Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Journalism, Specialization in Christian Media

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Journalism

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 and Christian Media 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, Specialization in Christian Media, is a rigorous academic program designed for media professionals and scholars seeking to advance their expertise in communication theory, ethical journalism, and the sociological impact of digital media. This doctorate explores the intersection of professional journalism standards and the practical application of community-focused, service-oriented communication. Students engage in advanced research, media production strategies, and critical analysis to address contemporary challenges in the global information landscape.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Journalism is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based journalism 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-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
• RES800
• COM840
• Media and Public Advocacy
• 4
• None
• MGT860
• Strategic Communications for Nonprofits
• 4
• None
• COM870
• Communication Law and Ethics
• 4
• None
• RES850 — Dissertation Prospectus Development: Students develop their dissertation research design, finalize literature reviews, and establish theoretical frameworks. This course is the preparatory phase for the doctoral dissertation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM840 — Media and Public Advocacy: This course examines how journalism functions as a tool for public advocacy and social awareness. It focuses on the strategic use of media in community improvement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT860 — Strategic Communications for Nonprofits: An analysis of public relations and strategic communications specifically tailored for the non-profit sector. It provides insights into brand management and public outreach. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM870 — Communication Law and Ethics: This course explores the legal landscape of journalism, copyright, and defamation law. It emphasizes the balance between free speech and moral responsibility. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research I

• 6
• RES850
• COM880
• Media Literacy and Critical Analysis
• 4
• None
• CHR885
• Community Engagement and Service
• 4
• None
• RES895
• Doctoral Colloquium
• 2
• RES850
• DIS890 — Dissertation Research I: This stage involves independent data collection and preliminary analysis under faculty supervision. Students initiate the core research activities of their dissertation project. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM880 — Media Literacy and Critical Analysis: Advanced study of media literacy, focusing on critical assessment of modern content dissemination. It addresses how to interpret media bias and source credibility. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR885 — Community Engagement and Service: A field-based study exploring how media professionals contribute to community health and public service. It connects theoretical knowledge with real-world application. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES895 — Doctoral Colloquium: A seminar where candidates share research findings, receive feedback from peers, and discuss trends in journalism. It emphasizes academic collaboration and professional communication. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research II

• 6
• DIS890
• COM895
• Future Trends in Digital Media
• 4
• None
• MGT897
• Organizational Stewardship Seminar
• 3
• None
• THE898
• Advanced Ethical Leadership
• 3
• None
• DIS899 — Dissertation Research II: Final completion of the dissertation, including drafting of findings, final revisions, and the oral defense of the work before a faculty committee. This signifies the culmination of doctoral research efforts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM895 — Future Trends in Digital Media: An analysis of future shifts in the digital media environment, including artificial intelligence and interactive journalism. It considers the role of ethics in technological adoption. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT897 — Organizational Stewardship Seminar: A seminar dedicated to understanding financial and ethical stewardship in media organizations. It focuses on maintaining institutional integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE898 — Advanced Ethical Leadership: An final integration seminar reflecting on the intersection of professional leadership and personal integrity. It emphasizes the ongoing commitment to serving the community through media. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The dissertation represents the culminating academic achievement of the PhD program, requiring students to conduct an original, substantive research study that addresses a critical issue within faith-based journalism or Christian media. Students are expected to demonstrate advanced analytical capabilities, methodological precision, and the capacity to contribute new knowledge to the discipline, while integrating ethical reasoning and servant leadership into their inquiry. This 12-credit requirement spans the final two semesters, ensuring that the research reflects both academic competence and a commitment to stewardship.
• The dissertation process encourages candidates to synthesize their disciplinary expertise with faith-informed perspectives, examining how media can serve the common good and strengthen community engagement. Students must defend their findings before a faculty committee, articulating how their research addresses the needs of organizations focused on social responsibility, ethical advocacy, and the promotion of organizational integrity in the public sphere.

Career Opportunities

• Academic Faculty and Journalism Researcher
• Media Organization Executive
• Communications Director for Faith-Based Nonprofits
• Public Policy Media Analyst
• Journalistic Ethics Consultant
• Digital Content Strategist
• Media Ministry Administrator

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
• 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 and Christian Media 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
• RES700 | Advanced Research Methods in Communications | 3 | None
• COM710 | Journalism Theory and Social Impact | 3 | None
• ETH720 | Ethical Stewardship in Media | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES705 | Quantitative Research Analysis | 4 | RES700
• COM715 | Digital Media Landscapes | 3 | None
• CHR730 | Faith and Media Praxis | 3 | None
• MGT740 | Leadership in Media Organizations | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES800 | Qualitative Inquiry | 4 | RES705
• COM810 | Global Communications Policy | 3 | None
• COM820 | Advanced Narrative Journalism | 4 | None
• THE830 | Theology of Communication | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES850 | Dissertation Prospectus Development | 4 | RES800
• COM840 | Media and Public Advocacy | 4 | None
• MGT860 | Strategic Communications for Nonprofits | 4 | None
• COM870 | Communication Law and Ethics | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS890 | Dissertation Research I | 6 | RES850
• COM880 | Media Literacy and Critical Analysis | 4 | None
• CHR885 | Community Engagement and Service | 4 | None
• RES895 | Doctoral Colloquium | 2 | RES850
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS899 | Dissertation Research II | 6 | DIS890
• COM895 | Future Trends in Digital Media | 4 | None
• MGT897 | Organizational Stewardship Seminar | 3 | None
• THE898 | Advanced Ethical Leadership | 3 | None