Doctor of Philosophy in 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 education 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-intensive program designed to cultivate scholars and practitioners who bridge the gap between theological inquiry and pedagogical practice. This doctoral program provides an advanced exploration of biblical studies, historical theology, and educational theory, fostering a deep understanding of the intersection between academic excellence and moral formation. Through critical analysis and interdisciplinary engagement, students are equipped to lead in academic, administrative, and organizational environments with wisdom and integrity.

Students engage with diverse methodologies to investigate contemporary challenges in the field of education. The curriculum emphasizes the integration of intellectual depth with the principles of stewardship, servant leadership, and the critical application of ethical frameworks within scholarly inquiry. By the conclusion of the program, candidates are prepared to contribute significant research to their respective fields, reflecting a professional commitment to faith-informed service and academic rigor.

The Doctor of Education in Theology, Specialization in Education is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced theology and 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 and 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: Doctorate

Dissertation Research I

• 6
• RES860
• THE885
• Ethics in Educational Leadership
• 3
• None
• EDU890
• Collaborative Pedagogy
• 3
• None
• THE895
• Theological Integration Seminar
• 3
• None
• CAP880 — Dissertation Research I: Initial phase of independent dissertation research under faculty mentorship. Involves primary data collection and systematic analysis of findings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE885 — Ethics in Educational Leadership: Advanced seminar on navigating moral dilemmas in leadership roles. Evaluates the application of ethical theories to complex interpersonal and organizational challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU890 — Collaborative Pedagogy: Examines models of collaborative teaching and learning across diverse disciplinary boundaries. Focuses on community engagement through active partnership. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE895 — Theological Integration Seminar: A capstone seminar integrating faith commitments with academic career goals. Students reflect on their development as servant leaders in their professional field. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Research II

• 6
• CAP880
• EDU900
• Professional Field Seminar
• 3
• None
• THE905
• Advanced Biblical Hermeneutics
• 3
• None
• EDU910
• Social Innovation in Education
• 3
• None
• CAP899 — Dissertation Research II: The concluding phase of the dissertation, involving the drafting, final defense, and approval of the scholarly manuscript. Demonstrates original contribution to the field. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU900 — Professional Field Seminar: Prepares students for entering the professional sphere as experts, focusing on institutional impact and career development. Evaluates best practices for professional presence. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE905 — Advanced Biblical Hermeneutics: Advanced analysis of contemporary hermeneutical methods and their implications for teaching and life. Focuses on the responsible application of text. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU910 — Social Innovation in Education: Explores innovative models for social change through educational initiatives. Analyzes how organizational mission drives sustainable growth. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Dissertation Requirement

• The Dissertation represents the culminating academic achievement of the PhD program, requiring 12 credit hours of dedicated research and writing. The purpose of this capstone is to allow students to demonstrate mastery in their specialization by conducting an original, empirical, or theoretical study that addresses a significant gap in the literature while reflecting an integration of theological ethics and educational practice.
• The scope of the dissertation includes identifying a research problem, executing a comprehensive literature review, employing advanced research methodologies, and presenting findings that adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity. Students are required to weave their Christian worldview throughout their analysis, demonstrating how their research contributes to the flourishing of community organizations and the promotion of servant leadership. The final deliverable is a high-quality manuscript and a formal oral defense before a committee of scholars, confirming the student's readiness for high-level professional inquiry and faith-informed service.

Career Opportunities

• Higher Education Professor
• Academic Dean
• Nonprofit Executive Director
• Curriculum Developer for Faith-Based Organizations
• Educational Policy Analyst
• Seminary Administrator
• Director of Community Engagement

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 education 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
• THE705 | Foundations of Systematic Theology | 3 | None
• EDU710 | Educational Philosophy and Stewardship | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THE720 | Biblical Ethics and Leadership | 4 | None
• EDU730 | Instructional Design and Strategy | 4 | None
• RES740 | Data Analysis for Doctoral Research | 4 | RES701
• THE750 | Spiritual Formation and Community | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• EDU801 | Higher Education Administration | 4 | None
• THE810 | Theology of Culture | 4 | None
• RES820 | Advanced Qualitative Inquiry | 4 | RES701
• EDU830 | Technology in Modern Education | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• THE840 | Christianity and Social Justice | 4 | None
• EDU850 | Program Development and Evaluation | 4 | None
• RES860 | Doctoral Research Proposal | 4 | RES820
• MGT870 | Strategic Leadership and Organizational Stewardship | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP880 | Dissertation Research I | 6 | RES860
• THE885 | Ethics in Educational Leadership | 3 | None
• EDU890 | Collaborative Pedagogy | 3 | None
• THE895 | Theological Integration Seminar | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP899 | Dissertation Research II | 6 | CAP880
• EDU900 | Professional Field Seminar | 3 | None
• THE905 | Advanced Biblical Hermeneutics | 3 | None
• EDU910 | Social Innovation in Education | 3 | None