Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Leadership, Specialization in Understanding Leadership in World Religions

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Leadership, Specialization in Understanding Leadership in World Religions

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 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 Leadership with a specialization in Understanding Leadership in World Religions provides an advanced scholarly framework for individuals seeking to analyze the intersection of administrative theory and diverse spiritual traditions. The curriculum emphasizes the integration of ethical stewardship, servant leadership models, and interdisciplinary research to address complex organizational challenges within global contexts. Through rigorous academic inquiry, students explore how diverse worldviews influence institutional governance, policy development, and the cultivation of organizational culture.

Students engage in deep exploration of historical, social, and structural dimensions of leadership, ensuring they are prepared to navigate the complexities of modern nonprofit and community-driven sectors. The program challenges candidates to reconcile administrative excellence with moral integrity, fostering a commitment to service and long-term organizational viability. Graduates emerge as reflective practitioners capable of conducting high-level research and applying empirical insights to serve their organizations and broader communities with wisdom and discernment.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Leadership, Specialization in Understanding Leadership in World Religions is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based leadership and specialization 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 leadership, specialization in understanding leadership in world religions-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 Proposal Development

• 4
• RES800
• MGT860
• Policy Analysis in Non-Profit Governance
• 4
• None
• HUM870
• Global Religious Trends and Leadership
• 4
• None
• HIS840 — History of Institutional Leadership: This course surveys the evolution of leadership structures within religious and community institutions over time. Students analyze historical successes and failures. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES850 — Dissertation Proposal Development: Students work closely with faculty to finalize their research topic, methodology, and literature review. The course concludes with a formal proposal defense. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT860 — Policy Analysis in Non-Profit Governance: This course explores the intersection of organizational policy and broader societal regulations. Students evaluate the impact of governance structures on mission outcomes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM870 — Global Religious Trends and Leadership: Students examine current shifts in global religious landscapes and their implications for organizational leadership. The course encourages proactive adaptation and strategic foresight. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research I

• 4
• RES850
• RES880 — Advanced Data Synthesis: This course supports students in the initial phase of data collection and systematic analysis for their doctoral dissertation. Emphasis is placed on rigorous technical application. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT890 — Organizational Conflict and Reconciliation: This course provides techniques for managing interpersonal and structural conflicts within organizations. Students learn to foster reconciliation and unity in diverse environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE895 — Faith-Based Advocacy and Public Service: Students study the ethical responsibilities of leaders to advocate for marginalized populations and promote public justice. Focus is on sustainable community engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP900 — Dissertation Research I: Candidates focus on the substantial completion of the data analysis and draft chapters of their dissertation under faculty guidance. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research II

• 4
• CAP900
• CAP920
• Doctoral Dissertation Defense
• 4
• CAP910
• MGT930
• Strategic Planning for Organizational Growth
• 3
• None
• EDU940

Capstone Seminar: Leadership Integration

• 3
• None
• CAP910 — Dissertation Research II: Candidates finalize their research manuscript, incorporating feedback and preparing for the final oral defense. The course emphasizes scholarly polish. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP920 — Doctoral Dissertation Defense: The student presents and defends their completed research before a committee, demonstrating mastery of the subject matter and academic rigor. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT930 — Strategic Planning for Organizational Growth: Students develop advanced strategic plans designed to ensure long-term viability and mission impact. Focus is on alignment between values and operations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU940 — Capstone Seminar: Leadership Integration: This final seminar invites students to reflect on their academic journey and synthesize their learning for future practice. Integration of values and leadership is central. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation serves as the culminating scholarly endeavor for the Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Leadership, representing the student's capacity to conduct original research that contributes to the field. Spanning the final three semesters for a total of 12 credit hours, the dissertation process requires students to design, execute, and defend a research project that investigates a significant problem in leadership or religious studies. Through this work, candidates demonstrate academic mastery, rigorous methodology, and the ability to synthesize theory with practical organizational application.
• The dissertation must embody the student's commitment to ethical reasoning, servant leadership, and stewardship. Students are expected to articulate how their findings advance the mission of faith-based or community-oriented sectors while reflecting personal spiritual formation and integrity. By bridging theoretical inquiry with real-world institutional challenges, the dissertation validates the candidate’s readiness to serve as a high-level leader and researcher who views their professional responsibilities as a calling to serve the greater good.

Career Opportunities

• Executive Director of Faith-Based Nonprofits
• Academic Administrator in Religious Higher Education
• Consultant for Community-Based Charitable Organizations
• Director of Organizational Development
• Research Scholar in Leadership and Religion
• Denominational Agency Leader
• Public Policy Advisor for Religious Institutions

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 Leadership, Specialization in Understanding Leadership in World Religions
• 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 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
• RES700 | Advanced Research Methodology | 3 | None
• MGT710 | Leadership Theory and Organizational Behavior | 3 | None
• THE720 | Ethical Foundations of Stewardship | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS730 | World Religions and Social Structures | 3 | None
• RES740 | Advanced Statistical Analysis | 3 | RES700
• MGT750 | Servant Leadership in Diverse Environments | 3 | MGT710
• HUM760 | Comparative Religious Perspectives on Authority | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES800 | Qualitative Research Methods | 4 | RES700
• SOC810 | Religious Pluralism and Organizational Strategy | 4 | None
• MGT820 | Financial Stewardship and Resource Allocation | 4 | None
• EDU830 | Mentorship and Spiritual Formation | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS840 | History of Institutional Leadership | 4 | None
• RES850 | Dissertation Proposal Development | 4 | RES800
• MGT860 | Policy Analysis in Non-Profit Governance | 4 | None
• HUM870 | Global Religious Trends and Leadership | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES880 | Advanced Data Synthesis | 4 | RES850
• MGT890 | Organizational Conflict and Reconciliation | 4 | None
• THE895 | Faith-Based Advocacy and Public Service | 4 | None
• CAP900 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES850
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP910 | Dissertation Research II | 4 | CAP900
• CAP920 | Doctoral Dissertation Defense | 4 | CAP910
• MGT930 | Strategic Planning for Organizational Growth | 3 | None
• EDU940 | Capstone Seminar: Leadership Integration | 3 | None