Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Architecture, Specialization in Historical Artifacts

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Architecture, Specialization in Historical Artifacts

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 architecture 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 Philosophy in Faith-Based Architecture with a specialization in Historical Artifacts is a terminal research degree designed for scholars and practitioners dedicated to the preservation, analysis, and ethical stewardship of the built environment and material culture. This program bridges advanced architectural theory with the specialized study of historical artifacts, emphasizing the role of design in sustaining cultural memory and community heritage. Students engage in rigorous inquiry, exploring how architectural interventions impact the social and spiritual fabric of diverse landscapes.

Rooted in an academic environment that values the intersection of professional competence and moral responsibility, the program challenges candidates to rethink the life-cycle of structures and objects through the lenses of sustainability, conservation, and civic duty. By integrating historical methodology with contemporary design practices, graduates develop the expertise necessary to lead in institutional, governmental, and private sector contexts where ethical decision-making regarding our shared material past is paramount.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Architecture, Specialization in Historical Artifacts is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based architecture, specialization in historical artifacts 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 architecture, specialization in historical artifacts-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 Proposal Seminar

• 3
• RES735
• COM845
• Advocacy and Public Communication
• 3
• None
• ARC830 — Material Science in Preservation: In-depth study of the chemical and physical properties of historical materials and their degradation processes. The course focuses on preventive measures and remediation strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS835 — Institutional Historical Analysis: Focuses on the evolution of organizational history and its expression in material objects and architecture. Students apply critical analysis to institutional narratives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES840 — Dissertation Proposal Seminar: A guided seminar where students develop and refine their dissertation topics, literature reviews, and research methodologies. Faculty provide intensive feedback on preliminary proposals. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM845 — Advocacy and Public Communication: Strategies for communicating the value of architectural heritage to diverse public audiences and policy-makers. Emphasis is placed on ethical persuasion and servant leadership. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Phase I

• 4
• RES840
• MIN865
• Service and Character Integration
• 3
• THE820
• RES850 — Independent Research and Data Collection: Students conduct primary research in the field or through archival work related to their dissertation. Faculty supervisors provide regular mentorship and oversight. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ARC855 — Urbanism and Adaptive Reuse: Explores the repurposing of existing historical structures to meet modern community needs while respecting original design intent. Focus on sustainable development and adaptive growth. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP860 — Dissertation Phase I: Execution of the initial chapters of the doctoral dissertation, including foundational analysis and site or artifact survey. Students integrate biblical principles into their theoretical framework. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN865 — Service and Character Integration: Focuses on the alignment of academic research with the development of servant leadership and personal moral formation. Students document their application of these values. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Phase II

• 8
• CAP860
• ARC875
• Advanced Design Ethics
• 3
• ARC855
• RES880
• Professional Dissemination and Seminar
• 2
• CAP870
• HIS885
• Current Issues in Preservation
• 2
• None
• CAP870 — Dissertation Phase II: Final completion of the dissertation manuscript and final oral defense before the doctoral committee. Candidates demonstrate academic mastery, integrity, and ethical scholarship in their contribution to the field. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ARC875 — Advanced Design Ethics: A synthesis of design principles, ethical practices, and the professional responsibilities associated with artifact management. Students analyze real-world case studies in stewardship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES880 — Professional Dissemination and Seminar: Students prepare their dissertation research for peer-reviewed publication and professional presentation. Focus is on clarity and impact within the broader scholarly community. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS885 — Current Issues in Preservation: A comprehensive review of contemporary challenges and trends in the field of historical preservation and material culture. Candidates engage in high-level debate regarding future research. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation represents the culmination of the doctoral journey, serving as a significant, original contribution to the fields of architecture and material culture. Candidates are expected to conduct independent, high-level research that addresses complex problems related to the intersection of history, design, and cultural stewardship. Through a rigorous defense of their work, students demonstrate not only technical mastery of their research methodology but also a deep capacity for ethical reasoning and intellectual independence.
• Faith-based integration is central to the dissertation, requiring candidates to reflect on how their research manifests the virtues of stewardship, justice, and community service. By applying a Christian worldview to their findings, students articulate how their academic contributions can serve the common good and empower marginalized or historical communities. The dissertation process is designed to refine the student's character, ensuring they emerge as scholars who lead with both professional rigor and personal integrity. The dissertation carries a total weight of 12 credits.

Career Opportunities

• Historic Preservation Specialist for Faith-Based Organizations
• Curator of Architectural Artifacts in Institutional Archives
• Consultant for Sustainable Community Revitalization Projects
• Academic Faculty in Architectural History and Theory
• Director of Cultural Heritage Management for Nonprofits
• Design Advocate for Humanitarian Structural Initiatives
• Archival Researcher for Ecclesiastical Architecture

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 Architecture, Specialization in Historical Artifacts
• 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 architecture 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 Research Methodology | 3 | None
• ARC710 | Theory of Historical Architecture | 3 | None
• CHR720 | Stewardship and Ethics in Design | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ARC725 | Conservation of Artifacts | 4 | ARC710
• HIS730 | Global Architectural History | 4 | None
• RES735 | Academic Writing and Peer Review | 3 | RES700
• MGT740 | Nonprofit Organizational Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ARC800 | Advanced Digital Curation | 4 | ARC725
• SOC810 | Sociology of Heritage and Space | 4 | None
• RES815 | Quantitative Data Analysis | 3 | RES700
• SOC820 | Sociology of Place and Community Development | 3 | CHR720
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ARC830 | Material Science in Preservation | 4 | ARC800
• HIS835 | Institutional Historical Analysis | 4 | HIS730
• RES840 | Dissertation Proposal Seminar | 3 | RES735
• COM845 | Advocacy and Public Communication | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES850 | Independent Research and Data Collection | 4 | RES840
• ARC855 | Urbanism and Adaptive Reuse | 4 | ARC830
• CAP860 | Dissertation Phase I | 4 | RES840
• MIN865 | Service and Character Integration | 3 | THE820
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP870 | Dissertation Phase II | 8 | CAP860
• ARC875 | Advanced Design Ethics | 3 | ARC855
• RES880 | Professional Dissemination and Seminar | 2 | CAP870
• HIS885 | Current Issues in Preservation | 2 | None