Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Iconic Leadership, Specialization in Leadership

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.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

Three to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, academic progress, and completion of the doctoral project

Advanced faith-based iconic 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 Iconic Leadership, Specialization in Leadership, is an advanced terminal degree designed for seasoned professionals seeking to refine their expertise in organizational theory, ethical governance, and strategic influence. The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, blending rigorous academic inquiry with the practical challenges of modern institutional management, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable and responsible leadership within diverse contexts.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Iconic Leadership is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based iconic 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 iconic 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 Development

• 4
• RES730
• RES805 — Quantitative Data Analysis: Provides advanced instruction in statistical analysis using contemporary software tools. Students interpret data to support evidence-based organizational planning. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT810 — Global Perspectives on Leadership: Explores the challenges and opportunities of leading within a globalized, multicultural landscape. Students evaluate strategies for cross-cultural collaboration. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU820 — Mentorship and Talent Development: Investigates the pedagogical aspects of leadership, specifically focusing on building internal capacity and nurturing future leaders. Students apply developmental frameworks to staff retention. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES830 — Dissertation Prospectus Development: Guides students in the formal development of their research proposal, literature review, and ethical inquiry protocols. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research Seminar I

• 3
• RES830
• MGT840 — Institutional Change and Innovation: Explores theories of change management and systemic innovation within established institutions. Students develop agile frameworks for responsive growth. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR850 — Formation and Servant Leadership: Focuses on the personal formation and spiritual discipline of the leader. Students integrate concepts of service and integrity into their personal leadership philosophy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT860 — Community Engagement Strategies: Analyzes the reciprocal relationships between organizations and the communities they serve. Students design outreach and partnership initiatives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES870 — Dissertation Research Seminar I: Provides initial support for data collection and early-stage dissertation research. Students refine methodologies under faculty supervision. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research Seminar II

• 3
• RES870
• MGT890
• Advanced Strategic Management
• 3
• MGT720
• SOC895
• Social Responsibility and Public Policy
• 3
• None
• CAP899

Dissertation Research Seminar III

• 3
• RES880
• RES880 — Dissertation Research Seminar II: Supports the ongoing execution of data collection and initial analysis phases of the dissertation. Focuses on academic writing for peer-reviewed publication. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT890 — Advanced Strategic Management: Synthesizes advanced concepts in strategy, vision, and execution for the seasoned leader. Students engage in deep analysis of complex institutional dilemmas. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC895 — Social Responsibility and Public Policy: Examines the legal, social, and policy environments impacting nonprofit institutions. Students evaluate the intersection of public interest and organizational advocacy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP899 — Dissertation Research Seminar III: Focuses on the final drafting and synthesis of research findings. Students work closely with the advisory committee to ensure high-quality scholarly output. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Defense and Completion

• 3
• CAP899
• MGT910
• Leadership Capstone Seminar
• 3
• None
• MGT920

Capstone of Ethical Governance

• 3
• MGT705
• CAP930
• Professional Field Practicum
• 3
• None
• CAP900 — Dissertation Defense and Completion: Includes the formal defense of the dissertation before a faculty committee. Focuses on articulating research impact for the field and the organization. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT910 — Leadership Capstone Seminar: Synthesizes the entire program experience to clarify the student’s role as an influential leader in the public square. Focuses on final portfolio synthesis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT920 — Capstone of Ethical Governance: Advanced review of board-level governance and ethical accountability. Students develop a comprehensive model for organizational integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP930 — Professional Field Practicum: Provides an opportunity for the application of leadership principles in a real-world, high-level project within an organizational context. Students report on results and impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The dissertation represents the capstone of the doctoral experience, serving as a significant, original contribution to the field of leadership studies. Students are required to conduct independent, rigorous research that addresses a pertinent challenge in organizational management, ensuring that the study is firmly grounded in empirical methodology and ethical inquiry.
• Beyond technical academic competence, the dissertation invites students to demonstrate the integration of their research with a faith-informed worldview, particularly through the lens of servant leadership and stewardship. Students must articulate how their findings advance the health, integrity, and mission-focus of organizations, providing a reflection on how the research process itself has shaped their development as leaders of character. The dissertation encompasses 15 credit hours of sustained, mentored scholarly activity leading to a final oral defense and written submission.

Career Opportunities

• Executive Director of Faith-Based Nonprofits
• Organizational Leadership Consultant
• Director of Community Development
• Higher Education Administrator
• Chief Operations Officer for Faith-Based Agencies
• Strategic Governance Advisor
• Director of Philanthropy and 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 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 | Three to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, academic progress, and completion of the doctoral project
• Advanced faith-based iconic 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 | Advanced Research Methodology | 4 | None
• MGT705 | Theory of Organizational Governance | 4 | None
• THE710 | Ethical Leadership Foundations | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT720 | Strategic Stewardship of Resources | 4 | MGT705
• RES730 | Qualitative Inquiry in Leadership | 4 | RES701
• COM740 | Communicative Leadership and Influence | 4 | None
• MGT750 | Organizational Conflict Resolution | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES805 | Quantitative Data Analysis | 4 | RES701
• MGT810 | Global Perspectives on Leadership | 4 | None
• EDU820 | Mentorship and Talent Development | 4 | None
• RES830 | Dissertation Prospectus Development | 4 | RES730
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT840 | Institutional Change and Innovation | 3 | None
• CHR850 | Formation and Servant Leadership | 3 | THE710
• MGT860 | Community Engagement Strategies | 3 | None
• RES870 | Dissertation Research Seminar I | 3 | RES830
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES880 | Dissertation Research Seminar II | 3 | RES870
• MGT890 | Advanced Strategic Management | 3 | MGT720
• SOC895 | Social Responsibility and Public Policy | 3 | None
• CAP899 | Dissertation Research Seminar III | 3 | RES880
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP900 | Dissertation Defense and Completion | 3 | CAP899
• MGT910 | Leadership Capstone Seminar | 3 | None
• MGT920 | Capstone of Ethical Governance | 3 | MGT705
• CAP930 | Professional Field Practicum | 3 | None