Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based English Literature, Specialization in Non-Profit Arts Culture Management

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 Non-Profit Arts Culture Management is an interdisciplinary doctoral program designed to bridge the gap between rigorous literary inquiry and the strategic administration of arts-based non-profit organizations. This program equips scholars and practitioners to critically examine the intersection of narrative, ethics, and cultural stewardship within the context of mission-driven social development. By engaging with both canonical texts and modern organizational theory, students cultivate a sophisticated understanding of how literature shapes cultural values and institutional identities.

Students will explore historical and contemporary literary movements while applying advanced leadership frameworks to the management of arts-focused entities. The curriculum emphasizes the application of ethical reasoning, organizational stewardship, and servant leadership as primary catalysts for community engagement. Graduates will leave prepared to navigate the complexities of managing non-profit entities that rely on the power of the humanities to inspire, educate, and transform the social landscape.

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 Prospectus Development

• 4
• RES710
• ENG800 — Advanced Seminar in English Literature: An intensive study of specialized literary periods through the lens of social impact. Students interpret historical texts to inform modern community engagement efforts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT810 — Grant Writing and Resource Development: Students develop advanced skills in competitive grant writing and donor relation cultivation. The course emphasizes transparency and ethical financial stewardship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU820 — Educational Design for Community Arts: This course focuses on designing curricula for community-based literary and arts programs. Students focus on reaching diverse populations through accessible education. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES800 — Dissertation Prospectus Development: Students draft their dissertation proposals, establishing research questions and theoretical frameworks. The course includes peer reviews and committee consultations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Drafting Seminar

• 3
• RES810
• CAP800
• Leadership Capstone Seminar
• 4
• All Core Courses
• ENG820 — Comparative Literary Analysis: Students perform cross-disciplinary research comparing international literary perspectives on social transformation. This study provides breadth to the candidate's expertise. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT830 — Strategic Communication for Non-Profits: Advanced techniques in public relations and narrative development for arts organizations. Students practice communicating organizational mission and impact to donors and beneficiaries. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES850 — Dissertation Drafting Seminar: The writing phase of the dissertation, focused on producing a coherent and scholarly document. Students integrate theoretical frameworks and research findings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP800 — Leadership Capstone Seminar: Integrates all aspects of the doctoral journey, from literature to organizational management. Focuses on articulating a comprehensive vision for servant leadership. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Finalization and Defense

• 10
• RES850
• SOC805
• Community Outreach and Engagement Practicum
• 3
• None
• ETH800
• Ethics in Professional Practice
• 3
• None
• COM810
• Collaborative Community Leadership
• 3
• None
• RES890 — Dissertation Finalization and Defense: Completion of the final dissertation document and successful oral defense before a committee of scholars. Students demonstrate academic mastery and commitment to ethical practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC805 — Community Outreach and Engagement Practicum: This practicum provides supervised field experience in community-based organizational settings, focusing on the application of program evaluation and public service delivery strategies. Students engage in project-based learning to address real-world challenges in local arts and cultural advocacy environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ETH800 — Ethics in Professional Practice: Examines moral dilemmas within organizational governance and professional literary research. Students apply theological and philosophical ethical frameworks to leadership challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM810 — Collaborative Community Leadership: Focuses on the art of coalition building and multi-stakeholder management in non-profit settings. Students study the impact of collaborative service. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The dissertation serves as the terminal scholarly project for the doctoral candidate, providing an opportunity to synthesize research, theoretical exploration, and applied administrative expertise. Candidates are required to produce a substantive body of original work that addresses a significant research question within the field of English literature or arts-based non-profit management. This project is worth 10 credit hours and requires both a proposal defense and a final oral examination before a faculty committee.
• Beyond demonstrating academic competence, the dissertation must reflect the candidate's integration of a Christian worldview, specifically addressing how the research contributes to ethical stewardship, servant leadership, or the development of human potential. The process serves as a crucible for character development, requiring candidates to demonstrate intellectual humility, academic integrity, and a commitment to serving their communities through their scholarship. The successful completion of this project validates the candidate's transition from student to independent scholar-leader.

Career Opportunities

• Executive Director of a Faith-Based Arts Non-Profit
• Professor of English or Humanities at a Christian Institution
• Director of Community Cultural Engagement
• Non-Profit Development and Fundraising Strategist
• Literary Programs Coordinator
• Humanities Policy Researcher
• Director of Organizational Stewardship

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 Methodology | 3 | None
• ENG710 | Literary Theory and Social Ethics | 3 | None
• MGT720 | Non-Profit Arts Governance | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES710 | Data Analysis for Social Impact | 3 | RES700
• ENG720 | Narrative Identity and Cultural Stewardship | 3 | ENG710
• MGT730 | Strategic Leadership in Non-Profit Culture | 3 | MGT720
• MGT700 | Principles of Non-Profit Resource Management | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG800 | Advanced Seminar in English Literature | 3 | ENG720
• MGT810 | Grant Writing and Resource Development | 3 | MGT730
• EDU820 | Educational Design for Community Arts | 3 | None
• RES800 | Dissertation Prospectus Development | 4 | RES710
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG810 | Literature and the Human Condition | 3 | ENG800
• MGT820 | Human Resource Management in Non-Profits | 3 | MGT810
• SOC800 | Culture and Sociology of Community | 3 | None
• RES810 | Advanced Dissertation Research | 4 | RES800
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG820 | Comparative Literary Analysis | 3 | ENG810
• MGT830 | Strategic Communication for Non-Profits | 3 | MGT820
• RES850 | Dissertation Drafting Seminar | 3 | RES810
• CAP800 | Leadership Capstone Seminar | 4 | All Core Courses
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES890 | Dissertation Finalization and Defense | 10 | RES850
• SOC805 | Community Outreach and Engagement Practicum | 3 | None
• ETH800 | Ethics in Professional Practice | 3 | None
• COM810 | Collaborative Community Leadership | 3 | None