Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based History, Specialization in Historical Preservation Museum Studies

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based History, Specialization in Historical Preservation Museum Studies

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 History 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 History with a specialization in Historical Preservation and Museum Studies is a rigorous, advanced research degree designed to equip scholars with the expertise to interpret, document, and manage historical collections through a lens of ethical stewardship and public service. This program addresses the intersection of cultural heritage preservation and institutional leadership, emphasizing the role of museums as centers for community education and historical reflection. Students engage in advanced critical analysis of historiographical methodologies while exploring the practical complexities of archival management, exhibit design, and the ethical curation of historical narratives. By fostering a deep understanding of historical preservation, the curriculum enables graduates to provide professional leadership in diverse academic, archival, and museum settings. The program serves as a bridge between theoretical research and the tangible application of historical stewardship within faith-informed organizations and public institutions. Through a focus on servant leadership and the preservation of communal memory, students develop the capacity to navigate the complexities of institutional integrity and cultural history.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based History, Specialization in Historical Preservation Museum Studies is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based history, specialization in historical preservation museum studies 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 history, specialization in historical preservation museum studies-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 Residency I

• 4
• RES860
• HIS910
• Advanced Topics in Preservation
• 3
• HIS801
• MGT920
• Leadership and Organizational Culture
• 3
• MGT830
• HIS930
• Global Perspectives on Historical Memory
• 4
• HIS705
• RES900 — Dissertation Residency I: Directed research phase focusing on primary document analysis and field research related to the dissertation topic. Students work closely with their advisors to advance their investigations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS910 — Advanced Topics in Preservation: Exploration of emerging trends and specific challenges in historical preservation, such as disaster recovery and environmental control. Analysis of case studies informs best practices for future professional work. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT920 — Leadership and Organizational Culture: Explores how to foster a healthy, mission-driven organizational culture within institutions dedicated to preserving heritage. Focuses on servant leadership and interpersonal dynamics in professional settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS930 — Global Perspectives on Historical Memory: Compares international approaches to cultural heritage management and the commemoration of historical events. Critically evaluates the impact of national vs. grassroots memory projects. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Residency II

• 4
• RES900
• CAP990

Dissertation Completion and Defense

• 4
• RES950
• HIS980
• Professionalism in the Humanities
• 3
• None
• HIS995
• Advanced Seminar in Historiographical Theory
• 3
• HIS820
• RES950 — Dissertation Residency II: Continuation of research, involving extensive data synthesis and writing of the final dissertation chapters. Emphasis is placed on original interpretation and scholarly rigor. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP990 — Dissertation Completion and Defense: Finalization and oral defense of the doctoral dissertation before a committee of scholars. Students must demonstrate competency in their field and the integration of their research within an ethical framework. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS980 — Professionalism in the Humanities: Preparation for the academic or professional job market, including the development of a professional portfolio and teaching philosophies. Emphasizes character integrity and professional service. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS995 — Advanced Seminar in Historiographical Theory: This seminar focuses on critical analysis of contemporary scholarship and the methodologies employed in modern historical research. Participants will synthesize interdisciplinary approaches to historical preservation and interpretation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation serves as the crowning achievement of the doctoral program, requiring candidates to produce an original, significant contribution to the field of history or museum studies. The scope includes rigorous investigation into a specialized topic, requiring the demonstration of advanced research skills and theoretical synthesis. Students are expected to complete a formal research project that reflects a depth of inquiry consistent with the doctoral level, resulting in a substantial manuscript that meets the criteria for academic rigor and original discovery.
• Beyond technical scholarship, the dissertation integrates faith-based perspectives by requiring candidates to engage with themes of stewardship, social responsibility, and truth-telling within their chosen subject matter. Candidates must reflect on the implications of their findings through the lens of ethical reasoning and Christian worldview, demonstrating how their research serves the broader good of society. This final project serves as both a culmination of academic preparation and a testament to the student's development as an ethical leader prepared for service.

Career Opportunities

• Museum Curator
• Archival Administrator
• Historical Society Director
• Nonprofit Historical Preservation Consultant
• Educational Programming Coordinator
• Museum Collection Manager
• Academic Researcher in Cultural History
• Public Historian

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 History, Specialization in Historical Preservation Museum Studies
• 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 History 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 | Historiographical Research Methods | 3 | None
• HIS705 | Philosophy of Cultural Stewardship | 3 | None
• MGT710 | Nonprofit Institutional Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS720 | Advanced Archival Management | 4 | RES701
• HIS730 | Museum Curation and Interpretation | 3 | HIS705
• RES750 | Qualitative Inquiry in the Humanities | 3 | RES701
• HIS740 | Public History and Community Engagement | 4 | HIS705
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS801 | Historical Preservation Policy | 4 | HIS720
• RES810 | Quantitative Data in Historical Research | 3 | RES750
• HIS820 | Historiography and Collective Memory | 3 | HIS705
• MGT830 | Strategic Planning for Museums | 4 | MGT710
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS840 | Digital Archives and Technology | 4 | HIS720
• HIS850 | Ethics in Historical Representation | 3 | HIS730
• RES860 | Research Design and Dissertation Proposal | 3 | RES810
• HIS870 | Museum Education and Outreach | 4 | HIS740
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES900 | Dissertation Residency I | 4 | RES860
• HIS910 | Advanced Topics in Preservation | 3 | HIS801
• MGT920 | Leadership and Organizational Culture | 3 | MGT830
• HIS930 | Global Perspectives on Historical Memory | 4 | HIS705
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES950 | Dissertation Residency II | 4 | RES900
• CAP990 | Dissertation Completion and Defense | 4 | RES950
• HIS980 | Professionalism in the Humanities | 3 | None
• HIS995 | Advanced Seminar in Historiographical Theory | 3 | HIS820