Doctoratedegree
Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Theatre Arts
Credits120Duration3 yearsCourses11
Maximum approved transfer credit
Up to 40 semester credit hours
Minimum credits completed through the University after maximum transfer
80 semester credit hours
Advanced faith-based theatre arts 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 Theatre Arts, with a specialization in Performing Arts Community Engagement, is a terminal degree designed for scholar-practitioners committed to the intersection of artistic excellence and social impact. The program emphasizes the development of robust research methodologies, pedagogical expertise, and the creation of community-centered theatre initiatives that address contemporary social challenges through an ethical framework. Students engage in rigorous inquiry into the role of performance as a vehicle for public discourse, civic participation, and communal transformation, ensuring that artistic endeavors remain grounded in disciplined reflection and intentional practice.
Participants analyze historical and contemporary theories of performance, exploring how theatrical spaces serve as conduits for cultural dialogue and moral exploration. The curriculum fosters an environment where advanced research is synthesized with practical outreach strategies, enabling graduates to lead organizations that prioritize stewardship, servant leadership, and the cultivation of healthy social ecosystems. By integrating aesthetic theory with social engagement, the program prepares candidates to serve as informed leaders capable of navigating the complexities of the modern arts landscape while maintaining a firm commitment to the common good.
The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Theatre Arts is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based theatre arts 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 theatre arts-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.
View program & curriculum →Doctoratedegree
Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Dance, Specialization in Movement Therapy
Credits120Duration3 yearsCourses14
Maximum approved transfer credit
Up to 40 semester credit hours
Minimum credits completed through the University after maximum transfer
80 semester credit hours
Advanced faith-based dance 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 Dance with a specialization in Movement Therapy provides advanced interdisciplinary study at the intersection of somatic arts, psychology, and theological reflection. This program is designed for scholars and practitioners seeking to examine the role of movement as a restorative medium, emphasizing the stewardly use of the body within institutional and community settings. Students engage in rigorous academic inquiry into the mechanics of movement, the historical development of dance in civic contexts, and the philosophical frameworks that support human flourishing.
Through an integration of empirical research methods and ethical inquiry, candidates explore how movement facilitates personal growth and community cohesion. The curriculum challenges students to develop an advanced understanding of dance theory while fostering an environment of servant leadership and intellectual humility. By examining the synergy between bodily expression and communal responsibility, this program prepares doctoral graduates to serve in various professional sectors where the alignment of academic expertise and mission-driven service is required.
The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Dance is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based dance 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 dance-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.
View program & curriculum →Doctoratedegree
Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Fine Arts in Music Production, Specialization in Music Production
Credits120Duration3 yearsCourses21
The Doctor of Philosophy in Fine Arts in Music Production is an advanced research and practice-based terminal degree designed for music professionals seeking to integrate technical mastery with sophisticated aesthetic inquiry and ethical leadership. The curriculum explores the intersection of creative sound design, production technology, and the humanities, emphasizing the role of the music producer as a cultural steward within a global society. Through rigorous engagement with both industry-standard production methodologies and critical theory, students develop the capacity to lead creative projects that reflect excellence and purpose. This program cultivates a deep understanding of the sonic landscape, preparing scholars to innovate within the recording arts while maintaining a commitment to professional integrity and the development of sustainable, community-oriented musical expressions. By synthesizing technical proficiency with a reflective, faith-informed perspective on art and culture, graduates are equipped to influence the music industry as practitioners, educators, and thoughtful leaders who prioritize artistic stewardship and ethical engagement.
View program & curriculum →Masterdegree
Master of Arts in Faith-Based Dance, Specialization in Movement Therapy
Credits60Duration2 yearsCourses16
Advanced faith-based dance and movement therapy core
27 credit hours
Research, assessment, and program evaluation
12 credit hours
Professional application and field experience
12 credit hours
Graduate capstone requirement
9 credit hours
The Master of Arts in Faith-Based Dance, Specialization in Movement Therapy program at HBI University cultivates graduate-level scholars and practitioners who integrate the disciplines of dance, somatic practices, and theological understanding. This program is designed for individuals seeking to explore the profound connection between physical expression, therapeutic intervention, and spiritual formation within a faith-based context. Students will engage in rigorous academic inquiry and practical application, developing a nuanced understanding of how movement can facilitate holistic well-being and serve community needs.
The 60-credit master's program provides advanced preparation in faith-based dance and movement therapy theory, human behavior, ethics, assessment awareness, research, program evaluation, crisis response, leadership, referral, and faith-based dance and movement therapy-support services.
The graduate capstone may include: An applied research study; A community needs assessment; A faith-based dance and movement therapy-support program; A professional training manual; A program-development and evaluation project; Another faculty-approved scholarly project.
The program is designed for completion within two academic years by students maintaining the University's prescribed full-time course load. Part-time students may require additional time.
Florida establishes a minimum of 24 semester credits beyond the bachelor's degree for a master's program. The University's 60-credit requirement is an institutional academic standard that exceeds that minimum.
View program & curriculum →