Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Journalism, Public Affairs, Specialization in Public Policy Media

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Journalism, Public Affairs, Specialization in Public Policy Media

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 journalism, public affairs, 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 Journalism and Public Affairs, with a specialization in Public Policy Media, is a rigorous terminal degree designed for scholars and practitioners seeking to analyze the intersection of media, ethics, and public policy. The program emphasizes advanced research methodologies, critical discourse analysis, and the application of ethical frameworks within modern communication environments. Students examine how journalism and public affairs shape societal narratives and contribute to informed civic engagement.

Building upon a foundation of academic inquiry, the program fosters expertise in organizational communication and the development of media strategies that address complex public policy issues. The curriculum provides a rigorous intellectual environment where students refine their capacity to evaluate information systems, leadership dynamics, and the influence of media on public opinion. Through a synthesis of theory and practical application, graduates are prepared to influence policy conversations through professional, ethical, and intellectually grounded communication.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Journalism, Public Affairs, Specialization in Public Policy Media is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based journalism, public affairs, and specialization in public policy media 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 journalism, public affairs, and specialization in public policy media-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 Research Seminar I

• 4
• RES830
• COM910
• Strategic Communication and Public Policy
• 3
• None
• MGT915
• Resource Management for Nonprofits
• 3
• None
• POL920
• Advanced Media Policy Analysis
• 3
• None
• RES900 — Dissertation Research Seminar I: Candidates focus on the data collection and primary research phases of their dissertation projects. Faculty guide candidates through the logistical and ethical complexities of original research. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM910 — Strategic Communication and Public Policy: Students analyze advanced communication tactics in legislative and executive policy contexts. The course examines how research-backed messaging influences policy outcomes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT915 — Resource Management for Nonprofits: This course examines the fiscal and human resource challenges facing policy-oriented nonprofit organizations. Focus is placed on stewardship and ethical resource allocation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• POL920 — Advanced Media Policy Analysis: Students perform in-depth analysis of government regulations concerning media ownership and content. The course evaluates the impact of these policies on journalistic freedom and societal health. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research Seminar II

• 4
• RES900
• CAP990

Dissertation Defense and Final Manuscript

• 3
• RES950
• COM995
• Advanced Media Ethics Practicum
• 3
• None
• PUB998
• Executive Leadership in Public Sector Organizations
• 3
• None
• RES950 — Dissertation Research Seminar II: Candidates finalize their findings and complete the formal writing of their dissertation manuscript. This phase includes preparing for the oral defense and finalizing scholarly conclusions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP990 — Dissertation Defense and Final Manuscript: Students submit their finalized dissertation and participate in an oral defense before the doctoral committee. This process evaluates academic mastery and the integration of research with ethical inquiry. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM995 — Advanced Media Ethics Practicum: This practical seminar allows students to synthesize their dissertation findings into actionable recommendations for the public sphere. Students create professional frameworks for institutional policy implementation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PUB998 — Executive Leadership in Public Sector Organizations: This course examines advanced organizational management theories and strategic leadership practices within the public policy and civic engagement sectors. Students will analyze decision-making frameworks necessary for navigating complex regulatory environments and multi-stakeholder relationships. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The dissertation serves as the culmination of the doctoral program, requiring students to conduct original, independent research that contributes significant new knowledge to the fields of journalism and public policy media. Candidates are expected to identify a specific, complex problem within the communication landscape and apply rigorous social science methodology to propose sustainable solutions or deeper insights. This project demands a high level of scholarly autonomy and academic excellence, reflecting the student's mastery of the discipline.
• Integration of faith-based perspectives is central to the dissertation, as students must demonstrate how ethical integrity, servant leadership, and biblical stewardship inform their research goals and conclusions. The final deliverable includes a comprehensive manuscript and a formal oral defense before a faculty committee. This process evaluates not only the candidate's research proficiency but also their commitment to applying a faith-informed worldview to address societal challenges, ensuring the work reflects both technical competence and the student’s dedication to constructive community contribution.

Career Opportunities

• Policy Communications Director
• Journalism Educator at the Postsecondary Level
• Nonprofit Communications Strategist
• Media Ethics Consultant
• Public Affairs Researcher
• Advocacy and Outreach Coordinator
• Organizational Media Relations Specialist

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 Journalism, Public Affairs, Specialization in Public Policy Media
• 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 journalism, public affairs, 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
• COM705 | Communication Theory and Ethics | 3 | None
• POL710 | Public Policy and Media Influence | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES720 | Data Analytics for Social Impact | 4 | RES701
• COM725 | Media Law and Professional Standards | 3 | None
• HIS730 | History of Journalism and Public Discourse | 3 | None
• MGT740 | Organizational Leadership in Media | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES805 | Qualitative Inquiry in Public Affairs | 4 | RES701
• COM810 | Digital Media and Public Opinion | 3 | None
• POL815 | Comparative Global Policy Systems | 3 | None
• THE820 | Ethics of Communication and Social Justice | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES830 | Advanced Dissertation Design | 4 | RES805
• COM835 | Public Policy Communication Strategies | 3 | None
• SOC840 | Community Engagement and Media Outreach | 3 | None
• EDU850 | Pedagogy and Media Literacy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES900 | Dissertation Research Seminar I | 4 | RES830
• COM910 | Strategic Communication and Public Policy | 3 | None
• MGT915 | Resource Management for Nonprofits | 3 | None
• POL920 | Advanced Media Policy Analysis | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES950 | Dissertation Research Seminar II | 4 | RES900
• CAP990 | Dissertation Defense and Final Manuscript | 3 | RES950
• COM995 | Advanced Media Ethics Practicum | 3 | None
• PUB998 | Executive Leadership in Public Sector Organizations | 3 | None