and the broader mission of their target institution, demonstrating how scholarly work promotes moral integrity and spiritual formation in service environments. The final submission is defended before a faculty committee, validating both the student's mastery of the discipline and their preparedness to contribute to the field as a reflective, ethical leader.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours, including the 35 transferable credits and 85 doctoral-level credits, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students must maintain professional standing throughout the program, adhere to the university’s code of ethical conduct, and fulfill all administrative milestones including preliminary research reviews and clinical residency assessments. Failure to maintain academic standards results in immediate academic review.
• In addition to academic achievement, students must participate in regular spiritual formation initiatives, including faculty-mentored leadership workshops and community service hours. These components ensure that intellectual development is paired with spiritual maturity, fostering an environment where ethical integrity and mission-driven service are prioritized. Candidates must demonstrate an ongoing commitment to the principles of servant leadership and readiness to engage in faith-informed practice within their respective professional communities.
• Career Opportunities
• Director of Faith-Based Healthcare Systems
• Chief Nursing Officer in Nonprofit Organizations
• Academic Faculty in Graduate Nursing Programs
• Clinical Researcher for Health-Related Ministries
• Policy Advisor for Public Health Initiatives
• Organizational Consultant for Mission-Driven Hospitals
• Executive Director of Community Wellness Centers
• 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, Specialization in Healthcare Ministry
• 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
• NUR700 | Advanced Nursing Philosophy | 3 | None
• RES701 | Quantitative Research Design | 3 | None
• MIN702 | Theology of Servant Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• NUR710 | Healthcare Policy and Advocacy | 4 | NUR700
• RES711 | Qualitative Research Design | 4 | RES701
• CHR712 | Ethical Systems in Healthcare | 4 | MIN702
• NUR713 | Population Health Management | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• NUR800 | Nursing Education Pedagogies | 4 | NUR710
• RES801 | Advanced Statistical Analysis | 4 | RES711
• BUS802 | Nonprofit Resource Management | 4 | MIN702
• SOC803 | Community Health Sociology | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• NUR810 | Advanced Clinical Leadership | 4 | NUR800
• RES811 | Dissertation Seminar | 4 | RES801
• CHR812 | Spiritual Care Integration | 4 | CHR712
• MGT813 | Organizational Behavior for Health | 4 | BUS802
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES820 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES811
• NUR821 | Global Health Perspectives | 4 | NUR713
• COM822 | Interprofessional Communication | 4 | None
• EDU823 | Adult Learning in Healthcare | 4 | NUR800
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES830 | Dissertation Research II | 4 | RES820
• NUR831 | Clinical Innovation and Change | 4 | NUR810
• CHR832 | Faith and Justice in Healthcare | 4 | CHR812
• CAP833 | Professional Integration Seminar | 4 | All Core Courses