Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Theology, Specialization in Education

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Theology, Specialization in Education

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 theology 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 Theology, Specialization in Education, is a rigorous research-oriented degree program designed to equip scholars and practitioners with the advanced analytical, pedagogical, and theological skills necessary for leadership in higher education and non-profit contexts. Through a curriculum rooted in critical inquiry and ethical stewardship, students explore the intersection of classical theological tradition and modern educational theory. The program encourages the development of scholarly expertise alongside a commitment to servant leadership, fostering an intellectual environment where academic rigor meets practical application within the global community. By engaging in deep interdisciplinary study, doctoral candidates are challenged to contribute original research to the field of theology and education. This program facilitates intellectual growth while emphasizing the importance of ethical governance and character development in professional settings. Students benefit from mentorship and collaborative inquiry that prepares them to navigate complex societal issues through a lens of integrity and purposeful service.

The Doctor of Education in Theology, Specialization in Education is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced theology, specialization in education 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 theology, specialization in education-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 Proposal Seminar

• 3
• RES707
• CHR710
• Spiritual Formation and Character Development
• 3
• None
• THE708 — Theology and Ethics in Practice: Critical reflection on moral decision-making within the context of professional ministry and education. Students apply ethical principles to contemporary societal dilemmas. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU709 — Curriculum Development and Evaluation: Strategic development of curriculum frameworks based on learning theory and institutional assessment data. Emphasis is placed on longitudinal evaluation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES801 — Dissertation Proposal Seminar: Guided development of the dissertation proposal, including problem identification and literature review. Students refine their research questions and methodological plans. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR710 — Spiritual Formation and Character Development: Analysis of the integration of spiritual growth within professional academic and community service contexts. Students explore personal and corporate integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research I

• 4
• RES801
• EDU807
• Advanced Assessment Strategies
• 3
• EDU802
• THE808
• Current Issues in Theology and Education
• 3
• THE803
• CAP809

Capstone: Ethical Leadership in Practice

• 3
• All Core Courses
• RES806 — Dissertation Research I: Initial phase of independent dissertation research involving data collection and preliminary analysis under faculty supervision. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU807 — Advanced Assessment Strategies: Exploration of assessment paradigms including formative, summative, and institutional effectiveness metrics. Focuses on evidence-based improvement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE808 — Current Issues in Theology and Education: Seminar on contemporary debates bridging theological thought and educational reform. Students lead discussions and conduct comparative reviews. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP809 — Capstone: Ethical Leadership in Practice: Integrative project demonstrating the student's mastery of theological and leadership principles in an applied setting. Students synthesize their learning through a project report. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research II

• 4
• RES806
• RES811

Dissertation Research III

• 4
• RES810
• RES812
• Final Dissertation Defense
• 4
• RES811
• EDU813
• Professional Seminar in Higher Education
• 3
• All Core Courses
• RES810 — Dissertation Research II: Continued research and advanced writing of the dissertation findings, leading to the final defense. Focus is on synthesizing research with original arguments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES811 — Dissertation Research III: Completion of the dissertation manuscript and preparation for the oral defense. Candidates ensure the final document meets professional and academic standards. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES812 — Final Dissertation Defense: The final stage of the doctoral program, involving the presentation and successful defense of the dissertation before a faculty committee. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU813 — Professional Seminar in Higher Education: Capstone seminar focusing on the transition to faculty and administrative roles in higher education. Students prepare portfolios and professional development plans. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The dissertation serves as the culminating scholarly endeavor of the doctoral program, requiring students to execute an original research project that advances the field of theology and education. Spanning 12 credit hours, the dissertation process demands rigorous academic investigation, precise methodological execution, and the ability to articulate findings that address significant challenges within educational or non-profit sectors. Candidates work closely with a faculty committee to ensure the scope of the project remains focused, academically sound, and aligned with institutional research standards.
• Beyond technical mastery, the dissertation provides a platform for candidates to synthesize their theological formation with their research inquiry. Students are expected to demonstrate how their work reflects principles of biblical stewardship, servant leadership, and ethical integrity, effectively bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and actionable service to the community. This project serves as a capstone of both intellectual achievement and character development, confirming the graduate’s readiness to lead with vision and moral clarity in their chosen field. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Career Opportunities

• Higher Education Professor
• Seminary Administrator
• Non-profit Educational Program Director
• Theological Research Analyst
• Academic Dean
• Community Development Consultant
• Faith-based Organizational Strategist

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 Theology, Specialization in Education
• 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 theology 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
• THE701 | Foundations of Systematic Theology | 3 | None
• EDU702 | Educational Theory and Philosophy | 3 | None
• RES703 | Advanced Academic Research Methods | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THE704 | Biblical Hermeneutics for Educators | 3 | THE701
• EDU705 | Pedagogy and Instructional Design | 3 | EDU702
• MGT706 | Servant Leadership in Higher Education | 4 | None
• RES707 | Data Analysis in Social Sciences | 3 | RES703
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THE708 | Theology and Ethics in Practice | 3 | THE701
• EDU709 | Curriculum Development and Evaluation | 4 | EDU705
• RES801 | Dissertation Proposal Seminar | 3 | RES707
• CHR710 | Spiritual Formation and Character Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU802 | Diversity and Global Perspectives in Education | 3 | EDU709
• THE803 | Ecclesiology and Community Engagement | 3 | THE708
• RES804 | Advanced Qualitative Research | 4 | RES707
• MGT805 | Stewardship and Resource Management | 3 | MGT706
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES806 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES801
• EDU807 | Advanced Assessment Strategies | 3 | EDU802
• THE808 | Current Issues in Theology and Education | 3 | THE803
• CAP809 | Capstone: Ethical Leadership in Practice | 3 | All Core Courses
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES810 | Dissertation Research II | 4 | RES806
• RES811 | Dissertation Research III | 4 | RES810
• RES812 | Final Dissertation Defense | 4 | RES811
• EDU813 | Professional Seminar in Higher Education | 3 | All Core Courses