Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Global Leadership, Specialization in Spirituality Leadership

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Global 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 global 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 Global Leadership with a specialization in Spirituality Leadership is an advanced terminal degree designed for leaders who seek to integrate profound spiritual formation with organizational excellence. The curriculum examines the intersection of global systems, leadership theory, and the cultivation of inner character, providing a rigorous intellectual framework for those navigating complex institutional environments. Through a blend of theoretical inquiry and practical application, scholars develop the capacity to lead with integrity, foresight, and a commitment to the common good within diverse global contexts.

Students engage with foundational leadership paradigms, ethical decision-making, and the sociological dimensions of spiritual formation. By analyzing historical precedents and contemporary challenges, participants gain the scholarly depth necessary to address systemic issues through a lens of stewardship and service. This program creates a community of learners dedicated to advancing the knowledge base of leadership studies while fostering the development of visionary leaders who are equipped to influence social, cultural, and spiritual landscapes.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Global Leadership is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based global 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 global 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 Design

• 4
• RES801
• MGT850
• Change Management and Institutional Resilience
• 3
• MGT810
• SOC860
• Sociological Perspectives on Leadership
• 3
• None
• COM870
• Advanced Communication for Global Influence
• 4
• None
• RES840 — Dissertation Prospectus Design: Students refine their research questions and finalize their methodological approach. This course provides structured guidance for the upcoming dissertation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT850 — Change Management and Institutional Resilience: The course addresses the challenges of leading organizational transformation. Topics include resilience, crisis communication, and stakeholder engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC860 — Sociological Perspectives on Leadership: Students investigate how societal structures influence the efficacy of leadership roles. The course examines how organizations interact with cultural norms and social expectations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM870 — Advanced Communication for Global Influence: This course enhances rhetorical proficiency and message development across different cultures. It focuses on the power of communication to inspire action and alignment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research Phase I

• 4
• RES840
• MGT895
• Organizational Stewardship Seminar
• 3
• BUS740
• HIS898
• Historical Perspectives on Global Leadership
• 4
• None
• MGT880 — Advanced Seminar in Value-Driven Organizational Culture: This seminar investigates the role of institutional mission and cultural identity in long-term organizational success. Students evaluate strategies for maintaining core organizational values while navigating global market pressures and stakeholder demands. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS890 — Dissertation Research Phase I: Students conduct independent research and initial data collection under faculty supervision. The focus is on executing the research plan. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT895 — Organizational Stewardship Seminar: This elective addresses the long-term sustainability of non-profit models. It covers partnership development and community capacity building. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS898 — Historical Perspectives on Global Leadership: A study of leadership figures throughout history to derive lessons for contemporary global impact. Students analyze the legacy of past leaders on current institutional frameworks. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research Phase II

• 4
• DIS890
• DIS905

Dissertation Defense and Final Revision

• 4
• DIS900
• DIS910
• Doctoral Dissertation Finalization
• 4
• DIS905
• CAP920
• Leadership Capstone Seminar
• 2
• CAP880
• DIS900 — Dissertation Research Phase II: Candidates focus on data analysis, synthesis, and the writing of the dissertation document. Regular progress reviews ensure adherence to academic standards. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS905 — Dissertation Defense and Final Revision: The course culminates in the formal oral defense of the research and final revisions based on committee input. It represents the final step to degree conferral. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS910 — Doctoral Dissertation Finalization: Completion of all formatting and repository requirements for the dissertation publication. The process concludes the student's scholarly journey. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP920 — Leadership Capstone Seminar: The final integration course, focusing on professional transition and commitment to ongoing mentorship. Students outline their future professional and community service goals. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation serves as the culmination of the doctoral journey, representing an original and substantial contribution to the field of leadership studies. Students are required to design, conduct, and defend a comprehensive research project that addresses a significant problem or opportunity in global leadership, integrating empirical research with profound ethical and spiritual reflections. The scope of the project necessitates a rigorous analytical approach, requiring the candidate to synthesize disciplinary knowledge with the practical demands of organizational stewardship and servant leadership.
• This capstone experience comprises 12 credit hours and requires the submission of a written dissertation, followed by a successful oral defense before a faculty committee. The deliverables must demonstrate academic mastery, clear methodological rigor, and the ability to apply a Christian worldview to the complexities of global leadership. By articulating how their research promotes character development and ethical practice, students demonstrate their readiness to serve as leaders who bridge the gap between abstract theoretical knowledge and the lived, faith-informed experience of community impact.

Career Opportunities

• Executive Director of Faith-Based Non-Profit Organizations
• Chief Leadership Development Officer
• Denominational Leadership Consultant
• Higher Education Administrator
• Global Strategy Consultant for Mission-Oriented Enterprises
• Organizational Ethics Advisor
• Community Advocacy and Development Lead

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 Global 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 global 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
• RES701 | Foundations of Doctoral Research | 3 | None
• MGT705 | Leadership Theory and Organizational Behavior | 3 | None
• MGT710 | Interdisciplinary Foundations of Executive Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES715 | Quantitative Methods for Social Systems | 4 | RES701
• MGT720 | Global Organizational Strategy | 3 | MGT705
• PSY730 | Psychology of Moral Development and Character | 3 | THE710
• BUS740 | Stewardship and Financial Ethics | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES801 | Qualitative Research and Phenomenological Inquiry | 4 | RES715
• MGT810 | Systems Thinking in Global Leadership | 3 | MGT720
• HUM820 | Ethics and Public Policy | 3 | None
• MIN830 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 4 | CHR730
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES840 | Dissertation Prospectus Design | 4 | RES801
• MGT850 | Change Management and Institutional Resilience | 3 | MGT810
• SOC860 | Sociological Perspectives on Leadership | 3 | None
• COM870 | Advanced Communication for Global Influence | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT880 | Advanced Seminar in Value-Driven Organizational Culture | 3 | CHR730
• DIS890 | Dissertation Research Phase I | 4 | RES840
• MGT895 | Organizational Stewardship Seminar | 3 | BUS740
• HIS898 | Historical Perspectives on Global Leadership | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS900 | Dissertation Research Phase II | 4 | DIS890
• DIS905 | Dissertation Defense and Final Revision | 4 | DIS900
• DIS910 | Doctoral Dissertation Finalization | 4 | DIS905
• CAP920 | Leadership Capstone Seminar | 2 | CAP880