Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based International Treaty Law

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based International Treaty Law

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 Law and Public Policy

Total credits

120

Duration

3 years

• Analyze complex international legal treaties and conventions to evaluate their impact on global human rights and state responsibilities.
• Develop original research that integrates legal theory with interdisciplinary perspectives to address systemic gaps in international governance.
• Evaluate the ethical implications of international policy decisions through the lens of global stewardship and moral responsibility.
• Communicate scholarly research findings effectively to diverse audiences, including policy makers, legal academics, and community leaders.
• Integrate principles of servant leadership into legal advocacy and institutional decision-making frameworks.
• Design rigorous qualitative and quantitative methodologies to investigate legal phenomena within the context of global treaty compliance.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES701
• Advanced Legal Research Methodology
• 3
• None
• LAW705
• Foundations of International Treaty Law
• 3
• None
• ETH710
• Ethics in Global Jurisprudence
• 3
• None
• RES701 — Advanced Legal Research Methodology: Students examine advanced quantitative and qualitative research tools specific to international legal studies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LAW705 — Foundations of International Treaty Law: An exploration of historical and philosophical underpinnings of international agreements. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ETH710 — Ethics in Global Jurisprudence: Analysis of moral reasoning and ethical stewardship within the international legal system. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• LAW720
• Sovereignty and International Compliance
• 3
• LAW705
• LAW725
• Human Rights and International Law
• 3
• None
• RES730
• Qualitative Inquiry in Law
• 3
• RES701
• MGT740
• Servant Leadership in Legal Institutions
• 3
• None
• LAW720 — Sovereignty and International Compliance: Examines the tension between national sovereignty and the obligations inherent in international treaties. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LAW725 — Human Rights and International Law: Critique of current treaty mechanisms protecting fundamental human rights globally. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES730 — Qualitative Inquiry in Law: Advanced training in qualitative analysis and case study development for legal professionals. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT740 — Servant Leadership in Legal Institutions: Models of leadership that emphasize service and stewardship within the legal profession. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• LAW810
• Environmental Treaties and Global Policy
• 4
• LAW720
• LAW815
• Trade Agreements and Human Dignity
• 3
• LAW720
• RES820
• Advanced Statistical Analysis in Law
• 4
• RES730
• HIS825
• History of International Governance
• 3
• None
• LAW810 — Environmental Treaties and Global Policy: Explores the intersection of environmental law and international treaty obligations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LAW815 — Trade Agreements and Human Dignity: Investigates the economic and moral dimensions of international trade agreements. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES820 — Advanced Statistical Analysis in Law: Quantitative techniques for evaluating the efficacy of international legal frameworks. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS825 — History of International Governance: Historical context and development of institutions governing international law. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• LAW830
• Conflict Resolution and Treaty Adjudication
• 4
• LAW720
• LAW835
• Refugee Law and International Protection
• 3
• LAW725
• RES840
• Prospectus Development
• 4
• RES820
• LAW845
• Jurisprudential Theory and Global Justice
• 3
• None
• LAW830 — Conflict Resolution and Treaty Adjudication: Focuses on diplomatic and legal avenues for resolving conflicts over treaty implementation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LAW835 — Refugee Law and International Protection: Critical analysis of treaty law regarding displacement and the status of refugees. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES840 — Prospectus Development: Guided research to formalize the dissertation topic and methodology. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LAW845 — Jurisprudential Theory and Global Justice: This course examines the philosophical foundations of legal systems and the practical application of justice within international frameworks. It explores critical theories of law and their role in addressing systemic inequities across global jurisdictions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• LAW850
• International Criminal Law and Treaties
• 4
• LAW830
• LAW855
• Diplomatic Law and Treaty Negotiation
• 4
• LAW720
• RES860
• Dissertation Proposal Defense
• 3
• RES840
• CAP865
• Practicum in Global Legal Advocacy
• 3
• None
• LAW850 — International Criminal Law and Treaties: Study of criminal law frameworks within international treaty jurisdictions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LAW855 — Diplomatic Law and Treaty Negotiation: Technical analysis of the negotiation processes used in international law. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES860 — Dissertation Proposal Defense: Formal defense of the dissertation research design and intended outcomes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP865 — Practicum in Global Legal Advocacy: Applied experience in analyzing real-world legal policy challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• DIS890
• Dissertation Phase I
• 4
• RES860
• DIS891
• Dissertation Phase II
• 4
• DIS890
• DIS892
• Dissertation Phase III
• 2
• DIS891
• DIS893
• Final Dissertation Defense
• 2
• DIS892
• DIS890 — Dissertation Phase I: Initial execution of the doctoral research and data analysis phases. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS891 — Dissertation Phase II: Continued development and writing of the dissertation manuscript. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS892 — Dissertation Phase III: Final revisions and preparation for the dissertation defense. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS893 — Final Dissertation Defense: Formal presentation and defense of the original research before the doctoral committee. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must hold a relevant Master’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Candidates are required to submit a comprehensive research proposal, official transcripts, three letters of academic recommendation, and a statement of purpose outlining their commitment to the intersection of legal scholarship and ethical service. Final admission decisions are based on the candidate's demonstrated capacity for independent research and alignment with the university’s mission of faith-informed intellectual pursuit. Dissertation Requirement The Dissertation represents the pinnacle of the PhD experience, requiring candidates to engage in an original, substantive research project that contributes new knowledge to the field of international treaty law. Students are expected to identify a significant research problem, apply appropriate analytical methodologies, and produce a high-quality manuscript that demonstrates rigorous intellectual inquiry. The scope of the work is designed to challenge students to synthesize their understanding of legal precedents with practical, faith-informed applications regarding global justice and stewardship. In addition to academic mastery, the dissertation serves as a vehicle for integrating a Christian worldview into the scholarly process. Candidates must demonstrate how their research reflects core values such as integrity, moral courage, and a commitment to servant leadership. By addressing the ethical obligations of global actors, the student showcases how their work serves as a practical expression of their spiritual formation and character development. The final deliverable consists of the written dissertation and a successful public defense, totaling 12 credits, confirming the student’s readiness for high-level academic or policy contributions.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours, including the dissertation credits, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students must fulfill all degree requirements while maintaining high standards of academic and ethical integrity. Throughout the program, students participate in ongoing character formation and spiritual enrichment activities, ensuring that academic growth is balanced with maturity in faith and service.
• Furthermore, students must demonstrate readiness for their future professional endeavors through consistent engagement with community-based learning initiatives. By integrating rigorous intellectual coursework with acts of stewardship and servant leadership, the program ensures that graduates are not only skilled legal scholars but also principled professionals. Final clearance for graduation depends on the formal submission of the dissertation, evidence of ethical conduct, and a demonstrated commitment to serving the community through legal and professional excellence.
• Career Opportunities
• International Human Rights Scholar
• Legal Policy Consultant for Global Nongovernmental Organizations
• Diplomatic Liaison for Faith-Based Advocacy Groups
• International Treaty Researcher
• University Professor of Law and Public Policy
• Legal Advisor for Global Humanitarian Aid Agencies
• 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 International Treaty Law
• 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 international treaty law 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
• RES701 | Advanced Legal Research Methodology | 3 | None
• LAW705 | Foundations of International Treaty Law | 3 | None
• ETH710 | Ethics in Global Jurisprudence | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• LAW720 | Sovereignty and International Compliance | 3 | LAW705
• LAW725 | Human Rights and International Law | 3 | None
• RES730 | Qualitative Inquiry in Law | 3 | RES701
• MGT740 | Servant Leadership in Legal Institutions | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• LAW810 | Environmental Treaties and Global Policy | 4 | LAW720
• LAW815 | Trade Agreements and Human Dignity | 3 | LAW720
• RES820 | Advanced Statistical Analysis in Law | 4 | RES730
• HIS825 | History of International Governance | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• LAW830 | Conflict Resolution and Treaty Adjudication | 4 | LAW720
• LAW835 | Refugee Law and International Protection | 3 | LAW725
• RES840 | Prospectus Development | 4 | RES820
• LAW845 | Jurisprudential Theory and Global Justice | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• LAW850 | International Criminal Law and Treaties | 4 | LAW830
• LAW855 | Diplomatic Law and Treaty Negotiation | 4 | LAW720
• RES860 | Dissertation Proposal Defense | 3 | RES840
• CAP865 | Practicum in Global Legal Advocacy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS890 | Dissertation Phase I | 4 | RES860
• DIS891 | Dissertation Phase II | 4 | DIS890
• DIS892 | Dissertation Phase III | 2 | DIS891
• DIS893 | Final Dissertation Defense | 2 | DIS892