Doctor of Faith-Based Education Specialization in Social Studies/History Education

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Education Specialization in Social Studies/History 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 with a specialization in Social Studies/History Education is a rigorous, postsecondary doctoral program designed to cultivate scholars and practitioners who demonstrate high levels of pedagogical expertise and historical inquiry. This program explores the intersection of academic excellence and ethical commitment, preparing educators to serve in diverse educational settings. Students engage in advanced scholarship, critical examination of historical narratives, and the development of curricula that reflect both academic integrity and a commitment to servant leadership. By fostering a deep understanding of historical contexts, graduates are prepared to address complex pedagogical challenges through a framework of stewardship and community engagement. The curriculum emphasizes the application of pedagogical theory to the teaching of history, ensuring that graduates can contribute significantly to the advancement of educational practices within their respective fields.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Education Specialization in Social Studies/History Education is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based education and specialization in social studies/history 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 and specialization in social studies/history 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

• 6
• RES840
• EDU890
• Educational Assessment and Evaluation
• 3
• None
• EDU895
• Seminar in Professional Development
• 3
• None
• HIS890
• History and Civic Formation
• 3
• None
• DIS800 — Dissertation Research I: The first phase of the dissertation, involving data collection and preliminary analysis under faculty supervision. Students receive regular feedback on their progress and scholarly focusThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU890 — Educational Assessment and Evaluation: Critiques contemporary assessment models in education. Focuses on the development of valid and reliable evaluation metrics for social studies programsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU895 — Seminar in Professional Development: Provides a forum for discussing the transition from student to scholarly leader. Focuses on peer review, publication, and professional ethical standardsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• HIS890 — History and Civic Formation: Explores the relationship between history education and civic responsibility. Addresses how historical literacy contributes to the development of active, service-minded citizensThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Dissertation Research II

• 6
• DIS800
• EDU910
• Educational Advocacy and Social Justice
• 3
• None
• HIS920
• Advanced Seminar: Faith and History
• 3
• None
• EDU920
• Future Trends in Higher Education
• 3
• None
• DIS900 — Dissertation Research II: The final stage of the dissertation, culminating in the completion and defense of the scholarly project. Students finalize the document for final committee review and approvalThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU910 — Educational Advocacy and Social Justice: Focuses on the educator's role as an advocate for equitable and accessible education. Examines social structures and ethical interventionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• HIS920 — Advanced Seminar: Faith and History: Examines how faith-based perspectives inform historical interpretation. Students synthesize their research with personal and institutional values in a professional settingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU920 — Future Trends in Higher Education: Explores emerging trends in educational technology, enrollment, and institutional sustainability. Prepares candidates for leadership in an evolving academic landscapeThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation represents the culminating academic achievement of the doctoral program, requiring candidates to produce an original contribution to the field of social studies education. This 12-credit requirement involves the identification of a significant research problem, the systematic collection and analysis of data, and the professional articulation of findings. The dissertation serves as evidence of the candidate’s mastery of the discipline and their ability to engage in sustained, high-level scholarly inquiry.
• Beyond technical research, the dissertation serves as a synthesis of faith-informed scholarship and ethical development. Candidates are expected to demonstrate how their research reflects principles of servant leadership, biblical stewardship of knowledge, and a commitment to serving their educational communities. Through this process, students integrate their academic competence with character formation, ensuring that their intellectual contributions are grounded in a framework of integrity, empathy, and professional responsibility.

Career Opportunities

• Higher Education Professor of History or Education
• Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator
• Educational Policy Researcher
• Instructional Designer for History Education
• Academic Administrator in Faith-Based Institutions
• Professional Development Consultant for Secondary Social Studies
• Educational Content Developer and Author

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 Social Studies/History 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
• RES800 | Foundations of Doctoral Inquiry | 3 | None
• EDU810 | Educational Leadership and Stewardship | 3 | None
• HIS805 | Historiography and Historical Theory | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES820 | Quantitative Research Methods | 4 | RES800
• EDU825 | Curriculum Theory in Social Studies | 3 | None
• HIS815 | Global Perspectives in Social Studies | 3 | None
• EDU830 | Ethics in Educational Practice | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES830 | Qualitative Research Methods | 4 | RES800
• HIS840 | Economic and Social History | 3 | None
• EDU850 | Instructional Innovation in Social Studies | 3 | None
• EDU860 | Community Engagement in Education | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES840 | Research Design and Proposal | 4 | RES830
• HIS870 | History of Educational Reform | 3 | None
• EDU880 | Leadership in Diverse Educational Settings | 3 | None
• HIS885 | Advanced Topics in Historical Inquiry | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS800 | Dissertation Research I | 6 | RES840
• EDU890 | Educational Assessment and Evaluation | 3 | None
• EDU895 | Seminar in Professional Development | 3 | None
• HIS890 | History and Civic Formation | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS900 | Dissertation Research II | 6 | DIS800
• EDU910 | Educational Advocacy and Social Justice | 3 | None
• HIS920 | Advanced Seminar: Faith and History | 3 | None
• EDU920 | Future Trends in Higher Education | 3 | None