Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Iconic Leadership

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Iconic 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

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

Advanced faith-based iconic leadership theory and specialization

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 Iconic Leadership is an advanced research-oriented degree designed for scholars and practitioners seeking to examine the intersection of organizational leadership, ethical stewardship, and community impact. The curriculum facilitates a deep exploration of leadership theories through the lens of servant-hearted accountability and historical influence, empowering students to contribute original insights to the field of leadership studies. Through rigorous academic inquiry and empirical research, students examine how iconic leaders cultivate sustainable, mission-driven organizations that promote social flourishing and moral integrity. This program emphasizes the cultivation of high-level intellectual capabilities, enabling graduates to bridge the gap between abstract management theories and the practical realities of organizational development within the nonprofit and social sectors. By integrating interdisciplinary methodologies, the program fosters a scholarly environment where leadership is viewed not merely as a set of administrative competencies but as a holistic vocation rooted in service and character. Students are encouraged to develop a sophisticated understanding of how institutional culture is shaped by the values of integrity, stewardship, and ethical commitment.
• The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Iconic Leadership is a research-intensive doctoral program emphasizing advanced faith-based iconic leadership theory, original research, quantitative and qualitative methodology, scholarly publication, higher-education teaching, ethical leadership, and the development and evaluation of faith-based iconic leadership-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 Research and Writing I

• 4
• RES820
• LDR855
• Executive Leadership Seminar
• 4
• LDR825
• SOC860
• Sociology of Altruism and Professional Identity
• 3
• MIN730
• COM865
• Professional Communication for Leaders
• 3
• None
• RES850 — Dissertation Research and Writing I: This course involves the execution of the primary research study and the drafting of the initial chapters of the dissertation under faculty guidance. It facilitates iterative review and critical academic feedback. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LDR855 — Executive Leadership Seminar: This seminar provides a platform for doctoral students to synthesize their research and leadership experience into a strategic framework. Discussions address the application of academic research to current professional challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC860 — Sociology of Altruism and Professional Identity: This course explores the sociological dimensions of professional purpose, public service, and the motivations behind altruistic behavior in organizational settings. Students will investigate how identity formation influences professional commitment and the efficacy of service-oriented initiatives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM865 — Professional Communication for Leaders: This course enhances advanced communication skills, focusing on scholarly publication, media engagement, and public advocacy. Students practice articulating complex research in a clear, compelling manner for diverse stakeholders. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research and Writing II

• 4
• RES850
• LDR875
• Organizational Strategy Lab
• 4
• LDR855
• ETH880
• Ethics in Contemporary Leadership Practice
• 3
• ETH710
• RES885
• Dissemination of Research
• 3
• RES870
• RES870 — Dissertation Research and Writing II: This course focuses on the final analysis, synthesis, and completion of the dissertation. It culminates in the oral defense before the doctoral committee to verify mastery of the subject matter. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LDR875 — Organizational Strategy Lab: This final capstone seminar integrates research and theory into a coherent strategic model for organizational health and development. Students present a final project detailing their proposed leadership approach. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ETH880 — Ethics in Contemporary Leadership Practice: This course investigates the application of core ethical values to contemporary leadership dilemmas and professional dilemmas. Students articulate a personal code of leadership ethics rooted in stewardship and integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES885 — Dissemination of Research: This course covers the publication and dissemination of scholarly research, including conference presentation and professional journal submission. Students prepare their work for broader scholarly impact and community contribution. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation serves as the capstone of the PhD program, representing the student's transition from learner to independent scholar. This project requires the candidate to conduct original, rigorous research on a significant topic within leadership studies, applying advanced qualitative or quantitative methods to address challenges in organizational settings. Students are expected to demonstrate comprehensive mastery of their chosen sub-discipline while ensuring that their research methodologies adhere to the highest standards of academic excellence. The dissertation process is overseen by a faculty committee, ensuring the intellectual depth and structural integrity of the final submission.
• Beyond technical proficiency, the dissertation must substantively integrate a Christian worldview and the principles of faith-informed leadership. Students are expected to examine how ethical reasoning, biblical stewardship, and spiritual formation influence institutional efficacy and leadership decision-making. By analyzing these dimensions, the dissertation provides a space to demonstrate not only academic rigor but also the maturity of the student's ethical framework. This integration ensures that the research does not exist in a vacuum but contributes to the development of leaders who are as committed to the moral health of their organizations as they are to professional success.

Dissertation research and defense | 18 credit hours

• Total | 120 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES701 | Foundations of Doctoral Research | 3 | None
• LDR705 | Theories of Iconic Leadership | 3 | None
• ETH710 | Ethical Stewardship and Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES720 | Advanced Qualitative Research Methods | 4 | RES701
• LDR725 | Organizational Culture and Change | 4 | LDR705
• PSY730 | Psychology of Personal Development and Self-Regulation | 3 | None
• BUS735 | Strategic Financial Stewardship | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES801 | Advanced Quantitative Research Methods | 4 | RES720
• LDR805 | Global Perspectives on Social Impact | 4 | LDR725
• SOC810 | Community Engagement and Advocacy | 3 | None
• EDU815 | Developing Future Leaders | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES820 | Advanced Research Design and Proposal | 4 | RES801
• LDR825 | Crisis Management and Organizational Resilience | 4 | LDR725
• HIS830 | History of Institutional Leadership | 3 | None
• BUS835 | Nonprofit Law and Regulatory Compliance | 3 | BUS735
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES850 | Dissertation Research and Writing I | 4 | RES820
• LDR855 | Executive Leadership Seminar | 4 | LDR825
• SOC860 | Sociology of Altruism and Professional Identity | 3 | MIN730
• COM865 | Professional Communication for Leaders | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES870 | Dissertation Research and Writing II | 4 | RES850
• LDR875 | Organizational Strategy Lab | 4 | LDR855
• ETH880 | Ethics in Contemporary Leadership Practice | 3 | ETH710
• RES885 | Dissemination of Research | 3 | RES870

Career Opportunities

• Executive Director of Faith-Based Nonprofits
• Higher Education Administrator or Dean
• Organizational Leadership Consultant
• Policy Analyst for Social Service Organizations
• Researcher in Leadership Development
• Nonprofit Development Director

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 Iconic 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 | Four to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, research progress, and dissertation completion
• Advanced faith-based iconic leadership theory and specialization | 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