Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Arts Investigative Journalism, Reporting, Specialization in ethical practice

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Arts Investigative Journalism, Reporting, Specialization in ethical practice

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 arts investigative journalism 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 Arts Investigative Journalism and Reporting provides a rigorous scholarly framework for media professionals to explore the intersection of narrative arts, investigative inquiry, and ethical media practice. Students engage in advanced research methods to uncover systemic issues, document community narratives, and promote transparency within contemporary media landscapes. Through a lens of stewardship and ethical rigor, the program fosters a critical understanding of how journalistic practices impact social cohesion and institutional integrity. Scholars develop a sophisticated portfolio of work that balances technical investigative prowess with a commitment to public service and truth-seeking. The program emphasizes the role of the journalist as a servant leader, utilizing advanced communication platforms to shed light on complex social phenomena while upholding the highest standards of professional objectivity and accountability. Candidates engage in interdisciplinary inquiry that bridges media studies, sociological analysis, and philosophical ethics to refine their expertise as thought leaders in the field.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Arts Investigative Journalism, Reporting, Specialization in ethical practice is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based arts investigative journalism, reporting, specialization in ethical practice 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 arts investigative journalism, reporting, specialization in ethical practice-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 I: Proposal Design

• 3
• RES700
• COM810
• Digital Media and Global Stewardship
• 3
• None
• COM750 — Narrative Arts and Investigative Reporting: Techniques for crafting compelling narratives that effectively communicate investigative findings to diverse audiences. Students focus on the aesthetic and ethical dimensions of truth-telling. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC760 — Sociology of Media and Community: An analysis of how media outlets shape community perceptions and influence social dynamics. Focus is on the responsibility of the journalist to serve the public good. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES800 — Dissertation Seminar I: Proposal Design: Students begin the formal conceptualization and literature review process for their dissertation projects. Focus is placed on methodology and research feasibility. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM810 — Digital Media and Global Stewardship: Study of how emerging digital platforms and global connectivity impact traditional journalism. Evaluation of the ethical deployment of technology in modern media. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Seminar II: Data Collection

• 3
• RES800
• BUS840
• Resource Management for Media Nonprofits
• 3
• MIN740
• RES820 — Advanced Qualitative Inquiry: Deep dive into narrative research, case studies, and observational methods used in journalism. Students refine their techniques for gathering and interpreting primary source material. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM830 — Visual Media and Documentary Ethics: The examination of ethical challenges in photojournalism and documentary video production. Students explore how visual evidence can be used to promote justice and truth. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES850 — Dissertation Seminar II: Data Collection: Execution of the approved research plan with an emphasis on systematic data gathering and rigorous documentation. Focus is placed on empirical validation of findings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS840 — Resource Management for Media Nonprofits: Principles of financial accountability and sustainable resource management within mission-driven media organizations. Emphasis on transparency and operational integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Seminar III: Analysis and Drafting

• 4
• RES850
• COM870
• Professional Identity and Media Career Ethics
• 3
• THE710
• COM890
• Special Topics in Investigative Media
• 3
• None
• COM860 — Advanced Public Discourse: Strategies for engaging the public in productive discourse through responsible, faith-informed journalism. Focus on fostering community unity through truth. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES880 — Dissertation Seminar III: Analysis and Drafting: Synthesizing research data into a coherent and rigorous narrative framework. Students receive feedback on the structural and analytical composition of their dissertation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM870 — Professional Identity and Media Career Ethics: This course examines the evolution of professional identity within the media landscape, focusing on career-long commitment to journalistic integrity and public responsibility. Students analyze the intersection of personal professional values and industry standards in investigative reporting. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM890 — Special Topics in Investigative Media: Advanced exploration of emerging trends and challenges in the field, including fact-checking techniques and media literacy. Students identify areas for future inquiry. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation represents the pinnacle of the doctoral experience, requiring candidates to undertake an original, field-specific investigative project that contributes significant knowledge to the discipline of journalism. The scope includes a comprehensive research study, an extensive narrative report, and a pedagogical reflection on the project's ethical and social implications. The Dissertation serves as a 15-credit demonstration of academic proficiency and a testament to the candidate’s ability to conduct inquiry with integrity, stewardship, and professional precision. Candidates are expected to synthesize their investigative findings through a Christian worldview, articulating how their work supports the flourishing of the community and the pursuit of objective truth within their respective investigative specializations. The project evaluates the candidate’s capacity to lead, mentor, and innovate in the media landscape, ensuring that academic rigor is matched by a dedication to ethical practice and spiritual maturity.

Career Opportunities

• Investigative Media Researcher
• Editorial Director for Nonprofit Media Outlets
• Professor of Journalism and Media Ethics
• Advocacy and Public Policy Media Advisor
• Communications Director for Faith-Based Community Organizations
• Senior Investigative Journalist
• Media Consultant for Non-Governmental 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 Faith-Based Arts Investigative Journalism, Reporting, Specialization in ethical practice
• 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 arts investigative journalism 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
• COM705 | Journalistic Theory and Ethics | 3 | None
• THE710 | Ethics and Character in Public Life | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES720 | Data-Driven Investigative Techniques | 4 | RES700
• COM715 | Media Law and Professional Standards | 3 | COM705
• HIS730 | Historical Contexts of Investigative Reporting | 3 | None
• MIN740 | Servant Leadership in Media Institutions | 3 | THE710
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM750 | Narrative Arts and Investigative Reporting | 4 | RES720
• SOC760 | Sociology of Media and Community | 3 | None
• RES800 | Dissertation Seminar I: Proposal Design | 3 | RES700
• COM810 | Digital Media and Global Stewardship | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES820 | Advanced Qualitative Inquiry | 4 | RES700
• COM830 | Visual Media and Documentary Ethics | 3 | COM750
• RES850 | Dissertation Seminar II: Data Collection | 3 | RES800
• BUS840 | Resource Management for Media Nonprofits | 3 | MIN740
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM860 | Advanced Public Discourse | 3 | None
• RES880 | Dissertation Seminar III: Analysis and Drafting | 4 | RES850
• COM870 | Professional Identity and Media Career Ethics | 3 | THE710
• COM890 | Special Topics in Investigative Media | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP899 | Doctoral Dissertation | 15 | RES880
• COM895 | Independent Research Study | 3 | None
• MIN897 | Community Engagement Practicum | 3 | None
• COM898 | Advanced Seminar in Professional Media Advocacy | 3 | None