Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Professional Ministry of Counseling (M-DPC)

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Professional Ministry of Counseling

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 professional ministry of counseling 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 Professional Ministry of Counseling (M-DPC) is an advanced doctoral program designed for professionals seeking to integrate academic expertise in behavioral sciences with the principles of servant leadership and ethical stewardship. This curriculum emphasizes critical inquiry, the synthesis of psychological theory with spiritual formation, and the development of scholarly research capabilities within the context of ministry and organizational leadership. Students engage in rigorous exploration of human behavior and interpersonal dynamics, fostering a specialized skillset that bridges the gap between academic research and faith-informed community outreach. The program provides a comprehensive framework for those dedicated to navigating complex social challenges through the lens of academic excellence and commitment to the common good.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Professional Ministry of Counseling is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based professional ministry of counseling 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 professional ministry of counseling-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
• RES840
• COU890
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration
• 3
• None
• MGT895
• Advanced Leadership Seminar
• 3
• MGT720, MGT820
• RES898
• Independent Directed Study
• 4
• None
• CAP880 — Dissertation Research I: Initial phase of the doctoral dissertation involving primary data collection and analysis. Students work closely with faculty mentors to ensure methodological adherenceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COU890 — Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Examines models for cross-disciplinary cooperation in service-based fields. Focuses on integrating expertise from various social and behavioral science backgroundsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MGT895 — Advanced Leadership Seminar: A capstone seminar reflecting on the synthesis of leadership theory, ethics, and professional practice. Students synthesize course content for future serviceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES898 — Independent Directed Study: Students engage in specialized research or practice-based study approved by faculty. Focuses on preparing for final dissertation defense and professional applicationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Dissertation Defense and Final Manuscript

• 4
• CAP880
• COU900
• Community Outreach and Program Evaluation
• 3
• RES800
• THE910
• Spiritual Formation and Character Development
• 3
• None
• RES920
• Grant Writing and Resource Management
• 4
• None
• CAP899 — Dissertation Defense and Final Manuscript: Completion, submission, and public defense of the doctoral dissertation. Demonstrates scholarly competency, critical inquiry, and integration of professional valuesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COU900 — Community Outreach and Program Evaluation: Students evaluate the effectiveness of community-focused programs. Focuses on data-driven improvement and the impact of service-oriented initiativesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• THE910 — Spiritual Formation and Character Development: A concluding exploration of personal and professional integrity in leadership. Students reflect on their development and commitment to ethical serviceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• RES920 — Grant Writing and Resource Management: Teaches the practical skills of securing funding for faith-based programs. Focuses on proposal development and the ethics of resource solicitationThis 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 Professional Ministry of Counseling, representing a significant original contribution to the academic discipline. Students are tasked with identifying a critical issue at the intersection of behavioral science and faith-based community service, conducting extensive research, and presenting findings that demonstrate high-level critical thinking and methodological rigor. The project requires the application of empirical research standards while reflecting the student's capacity to engage in substantive, ethical inquiry that informs real-world practice. The final dissertation must be successfully defended before a faculty committee, evidencing both academic proficiency and a deep integration of the program’s theological and ethical frameworks. Through this process, candidates demonstrate a commitment to biblical stewardship by producing research that serves the common good and advances the understanding of human dynamics in the context of ministry. The project serves as a capstone of both academic achievement and faith-informed character, affirming the student’s readiness to lead with integrity, grace, and scholarly excellence in their respective fields.

Career Opportunities

• Director of Community Outreach and Engagement
• Faith-Based Organizational Consultant
• Higher Education Faculty in Behavioral Studies
• Ministry Leadership Strategist
• Non-Profit Program Administrator
• Professional Ethics Advisor for Religious Organizations
• Behavioral Research Associate for Faith-Based 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 Professional Ministry of Counseling
• 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 professional ministry of counseling 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 Methods | 3 | None
• COU710 | Theological Foundations of Human Behavior | 3 | None
• MGT720 | Principles of Servant Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES715 | Quantitative Data Analysis | 4 | RES700
• COU730 | Systems Theory in Organizational Dynamics | 4 | None
• THE740 | Ethics and Professional Responsibility | 3 | None
• COU750 | Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES800 | Qualitative Research Design | 4 | RES700
• COU810 | Crisis Intervention and Community Support | 4 | None
• MGT820 | Strategic Stewardship in Organizations | 3 | MGT720
• SOC830 | Sociology of Faith-Based Communities | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES840 | Proposal Development for Dissertation | 4 | RES715, RES800
• COU850 | Human Development and Life Transitions | 4 | None
• EDU860 | Advanced Pedagogical Strategies for Ministry | 3 | None
• COU870 | Diversity and Cultural Competence | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP880 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES840
• COU890 | Interdisciplinary Collaboration | 3 | None
• MGT895 | Advanced Leadership Seminar | 3 | MGT720, MGT820
• RES898 | Independent Directed Study | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP899 | Dissertation Defense and Final Manuscript | 4 | CAP880
• COU900 | Community Outreach and Program Evaluation | 3 | RES800
• THE910 | Spiritual Formation and Character Development | 3 | None
• RES920 | Grant Writing and Resource Management | 4 | None