Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Global Communication, Media Influence

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Global Communication, Media Influence

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

Four to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, research progress, and dissertation completion

Advanced faith-based global communication and media theory

30 credit hours

Research methods, statistics, and scholarly inquiry

24 credit hours

Professional leadership and higher-education teaching

15 credit hours

Advanced electives and concentration courses

18 credit hours

Scholarly writing and publication

9 credit hours

Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy

6 credit hours

Program Details

• Total Credits: 120
• Duration: 3 years
• Degree Level: PhD

Dissertation research and defense

• 18 credit hours
• Total
• 120 semester credit hours
• The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Global Communication, Media Influence is an advanced research-oriented degree program designed to equip scholars and practitioners with the critical analytical tools necessary to examine the intersection of contemporary media, global communication ecosystems, and ethical stewardship. The curriculum emphasizes the exploration of how media influence shapes public discourse, cultural paradigms, and human interactions, encouraging students to develop sophisticated theoretical frameworks that address complex challenges in the digital age. Through rigorous scholarly inquiry, candidates explore the multifaceted impact of technological advancements on information dissemination, social cohesion, and the moral dimensions of media consumption.
• The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Global Communication, Media Influence is a research-intensive doctoral program emphasizing advanced faith-based global communication and media influence theory, original research, quantitative and qualitative methodology, scholarly publication, higher-education teaching, ethical leadership, and the development and evaluation of faith-based global communication and media influence-support programs.
• 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 student's remaining coursework and anticipated completion time. A student receiving the maximum transfer-credit award must complete at least 80 semester credit hours through the University.
• The Ph.D. requires successful completion of all required coursework, comprehensive examinations, admission to doctoral candidacy, approval of a dissertation proposal, original scholarly research, submission of an approved written dissertation, 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.

Dissertation Seminar

• 4
• RES800
• COM835
• Global Policy and Media Regulation
• 4
• COM725
• EDU840
• Pedagogy in Communication Studies
• 3
• None
• COM845
• Media and Human Development
• 3
• None
• RES830 — Dissertation Seminar: A foundational course for the development of the dissertation prospectus. Guides students through the formulation of research questions and literature synthesisThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COM835 — Global Policy and Media Regulation: A comparative study of international media policies and legal frameworks. Examines how governance impacts freedom of expression and social justiceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU840 — Pedagogy in Communication Studies: Prepares doctoral students for university-level instruction. Focuses on effective teaching techniques and curriculum development in higher educationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COM845 — Media and Human Development: Examines the intersection of cognitive development and long-term media exposure. Addresses the implications for educational and family policyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Dissertation Research I

• 4
• RES830
• COM855
• Communication and Cross-Cultural Conflict
• 4
• COM725
• MGT860
• Strategic Communication and Social Change
• 3
• None
• COM865
• Advanced Synthesis in Media and Social Systems
• 3
• None
• RES850 — Dissertation Research I: Initial data collection and analysis under the supervision of a faculty chair. Focuses on methodological execution and preliminary findingsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COM855 — Communication and Cross-Cultural Conflict: Explores the role of media in mitigating or exacerbating international conflicts. Studies conflict resolution and peace-building communication strategiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MGT860 — Strategic Communication and Social Change: Analyzes the efficacy of strategic communication campaigns in non-profit and social advocacy. Discusses the ethics of public influenceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COM865 — Advanced Synthesis in Media and Social Systems: This seminar provides a comprehensive review of the intersection between communication strategies and complex social organizational structures. Students engage in critical analysis to synthesize theoretical frameworks with contemporary global media challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research II

• 4
• RES850
• COM895
• Advanced Topics in Media Influence
• 4
• None
• COM898
• Scholarly Publication and Professionalism
• 3
• None
• CAP899

Dissertation Defense

• 3
• RES890
• RES890 — Dissertation Research II: Final synthesis of data and writing of the dissertation. Includes the preparation of the oral defense before the doctoral committeeThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COM895 — Advanced Topics in Media Influence: A capstone seminar addressing the future of communication technology and ethical implications for the next decade of digital evolutionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COM898 — Scholarly Publication and Professionalism: Supports students in preparing their research for peer-reviewed publication. Focuses on the standards of professional academic discourseThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CAP899 — Dissertation Defense: The final oral defense of the doctoral dissertation. Demonstrates academic mastery, original research contributions, and ethical integration of the candidate's findingsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Dissertation Requirement

• The dissertation serves as the culminating academic achievement for the PhD program, representing an original contribution to the field of global communication and media influence. Candidates are required to conduct independent, rigorous research that addresses a significant gap in current literature, applying both quantitative and qualitative methodological excellence. This project serves as a demonstration of the candidate's mastery of the discipline and their ability to conduct ethical, high-impact scholarly inquiry. The scope of the dissertation must reflect a synthesis of theoretical frameworks, meticulous data analysis, and professional synthesis. Students are expected to demonstrate how their research addresses societal needs and promotes responsible communication practices through the application of a coherent ethical and faith-based framework. The dissertation process encourages the development of servant leadership, as students are challenged to ensure their findings contribute to the common good and reflect the principles of stewardship and moral integrity within the broader academic community.

Dissertation research and defense | 18 credit hours

• Total | 120 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES700 | Foundations of Research Methodology | 4 | None
• COM705 | Advanced Communication Theory | 3 | None
• ETH710 | Ethical Reasoning in Media | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES720 | Quantitative Research Methods | 4 | RES700
• COM725 | Global Media Ecosystems | 4 | COM705
• SOC730 | Media Influence and Cultural Formation | 3 | None
• MGT735 | Organizational Leadership in Media | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES800 | Qualitative Inquiry and Analysis | 4 | RES700
• COM810 | Digital Platforms and Social Cohesion | 4 | COM725
• COM815 | Professional Ethics and Resource Management | 3 | None
• COM820 | Advanced Media Analytics | 3 | RES720
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES830 | Dissertation Seminar | 4 | RES800
• COM835 | Global Policy and Media Regulation | 4 | COM725
• EDU840 | Pedagogy in Communication Studies | 3 | None
• COM845 | Media and Human Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES850 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES830
• COM855 | Communication and Cross-Cultural Conflict | 4 | COM725
• MGT860 | Strategic Communication and Social Change | 3 | None
• COM865 | Advanced Synthesis in Media and Social Systems | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES890 | Dissertation Research II | 4 | RES850
• COM895 | Advanced Topics in Media Influence | 4 | None
• COM898 | Scholarly Publication and Professionalism | 3 | None
• CAP899 | Dissertation Defense | 3 | RES890

Career Opportunities

• University Professor of Communication
• Media Policy Consultant
• Director of Global Communications for Non-Profit Organizations
• Strategic Communications Researcher
• Public Policy Advisor on Media Influence
• Executive Leader in Media Ethics and Governance
• International Media Outreach Coordinator

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 | Ph.D. in Faith-Based Global Communication, Media Influence
• 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 | Four to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, research progress, and dissertation completion
• Advanced faith-based global communication and media theory | 30 credit hours
• Research methods, statistics, and scholarly inquiry | 24 credit hours
• Professional leadership and higher-education teaching | 15 credit hours
• Advanced electives and concentration courses | 18 credit hours
• Scholarly writing and publication | 9 credit hours
• Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy | 6 credit hours