Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Journalism, Specialization in Religious Studies

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Journalism, Specialization in Religious Studies

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 with a specialization in Religious Studies is an advanced terminal degree designed for scholars and practitioners seeking to examine the intersection of media, ethics, and theology. This program integrates rigorous research methodology with the critical analysis of media narratives in the context of contemporary religious landscapes. Candidates will engage in high-level scholarly discourse, exploring how communication strategies can reflect commitments to truth, integrity, and social responsibility within a rapidly evolving digital society. The curriculum emphasizes the application of ethical journalism frameworks through the lens of servant leadership, encouraging students to consider the role of the press in fostering community understanding and moral clarity. Students are challenged to develop original research that contributes to the academic literature while preparing for impactful careers in higher education, media consultancy, and organizational leadership.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Journalism, Specialization in Religious Studies is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based journalism, specialization in religious studies 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, specialization in religious studies-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 I

• 4
• RES810
• COM902
• Advanced Media Management
• 4
• None
• THE903
• Public Theology and Media
• 4
• THE702
• EDU904
• Teaching in Higher Education
• 4
• None
• DIS901 — Dissertation Research I: The first phase of original dissertation research, focusing on data collection and initial drafting of scholarly chapters. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM902 — Advanced Media Management: Strategies for managing complex media initiatives with an emphasis on institutional values and stewardship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE903 — Public Theology and Media: Synthesizes public theology concepts with media representation to better engage contemporary debates. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU904 — Teaching in Higher Education: Prepares doctoral students for pedagogical roles in university settings through curriculum development and instructional strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Defense

• 5
• DIS901
• COM911
• Advanced Topics in Journalism
• 4
• None
• THE912
• Theology of Community Engagement
• 4
• None
• RES913
• Advanced Research Ethics
• 4
• RES701
• DIS910 — Dissertation Defense: The final stage of the doctoral program, involving the completion of the written dissertation and the successful oral defense before a committee. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM911 — Advanced Topics in Journalism: In-depth review of emerging issues in global journalism and their impact on diverse community populations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE912 — Theology of Community Engagement: Explores the practical application of theology in fostering local community development and institutional mission. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES913 — Advanced Research Ethics: A deep dive into the ethical considerations of human subject research and scholarly accountability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation serves as the culminating academic experience for the PhD program, requiring students to produce a substantial original work that contributes significantly to the field of faith-based journalism. Candidates must identify a research problem that synthesizes communications theory with religious studies, conducting an exhaustive inquiry that adheres to the highest standards of academic rigor. This project allows students to demonstrate mastery of their specialization while showcasing their ability to translate academic theory into actionable, ethical applications within professional or ministerial contexts.
• The dissertation process reflects a deep commitment to faith-informed character development, requiring students to articulate how their findings promote biblical stewardship and social flourishing. Through the integration of spiritual formation and ethical reasoning, students are challenged to demonstrate how their research serves the broader community, embodying the values of transparency, justice, and servant leadership. Upon completion, the student must defend their research before a faculty committee, proving both their scholarly competence and their readiness to serve as a voice of moral integrity in the public square.

Career Opportunities

• Higher Education Professor of Communications
• Faith-Based Media Communications Director
• Religious Journalism Research Consultant
• Nonprofit Communications Strategist
• Editor-in-Chief for Religious Publications
• Organizational Ethics and Media Consultant
• Public Policy Advocate for Faith-Based Organizations

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, Specialization in Religious Studies
• 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 Research Methodology | 3 | None
• THE702 | Theological Perspectives on Media | 3 | None
• COM703 | Journalistic Ethics and Stewardship | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES710 | Qualitative Research Design | 4 | RES701
• THE711 | Religious Social Movements | 4 | None
• COM712 | Digital Media and Public Discourse | 3 | None
• BUS713 | Strategic Leadership in Media | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES801 | Quantitative Data Analysis | 4 | RES701
• COM802 | Cross-Cultural Communication | 3 | None
• THE803 | Hermeneutics of Modern Media | 4 | THE702
• HIS804 | Media History and Religious Influence | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES810 | Doctoral Research Seminar | 3 | RES701, RES710
• COM811 | Organizational Communication | 3 | None
• THE812 | Ethics in Digital Spaces | 4 | COM703
• SOC813 | Sociology of Faith-Based Organizations | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS901 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES810
• COM902 | Advanced Media Management | 4 | None
• THE903 | Public Theology and Media | 4 | THE702
• EDU904 | Teaching in Higher Education | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS910 | Dissertation Defense | 5 | DIS901
• COM911 | Advanced Topics in Journalism | 4 | None
• THE912 | Theology of Community Engagement | 4 | None
• RES913 | Advanced Research Ethics | 4 | RES701