Doctor of Faith-Based Education

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Education

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

Three to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, academic progress, and completion of the doctoral project

Advanced faith-based education and specialization courses

30 credit hours

Leadership, administration, and professional practice

21 credit hours

Research methods and program evaluation

18 credit hours

Professional application and doctoral residency

15 credit hours

Advanced electives or concentration courses

12 credit hours

Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy

6 credit hours

Applied doctoral project and defense

18 credit hours

Total

120 semester credit hours

The Doctor of Faith-Based Education (DFBE) is a terminal professional degree designed for practitioners and scholars seeking to advance their expertise in educational leadership, curriculum development, and organizational stewardship. This program emphasizes the integration of rigorous academic inquiry with the principles of servant leadership and ethical management. Students are challenged to bridge the gap between educational theory and transformative practice, preparing them to guide institutions with wisdom, integrity, and a clear vision for community impact.

Built upon a foundation of interdisciplinary study, the DFBE curriculum balances advanced research methodologies with specialized coursework in educational philosophy, institutional governance, and pedagogical innovation. The program fosters an environment where academic excellence is inextricably linked to character development, encouraging students to consider the profound responsibility inherent in shaping future generations through faith-informed education.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Education is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based education knowledge, organizational leadership, ethical stewardship, program development, community-care systems, higher-education instruction, and evidence-informed professional practice.

Students may receive up to 40 semester credit hours of approved graduate or doctoral transfer credit. Accepted transfer credits are applied toward the 120-credit graduation requirement and may reduce the number of courses and the amount of time required to complete the degree. A student receiving the maximum transfer-credit award must complete at least 80 semester credit hours through the University.

The applied doctoral project must address a documented faith-based education-support, educational, organizational, or community-care need. The project must include scholarly research, an implementation model, measurable outcomes, ethical safeguards, an evaluation plan, and a successful oral defense.

DOCTORAL TRANSFER-CREDIT POLICY: The Doctor of Education and Doctor of Philosophy programs each require 120 semester credit hours. Students may transfer up to 40 semester credit hours of eligible graduate or doctoral coursework toward either degree. Transfer credit is not automatically awarded. Each request is evaluated individually according to: The academic level of the previous coursework; The relevance of the coursework to the doctoral curriculum; Course content and learning outcomes; Credit-hour equivalency; Grades earned; The age of the coursework; Official institutional documentation; The University's residency and transfer-credit policies. Accepted transfer credit may reduce the number of courses and the amount of time required to complete the degree. Students awarded the maximum 40 transfer credits will have 80 semester credit hours remaining in the 120-credit doctoral program. Comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidacy, doctoral residency, the applied doctoral project, dissertation research, and the final oral defense must ordinarily be completed through the University. These requirements may not be satisfied through transfer credit unless expressly permitted under a published University policy.

Program Details

• Total Credits: 120
• Duration: 3 years
• Degree Level: Doctorate

Dissertation Seminar I

• 4
• RES720
• EDU810
• Diversity and Equity in Education
• 3
• None
• MGT820
• Human Resource Management in Education
• 3
• MGT730
• EDU830
• Advanced Leadership Seminar
• 3
• EDU701
• RES800 — Dissertation Seminar I: Students begin the formal research process by developing their dissertation proposal. Emphasis is placed on literature review synthesis and problem formulationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU810 — Diversity and Equity in Education: Explores challenges related to equity within contemporary school systems. Students evaluate strategies to foster inclusive institutional culturesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MGT820 — Human Resource Management in Education: Focuses on professional development, hiring practices, and the support of faculty/staff. Explores the ethics of human resource managementThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU830 — Advanced Leadership Seminar: A high-level synthesis course focusing on complex problem-solving in educational settings. Students present leadership case studiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Dissertation Seminar II

• 4
• RES800
• EDU850
• Financial Stewardship in Higher Education
• 3
• None
• COM810
• Organizational Communication and Advocacy
• 3
• None
• EDU860
• Advanced Assessment for Continuous Improvement
• 3
• RES710
• RES850 — Dissertation Seminar II: Candidates conduct primary data collection and analysis under faculty supervision. Focus remains on methodological integrity and ethical reportingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU850 — Financial Stewardship in Higher Education: Analyzes fiscal management and budgeting within educational institutions. Emphasis is placed on transparency and long-term financial viabilityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COM810 — Organizational Communication and Advocacy: Develops skills in internal communication and community engagement. Students learn to articulate organizational vision to diverse stakeholdersThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU860 — Advanced Assessment for Continuous Improvement: Focuses on using data-driven assessment to enhance student and organizational performance. Students design evaluation protocolsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation represents the culminating academic achievement of the DFBE program, requiring students to identify a significant problem of practice and conduct an original, empirical study. This project serves as a demonstration of the candidate's capacity to engage in disciplined inquiry, synthesize complex information, and apply research findings to real-world educational challenges. The scope of the work is expected to reflect a mastery of the literature and a commitment to rigorous methodological standards, resulting in a substantial scholarly contribution to the field of education.
• Beyond technical proficiency, the dissertation is designed to reflect the candidate's integration of a Christian worldview and commitment to moral stewardship. Students must articulate how their research findings inform ethical leadership and promote the flourishing of educational communities. Through the mentorship of a faculty committee, candidates demonstrate the nexus of professional competence and faith-informed character, ensuring that their final project serves not only as an academic requirement but as a testament to their readiness for transformative, servant-led professional practice.

Career Opportunities

• K-12 School Administrator
• Educational Policy Consultant
• Higher Education Faculty
• Curriculum Development Specialist
• Non-Profit Educational Program Director
• Academic Dean
• Institutional Advancement Officer
• Faith-Based School System Superintendent

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 | Ed.D. in Faith-Based Education
• 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 | Three to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, academic progress, and completion of the doctoral project
• Advanced faith-based education and specialization courses | 30 credit hours
• Leadership, administration, and professional practice | 21 credit hours
• Research methods and program evaluation | 18 credit hours
• Professional application and doctoral residency | 15 credit hours
• Advanced electives or concentration courses | 12 credit hours
• Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy | 6 credit hours
• Applied doctoral project and defense | 18 credit hours
• Total | 120 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU701 | Foundations of Educational Leadership | 3 | None
• RES700 | Advanced Research Methodologies | 3 | None
• THE710 | Ethics and Stewardship in Education | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU720 | Curriculum Design and Innovation | 3 | EDU701
• RES710 | Quantitative Data Analysis | 3 | RES700
• MGT730 | Organizational Behavior in Education | 4 | None
• EDU705 | Advanced Professional Identity and Leadership Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES720 | Qualitative Research Inquiry | 3 | RES700
• EDU740 | Educational Policy and Governance | 3 | None
• EDU750 | Strategic Planning for Educational Organizations | 4 | EDU701
• EDU760 | Advanced Instructional Design | 3 | EDU720
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES800 | Dissertation Seminar I | 4 | RES720
• EDU810 | Diversity and Equity in Education | 3 | None
• MGT820 | Human Resource Management in Education | 3 | MGT730
• EDU830 | Advanced Leadership Seminar | 3 | EDU701
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES850 | Dissertation Seminar II | 4 | RES800
• EDU850 | Financial Stewardship in Higher Education | 3 | None
• COM810 | Organizational Communication and Advocacy | 3 | None
• EDU860 | Advanced Assessment for Continuous Improvement | 3 | RES710
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP899 | Doctoral Dissertation Defense | 4 | RES850
• EDU890 | Global Perspectives on Educational Reform | 3 | None
• MGT890 | Crisis Management in Educational Settings | 3 | MGT730
• EDU880 | Integration of Organizational Values and Operational Practice | 3 | CHR705