Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Media Production, Specialization in Media Communication

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Media Production

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 media production 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 Media Production with a specialization in Media Communication is an advanced research-oriented degree program designed for scholars and practitioners who seek to integrate sophisticated media production techniques with a rigorous understanding of communication theory. The curriculum bridges the gap between creative storytelling and the complexities of global media consumption, fostering a scholarly environment where students examine the societal impacts of digital transformation through an ethical and values-based lens. Students engage in advanced inquiry regarding the intersection of media aesthetics, institutional mission, and community service.

Throughout the three-year duration, candidates develop expertise in media theory, strategic communication, and advanced production methodologies. The program emphasizes the cultivation of original scholarship that contributes to the field of media studies while adhering to the highest standards of intellectual integrity. By examining the structural and cultural forces that shape modern media landscapes, graduates are equipped to lead organizations in producing content that is both professionally excellent and aligned with humanitarian and institutional values.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Media Production is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based media production 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 media production-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
• RES860
• COM885
• Advanced Media Production Residency
• 4
• COM820
• COM890
• Contemporary Issues in Media Ethics
• 3
• THE805
• RES892
• Scholarly Writing and Publication
• 3
• RES880
• RES880 — Dissertation Research I: Initial phase of independent dissertation research focusing on primary data collection and systematic analysis. This phase requires constant faculty supervision and progress reporting. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM885 — Advanced Media Production Residency: A hands-on professional residency focusing on the implementation of production strategies within a live organizational environment. Students test theory in a real-world setting. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM890 — Contemporary Issues in Media Ethics: Advanced discussion on the challenges posed by new technological developments to traditional ethical norms. Students analyze case studies to determine appropriate responses for media leaders. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES892 — Scholarly Writing and Publication: Focuses on the conversion of dissertation findings into peer-reviewed articles and industry publications. Encourages the dissemination of knowledge for community benefit. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research II

• 4
• RES880
• MGT896
• Organizational Stewardship and Growth
• 3
• MGT825
• COM897
• Communication Leadership Colloquium
• 3
• None
• CAP899

Capstone Integration Portfolio

• 4
• None
• RES895 — Dissertation Research II: The concluding phase of independent research, including the final writing, synthesis, and oral defense of the dissertation project. This course marks the final completion of the doctoral degree requirements. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT896 — Organizational Stewardship and Growth: Integrates financial, structural, and ethical principles into a comprehensive strategy for organizational health. Explores long-term sustainable growth for nonprofit media entities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM897 — Communication Leadership Colloquium: Final synthesis of the program through a formal presentation of student research and leadership strategies. Focuses on professional transition and continued service as an expert in the field. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP899 — Capstone Integration Portfolio: Creation of a professional portfolio that demonstrates the student's mastery of the program’s outcomes, including academic research, creative work, and service contributions. This portfolio serves as a record of professional achievement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation serves as the culminating scholarly endeavor, requiring the candidate to complete an original, comprehensive research project or a significant media-based creative work accompanied by a theoretical analysis. The scope of this project involves identifying a critical challenge in modern media communication, conducting systematic inquiry, and proposing evidence-based solutions that reflect the student’s mastery of the discipline and their integration of ethical and servant-leadership principles. Candidates are expected to synthesize their academic training into a professional-grade product that demonstrates scholarly maturity and creative excellence.
• The dissertation process is facilitated through continuous mentorship, where students demonstrate how their research upholds biblical stewardship and integrity. Students are encouraged to explore how their specific topic reflects a commitment to community transformation and reflects the core values of their faith-based formation. This rigorous process requires students to defend their work before a faculty committee, ensuring that the final deliverable not only meets high academic standards but also reinforces their capacity to contribute meaningfully to society while maintaining the highest level of ethical character.

Career Opportunities

• Media Research Consultant
• Director of Communications for Nonprofits
• Higher Education Professor of Media Studies
• Director of Digital Media Strategy
• Ethical Content Lead for Faith-Based Organizations
• Advocacy and Public Relations Strategist
• Institutional Media Development Officer

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 Media Production
• 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 media production 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
• RES800 | Foundations of Scholarly Inquiry | 3 | None
• COM810 | Media Theory and Cultural Impact | 3 | None
• THE805 | Ethics and Stewardship in Media | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• COM820 | Advanced Digital Storytelling | 4 | COM810
• RES815 | Quantitative Research Design | 4 | RES800
• MGT825 | Servant Leadership in Media Organizations | 3 | None
• COM830 | Emerging Media Platforms | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES835 | Qualitative Inquiry in Media | 4 | RES815
• COM840 | Strategic Communication and Branding | 4 | COM810
• COM850 | Media Law and Ethical Policy | 3 | THE805
• EDU855 | Pedagogy in Communication Education | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES860 | Advanced Dissertation Prospectus | 3 | RES835
• COM865 | Global Media and Community Relations | 4 | COM840
• COM870 | Media and Public Discourse | 3 | None
• COM875 | Organizational Communication and Leadership Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES880 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES860
• COM885 | Advanced Media Production Residency | 4 | COM820
• COM890 | Contemporary Issues in Media Ethics | 3 | THE805
• RES892 | Scholarly Writing and Publication | 3 | RES880
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES895 | Dissertation Research II | 4 | RES880
• MGT896 | Organizational Stewardship and Growth | 3 | MGT825
• COM897 | Communication Leadership Colloquium | 3 | None
• CAP899 | Capstone Integration Portfolio | 4 | None