Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Journalism, Specialization in Communication

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 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 Communication is an advanced research-oriented program designed for scholars and practitioners seeking to integrate media theory with ethical leadership. The curriculum emphasizes the intersection of communication strategy, media ethics, and public advocacy, providing a robust intellectual framework for individuals dedicated to the stewardship of truth in the public square. Students engage in rigorous inquiry, examining how narrative construction and information dissemination impact community development and social discourse.

Through a synthesis of traditional media theory and advanced research methodologies, the program empowers scholars to analyze complex communication environments through a lens of integrity and social responsibility. The curriculum encourages students to develop nuanced perspectives on digital transformation, investigative reporting, and organizational advocacy. Graduates are prepared to contribute original research to the field while demonstrating a commitment to serving society with professional excellence and moral discernment.

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 Requirement

• The Dissertation serves as the capstone experience of the doctoral program, requiring candidates to produce an original, book-length investigation that addresses a critical issue within the field of faith-based journalism. This project demands a high level of academic rigor, demanding the mastery of complex research methods, deep synthesis of existing literature, and the articulation of significant contributions to communication scholarship. The dissertation is weighted at 15 credit hours, reflecting its central role in validating the student’s scholarly autonomy and professional readiness.
• Beyond technical research, the dissertation is designed to demonstrate the student's capacity for ethical reasoning and stewardship. Candidates must explicitly articulate how their research findings contribute to the common good and support the mission of community-based organizations. Through this work, students demonstrate the integration of spiritual formation with academic investigation, showcasing their ability to navigate complex social challenges with character-driven integrity and professional excellence.

Career Opportunities

• Director of Communication for Non-Profit Organizations
• University Professor of Journalism and Media Studies
• Advocacy Strategist for Faith-Based Advocacy Groups
• Chief Editorial Officer for Religious Publishing Houses
• Communication Researcher for Policy Think Tanks
• Executive Director of Community Media Initiatives

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 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 Quantitative Research Methods | 3 | None
• COM710 | Ethical Frameworks in Global Media | 3 | None
• THE720 | Foundations of Servant Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES702 | Qualitative Inquiry and Narrative Analysis | 4 | RES701
• COM730 | Digital Transformation in Journalism | 3 | None
• MGT740 | Organizational Communication Strategy | 3 | None
• COM750 | Media Law and Public Advocacy | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES800 | Advanced Dissertation Proposal Development | 4 | RES702
• COM810 | Crisis Communication and Management | 3 | MGT740
• EDU820 | Pedagogy and Knowledge Transfer | 3 | None
• CHR830 | Cultural Anthropology and Media | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES840 | Advanced Data Synthesis and Publication | 4 | RES800
• COM850 | International Media Development | 3 | None
• MGT860 | Strategic Fundraising and Media Relations | 3 | MGT740
• COM870 | Emerging Technologies in Communication | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS890 | Doctoral Dissertation Research I | 7 | RES800
• COM880 | Professional Seminar in Communication Ethics | 3 | None
• THE885 | Advanced Leadership and Stewardship | 3 | THE720
• RES895 | Independent Research and Review | 3 | RES800
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS899 | Doctoral Dissertation Defense | 8 | DIS890
• COM900 | Communication Leadership Capstone | 3 | None
• EDU910 | Academic Mentorship and Publication | 3 | RES840
• MGT920 | Strategic Management for Nonprofits | 3 | MGT740