Doctor of Faith-Based Education Specialization in Literacy/Reading Specialist

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Education Specialization in Literacy/Reading Specialist

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 literacy and reading 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 (Ed.D.) with a specialization in Literacy/Reading Specialist is a rigorous doctoral program designed to cultivate expert scholars and practitioners who demonstrate high-level proficiency in educational leadership and evidence-based literacy instruction. The curriculum synthesizes advanced pedagogical theories, quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, and systemic approaches to instructional improvement within diverse learning environments. Through a comprehensive, interdisciplinary lens, students examine the intersection of literacy development and organizational excellence.

Rooted in an ethos of servant leadership and stewardship, this program challenges candidates to integrate professional excellence with ethical inquiry. Students engage with advanced literacy frameworks while exploring the moral and social responsibilities inherent in shaping academic environments. The program emphasizes the development of reflective practitioners who possess the intellectual rigor to address complex educational challenges while modeling integrity, humility, and a commitment to serving the common good through their educational influence.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Education Specialization in Literacy/Reading Specialist is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based education specialization in literacy/reading specialist 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 specialization in literacy/reading specialist-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

• 3
• RES801
• EDU820
• Literacy Intervention for Diverse Learners
• 4
• EDU720
• EDU825
• Organizational Leadership in Literacy
• 3
• EDU710
• EDU805
• Advanced Cognitive and Social Development
• 3
• None
• RES810 — Dissertation Seminar: Students begin the formal proposal process for their dissertation research. Guidance is provided on defining research problems and selecting appropriate methodologiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU820 — Literacy Intervention for Diverse Learners: A deep dive into providing high-impact interventions for students struggling with literacy. The course emphasizes equitable practices and inclusive instructional environmentsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU825 — Organizational Leadership in Literacy: This course addresses the administrative aspects of literacy programs, including budgeting, professional development planning, and state complianceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU805 — Advanced Cognitive and Social Development: This course explores current research on human development across the lifespan, focusing on cognitive, social, and emotional milestones. It addresses the intersection of development and educational environments through empirical inquiry and modern psychological theory. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation serves as the culminating scholarly endeavor, requiring the candidate to engage in original, empirical research that addresses a significant problem of practice in the field of literacy education. The scope of the work must demonstrate a mastery of research methodology, critical analysis of relevant literature, and the capacity to synthesize complex findings into actionable strategies. The final deliverable must represent a significant contribution to the field, reflecting the student's ability to operate as an independent, scholarly researcher.
• Substantively, the dissertation integrates faith-based perspectives by mandating an ethical analysis of the research's impact on human flourishing and social equity. Students are expected to demonstrate how their findings reflect principles of biblical stewardship, justice, and the holistic development of the individual learner. The dissertation process is not merely an academic assessment but a formative experience where students refine their capacity for servant leadership and internalize the ethical implications of their scholarly work within a diverse global community.

Career Opportunities

• Literacy Program Director
• Curriculum Development Specialist
• Director of Educational Research
• School District Administrator
• University Professor of Education
• Educational Consultant
• Professional Development Coordinator

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 Literacy/Reading Specialist
• 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 literacy and reading 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
• RES701 | Advanced Research Methodology | 3 | None
• EDU710 | Foundations of Literacy Leadership | 3 | None
• THE705 | Ethical Stewardship in Education | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES702 | Quantitative Data Analysis | 3 | RES701
• EDU720 | Advanced Literacy Assessment | 3 | EDU710
• EDU725 | Neuroscience of Literacy Development | 3 | EDU710
• EDU715 | Professional Ethics and Reflective Practice in Education | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES801 | Qualitative Inquiry Methods | 3 | RES701
• EDU810 | Literacy Policy and Global Perspectives | 3 | EDU710
• EDU815 | Designing Literacy Curricula | 3 | EDU720
• COU750 | Interpersonal Communication and Mentorship | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES810 | Dissertation Seminar | 3 | RES801
• EDU820 | Literacy Intervention for Diverse Learners | 4 | EDU720
• EDU825 | Organizational Leadership in Literacy | 3 | EDU710
• EDU805 | Advanced Cognitive and Social Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES820 | Advanced Dissertation Development | 4 | RES810
• EDU850 | Current Issues in Literacy Instruction | 3 | EDU825
• MGT830 | Strategic Leadership for Educational Institutions | 3 | None
• RES830 | Independent Research Study | 3 | RES801
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP899 | Doctoral Dissertation | 6 | RES820
• EDU860 | Professional Portfolio and Field Integration | 3 | None
• EDU870 | Literacy Specialist Practicum | 3 | EDU820
• RES840 | Advanced Scholarly Writing and Publishing | 3 | RES810