Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Biomedical Medical Engineering

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Biomedical Medical Engineering

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 Science and Engineering

Total credits

120

Duration

3 years

• Analyze advanced biomedical engineering theories to solve complex health-related technical challenges.
• Evaluate the intersection of emerging biotechnologies and ethical frameworks, demonstrating consistent moral reasoning.
• Design original research projects that reflect rigorous scientific methodology and contribute to the field of biomedical engineering.
• Integrate a servant-leadership perspective into collaborative research and technological development environments.
• Communicate complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders using professional, evidence-based academic discourse.
• Develop sustainable technological solutions that adhere to principles of biblical stewardship and organizational integrity.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES701
• Advanced Research Methodology
• 3
• Graduate standing
• BIO710
• Physiological Systems Analysis
• 3
• Graduate standing
• THE705
• Ethics in Technological Stewardship
• 3
• Graduate standing
• RES701 — Advanced Research Methodology: Exploration of quantitative and qualitative research design paradigms suited for biomedical inquiry. Students evaluate the rigor and validity of experimental frameworks. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BIO710 — Physiological Systems Analysis: Detailed examination of human physiological processes using advanced mathematical modeling techniques. Emphasis is placed on feedback mechanisms and systemic control theory. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE705 — Ethics in Technological Stewardship: Analysis of moral responsibility in the development and deployment of biomedical technology. Students integrate theological insights with engineering ethics. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• BIO720
• Advanced Biomaterials
• 3
• BIO710
• RES702
• Statistical Inference for Engineering
• 3
• RES701
• MGT715
• Nonprofit Organizational Leadership
• 3
• Graduate standing
• BIO730
• Biomedical Instrumentation Design
• 3
• BIO710
• BIO720 — Advanced Biomaterials: Investigation of the biological response to synthetic materials and the engineering of tissue-scaffold interfaces. Focuses on biocompatibility and regenerative medicine applications. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES702 — Statistical Inference for Engineering: Advanced study of inferential statistics and computational tools for analyzing biomedical data. Topics include multivariate analysis and stochastic modeling. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT715 — Nonprofit Organizational Leadership: Examination of management principles for mission-driven organizations, focusing on resource allocation and strategic planning. Explores leadership models centered on service. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BIO730 — Biomedical Instrumentation Design: Design and implementation of sensory systems for real-time monitoring of physiological parameters. Emphasizes hardware efficiency and signal integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• BIO801
• Advanced Computational Bioengineering
• 4
• BIO710, RES702
• BIO810
• Biomechanics and Dynamics
• 4
• BIO710
• RES805
• Grant Writing and Research Proposals
• 3
• RES702
• THE802
• Integrative Worldview Seminar
• 3
• THE705
• BIO801 — Advanced Computational Bioengineering: Utilizing high-performance computing to simulate biological processes and complex mechanical systems. Focuses on finite element analysis and iterative design. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BIO810 — Biomechanics and Dynamics: Advanced study of human motion and mechanical stress on tissues. Covers kinematics, kinetics, and structural analysis of musculoskeletal systems. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES805 — Grant Writing and Research Proposals: Preparation of comprehensive research proposals, focusing on clarity, impact, and logical articulation of objectives. Includes review of successful funding strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE802 — Integrative Worldview Seminar: Structured academic dialogue regarding the reconciliation of scientific discovery and faith-based values. Focuses on the implications of research for human flourishing. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• BIO825
• Biomedical Imaging Systems
• 4
• BIO730
• BIO840
• Neural Engineering
• 4
• BIO710
• RES815
• Literature Review and Synthesis
• 3
• RES805
• COM810
• Academic and Technical Communication
• 3
• Graduate standing
• BIO825 — Biomedical Imaging Systems: Theoretical and practical study of imaging technologies including ultrasound, MRI, and optical coherence tomography. Evaluates the physics of acquisition and post-processing. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BIO840 — Neural Engineering: Focuses on the interface between electronic devices and neural circuits. Explores neuro-stimulation techniques and brain-computer interfaces. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES815 — Literature Review and Synthesis: Systematic review of existing scholarship to identify gaps and define original research contributions. Focuses on critical analysis of foundational texts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM810 — Academic and Technical Communication: Refining skills for communicating technical findings to both professional peers and the broader public. Focuses on clarity, impact, and persuasive rhetoric. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• BIO850
• Regenerative Engineering
• 4
• BIO720
• RES850
• Doctoral Research Seminar I
• 4
• RES815
• MGT820
• Collaborative Research and Stewardship
• 3
• MGT715
• CAP890
• Professional Development and Service
• 3
• Graduate standing
• BIO850 — Regenerative Engineering: Principles of tissue engineering and developmental biology in the context of regenerative medicine. Covers stem cell applications and scaffold design. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES850 — Doctoral Research Seminar I: Focused research inquiry under faculty mentorship to advance initial dissertation data collection. Emphasizes experimental rigor and process documentation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT820 — Collaborative Research and Stewardship: Examination of multi-disciplinary team dynamics in research settings, focusing on equity, shared goals, and collaborative ethics. Addresses project management in non-profit environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP890 — Professional Development and Service: Application of disciplinary expertise to local community needs through guided volunteerism and research-based service. Encourages vocational reflection. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES860
• Doctoral Research Seminar II
• 4
• RES850
• DISS900
• Dissertation
• 8
• All prior doctoral coursework
• BIO890
• Advanced Emerging Topics in Bioengineering
• 3
• Graduate standing
• RES880
• Scholarly Publication Seminar
• 3
• RES860
• RES860 — Doctoral Research Seminar II: Final analysis phase of doctoral inquiry, emphasizing completion of primary research goals and preparation for submission. Requires rigorous data validation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DISS900 — Dissertation: Final preparation and defense of the doctoral dissertation, documenting original research contributions. Focuses on high-level synthesis and formal scholarly defense. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BIO890 — Advanced Emerging Topics in Bioengineering: Exploration of frontier technologies and their impact on global healthcare equity. Critical analysis of future developments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES880 — Scholarly Publication Seminar: Drafting and refining of findings for peer-reviewed publication. Focuses on journal selection, peer review response, and professional dissemination. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must possess an earned Master of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering or a closely related field from an accredited institution, demonstrating a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. A complete application includes official transcripts, a comprehensive curriculum vitae, a statement of research intent that reflects alignment with the program’s faith-informed mission, and three letters of recommendation that attest to both the candidate's technical aptitude and their commitment to ethical conduct. Dissertation Requirement The Dissertation represents the pinnacle of the PhD experience, serving as the primary vehicle for demonstrating original research and scholarly maturity. Students are required to conduct an in-depth, rigorous investigation into a novel biomedical engineering problem, resulting in a substantial scholarly contribution to the discipline. The scope of this project requires the application of advanced mathematical, computational, or physiological modeling to address real-world challenges, with a primary focus on sustainable and ethical innovation. Throughout the research process, students must explicitly integrate their faith-informed worldviews, detailing how their project reflects concepts of servant leadership, ethical reasoning, and responsible stewardship. The final deliverable consists of a peer-reviewed quality manuscript and a formal oral defense before a faculty committee. This project serves as a capstone, documenting not only the candidate's mastery of technical research methods but also their development as a character-driven academic leader prepared to contribute to the common good.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students must fulfill all core coursework and successfully defend their dissertation, demonstrating a command of their research domain. Beyond academic achievement, students must complete specific requirements related to spiritual formation, including community service hours and participation in directed discourse sessions focused on integrating faith with technological practice.
• Professional and spiritual readiness is evaluated through consistent adherence to institutional honor codes, reflecting a commitment to ethical integrity and service. Students must demonstrate that their research activities align with the values of compassion, justice, and vocational calling. By completion, graduates are prepared to enter their professional fields not only as technical experts but as individuals of deep conviction, equipped to lead with integrity in various research, administrative, and community-service settings.
• Career Opportunities
• Biomedical Research Scientist
• Clinical Technology Policy Analyst
• Nonprofit Healthcare Systems Consultant
• Academic Faculty and Researcher
• Director of Community Health Engineering
• Medical Device Ethical Compliance Officer
• Public Health Infrastructure Lead
• 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 Biomedical Medical Engineering
• 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 biomedical medical engineering 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 Research Methodology | 3 | Graduate standing
• BIO710 | Physiological Systems Analysis | 3 | Graduate standing
• THE705 | Ethics in Technological Stewardship | 3 | Graduate standing
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO720 | Advanced Biomaterials | 3 | BIO710
• RES702 | Statistical Inference for Engineering | 3 | RES701
• MGT715 | Nonprofit Organizational Leadership | 3 | Graduate standing
• BIO730 | Biomedical Instrumentation Design | 3 | BIO710
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO801 | Advanced Computational Bioengineering | 4 | BIO710, RES702
• BIO810 | Biomechanics and Dynamics | 4 | BIO710
• RES805 | Grant Writing and Research Proposals | 3 | RES702
• THE802 | Integrative Worldview Seminar | 3 | THE705
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO825 | Biomedical Imaging Systems | 4 | BIO730
• BIO840 | Neural Engineering | 4 | BIO710
• RES815 | Literature Review and Synthesis | 3 | RES805
• COM810 | Academic and Technical Communication | 3 | Graduate standing
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIO850 | Regenerative Engineering | 4 | BIO720
• RES850 | Doctoral Research Seminar I | 4 | RES815
• MGT820 | Collaborative Research and Stewardship | 3 | MGT715
• CAP890 | Professional Development and Service | 3 | Graduate standing
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES860 | Doctoral Research Seminar II | 4 | RES850
• DISS900 | Dissertation | 8 | All prior doctoral coursework
• BIO890 | Advanced Emerging Topics in Bioengineering | 3 | Graduate standing
• RES880 | Scholarly Publication Seminar | 3 | RES860