Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Educational Leadership

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Educational Leadership

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 educational leadership 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 Educational Leadership at HBI University is an advanced, interdisciplinary doctoral program designed for professionals seeking to integrate rigorous educational theory with ethical stewardship and servant leadership. The curriculum emphasizes the development of scholarly inquiry, organizational behavior, and systemic change within diverse educational landscapes, encouraging students to analyze complex institutional challenges through a lens of academic excellence and holistic character formation. Through intensive study, students engage with contemporary pedagogical frameworks and administrative strategies that promote community flourishing and organizational integrity. By fostering a culture of research-driven practice, the program prepares graduates to serve as academic stewards who contribute meaningfully to the advancement of educational discourse. This commitment to scholarship is balanced by an emphasis on reflective practice and the critical application of ethical, faith-informed principles within various educational settings.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Educational Leadership is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based educational leadership 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 educational leadership-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 Development

• 4
• RES755
• EDU775
• Global Perspectives in Education
• 3
• None
• EDU760 — Strategic Institutional Planning: This course covers the process of long-range planning, vision casting, and goal alignment within educational organizations. Students evaluate the strategic impact of leadership decisions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU765 — Assessment of Educational Programs: An examination of program evaluation models used to measure institutional efficacy and service delivery. Emphasis is placed on continuous improvement and accountability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES770 — Dissertation Prospectus Development: Guided study in the preparation of a formal dissertation proposal, including problem identification and research design refinement. This course ensures academic readiness for doctoral-level research. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU775 — Global Perspectives in Education: Students examine global trends in education and the role of leadership in a cross-cultural landscape. The course emphasizes stewardship and service in diverse contexts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research I

• 4
• RES770
• EDU805
• Advanced Seminar in Leadership
• 3
• None
• EDU810
• Conflict Resolution and Mediation
• 3
• MGT720
• RES815

Dissertation Research II

• 4
• RES800
• RES800 — Dissertation Research I: Directed research and independent study focused on the initial data collection and primary analysis phases of the dissertation. Mentored by faculty, students continue to refine their academic inquiry. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU805 — Advanced Seminar in Leadership: A capstone seminar focused on the synthesis of ethical reasoning, spiritual formation, and professional practice. Students reflect on their growth as scholars and leaders. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU810 — Conflict Resolution and Mediation: Analysis of interpersonal and organizational conflict management strategies. Students develop skills in facilitating dialogue and fostering community cohesion. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES815 — Dissertation Research II: Continuation of dissertation research with an emphasis on rigorous data interpretation and initial drafting of findings. Focus remains on aligning research with academic standards. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research III

• 4
• RES815
• CAP825
• Doctoral Dissertation Defense
• 4
• RES820
• EDU830
• Professional Ethics and Integrity
• 3
• None
• EDU835
• Educational Innovation Seminar
• 3
• None
• RES820 — Dissertation Research III: Development of the final dissertation manuscript, including conclusions and recommendations for future practice. Students finalize their arguments to meet doctoral academic expectations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP825 — Doctoral Dissertation Defense: The final defense of the doctoral dissertation before a faculty panel, demonstrating the mastery of the chosen field and research topic. Success confirms readiness for doctoral-level leadership. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU830 — Professional Ethics and Integrity: A final synthesis of ethics, character, and professional responsibility in the educational profession. Students articulate their personal philosophy of leadership and service. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU835 — Educational Innovation Seminar: This seminar evaluates trends and innovative practices that drive institutional change and improvement. Students reflect on their roles as agents of constructive progress within their communities. 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 research that addresses a significant problem of practice within an educational setting. This process involves the formulation of a research question, a comprehensive literature review, systematic data collection and analysis, and the formal defense of findings. Students are expected to demonstrate high levels of academic rigor, methodological precision, and critical thinking throughout the duration of the 12-credit requirement.
• Beyond technical academic proficiency, the dissertation functions as an exercise in faith-informed stewardship and servant leadership. Candidates must synthesize their technical research with an ethical framework that prioritizes the common good, institutional integrity, and the holistic development of stakeholders. This integration of a Christian worldview ensures that research outcomes are not only intellectually sound but also practically applicable in ways that honor the dignity of the community and the mission of the organization.

Career Opportunities

• Higher Education Administrator
• Educational Policy Researcher
• Nonprofit Executive Director
• K-12 Educational Consultant
• Strategic Organizational Planner
• Faith-Based Institutional Leader
• Academic Program Director

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 Educational Leadership
• 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 educational leadership 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 Methodologies | 3 | None
• EDU705 | Educational Leadership Theory | 3 | None
• THE710 | Foundations of Ethical Stewardship | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU715 | Curriculum Design and Evaluation | 3 | RES700
• MGT720 | Organizational Behavior in Education | 3 | EDU705
• RES725 | Data-Informed Decision Making | 3 | RES700
• EDU730 | Academic Policy and Legal Issues | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU740 | Instructional Systems Development | 3 | EDU715
• BUS745 | Financial Stewardship and Management | 3 | THE710
• EDU750 | Diversity and Community Engagement | 3 | None
• RES755 | Qualitative Research Methods | 3 | RES700
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU760 | Strategic Institutional Planning | 3 | EDU705
• EDU765 | Assessment of Educational Programs | 3 | RES725
• RES770 | Dissertation Prospectus Development | 4 | RES755
• EDU775 | Global Perspectives in Education | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES800 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES770
• EDU805 | Advanced Seminar in Leadership | 3 | None
• EDU810 | Conflict Resolution and Mediation | 3 | MGT720
• RES815 | Dissertation Research II | 4 | RES800
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES820 | Dissertation Research III | 4 | RES815
• CAP825 | Doctoral Dissertation Defense | 4 | RES820
• EDU830 | Professional Ethics and Integrity | 3 | None
• EDU835 | Educational Innovation Seminar | 3 | None