Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Biblical Study, Major in Education, Ministry

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Biblical Study, Major in Education, Ministry

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 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 and Ministry is a rigorous, research-oriented doctoral program designed for scholars and practitioners seeking to integrate advanced biblical scholarship with the practical demands of organizational leadership in ministry and educational settings. The curriculum emphasizes the development of original research, advanced hermeneutical competence, and the application of administrative strategy within non-profit, faith-based contexts. Students engage in a systematic exploration of theological frameworks as they relate to modern educational theories and organizational stewardship.

This doctoral program fosters a scholarly environment where students analyze, evaluate, and develop evidence-based approaches to ministry and education. By combining deep academic inquiry with a commitment to ethical practice and servant leadership, the program prepares graduates to serve as academic leaders, administrative directors, and organizational consultants who are equipped to address complex challenges in global and local communities.

The Doctor of Education in Biblical Study, Major in Education, Ministry is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced biblical study, education, and ministry 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, education, and ministry-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: PhD

Dissertation Proposal Seminar

• 4
• RES707
• BIB801 — Biblical Theology of Leadership: Critical analysis of biblical models of authority and service as foundations for modern organizational leadership. Students correlate scripture with current management paradigms. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN802 — Conflict Resolution and Mediation: Explores theoretical approaches to interpersonal and systemic conflict in organizational structures. Emphasizes restorative practices and professional mediation skills. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU803 — Adult Learning and Mentorship: Focuses on andragogy and the psychological stages of adult development in a learning environment. Students develop mentoring programs for professional growth. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES804 — Dissertation Proposal Seminar: Guided research seminar focused on defining the dissertation problem statement and methodology. Students present their draft proposals for faculty review. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research I

• 4
• RES804
• MIN809 — Community Engagement and Outreach: Strategies for effective community partnership and public service initiatives. Examines the role of the non-profit sector in civic engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU810 — Instructional Technology for Leaders: Evaluating the use of digital tools in organizational and educational learning systems. Focuses on maximizing technology for broader mission impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN811 — Leadership and Change Management: Provides theoretical frameworks for leading organizational change in complex environments. Analyzes leadership styles and the psychology of transition. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS890 — Dissertation Research I: Initial data collection and analysis under faculty supervision. Focuses on the practical execution of the approved research plan. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Defense

• 4
• DIS890
• BIB812 — Biblical Studies in Contemporary Practice: Integrative review of the biblical studies curriculum within professional ministry and teaching. Reflects on the synthesis of scholarship and practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN813 — Governance and Legal Ethics: Introduction to the regulatory and ethical environment governing non-profit boards and institutions. Emphasizes legal compliance and fiduciary responsibility. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU814 — Trends in Global Education: Analyzes global shifts in educational philosophy and access, with implications for faith-based institutional strategies. Investigates cross-cultural pedagogical challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS899 — Dissertation Defense: Final review, oral defense, and completion of the doctoral research document. Represents the culminating academic demonstration of expertise in the field. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation serves as the capstone experience for the Doctor of Philosophy, providing students the opportunity to conduct original research that significantly contributes to the fields of biblical study and ministry. Students are required to identify a unique research problem, develop a theoretical framework, and apply rigorous methodology to produce a comprehensive scholarly document. This process demands the integration of academic competence, critical thinking, and the application of ethical stewardship within the research design.
• Beyond technical academic achievement, the dissertation requires students to examine their findings through the lens of faith-informed character development. By articulating how their research supports servant leadership and promotes the health of faith-based organizational missions, students demonstrate a commitment to both intellectual rigor and personal spiritual integrity. This culminating project ensures that graduates are prepared to serve as stewards of knowledge who can lead with wisdom, transparency, and a profound commitment to the service of others.

Career Opportunities

• Academic Faculty in Seminary or University Settings
• Executive Director of Faith-Based Non-Profit Organizations
• Educational Administrator in Private Academic Institutions
• Consultant for Religious and Community Organizations
• Director of Ministry Programming and Training
• Research Scholar in Biblical and Religious Studies
• Organizational Chaplain and Leadership Mentor

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, Major in Education, Ministry
• 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 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
• BIB702 | Old Testament Hermeneutics | 3 | None
• EDU703 | Theories of Educational Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIB704 | New Testament Hermeneutics | 3 | BIB702
• MIN705 | Organizational Stewardship and Ethics | 3 | None
• EDU706 | Curriculum Design for Ministry | 3 | EDU703
• RES707 | Qualitative Research Analysis | 3 | RES701
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIB801 | Biblical Theology of Leadership | 3 | BIB704
• MIN802 | Conflict Resolution and Mediation | 3 | None
• EDU803 | Adult Learning and Mentorship | 3 | EDU706
• RES804 | Dissertation Proposal Seminar | 4 | RES707
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MIN805 | Systemic Organizational Health | 3 | MIN705
• BIB806 | Exegesis for Contemporary Contexts | 3 | BIB801
• EDU807 | Institutional Assessment Strategies | 3 | RES701
• RES808 | Advanced Statistical Analysis | 4 | RES701
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MIN809 | Community Engagement and Outreach | 3 | None
• EDU810 | Instructional Technology for Leaders | 3 | EDU706
• MIN811 | Leadership and Change Management | 3 | EDU703
• DIS890 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES804
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• BIB812 | Biblical Studies in Contemporary Practice | 3 | BIB806
• MIN813 | Governance and Legal Ethics | 3 | MIN705
• EDU814 | Trends in Global Education | 3 | EDU703
• DIS899 | Dissertation Defense | 4 | DIS890