Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Ministry, Specialization in Leadership

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Ministry, Specialization in Leadership

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 ministry 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 Ministry with a specialization in Leadership is a rigorous, advanced research-oriented program designed for experienced practitioners seeking to deepen their theoretical understanding of organizational stewardship and administrative strategy. This program focuses on the intersection of strategic management, ethical governance, and societal development, preparing scholars to address complex challenges within diverse community and institutional settings. Students engage in critical inquiry, analyzing the dynamics of leadership effectiveness through an interdisciplinary lens that prioritizes evidence-based decision-making and sustainable institutional practices. Through a blend of advanced seminars and intensive research, the program facilitates the development of scholars who are equipped to contribute original insights to the field of ministerial leadership. The curriculum emphasizes the application of rigorous academic research methods to practical problems, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for roles in organizational development, executive leadership, and academic instruction.

The Doctor of Education in Ministry, Specialization in Leadership is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced ministry 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 ministry-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: PhD

Dissertation Prospectus Design

• 4
• RES700, RES725
• BUS770
• Strategic Human Resource Management
• 4
• None
• MGT775
• Policy Development and Analysis
• 3
• None
• MIN760 — Community Engagement and Outreach: This course explores strategies for sustainable community development and active public engagement. Students design partnerships that address social needs through capacity building and collaboration. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES765 — Dissertation Prospectus Design: Students refine their research questions and finalize their formal research proposal. The course involves iterative feedback and the completion of a defense-ready prospectus. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS770 — Strategic Human Resource Management: This course addresses recruitment, professional development, and performance evaluation in the nonprofit context. Students analyze the impact of organizational culture on employee retention. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT775 — Policy Development and Analysis: Students learn to draft, analyze, and implement organizational policies that align with institutional mission and legal standards. Discussion includes the impact of public policy on private organizations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research Phase I

• 4
• RES765
• MIN805
• Advanced Pastoral Care Leadership
• 4
• None
• RES810
• Advanced Seminar in Applied Theory
• 4
• None
• MGT815
• Global Leadership and Sustainability
• 3
• None
• CAP800 — Dissertation Research Phase I: Candidates conduct independent research as outlined in their approved dissertation prospectus. Regular faculty consultation is required to ensure progress and methodological rigor. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN805 — Advanced Pastoral Care Leadership: This course examines organizational responses to human crisis and suffering. Students explore how to build resilient systems of support within the community context. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES810 — Advanced Seminar in Applied Theory: Students participate in a research seminar to discuss the integration of theory and practice. The course promotes critical reflection on the practical outcomes of organizational leadership. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT815 — Global Leadership and Sustainability: This course investigates the challenges of global cooperation and environmental stewardship. Students consider how mission-driven organizations can contribute to international sustainability efforts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research Phase II

• 8
• CAP800
• MIN855
• Integration of Faith and Professional Practice
• 4
• None
• MGT860
• Organizational Leadership Capstone Seminar
• 4
• None
• RES865
• Publication and Presentation Seminar
• 3
• CAP850
• CAP850 — Dissertation Research Phase II: In this final stage, candidates complete data analysis, finalize writing, and defend their findings before a faculty committee. The outcome is a comprehensive scholarly document demonstrating expertise in the chosen domain. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN855 — Integration of Faith and Professional Practice: This integrative seminar focuses on the synthesis of ethical reasoning, vocational calling, and leadership duty. Students document their growth in professional maturity and philosophical commitment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT860 — Organizational Leadership Capstone Seminar: This capstone course requires students to synthesize all learning outcomes into a final portfolio project. Students reflect on their development and articulate a plan for future scholarly and professional contributions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES865 — Publication and Presentation Seminar: Students prepare their dissertation or parts thereof for publication in professional journals or presentation at academic conferences. This course facilitates professional dissemination of scholarly results. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation serves as the culminating scholarly endeavor, requiring candidates to identify, investigate, and present original research addressing a critical issue in leadership within a community or ministerial context. Students are expected to demonstrate mastery of research methodology, critical analysis, and the capacity to synthesize complex data into a cohesive, professional argument. The dissertation process is designed to foster intellectual growth and rigorous academic discipline while encouraging candidates to reflect on the moral imperatives of their work. Candidates must produce a significant body of original work that meets the scholarly standards of the university, contributing unique insights to the discipline. Through this process, students integrate their research with a commitment to servant leadership, demonstrating how their findings translate into actionable, ethically grounded practices that serve the common good. This requirement carries 12 credit hours, representing an intensive period of sustained inquiry and academic writing that showcases the candidate's development as an expert in their field. The final work must undergo a comprehensive review by a faculty committee, ensuring it reflects both rigorous academic standards and a principled application of faith-informed character, emphasizing stewardship, ethical integrity, and the pursuit of truth.

Career Opportunities

• Executive Director of Nonprofit Organizations
• Denominational Administrator
• Higher Education Faculty or Academic Dean
• Organizational Consultant for Mission-Driven Institutions
• Community Development Strategist
• Director of Institutional Operations

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 Ministry, Specialization in Leadership
• 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 ministry 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 | 4 | None
• MGT705 | Strategic Leadership Theory | 4 | None
• THE710 | Ethics in Organizational Governance | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MIN720 | Foundations of Spiritual Formation | 4 | None
• RES725 | Qualitative Inquiry in Leadership | 4 | RES700
• BUS730 | Financial Stewardship and Resource Management | 4 | None
• COM735 | Organizational Communication Strategies | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MIN740 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 4 | MGT705
• RES745 | Quantitative Data Analysis for Leadership | 4 | RES700
• MGT750 | Managing Organizational Change | 4 | MGT705
• CHR755 | Comparative Leadership Perspectives | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MIN760 | Community Engagement and Outreach | 4 | None
• RES765 | Dissertation Prospectus Design | 4 | RES700, RES725
• BUS770 | Strategic Human Resource Management | 4 | None
• MGT775 | Policy Development and Analysis | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP800 | Dissertation Research Phase I | 4 | RES765
• MIN805 | Advanced Pastoral Care Leadership | 4 | None
• RES810 | Advanced Seminar in Applied Theory | 4 | None
• MGT815 | Global Leadership and Sustainability | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP850 | Dissertation Research Phase II | 8 | CAP800
• MIN855 | Integration of Faith and Professional Practice | 4 | None
• MGT860 | Organizational Leadership Capstone Seminar | 4 | None
• RES865 | Publication and Presentation Seminar | 3 | CAP850