Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Theatre Arts, Specialization in Performing Arts Community Engagement

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Theatre Arts

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

Four to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, research progress, and dissertation completion

Advanced faith-based theatre arts theory and specialization

30 credit hours

Research methods, statistics, and scholarly inquiry

24 credit hours

Professional leadership and higher-education teaching

15 credit hours

Advanced electives and concentration courses

18 credit hours

Scholarly writing and publication

9 credit hours

Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy

6 credit hours

Program Details

• Total Credits: 120
• Duration: 3 years
• Degree Level: PhD

Dissertation research and defense

• 18 credit hours
• Total
• 120 semester credit hours
• The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Theatre Arts, with a specialization in Performing Arts Community Engagement, offers an advanced, research-oriented curriculum designed for scholars and practitioners seeking to integrate artistic excellence with profound social and community impact. This program examines the intersection of theatre theory, cultural anthropology, and organizational stewardship, empowering students to lead arts-based initiatives that address systemic needs within diverse community contexts. Through rigorous academic inquiry, participants develop the capacity to leverage performance as a vehicle for ethical exploration, dialogue, and communal restoration. Students engage with foundational aesthetic theories while simultaneously cultivating leadership skills grounded in principles of servant leadership and administrative excellence. The curriculum facilitates a holistic synthesis of artistic innovation and ethical practice, ensuring that graduates are equipped to navigate the complexities of public and community-facing arts environments with academic rigor and moral clarity.
• The Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Theatre Arts is a research-intensive doctoral program emphasizing advanced faith-based theatre arts theory, original research, quantitative and qualitative methodology, scholarly publication, higher-education teaching, ethical leadership, and the development and evaluation of faith-based theatre arts-support programs.
• 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 student's remaining coursework and anticipated completion time. A student receiving the maximum transfer-credit award must complete at least 80 semester credit hours through the University.
• The Ph.D. requires successful completion of all required coursework, comprehensive examinations, admission to doctoral candidacy, approval of a dissertation proposal, original scholarly research, submission of an approved written dissertation, 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.

Dissertation Development I

• 6
• RES870
• CHR898
• Professional Formation and Ethics
• 3
• None
• THE880 — Aesthetics and Community Value: Examination of how aesthetic experiences contribute to personal and communal health. Students evaluate the value of art beyond traditional entertainment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT890 — Leadership in Diverse Environments: Leadership training centered on cultural competence and inclusion. Encourages students to cultivate environments of respect and growth. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS895 — Dissertation Development I: Initial phases of dissertation writing, focusing on synthesis of findings and structuring arguments. Emphasis on academic precision and integration of research. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR898 — Professional Formation and Ethics: Reflective course on the integration of faith, integrity, and career practice. Focuses on maintaining high ethical standards in professional settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Development II

• 6
• DIS895
• DIS901

Dissertation Defense

• 3
• DIS900
• CAP899

Capstone Portfolio Synthesis

• 3
• None
• THE897
• Special Topics in Community Arts
• 3
• None
• DIS900 — Dissertation Development II: Completion of the dissertation writing process, including final reviews and committee defense preparation. Final delivery of research findings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS901 — Dissertation Defense: Final presentation and defense of the doctoral research before a faculty committee. Demonstration of scholarly mastery and field contribution. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP899 — Capstone Portfolio Synthesis: Synthesis of academic coursework, service experiences, and research findings into a career-ready portfolio. Focuses on future professional impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE897 — Special Topics in Community Arts: Seminar on emerging trends in community arts and performance. Students synthesize knowledge to discuss future field directions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation represents the pinnacle of the doctoral experience, requiring students to execute an original, substantive research project that contributes significantly to the field of community-engaged theatre. Candidates are tasked with identifying a specific community-based challenge, conducting exhaustive literature reviews, and applying qualitative or quantitative methodologies to propose evidence-based solutions that reflect a commitment to ethical service and stewardship. This 12-credit capstone ensures that students not only demonstrate mastery of their disciplinary subject matter but also articulate how their findings promote the flourishing of individuals and communities within a faith-based framework.
• Throughout the dissertation process, students integrate Christian worldview principles, demonstrating how their research reflects academic competence alongside a deep commitment to social responsibility and character development. The final product must demonstrate the scholar’s ability to synthesize high-level theoretical research with the practical realities of non-profit community engagement, ultimately proving that their work aligns with the institution's values of professional integrity, spiritual formation, and purposeful leadership.

Dissertation research and defense | 18 credit hours

• Total | 120 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THE701 | Advanced Theatre Theory | 3 | None
• RES705 | Qualitative Research Methods | 3 | None
• MGT710 | Nonprofit Organizational Stewardship | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THE720 | Community Performance Practices | 4 | THE701
• RES715 | Quantitative Data Analysis | 4 | RES705
• HUM730 | Ethics in Public Performance | 3 | None
• COM740 | Advanced Strategic Communication | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THE805 | Pedagogy and Arts Leadership | 3 | None
• SOC810 | Sociology of the Arts | 3 | None
• MGT820 | Strategic Arts Management | 4 | MGT710
• RES830 | Advanced Research Proposal Seminar | 4 | RES715
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THE840 | Drama for Conflict Transformation | 3 | THE720
• HIS850 | History of Socially Engaged Art | 3 | None
• SOC860 | Sociology of Service and Community Development | 3 | None
• RES870 | Independent Research Study | 4 | RES830
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THE880 | Aesthetics and Community Value | 3 | None
• MGT890 | Leadership in Diverse Environments | 3 | MGT820
• DIS895 | Dissertation Development I | 6 | RES870
• CHR898 | Professional Formation and Ethics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS900 | Dissertation Development II | 6 | DIS895
• DIS901 | Dissertation Defense | 3 | DIS900
• CAP899 | Capstone Portfolio Synthesis | 3 | None
• THE897 | Special Topics in Community Arts | 3 | None

Career Opportunities

• University Professor of Theatre and Arts Administration
• Director of Community Arts Engagement for Nonprofit Organizations
• Executive Director of Faith-Based Performing Arts Centers
• Arts Policy Consultant for Public and Private Institutions
• Director of Educational Outreach for Theatrical Companies
• Researcher in Cultural Policy and Social Impact
• Nonprofit Development Officer for Community Foundations

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 | Ph.D. in Faith-Based Theatre Arts
• 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 | Four to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, research progress, and dissertation completion
• Advanced faith-based theatre arts theory and specialization | 30 credit hours
• Research methods, statistics, and scholarly inquiry | 24 credit hours
• Professional leadership and higher-education teaching | 15 credit hours
• Advanced electives and concentration courses | 18 credit hours
• Scholarly writing and publication | 9 credit hours
• Comprehensive examination and doctoral candidacy | 6 credit hours