Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Digital Journalism, Specialization in Digital Media

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Digital Journalism

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 digital journalism and specialization courses

30 credit hours

Media leadership, administration, and professional practice

21 credit hours

Research methods and media 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 Digital Journalism with a specialization in Digital Media is a rigorous research-oriented program designed to advance scholarly inquiry into the intersections of modern communication technology and ethical journalistic practices. Students examine the evolving landscape of digital media through a lens of academic excellence, critical analysis, and the pursuit of truth within a globalized media ecosystem. The curriculum emphasizes the application of rigorous research methodologies to the challenges facing contemporary information systems, ensuring that doctoral candidates are equipped to contribute original research to the field of communications. By engaging with complex digital phenomena, students develop the expertise necessary to lead in academic, administrative, and research-focused environments, maintaining a steadfast commitment to integrity and stewardship in all professional endeavors. This program fosters a scholarly community dedicated to the thoughtful examination of media influence, encouraging candidates to synthesize complex information theory with responsible media production and dissemination strategies.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Digital Journalism is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based digital journalism 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 digital journalism-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 Development

• 4
• RES800, RES810, RES820
• COM860
• Advanced Digital Storytelling
• 3
• None
• COM870
• Public Engagement and Community Outreach
• 3
• None
• RES840
• Literature Synthesis Seminar
• 3
• RES830
• RES830 — Dissertation Proposal Development: Guided instruction on constructing a formal research proposal, including the problem statement and literature review. The final deliverable is an approved proposal. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM860 — Advanced Digital Storytelling: Advanced technical and narrative skills are applied to multimedia storytelling projects. Students analyze the efficacy of different storytelling media. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM870 — Public Engagement and Community Outreach: Theoretical and practical frameworks for effective communication with marginalized or niche communities. Focus is placed on servant leadership communication. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES840 — Literature Synthesis Seminar: Advanced seminar requiring the critical synthesis of existing communication literature. Students produce a comprehensive annotated review for their dissertation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research I

• 6
• RES830
• COM880
• Communication Technology Innovation
• 3
• None
• COM825
• Corporate Social Responsibility in Media
• 3
• THE800
• RES850
• Advanced Data Synthesis
• 3
• RES840
• DIS890 — Dissertation Research I: The initial phase of dissertation research involves rigorous data gathering and pilot testing of analytical models. Faculty advisors oversee the process. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM880 — Communication Technology Innovation: An investigation into emerging technologies in news delivery and audience interaction. Students evaluate the societal impact of technological adoption. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM825 — Corporate Social Responsibility in Media: This course examines the role of organizational ethics and sustainable business practices within the digital media industry. Students analyze how media entities maintain public trust and manage resources to achieve long-term societal impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES850 — Advanced Data Synthesis: This course emphasizes the advanced processing of research findings into professional-grade academic presentations and manuscripts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation and Defense

• 6
• DIS890
• COM890
• Communication Leadership Seminar
• 3
• None
• EDU850
• Pedagogy for Communication Educators
• 3
• None
• RES860
• Advanced Scholarly Publishing
• 3
• RES850
• DIS899 — Dissertation and Defense: The final stage of the dissertation, involving the completion of the written document and the oral defense before the doctoral committee. It confirms research proficiency. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM890 — Communication Leadership Seminar: Students participate in a capstone-style seminar on leading organizations with transparency and accountability. Focus is placed on transition to the field. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU850 — Pedagogy for Communication Educators: An introduction to evidence-based teaching strategies for communication theory in academic settings. Students develop curricula for diverse learners. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES860 — Advanced Scholarly Publishing: Guidance on identifying, submitting to, and navigating peer-reviewed publication processes. Students finalize a journal-ready manuscript. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation serves as the culminating academic achievement of the doctoral program, requiring candidates to produce an original, high-quality research study that contributes significantly to the field of digital journalism and media studies. Students identify a complex problem within the discipline, develop a rigorous methodological approach, and implement a study that yields meaningful scholarly insights. The project, valued at 12 credit hours, necessitates extensive data collection, analysis, and synthesis of peer-reviewed literature. Through this process, students demonstrate mastery of their research specialization while articulating the practical implications of their work for industry and academia. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions. Beyond academic rigor, the dissertation requires an integrative reflective component, where the candidate analyzes their research through a framework of ethical responsibility, stewardship of information, and servant leadership. Students must articulate how their investigative efforts reflect professional integrity and a commitment to serving the greater community through the dissemination of truth and the promotion of civic engagement. This reflective analysis ensures that scholarly competence is paired with the development of faith-informed character, preparing graduates to navigate complex professional environments with conviction and ethical clarity.

Career Opportunities

• Higher Education Faculty in Communication and Media Studies
• Digital Media Research Consultant
• Communications Director for Nonprofit Organizations
• Director of Ethical Standards in Media Production
• Strategic Content Lead for Faith-Based Advocacy Groups
• Media Policy Analyst
• Editor-in-Chief for Independent Digital News Entities

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 Digital Journalism
• 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 digital journalism and specialization courses | 30 credit hours
• Media leadership, administration, and professional practice | 21 credit hours
• Research methods and media 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
• RES800 | Advanced Research Methodology | 3 | None
• COM810 | Media Ethics and Cultural Impact | 3 | None
• THE800 | Foundations of Ethical Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES810 | Advanced Quantitative Analysis | 4 | RES800
• COM820 | Digital Journalism Landscapes | 3 | None
• COM830 | Media Law and Digital Policy | 3 | None
• MGT800 | Stewardship in Media Management | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES820 | Qualitative Inquiry in Media | 4 | RES800
• COM840 | Strategic Communication and Influence | 3 | None
• COM850 | Global Digital Media Trends | 3 | None
• THE810 | Integrity and Professional Practice | 3 | THE800
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES830 | Dissertation Proposal Development | 4 | RES800, RES810, RES820
• COM860 | Advanced Digital Storytelling | 3 | None
• COM870 | Public Engagement and Community Outreach | 3 | None
• RES840 | Literature Synthesis Seminar | 3 | RES830
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS890 | Dissertation Research I | 6 | RES830
• COM880 | Communication Technology Innovation | 3 | None
• COM825 | Corporate Social Responsibility in Media | 3 | THE800
• RES850 | Advanced Data Synthesis | 3 | RES840
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS899 | Dissertation and Defense | 6 | DIS890
• COM890 | Communication Leadership Seminar | 3 | None
• EDU850 | Pedagogy for Communication Educators | 3 | None
• RES860 | Advanced Scholarly Publishing | 3 | RES850