Doctor of Faith-Based Education Specialization in Early Childhood Special Education

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Education Specialization in Early Childhood Special 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) with a specialization in Early Childhood Special Education is an advanced graduate program designed for scholars and practitioners dedicated to fostering inclusive, high-quality learning environments. This program provides a rigorous academic framework that integrates evidence-based pedagogical strategies with a commitment to the stewardship of human development and the dignity of every learner. Students examine systemic educational challenges, legal frameworks, and developmental theories within the context of early intervention, ensuring that the needs of children with diverse abilities are met with compassion and technical excellence. Beyond the mastery of specialized educational strategies, the program emphasizes the role of the educator as a servant leader. Participants are challenged to apply an ethical, faith-informed perspective to their scholarship, analyzing how institutional policies and teaching practices can reflect core values of justice, equity, and holistic care. This program equips graduates to contribute meaningful research to the field while cultivating a scholarly voice that prioritizes the empowerment of children and their families.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Education Specialization in Early Childhood Special 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 Research I

• 4
• RES800
• EDU850
• Spiritual Formation and Vocational Stewardship
• 4
• EDU810
• EDU860
• Professional Mentorship and Supervision
• 3
• EDU810
• RES860
• Selected Topics in Special Education
• 3
• None
• RES850 — Dissertation Research I: Initial phase of independent research under faculty mentorship. Involves primary data collection or advanced archival investigationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU850 — Spiritual Formation and Vocational Stewardship: Integrates concepts of vocation, spiritual discipline, and professional integrity. Focuses on long-term commitment to community serviceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU860 — Professional Mentorship and Supervision: Explores models of academic and professional supervision. Develops the ability to coach and lead educational teams effectivelyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES860 — Selected Topics in Special Education: Advanced seminar examining contemporary challenges and emerging research topics in the fieldThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Dissertation Research II

• 4
• RES850
• RES910

Dissertation Defense

• 4
• RES900
• EDU900
• Final Portfolio of Professional Practice
• 3
• None
• EDU910
• Synthesis of Faith and Education
• 3
• EDU850
• RES900 — Dissertation Research II: Advanced phase of dissertation research focusing on final analysis and drafting. culminates in the scholarly presentation and oral defenseThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES910 — Dissertation Defense: Formal defense of the dissertation before a committee. Requires mastery of research findings and implications for the fieldThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU900 — Final Portfolio of Professional Practice: Compiles professional work and reflective practice artifacts developed throughout the program. Illustrates growth in leadership and ethicsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU910 — Synthesis of Faith and Education: Final seminar synthesizing the program’s learning. Focuses on the application of faith-informed knowledge in diverse future rolesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Dissertation Requirement

• The dissertation serves as the culminating scholarly experience of the DFBE program, requiring students to engage in original research that contributes significantly to the body of knowledge in early childhood special education. The project is designed to showcase the candidate’s ability to synthesize advanced educational theories, analyze empirical data, and provide solutions to complex problems in the field. Students will demonstrate academic rigor through a systematic investigation that reflects deep inquiry and critical analysis of their chosen specialty area.
• Beyond technical research, the dissertation functions as an extension of the student’s identity as an ethical leader. It requires the integration of faith-informed perspectives, specifically addressing how the research reflects biblical stewardship and a commitment to serving the vulnerable. By investigating how educational environments can best support the holistic development of children, the dissertation serves as both a high-level academic contribution and a testament to the student’s character and vocational calling to advance justice and equity in educational institutions.

Career Opportunities

• Early Childhood Education Administrator
• Special Education Program Coordinator
• Educational Consultant for Inclusive Environments
• Academic Faculty in Early Childhood Development
• Policy Researcher for Non-Profit Educational Organizations
• Advocacy Specialist for Disability Services
• Director of Faith-Based Educational Ministries

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 Specialization in Early Childhood Special 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
• RES700 | Advanced Qualitative Research Methods | 4 | None
• EDU710 | Philosophy of Education and Ethics | 4 | None
• EDU720 | Advanced Early Childhood Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES710 | Advanced Quantitative Research Methods | 4 | RES700
• EDU730 | Inclusive Pedagogies in Early Education | 4 | EDU720
• EDU740 | Leadership in Special Education Services | 3 | None
• RES720 | Literature Review and Synthesis | 3 | RES700
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU800 | Assessment Practices for Early Intervention | 4 | EDU720
• EDU810 | Servant Leadership in Academic Settings | 4 | EDU710
• SOC800 | Family and Community Engagement | 3 | None
• RES800 | Proposal Development Seminar | 3 | RES710
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU820 | Public Policy and Special Education Law | 4 | None
• EDU830 | Curriculum Design for Diverse Learners | 4 | EDU730
• COU800 | Trauma-Informed Educational Practices | 3 | None
• RES810 | Advanced Data Interpretation | 3 | RES710
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES850 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES800
• EDU850 | Spiritual Formation and Vocational Stewardship | 4 | EDU810
• EDU860 | Professional Mentorship and Supervision | 3 | EDU810
• RES860 | Selected Topics in Special Education | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES900 | Dissertation Research II | 4 | RES850
• RES910 | Dissertation Defense | 4 | RES900
• EDU900 | Final Portfolio of Professional Practice | 3 | None
• EDU910 | Synthesis of Faith and Education | 3 | EDU850