Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Data Analytics, Specialization in Data-Driven Decision Making

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Data Analytics

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 data analytics 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 Data Analytics, Specialization in Data-Driven Decision Making, is a rigorous research-oriented doctoral program designed to bridge the gap between complex quantitative analysis and ethical stewardship. The curriculum provides students with an advanced understanding of predictive modeling, big data infrastructure, and strategic decision frameworks within the context of mission-driven organizational environments. Students explore the intersection of technical proficiency and the responsible, compassionate use of information to enhance the impact of institutions committed to the public good. Through an intensive study of data architecture and machine learning, the program fosters a scholarly environment where technical expertise is guided by a commitment to integrity, accountability, and the common good. Graduates are equipped to lead, analyze, and strategize in complex information environments while maintaining a focus on their professional responsibilities to the organizations and communities they serve.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Data Analytics is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based data analytics 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 data analytics-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 Defense

• 4
• RES830
• DAT902
• Advanced Analytical Elective II
• 4
• None
• BUS905
• Ethical Leadership and Advocacy
• 3
• None
• DAT910
• Data Security and Integrity
• 3
• DAT702
• RES901 — Dissertation Prospectus Defense: Completion of the dissertation research proposal and formal presentation to the doctoral committee. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DAT902 — Advanced Analytical Elective II: Secondary specialized study focus in analytics, addressing niche technical or application-based challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS905 — Ethical Leadership and Advocacy: Advanced exploration of public policy advocacy and the role of leadership in mission-driven institutions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DAT910 — Data Security and Integrity: Deep dive into cybersecurity and the ethical preservation of data integrity for sensitive social impact domains. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research and Defense

• 6
• RES901
• LDR955

Capstone of Servant Leadership

• 3
• None
• DAT960
• Trends in Predictive Analytics
• 3
• DAT825
• BUS965
• Professional Scholarship and Publication
• 2
• RES901
• DIS950 — Dissertation Research and Defense: Final execution, writing, and oral defense of the doctoral dissertation project addressing organizational data needs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LDR955 — Capstone of Servant Leadership: Reflection on the integration of doctoral studies with ongoing spiritual formation and institutional service. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DAT960 — Trends in Predictive Analytics: Synthesis of emerging trends in the data field and their application to future organizational stability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS965 — Professional Scholarship and Publication: Guidance on preparing research for publication and participating in professional scholarly discourse within the community. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The dissertation serves as the culminating scholarly experience, requiring students to conduct original, independent research that contributes significant knowledge to the field of data analytics. The scope of the project involves identifying a complex problem within a mission-driven organization, applying rigorous statistical or machine learning methodologies, and synthesizing findings to offer actionable, ethical solutions. Students must demonstrate mastery of both technical tools and theoretical frameworks, ensuring their analysis reflects a commitment to biblical stewardship and the responsible management of information.
• Integrating a faith-informed worldview, the dissertation requires an analysis of how data-driven strategies impact human communities and organizational health. Students must document how their research aligns with principles of ethical transparency, servant leadership, and the sustainable allocation of resources. The deliverable is a comprehensive academic manuscript, formally defended before a faculty committee, which exemplifies both the intellectual rigor of a doctoral-level scholar and the character development expected of a leader within faith-based, nonprofit, and community-engaged institutions.

Career Opportunities

• Director of Data Strategy for Faith-Based Nonprofits
• Analytics Consultant for Community Development Organizations
• Chief Information Officer for Religious Institutions
• Data Scientist for Social Impact Research Firms
• Academic Researcher in Nonprofit Data Governance
• Strategic Operations Analyst for Charitable Foundations
• Public Policy Advisor for Community-Focused Agencies

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 Data Analytics
• 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 data analytics 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
• DAT702 | Data Governance and Ethics | 3 | None
• LDR703 | Servant Leadership in Technology | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DAT710 | Statistical Foundations for Analytics | 4 | RES701
• DAT712 | Database Architecture Design | 4 | None
• BUS715 | Strategic Resource Management | 3 | None
• RES720 | Advanced Qualitative Inquiry | 3 | RES701
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DAT801 | Machine Learning for Impact | 4 | DAT710
• DAT805 | Data Visualization and Communication | 3 | None
• SOC810 | Community Impact Assessment | 3 | RES720
• MGT820 | Decision Support Systems | 4 | DAT712
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DAT825 | Big Data Analytics at Scale | 4 | DAT801
• RES830 | Doctoral Research Seminar | 3 | RES720
• BUS835 | Organizational Change and Data Strategy | 3 | LDR703
• DAT840 | Advanced Analytical Elective I | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES901 | Dissertation Prospectus Defense | 4 | RES830
• DAT902 | Advanced Analytical Elective II | 4 | None
• BUS905 | Ethical Leadership and Advocacy | 3 | None
• DAT910 | Data Security and Integrity | 3 | DAT702
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS950 | Dissertation Research and Defense | 6 | RES901
• LDR955 | Capstone of Servant Leadership | 3 | None
• DAT960 | Trends in Predictive Analytics | 3 | DAT825
• BUS965 | Professional Scholarship and Publication | 2 | RES901