Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Strategic Leadership, Specialization in Christian Leadership Ethics

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Strategic 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 Faith-Based Strategic 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 Strategic Leadership with a specialization in Christian Leadership Ethics is an advanced terminal degree designed to prepare scholars and practitioners for high-level leadership roles. The program integrates rigorous organizational theory with theological reflection, focusing on the intersection of strategic decision-making and moral integrity within diverse institutional environments. Students engage in deep inquiry regarding the nature of authority, stewardship, and the ethical responsibilities inherent in leading complex, mission-driven organizations. Through a multidisciplinary lens, the curriculum fosters a sophisticated understanding of how values-based leadership informs culture and policy in contemporary society. The program provides the intellectual framework necessary for candidates to address challenges in governance, organizational behavior, and systemic change. By emphasizing evidence-based research and contemplative reflection, the degree empowers graduates to serve with professional excellence and character.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Strategic Leadership is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based strategic leadership 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 strategic leadership-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

• 3
• RES750
• RES750 — Advanced Quantitative Research: This course focuses on inferential statistics, modeling, and data analysis as applied to organizational research. Students learn to interpret quantitative findings for strategic decision-making. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT755 — Stewardship and Resource Management: This course addresses the ethical management of financial, human, and physical assets within a nonprofit or faith-based organizational context. It emphasizes fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ETH760 — Ethical Decision-Making in Policy: Students evaluate how public and institutional policy impacts mission fulfillment and ethical alignment. The course highlights the importance of values-based advocacy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES770 — Dissertation Proposal Development: Students work closely with faculty to finalize their research problem, literature review, and proposed methodology. This course facilitates the transition to the dissertation phase. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research I

• 4
• RES770
• EDU820
• Mentorship and Leadership Development
• 3
• None
• MGT800 — Global Leadership and Contexts: This course explores the nuances of leadership in diverse cross-cultural settings, focusing on adaptation and ethical sensitivity. It highlights global perspectives on organizational success. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ETH810 — Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation: Students study mediation, conflict transformation, and restorative justice practices within institutional frameworks. The course focuses on fostering unity in diverse communities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS801 — Dissertation Research I: This is the first stage of the dissertation, involving data collection and preliminary analysis under committee guidance. Emphasis is placed on methodological adherence and ethical integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU820 — Mentorship and Leadership Development: This course provides strategies for developing future leaders and mentoring subordinates within an organizational structure. It emphasizes the replication of servant leadership values. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research II

• 4
• DIS801
• BUS830
• Strategic Communication in Leadership
• 3
• None
• SOC840
• Community Engagement and Impact
• 3
• None
• MGT850
• Systems Thinking for Leaders
• 3
• MGT705
• DIS802 — Dissertation Research II: Students continue intensive data analysis and drafting chapters for the dissertation project. Regular meetings with committee members ensure progress and scholarly rigor. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS830 — Strategic Communication in Leadership: This course addresses the art and science of communicating vision, ethics, and organizational goals to diverse stakeholders. Students practice crisis communication and narrative development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC840 — Community Engagement and Impact: Students examine the role of organizations in broader social ecosystems and the ethics of community-based service initiatives. The focus is on achieving sustainable, positive social impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT850 — Systems Thinking for Leaders: This course provides tools for analyzing organizations as holistic, interconnected systems. Students learn to address root causes of systemic challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Completion and Defense

• 4
• DIS802
• ETH860
• Professionalism and Ethical Leadership
• 3
• None
• MGT870
• Current Issues in Organizational Governance
• 3
• None
• CAP880
• Doctoral Synthesis Seminar
• 3
• None
• DIS803 — Dissertation Completion and Defense: The final stage involves finalizing the dissertation manuscript, preparing for the oral defense, and completing all necessary revisions. It represents the final scholarly requirement for the degree. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ETH860 — Professionalism and Ethical Leadership: This capstone seminar synthesizes all learning regarding moral leadership and personal vocation. Students reflect on their future roles as ethical leaders in society. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT870 — Current Issues in Organizational Governance: This course surveys contemporary challenges and trends in the governance of organizations, emphasizing adaptability and resilience. Critical thinking is applied to case studies of institutional leadership. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP880 — Doctoral Synthesis Seminar: This seminar brings together doctoral candidates to discuss the integration of theory, research, and ethics in preparation for post-graduation service. Students present their personal leadership philosophies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation represents the culminating academic experience for the Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Strategic Leadership, serving as an original contribution to the discipline. Students are expected to identify a significant problem within the field of leadership ethics, conduct rigorous empirical or theoretical research, and propose a comprehensive solution that reflects scholarly maturity and an informed, faith-based perspective on organizational stewardship. The project must demonstrate a high degree of integration between academic rigor and moral reasoning, illustrating the student's ability to navigate the complexities of ethical leadership with character and wisdom.
• Spanning the final three semesters for a total of 12 credit hours, the Dissertation process involves the selection of a faculty supervisory committee, the approval of a formal proposal, the execution of the study, and a final oral defense. The resulting document must be a synthesis of professional expertise and spiritual formation, showcasing how the scholar addresses systemic challenges while upholding the values of service and integrity. Through this rigorous endeavor, students demonstrate their readiness to lead organizations toward their stated missions with both professional competence and profound ethical foresight.

Career Opportunities

• Executive Director of Faith-Based Nonprofits
• Organizational Development Consultant
• Academic Faculty in Leadership Studies
• Director of Ethics and Governance
• Chief Operations Officer for Mission-Driven Organizations
• Higher Education Administrator
• Strategic Advisor for Community Engagement 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 Strategic 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 Faith-Based Strategic 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 | Foundations of Doctoral Research | 3 | None
• MGT705 | Strategic Leadership Theory | 3 | None
• ETH710 | Foundations of Christian Ethics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES720 | Advanced Qualitative Research | 3 | RES700
• MGT725 | Organizational Culture and Change | 3 | MGT705
• ETH730 | Ethics of Power and Authority | 4 | ETH710
• MIN740 | Spiritual Formation for Leaders | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES750 | Advanced Quantitative Research | 3 | RES700
• MGT755 | Stewardship and Resource Management | 3 | MGT705
• ETH760 | Ethical Decision-Making in Policy | 3 | ETH710
• RES770 | Dissertation Proposal Development | 3 | RES750
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT800 | Global Leadership and Contexts | 3 | None
• ETH810 | Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation | 3 | ETH710
• DIS801 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES770
• EDU820 | Mentorship and Leadership Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS802 | Dissertation Research II | 4 | DIS801
• BUS830 | Strategic Communication in Leadership | 3 | None
• SOC840 | Community Engagement and Impact | 3 | None
• MGT850 | Systems Thinking for Leaders | 3 | MGT705
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS803 | Dissertation Completion and Defense | 4 | DIS802
• ETH860 | Professionalism and Ethical Leadership | 3 | None
• MGT870 | Current Issues in Organizational Governance | 3 | None
• CAP880 | Doctoral Synthesis Seminar | 3 | None