Admission Requirements
Admission and entry requirements
Applicants should hold a master's degree in a relevant field and demonstrate strong academic performance. Additionally, they must submit a research proposal, academic transcripts, and letters of recommendation from previous instructors or professional supervisors. Career Opportunities Renewable Energy Consultant Sustainability Director for Non-Profits Government Policy Advisor on Renewable Energy Academician in Environmental Science Corporate Sustainability Manager Faith-Based Community Energy Coordinator Energy Policy Analyst 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 Renewable Energy Total program length | 90 semester credit hours Maximum approved transfer credit | Up to 40 semester credit hours Minimum credits completed through the University after maximum transfer | 50 semester credit hours Normal completion time | Four to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, research progress, and dissertation completion Advanced renewable energy 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 | 90 semester credit hours Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites PRE 801 | Advanced Renewable Energy Systems Theory | 3 | Master's degree in a related field or equivalent experience PRE 802 | Advanced Energy Mathematics & Numerical Methods | 3 | A solid foundation in calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations is recommended. PRE 804 | Energy Systems Modeling & Simulation | 3 | Basic understanding of energy principles and modeling techniques PRE 811 | Advanced Thermodynamics & Energy Conversion | 3 | Completed coursework in basic thermodynamics and fluid mechanics, or equivalent knowledge PRE 812 | Power Systems & Grid Integration for Renewables | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites PRE 813 | Energy Storage, Batteries & Advanced Materials | 3 | None PRE 821 | Solar Energy Systems: Advanced Design & Optimization | 3 | None PRE 822 | Wind Energy Systems: Aerodynamics & Structural Modeling | 3 | None PRE 823 | Hydrogen, Fuel Cells & Emerging Energy Technologies | 3 | None PRE 824 | Advanced Statistics & Data Analytics for Energy Research | 3 | A foundation in basic statistics and data analytics, preferably from previous coursework or professional experience. Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites PRE 831 | Smart Grids, Microgrids & Energy Informatics | 3 | None PRE 832 | Energy Policy, Regulation & Global Energy Governance | 3 | None PRE 833 | Energy Economics, Finance & Infrastructure Investment | 3 | None PRE 834 | Comprehensive Examination Seminar | 3 | None PRE 901 | Dissertation Research I: Proposal Development | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites SBFC 901 | Foundations of Faith-Based Business Stewardship | 3 | None PRE 902 | Dissertation Research II: Literature Review & Methodology | 3 | Dissertation Research I (PRE 901) PRE 903 | Advanced Research Colloquium | 3 | None PRE 904 | Academic Writing & Scholarly Publication | 3 | None PRE 905 | Dissertation Research III: Data Collection & Analysis | 4 | Dissertation Research I and II or equivalent Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites PRE 906 | Dissertation Research IV: Findings & Interpretation | 4 | Completion of Dissertation Research III PRE 907 | Dissertation Research V: Writing & Defense Preparation | 4 | Completion of previous dissertation courses in the program PRE 908 | Dissertation Defense & Publication Seminar | 3 | Completion of dissertation proposal and all coursework requirements for the PhD program PRE 910 | Advanced Dissertation Synthesis and Final Defense Strategy | 3 | PRE 905, PRE 906, PRE 907 SBFC 911 | Sustainable Leadership & Ethics in Faith Communities | 3 | None Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites SBFC 921 | Faith-Based Social Entrepreneurship & Sustainable Enterprise | 3 | None SBFC 931 | Financial Management and Resource Development in Faith-Based Organizations | 3 | None SBFC 941 | Faith-Based Sustainability Leadership Practicum | 3 | None SBFC 951 | Theological Perspectives on Environmental Justice and Corporate Governance | 3 | SBFC 901, SBFC 911