Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Public Relations, Specialization in Advocacy Media Outreach

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Public Relations

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 public relations 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 Public Relations with a specialization in Advocacy Media Outreach provides advanced scholarly inquiry into the strategic intersection of communication, organizational strategy, and ethical influence. Designed for professionals seeking to lead within nonprofit and mission-driven sectors, this program emphasizes rigorous academic research, critical analysis of media environments, and the development of effective communication frameworks that uphold institutional integrity and societal impact. Through a comprehensive curriculum, candidates explore the nuance of public relations as a vehicle for transformative social and community change. The program fosters intellectual growth by integrating theoretical paradigms with evidence-based practices. Students engage in deep examination of contemporary advocacy strategies, organizational messaging, and public engagement, ensuring they are prepared to lead in complex global landscapes. By prioritizing ethical stewardship and communicative excellence, the doctoral program equips graduates to navigate the challenges of public life with intellectual depth and a commitment to service.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Public Relations is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based public relations 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 public relations-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

Capstone Synthesis Seminar

• 3
• RES850
• COM896
• Ethics in Modern Media Practice
• 3
• None
• COM899
• Professional Standards and Communication Ethics
• 3
• None
• RES890 — Doctoral Dissertation II: Completion of the final dissertation manuscript, including revisions, final defense, and dissemination of research contributions to the field. This represents the concluding scholarly achievement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES895 — Capstone Synthesis Seminar: An integrative seminar reflecting on the doctoral journey and the transition into expert professional practice. Students present their final research conclusions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM896 — Ethics in Modern Media Practice: Critical reflection on the evolving ethical standards in media, journalism, and public relations. Students engage in current debate on emerging technologies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM899 — Professional Standards and Communication Ethics: This course examines the ethical frameworks and professional responsibilities inherent in the practice of public relations and media advocacy. Students engage in rigorous analysis of industry codes of conduct and the social responsibilities of public communication experts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The dissertation serves as the capstone experience of the doctoral program, requiring students to execute an original, independent research project that contributes significant new knowledge to the field of faith-based public relations. Candidates are expected to synthesize their academic coursework with empirical research, demonstrating command of methodology and theory. The project scope must focus on advocacy media outreach, providing actionable insights for organizations dedicated to community service and public witness. The dissertation must be defended before a faculty committee, evidencing both academic rigor and the student’s ability to articulate complex professional discourse. Throughout the process, the dissertation reflects the candidate's integration of faith-informed character development, emphasizing the role of the researcher as a steward of information and a leader committed to ethical integrity. The student demonstrates how the project serves the common good and aligns with a worldview centered on service, spiritual formation, and the responsible use of communication power to impact society positively. The dissertation is weighted at 12 credit hours, marking the final stage of scholarly maturation.

Career Opportunities

• Director of Communications for International Nonprofits
• Advocacy Strategist for Faith-Based Social Organizations
• Public Relations Consultant for Mission-Oriented Enterprises
• Higher Education Faculty in Communication Studies
• Public Policy Liaison for Community Development Agencies
• Strategic Communications Director for Religious Foundations
• Media Outreach Specialist for Humanitarian 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 Public Relations
• 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 public relations 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 | Foundations of Scholarly Inquiry | 4 | None
• COM705 | Advanced Public Relations Theory | 3 | None
• THE710 | Ethics in Organizational Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES715 | Quantitative Research Methods | 4 | RES700
• COM720 | Advocacy Media and Digital Strategy | 3 | COM705
• MGT725 | Nonprofit Resource Management | 3 | THE710
• COM730 | Public Policy and Communications | 3 | COM705
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES735 | Qualitative Research Methods | 4 | RES700
• COM740 | Crisis Communication and Reputation | 3 | COM705
• COM745 | Cross-Cultural Communication | 3 | None
• MIN750 | Community Engagement and Outreach | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES800 | Advanced Dissertation Proposal Seminar | 4 | RES715, RES735
• COM805 | Advanced Persuasion and Rhetoric | 3 | None
• COM810 | Strategic Communication Planning | 3 | COM705
• COM815 | History of Media and Social Movements | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES850 | Doctoral Research I | 6 | RES800
• COM855 | Public Witness and Media Advocacy | 3 | None
• MGT860 | Strategic Leadership for Change | 3 | MGT725
• COM865 | Integrated Campaign Analysis | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES890 | Doctoral Dissertation II | 6 | RES850
• RES895 | Capstone Synthesis Seminar | 3 | RES850
• COM896 | Ethics in Modern Media Practice | 3 | None
• COM899 | Professional Standards and Communication Ethics | 3 | None