Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Divinity, Specialization in Leadership Cultural Management

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Divinity, Specialization in Leadership Cultural Management

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 divinity 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 Divinity with a specialization in Leadership Cultural Management is a rigorous, research-intensive program designed for scholars and practitioners committed to organizational excellence within diverse social contexts. This degree integrates advanced management theory with theological foundations, emphasizing the ethical stewardship of human and organizational capital. Students engage in deep inquiry into the intersection of faith, leadership, and systemic cultural development to better address the complex needs of contemporary global communities.

Throughout the program, students analyze administrative structures through the lenses of servant leadership and moral integrity. By bridging theoretical research with practical application, candidates are prepared to influence institutional effectiveness, navigate intercultural challenges, and foster sustainable organizational growth. The program promotes a robust intellectual environment where professional expertise is strengthened by a commitment to ethical conduct and service-oriented leadership.

The Doctor of Education in Divinity, Specialization in Leadership Cultural Management is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced divinity, specialization in leadership cultural management 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 divinity, specialization in leadership cultural management-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 Data Collection I

• 4
• CAP850
• MGT860
• Advanced Leadership Seminar
• 3
• MGT825
• THE865
• Theology of Social Justice and Advocacy
• 3
• THE835
• CAP850 — Research Prospectus Defense: Preparation for the doctoral dissertation by defending a robust research prospectus. Students engage in peer and faculty review processes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS855 — Dissertation Data Collection I: The initial phase of empirical data gathering for the dissertation. Students implement their methodology under supervision. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT860 — Advanced Leadership Seminar: An intensive study of contemporary leadership problems and systemic management failures. Students synthesize previous learning to propose solutions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE865 — Theology of Social Justice and Advocacy: Examines the theoretical basis for advocating on behalf of the marginalized within nonprofit contexts. Focuses on ethical engagement and service. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Finalization and Defense

• 6
• DIS855
• MGT895
• Executive Leadership Residency
• 3
• MGT860
• SOC896
• Advanced Social Impact Assessment
• 3
• SOC830
• THE897
• Faith Integration in Professional Practice
• 3
• THE865
• DIS890 — Dissertation Finalization and Defense: Completion of the final dissertation manuscript and the oral defense before the doctoral committee. This is the final evaluation of research. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT895 — Executive Leadership Residency: Practical application of management strategies in a real-world organizational leadership capacity. Students demonstrate leadership proficiency and integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC896 — Advanced Social Impact Assessment: Measuring the efficacy and community outcomes of organizational programs. Students refine techniques for program evaluation and reporting. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE897 — Faith Integration in Professional Practice: Synthesizing research, management skill, and personal faith to establish a long-term professional philosophy. Focuses on ethical leadership for the future. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation serves as the culminating academic experience for the Doctor of Philosophy, requiring the candidate to conduct original, independent research that contributes new knowledge to the field of leadership and cultural management. The scope of this project involves the identification of a significant problem, rigorous data collection and analysis, and the synthesis of findings within an ethical and faith-informed framework. Candidates are expected to produce a scholarly manuscript that reflects academic excellence, critical inquiry, and a deep understanding of organizational dynamics.
• Integrative by design, the dissertation process requires students to demonstrate how their research informs their personal character and professional practice. Candidates must articulate how their work reflects values such as justice, integrity, stewardship, and servant leadership. Through this process, students demonstrate the capacity to merge academic proficiency with faith-informed character development, ensuring that their intellectual contributions are grounded in a commitment to serving their communities with excellence and humility.

Career Opportunities

• Chief Executive Officer of faith-based nonprofit organizations
• Senior administrator for Christian higher education institutions
• Director of organizational development for global ministry networks
• Consultant for community engagement and cultural transformation
• Research lead for social policy and stewardship initiatives
• Denominational agency strategist
• Human resources and culture director in mission-driven sectors

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 Divinity, Specialization in Leadership Cultural Management
• 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 divinity 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
• MGT701 | Foundations of Organizational Stewardship | 3 | None
• THE702 | Theological Foundations of Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES710 | Quantitative Data Analysis | 4 | RES700
• MGT715 | Strategic Leadership Development | 4 | MGT701
• SOC720 | Cultural Dynamics and Organizational Change | 3 | None
• THE725 | Ethics and Moral Decision Making | 3 | THE702
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES800 | Qualitative Inquiry | 4 | RES700
• MGT805 | Financial Stewardship for Nonprofits | 4 | MGT715
• COM810 | Intercultural Communication in Leadership | 3 | SOC720
• EDU815 | Staff Development and Servant Mentorship | 3 | MGT715
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES820 | Research Design Seminar | 4 | RES800
• MGT825 | Global Organizational Management | 4 | MGT805
• SOC830 | Community Resilience and Sustainability | 3 | SOC720
• THE835 | Spiritual Formation and Professional Practice | 3 | THE725
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP850 | Research Prospectus Defense | 4 | RES820
• DIS855 | Dissertation Data Collection I | 4 | CAP850
• MGT860 | Advanced Leadership Seminar | 3 | MGT825
• THE865 | Theology of Social Justice and Advocacy | 3 | THE835
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS890 | Dissertation Finalization and Defense | 6 | DIS855
• MGT895 | Executive Leadership Residency | 3 | MGT860
• SOC896 | Advanced Social Impact Assessment | 3 | SOC830
• THE897 | Faith Integration in Professional Practice | 3 | THE865