Doctor of Philosophy in Theology, Ethics, Specialization in Leadership

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Theology, Ethics, Specialization in 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 theology, ethics, 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, Ethics, and Leadership is a rigorous, research-intensive program designed for scholars and practitioners seeking to integrate advanced theological inquiry with contemporary ethical frameworks and leadership theory. This program emphasizes the critical intersection of historical theological traditions and modern organizational dynamics, fostering a deep understanding of how faith-informed principles influence complex societal structures and leadership efficacy. By engaging with interdisciplinary research, students are equipped to lead with integrity, stewardship, and intellectual depth in diverse institutional environments.

Students will traverse advanced curricula that synthesize philosophical methodology, systemic ethical analysis, and organizational behavioral theory. Through a combination of seminar-based learning and original research, candidates develop the capacity to contribute meaningful new knowledge to the fields of theology and institutional leadership. This program fosters an environment of rigorous academic inquiry that prioritizes the development of ethical discernment and the application of servant leadership within multifaceted professional contexts.

The Doctor of Education in Theology, Ethics, Specialization in Leadership is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced theology, ethics, and specialization in 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 theology, ethics, and specialization in 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 Seminar: Proposal Development

• 4
• RES730
• ETH830
• Contemporary Ethical Issues in Leadership
• 3
• ETH715
• THE805 — Advanced Hermeneutics in Contemporary Contexts: This course explores advanced hermeneutical theories and their application to current organizational and cultural narratives. Students develop techniques for interpreting texts and cultural events within a diverse, global landscape. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT810 — Governance, Board Relations, and Ethics: Students examine the dynamics of institutional governance, board development, and fiduciary responsibility. The course emphasizes the maintenance of ethical integrity and transparency within leadership hierarchies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES820 — Dissertation Seminar: Proposal Development: This seminar guides students through the structured development of their dissertation proposal, including the problem statement, literature review, and methodology. Students receive peer and faculty feedback to refine their research trajectories. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ETH830 — Contemporary Ethical Issues in Leadership: This course addresses pressing ethical challenges in modern society, such as technology, digital presence, and social equity. Students apply moral reasoning to navigate complex dilemmas in leadership positions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Capstone: Ethical Leadership Synthesis

• 4
• RES880
• BUS895
• Legal and Regulatory Environments in Nonprofit Management
• 3
• BUS745
• THE899
• Directed Study in Applied Theology
• 3
• THE805
• RES880 — Advanced Dissertation Research II: This final phase focuses on the completion of the dissertation manuscript, final revisions, and preparation for the oral defense. Students consolidate their research to present a coherent, scholarly contribution to the field. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP890 — Capstone: Ethical Leadership Synthesis: The capstone project requires a final comprehensive presentation integrating theological depth, ethical reasoning, and leadership application within an organizational case study. Students demonstrate their ability to apply academic concepts to real-world institutional sustainability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS895 — Legal and Regulatory Environments in Nonprofit Management: Students examine the legal frameworks and regulatory compliance issues affecting nonprofit and community-serving entities. The course emphasizes maintaining ethical and legal standards in the management of organizational resources. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE899 — Directed Study in Applied Theology: This course allows for in-depth individual research on specific theological or ethical topics relevant to the student's dissertation and future professional goals. Students work closely with a mentor to tailor their research outcomes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation serves as the final, cumulative expression of the student's mastery in the field, requiring a significant, original contribution to theological and ethical scholarship. Students identify a research problem that requires an interdisciplinary approach, integrating complex theological discourse, rigorous ethical analysis, and applied leadership theory. The scope of this work must be sufficient to demonstrate the student's ability to conduct independent, high-level research while maintaining alignment with the institution’s commitment to service and ethical stewardship.
• The dissertation process is evaluated through a formal proposal, a series of departmental reviews, and a final oral defense. Throughout the project, candidates must articulate how their findings reflect a commitment to servant leadership, spiritual formation, and an ethically informed worldview. This academic work confirms the student's ability to synthesize intellectual rigor with faith-based values, preparing them for influential service in their respective professional and community spheres. This 12-credit requirement ensures that graduates have mastered both the conceptual framework and the practical implementation of faith-informed, community-oriented leadership.

Career Opportunities

• Seminary Professor or Academic Administrator
• Nonprofit Organization Executive Leader
• Ethical Consultant for Organizational Governance
• Director of Community Outreach and Development
• Religious Research Scholar
• Senior Pastor or Ministerial Leadership Strategist
• Policy Analyst for Faith-Based Public 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 Theology, Ethics, Specialization in 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 theology, ethics, 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
• RES701 | Advanced Research Methodology | 3 | None
• THE702 | Systematic Theology and Ethical Systems | 3 | None
• MGT703 | Organizational Leadership Theory | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THE710 | Theology of Stewardship and Economics | 3 | THE702
• MGT712 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 3 | MGT703
• ETH715 | Applied Ethics for Global Institutions | 3 | THE702
• RES720 | Quantitative Data Analysis for Research | 3 | RES701
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES730 | Qualitative Inquiry and Field Research | 3 | RES701
• MGT735 | Conflict Resolution and Institutional Peacebuilding | 3 | MGT703
• THE740 | Theological Foundations of Social Justice | 3 | THE702
• BUS745 | Strategic Planning for Mission-Driven Entities | 3 | MGT703
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THE805 | Advanced Hermeneutics in Contemporary Contexts | 3 | THE702
• MGT810 | Governance, Board Relations, and Ethics | 3 | MGT703
• RES820 | Dissertation Seminar: Proposal Development | 4 | RES730
• ETH830 | Contemporary Ethical Issues in Leadership | 3 | ETH715
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES850 | Advanced Dissertation Research I | 6 | RES820
• EDU855 | Pedagogy and Higher Education Administration | 3 | None
• MIN860 | Spiritual Formation and Character Development | 3 | None
• COM865 | Professional Communication for Leaders | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES880 | Advanced Dissertation Research II | 6 | RES850
• CAP890 | Capstone: Ethical Leadership Synthesis | 4 | RES880
• BUS895 | Legal and Regulatory Environments in Nonprofit Management | 3 | BUS745
• THE899 | Directed Study in Applied Theology | 3 | THE805