Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Global Economics, International Political Economy

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Global Economics, International Political Economy

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 political economy theories to explain contemporary global economic trends.
• Evaluate the impact of international trade policies on developing nations using rigorous quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• Integrate ethical principles and biblical stewardship models into the design of sustainable economic development strategies.
• Demonstrate advanced proficiency in the synthesis of literature regarding global governance and market regulation.
• Communicate complex research findings effectively to diverse audiences in both academic and professional global settings.
• Design an original dissertation research project that contributes significantly to the field of international political economy.
• Apply servant leadership paradigms to address systemic inequities in international economic landscapes.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES700
• Advanced Research Methodologies
• 3
• Graduate standing
• ECO710
• Advanced Macroeconomic Theory
• 3
• Graduate standing
• THE705
• Ethics in Global Leadership
• 3
• Graduate standing
• RES700 — Advanced Research Methodologies: This course covers advanced quantitative and qualitative research designs appropriate for doctoral study. Students learn to structure empirical investigations and manage complex data setsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ECO710 — Advanced Macroeconomic Theory: An in-depth analysis of global macroeconomic variables, including growth models and international monetary policy. Focuses on the role of government intervention and market failuresThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• THE705 — Ethics in Global Leadership: Explores the intersection of moral philosophy, Christian worldview, and global leadership responsibilities. Students apply ethical frameworks to contemporary geopolitical dilemmasThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• IPE720
• International Political Economy Foundations
• 4
• None
• BUS730
• Stewardship in Global Economic Systems
• 4
• None
• RES715
• Applied Econometrics for Doctoral Researchers
• 4
• RES700
• HIS740
• Historical Perspectives on Global Trade
• 4
• None
• IPE720 — International Political Economy Foundations: Examines the interplay between state sovereignty, global markets, and transnational institutions. Focuses on the history and theory of the global trade systemThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• BUS730 — Stewardship in Global Economic Systems: Evaluates the application of biblical stewardship and asset management in global development. Analyzes the impact of corporate responsibility on local economic ecosystemsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES715 — Applied Econometrics for Doctoral Researchers: Instruction in advanced statistical software for economic modeling and forecasting. Students perform regression analyses on international economic dataThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• HIS740 — Historical Perspectives on Global Trade: A study of the development of global markets from the post-war era to the present. Critically assesses shifts in economic power and policy paradigm changesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• IPE810
• Seminar in Global Finance and Development
• 4
• IPE720
• BUS820
• Labor Markets and Global Human Capital
• 4
• None
• RES830
• Qualitative Research in Political Economy
• 4
• RES700
• SOC840
• Sociology of Labor and Social Stratification
• 4
• THE705
• IPE810 — Seminar in Global Finance and Development: Analyzes financial systems, capital flows, and debt structures in emerging markets. Investigates the success of development aid versus direct investment modelsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• BUS820 — Labor Markets and Global Human Capital: Evaluates global employment trends, migration patterns, and the human cost of economic development. Encourages students to view labor through the lens of human dignityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES830 — Qualitative Research in Political Economy: Covers field research, ethnography, and case study methodology in international settings. Focuses on the ethics of data collection in cross-cultural environmentsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC840 — Sociology of Labor and Social Stratification: This course examines the structural shifts in global labor markets and the resulting impacts on social class and economic inequality. Students will analyze how institutional frameworks influence work-life balance and social mobility in diverse geopolitical contexts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• IPE850
• Emerging Market Economies
• 4
• IPE720
• BUS860
• Corporate Governance and Global Accountability
• 4
• None
• RES870
• Dissertation Proposal Development
• 4
• RES830
• SOC880
• Social Justice and Global Policy
• 4
• None
• IPE850 — Emerging Market Economies: A comparative analysis of economic transitions in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Explores barriers to entry and structural development challengesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• BUS860 — Corporate Governance and Global Accountability: Investigates the role of multinationals in global governance and environmental sustainability. Critiques current models of fiscal and social accountabilityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES870 — Dissertation Proposal Development: Guided research to finalize the dissertation topic and methodology. Students present their proposal for faculty review and approvalThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC880 — Social Justice and Global Policy: Examines how global economic policies intersect with issues of poverty and injustice. Proposes faith-informed policy solutions to systemic exclusionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• DIS900
• Dissertation Research I
• 4
• RES870
• IPE910
• Advanced Topics in Global Trade Law
• 4
• None
• BUS920
• Technology and Future Economic Models
• 4
• None
• POL930
• Public Policy and Civil Society Engagement
• 4
• THE840
• DIS900 — Dissertation Research I: Initial phase of independent research and data collection for the doctoral dissertation. Weekly meetings with faculty supervisor requiredThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• IPE910 — Advanced Topics in Global Trade Law: Examines international trade law, dispute resolution, and the legal frameworks governing global commerce. Evaluates how legal systems interact with moral normsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• BUS920 — Technology and Future Economic Models: Explores the impact of digital transformation and emerging technologies on global economic structures. Assesses future risks and opportunities for sustainable developmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• POL930 — Public Policy and Civil Society Engagement: This course explores the theoretical frameworks of public policy development and the role of non-governmental actors in shaping legislative agendas. It investigates the intersection of community advocacy, democratic participation, and social policy reform within complex international systems. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• DIS950
• Dissertation Research II
• 4
• DIS900
• DIS999
• Dissertation Defense
• 4
• DIS950
• IPE960
• Current Issues in Political Economy Seminar
• 3
• None
• BUS970
• Global Leadership and Servant Administration
• 3
• None
• DIS950 — Dissertation Research II: Second phase of independent research focusing on data analysis and drafting chapters. Provides ongoing refinement of research arguments and findingsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• DIS999 — Dissertation Defense: Final preparation and defense of the doctoral dissertation. Includes final review by committee and oral defense proceduresThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• IPE960 — Current Issues in Political Economy Seminar: A capstone seminar examining current geopolitical events through the lens of economic and political theory. Students debate potential policy interventionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• BUS970 — Global Leadership and Servant Administration: Examines the application of servant leadership within global administrative contexts. Focuses on building organizational capacity for sustainable community engagementThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Admission to the PhD program requires a completed Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a field related to economics, international relations, political science, or a closely allied discipline. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence with a minimum graduate cumulative GPA of 3.25, submit a formal research proposal, provide three professional or academic letters of recommendation, and engage in an admissions interview to assess their commitment to the program's values of ethical inquiry and scholarship. Dissertation Requirement The Dissertation serves as the culminating scholarly endeavor, requiring the candidate to conduct original research that advances the body of knowledge in Faith-Based Global Economics and International Political Economy. The scope of this project involves identifying a significant problem within the global landscape, formulating a robust hypothesis, and applying advanced econometric or qualitative methodologies to generate actionable insights. The deliverable is a comprehensive, book-length document that adheres to the highest standards of academic rigor. Integrating the program’s faith-based mission, the dissertation requires candidates to examine their findings through the framework of biblical stewardship, ethical reasoning, and social equity. This process demands that students demonstrate not only academic expertise but also the character development necessary to advocate for human flourishing in the global marketplace. The dissertation represents the synthesis of professional competence and the student’s dedication to serving the global community through scholarship.

• Graduation necessitates the successful completion of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students must pass a comprehensive doctoral examination after their second year of coursework and successfully defend their dissertation before a faculty committee. The program emphasizes that academic achievement must be matched by a commitment to spiritual maturity, ethical conduct, and professional integrity.
• In addition to academic requirements, candidates are expected to participate in institutional formation activities, including regular community engagement initiatives and reflection sessions focused on vocational ethics. Graduates are expected to leave the program with a demonstrated readiness to apply their advanced knowledge through a lens of faith-informed service and servant leadership, ensuring their contributions to the global field are marked by both intellectual depth and moral clarity.
• Career Opportunities
• Global Policy Analyst
• Academic Faculty in Economics
• International Development Consultant
• Economic Research Director
• Global Strategy Advisor for Non-Profits
• Government Trade Liaison
• International Humanitarian Policy Coordinator
• 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 Global Economics, International Political Economy
• 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 global economics and international political economy 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 Methodologies | 3 | Graduate standing
• ECO710 | Advanced Macroeconomic Theory | 3 | Graduate standing
• THE705 | Ethics in Global Leadership | 3 | Graduate standing
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• IPE720 | International Political Economy Foundations | 4 | None
• BUS730 | Stewardship in Global Economic Systems | 4 | None
• RES715 | Applied Econometrics for Doctoral Researchers | 4 | RES700
• HIS740 | Historical Perspectives on Global Trade | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• IPE810 | Seminar in Global Finance and Development | 4 | IPE720
• BUS820 | Labor Markets and Global Human Capital | 4 | None
• RES830 | Qualitative Research in Political Economy | 4 | RES700
• SOC840 | Sociology of Labor and Social Stratification | 4 | THE705
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• IPE850 | Emerging Market Economies | 4 | IPE720
• BUS860 | Corporate Governance and Global Accountability | 4 | None
• RES870 | Dissertation Proposal Development | 4 | RES830
• SOC880 | Social Justice and Global Policy | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS900 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES870
• IPE910 | Advanced Topics in Global Trade Law | 4 | None
• BUS920 | Technology and Future Economic Models | 4 | None
• POL930 | Public Policy and Civil Society Engagement | 4 | THE840
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS950 | Dissertation Research II | 4 | DIS900
• DIS999 | Dissertation Defense | 4 | DIS950
• IPE960 | Current Issues in Political Economy Seminar | 3 | None
• BUS970 | Global Leadership and Servant Administration | 3 | None