Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Study, Major in Education

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Biblical Study and 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 biblical study and education 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 Philosophy in Biblical Study, Major in Education, is a rigorous research-oriented degree designed for scholars and practitioners who seek to integrate advanced biblical inquiry with pedagogical theory. This program provides an intensive academic environment where students engage in deep critical analysis of historical and contemporary interpretations of scripture alongside sophisticated frameworks for educational leadership and instructional design. By focusing on the intersection of academic rigor and ministerial efficacy, the program fosters a scholarly community dedicated to intellectual honesty and excellence in education. Participants will develop the analytical skills necessary to contribute original research to the field of biblical education, preparing them for roles in higher education, institutional leadership, and specialized academic research. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practices that honor both scholarly standards and the enduring value of biblical wisdom in modern society.

The Doctor of Education in Biblical Study and Education is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced biblical study and 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 biblical study and 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 Prospectus Seminar

• 4
• RES740
• BIB755 — Biblical Theology and Worldview: Students analyze the overarching theological themes within biblical texts and how they inform a coherent worldview. This course bridges the gap between ancient theology and contemporary thought. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU760 — Instructional Technology in Learning: This course provides training in the use of digital tools to enhance educational delivery and accessibility. It emphasizes the ethical and effective use of modern media. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LDR765 — Institutional Development and Stewardship: Students study the principles of organizational stewardship, fundraising, and long-term sustainability for non-profits. The course focuses on responsible management of academic resources. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES800 — Dissertation Prospectus Seminar: Candidates prepare their formal dissertation proposals under faculty supervision. This seminar requires the refinement of research questions and the identification of appropriate methodological frameworks. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation I

• 6
• RES800
• BIB810 — Advanced Topics in Biblical Research: Students engage in high-level independent study of specialized topics within biblical scholarship. The course emphasizes peer review and deep academic engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU815 — Comparative Educational Systems: An analysis of global educational models and their influence on the development of academic policy. Students evaluate systems to draw comparisons for local application. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES820 — Advanced Data Synthesis: This course focuses on the synthesis of complex research findings into coherent, applicable knowledge. Candidates refine their argumentative structure for the final doctoral project. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS850 — Dissertation I: The first phase of the dissertation, involving primary research and the drafting of initial chapters under committee guidance. Emphasis is placed on scholarly depth and argumentative originality. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation II

• 6
• DIS850
• CAP899

Capstone of Scholarly Integrity

• 2
• DIS890
• EDU825 — Educational Leadership Practicum: This practical experience applies academic theory to real-world educational governance and administration. Students document their leadership outcomes and reflection processes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES830 — Seminar in Publication and Presentation: Candidates learn the strategies for publishing research in academic journals and presenting at professional conferences. The course focuses on clarity and impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS890 — Dissertation II: The concluding phase of the dissertation, involving final revisions, completion of the manuscript, and the successful defense. The candidate presents their research results to the academic community. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP899 — Capstone of Scholarly Integrity: This final seminar focuses on the ethical application of the doctoral research and the transition to professional leadership. It summarizes the program’s commitment to faith and academic rigor. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation serves as the culminating scholarly experience of the doctoral program, requiring 12 credit hours of dedicated research and writing. This project provides a platform for candidates to contribute an original body of work that addresses significant gaps in the literature of biblical education, demonstrating mastery of both subject matter and research methodology. The scope is expected to be comprehensive, involving the critical application of both empirical and interpretative tools to complex educational challenges. Each student works under the guidance of a faculty advisory committee to ensure rigor and depth.
• Beyond technical proficiency, the dissertation functions as a vehicle for integrating faith-based perspectives, demanding that students demonstrate ethical integrity, stewardship, and a commitment to servant leadership in their analysis. Candidates must articulate how their findings reflect a commitment to spiritual formation and the common good, ensuring that their work upholds the highest standards of academic excellence and reflects a consistent Christian worldview. The final defense requires candidates to exhibit both the intellectual capacity for independent scholarship and the character development necessary for influential academic and professional leadership.

Career Opportunities

• Professor of Biblical Studies at a college or university
• Chief Academic Officer for educational ministries
• Curriculum Designer for faith-based academic institutions
• Executive Director of a faith-based nonprofit organization
• Denominational Educational Strategist
• Academic Administrator for theological seminaries
• Educational Policy Researcher for community organizations

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 Biblical Study and 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 biblical study and education 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 Research Methodology | 3 | None
• BIB705 | Advanced Biblical Hermeneutics | 3 | None
• EDU710 | Pedagogical Theory and Practice | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIB715 | Critical Studies in Old Testament | 3 | BIB705
• EDU720 | Curriculum Design for Higher Education | 3 | EDU710
• RES725 | Qualitative Research Design | 3 | RES700
• LDR730 | Servant Leadership in Academic Settings | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIB735 | Critical Studies in New Testament | 3 | BIB715
• RES740 | Quantitative Research Methods | 3 | RES700
• EDU745 | Educational Assessment and Evaluation | 3 | EDU720
• ETH750 | Ethics in Education and Ministry | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIB755 | Biblical Theology and Worldview | 3 | BIB735
• EDU760 | Instructional Technology in Learning | 3 | EDU720
• LDR765 | Institutional Development and Stewardship | 3 | LDR730
• RES800 | Dissertation Prospectus Seminar | 4 | RES740
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIB810 | Advanced Topics in Biblical Research | 4 | BIB755
• EDU815 | Comparative Educational Systems | 4 | EDU745
• RES820 | Advanced Data Synthesis | 4 | RES800
• DIS850 | Dissertation I | 6 | RES800
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU825 | Educational Leadership Practicum | 4 | LDR765
• RES830 | Seminar in Publication and Presentation | 4 | RES820
• DIS890 | Dissertation II | 6 | DIS850
• CAP899 | Capstone of Scholarly Integrity | 2 | DIS890