Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based English Literature, Specialization in Diverse Ministry Education

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based English Literature

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 English Literature 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 English Literature, Specialization in Diverse Ministry Education, is an advanced academic program designed to prepare scholars for pedagogical leadership and rigorous literary research. The program emphasizes the intersection of canonical and contemporary literature with the practical requirements of ministry education, fostering an environment where critical analysis meets ethical inquiry. Students engage with complex texts, theoretical frameworks, and socio-historical contexts to better understand the nuances of the humanities within faith-informed academic landscapes.

Throughout this curriculum, candidates develop the skills necessary to bridge the gap between academic theory and community-based practice. The program encourages a deep reflection on how literary narratives shape values, service, and organizational direction. Through scholarly collaboration and individual inquiry, graduates are equipped to lead, teach, and contribute to the advancement of institutional missions rooted in stewardship and community impact.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based English Literature is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based english literature 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 english literature-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 Writing and Defense Prep

• 4
• RES750
• RES790
• Doctoral Research Seminar
• 3
• RES750
• ENG775 — Literature, Ethics, and Servant Leadership: This course connects literary analysis with the practical application of servant leadership within nonprofit settings. Students model ethical decision-making based on the thematic lessons of great literature. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU780 — Curriculum Design for Faith Organizations: Candidates design comprehensive educational curricula that align with the specific mission and values of a faith-based organization. The course emphasizes assessment, scalability, and impact measurement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES785 — Dissertation Writing and Defense Prep: Focus is on drafting, editing, and refining the dissertation manuscript for final submission and oral defense. Emphasis is placed on clarity, scholarly contribution, and professional tone. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES790 — Doctoral Research Seminar: Peer review and committee consultation for advanced doctoral research. Candidates hone their ability to defend their research methodology and conclusions before a scholarly panel. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Capstone of Faith-Informed Leadership

• 3
• None
• DIS800 — Doctoral Dissertation Research: Completion and defense of the original scholarly dissertation, incorporating literary study and ministry education implications. This final stage requires submission of a defended manuscript that meets the highest standards of the university. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ENG805 — Advanced Colloquium on Literary Scholarship: Students participate in professional presentations and scholarly discourse, refining their public speaking and academic advocacy skills. The course stresses the importance of contributing to the professional community. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU810 — Institutional Strategy and Stewardship: Analysis of the strategic and administrative challenges facing faith-based educational organizations today. Students develop management solutions based on stewardship and integrity-based decision-making. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP815 — Capstone of Faith-Informed Leadership: Synthesis of academic coursework and personal growth, focusing on the future career trajectory of the candidate as a leader in literary and ministry environments. Students present a plan for ongoing professional service. 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 an original, significant research project that contributes to the field of English Literature and Ministry Education. The scope of the work must demonstrate mastery of literary methodology, pedagogical theory, and the integration of faith-based perspectives, such as servant leadership and stewardship. Students will work under the guidance of a faculty committee to produce a substantial document that reflects their ability to analyze complex literature through a lens of ethical integrity.
• Integrated throughout the dissertation is a requirement for candidates to articulate how their findings advance the mission of faith-informed organizations. This project evaluates not only the candidate's academic competence but also their development in character, demonstrating an ability to align scholarly rigor with the foundational values of integrity and service to others. The dissertation is weighted at 10 credit hours, reflecting its central importance to the student's mastery of the discipline.

Career Opportunities

• Higher Education Professor
• Academic Dean of Humanities
• Director of Ministry Education
• Curriculum Developer for Faith-Based Nonprofits
• Literary Consultant for Faith-Based Publishers
• Community Educational Program Coordinator
• Institutional Advancement Officer

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 English Literature
• 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 English Literature 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
• ENG705 | Literary Theory and Cultural Analysis | 3 | None
• MIN710 | Pedagogy for Ministry Education | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG715 | Theology and Narrative Structure | 4 | ENG705
• EDU720 | Educational Leadership and Ethics | 4 | None
• HIS725 | Socio-Historical Contexts of Literature | 4 | None
• RES730 | Data Analysis in Humanities Research | 3 | RES700
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG735 | Studies in Contemporary Literature | 4 | ENG705
• MIN740 | Community Outreach and Engagement | 4 | None
• ENG745 | Classical Literature and Moral Inquiry | 4 | ENG715
• RES750 | Advanced Dissertation Proposal Seminar | 3 | RES730
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG755 | Rhetoric and Public Discourse | 4 | None
• EDU760 | Diverse Learners in Ministry Education | 4 | MIN710
• ENG765 | Cross-Cultural Literary Traditions | 4 | None
• RES770 | Qualitative Inquiry Practicum | 3 | RES700
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG775 | Literature, Ethics, and Servant Leadership | 4 | None
• EDU780 | Curriculum Design for Faith Organizations | 4 | EDU760
• RES785 | Dissertation Writing and Defense Prep | 4 | RES750
• RES790 | Doctoral Research Seminar | 3 | RES750
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS800 | Doctoral Dissertation Research | 6 | RES785
• ENG805 | Advanced Colloquium on Literary Scholarship | 3 | None
• EDU810 | Institutional Strategy and Stewardship | 3 | EDU720
• CAP815 | Capstone of Faith-Informed Leadership | 3 | None