Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Global Leadership

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Global Leadership

Total program length

120 semester credit hours

Normal completion time

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

Academic unit

HBIU College of Leadership

Total credits

120

Duration

3 years

• Analyze complex organizational structures using advanced leadership theories and systemic models.
• Evaluate the impact of ethical stewardship and servant leadership principles on global organizational performance.
• Design rigorous, original research that addresses critical issues within leadership and community development sectors.
• Integrate Christian worldview perspectives into administrative decision-making and strategic planning processes.
• Communicate scholarly findings effectively to diverse audiences in both professional and academic settings.
• Develop sustainable, evidence-based strategies to foster growth and resilience within diverse community organizations.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES701
• Advanced Research Methodologies
• 4
• None
• LDR705
• Global Leadership Foundations
• 3
• None
• THE710
• Ethical Stewardship and Philosophy
• 3
• None
• RES701 — Advanced Research Methodologies: Students examine quantitative and qualitative research designs necessary for doctoral inquiry. The focus is on critical data analysis and valid methodological selection. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LDR705 — Global Leadership Foundations: This course analyzes historical and contemporary leadership models within a global framework. Students assess how diverse cultural paradigms influence administrative practices. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE710 — Ethical Stewardship and Philosophy: An exploration of philosophical traditions and their application to modern organizational stewardship. Participants focus on ethical decision-making in complex systems. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES715
• Quantitative Data Analysis
• 4
• RES701
• LDR720
• Servant Leadership in Practice
• 3
• LDR705
• BUS725
• Global Organizational Strategy
• 3
• None
• RES730
• Qualitative Inquiry
• 3
• RES701
• RES715 — Quantitative Data Analysis: A deep dive into statistical software and advanced data analysis for social science research. Emphasis is placed on interpreting datasets to inform strategic decision-making. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LDR720 — Servant Leadership in Practice: This course evaluates the application of servant leadership principles in diverse organizational cultures. Students develop frameworks for fostering community and growth. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS725 — Global Organizational Strategy: Study of long-term planning and operational strategy for global nonprofit organizations. Focus includes scalability and resource management in international markets. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES730 — Qualitative Inquiry: Methods for conducting thematic analysis, case studies, and phenomenology. Students learn to extract meaningful insights from qualitative narratives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• LDR735
• Cross-Cultural Organizational Dynamics
• 4
• None
• BUS740
• Nonprofit Resource Management
• 3
• None
• PSY745
• Psychology of Executive Development
• 3
• None
• RES750
• Advanced Literature Review
• 3
• RES701
• LDR735 — Cross-Cultural Organizational Dynamics: An investigation into cultural intelligence and organizational behavior in international settings. Students assess how local customs affect global mission execution. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS740 — Nonprofit Resource Management: Strategies for fiscal management and human capital development in mission-driven organizations. Emphasizes sustainability and capacity building. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY745 — Psychology of Executive Development: This course examines the behavioral and psychological frameworks essential for personal leadership growth and self-regulation in professional environments. It emphasizes the development of reflective practice and emotional intelligence required for long-term career effectiveness. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES750 — Advanced Literature Review: Techniques for synthesizing academic literature to identify gaps in existing knowledge. Students refine their research focus through extensive synthesis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• LDR755
• Policy and Global Governance
• 4
• None
• BUS760
• Sustainable Community Development
• 3
• None
• RES765
• Dissertation Proposal Development
• 3
• RES750
• LDR770
• Systems Thinking and Change
• 3
• None
• LDR755 — Policy and Global Governance: Examines the legal and political frameworks surrounding international NGOs. Analyzes the role of governance in maintaining organizational transparency. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS760 — Sustainable Community Development: Evaluating models for community intervention and social transformation. Focuses on collaborative approaches to long-term community health. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES765 — Dissertation Proposal Development: Students formalize their research inquiry into a comprehensive proposal. This process involves intense drafting and faculty review. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LDR770 — Systems Thinking and Change: Application of systems theory to drive change within complex social organizations. Students practice diagnostic and intervention techniques. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES800
• Dissertation Research I
• 4
• RES765
• LDR805
• Strategic Leadership Workshop
• 3
• None
• THE810
• Applied Ethics for Global Leaders
• 3
• THE710
• LDR815
• Organizational Culture Development
• 3
• None
• RES800 — Dissertation Research I: Initial phases of data collection and fieldwork for the doctoral dissertation. Students work under faculty supervision to execute their methodology. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LDR805 — Strategic Leadership Workshop: Advanced workshop on solving contemporary leadership hurdles. Focuses on peer review and applied consulting strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE810 — Applied Ethics for Global Leaders: Advanced synthesis of ethical frameworks applied to global leadership challenges. Encourages the integration of values in high-stakes environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LDR815 — Organizational Culture Development: Research on building and maintaining positive organizational culture within diverse workforces. Focuses on retention and morale. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES820
• Dissertation Research II
• 4
• RES800
• CAP899
• Dissertation Defense
• 3
• RES820
• LDR825
• Global Trends in Philanthropy
• 3
• None
• LDR830
• Advocacy and Public Influence
• 3
• None
• RES820 — Dissertation Research II: Final phase of research completion, writing, and analytical reporting. Focuses on synthesizing findings for the final dissertation document. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP899 — Dissertation Defense: Formal submission and defense of the doctoral research project to the dissertation committee. Candidates demonstrate competency and scholarly rigor. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LDR825 — Global Trends in Philanthropy: Analysis of shifts in global funding and philanthropic trends. Students assess the impact on long-term sustainability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LDR830 — Advocacy and Public Influence: Strategies for engaging public discourse to support mission-driven initiatives. Focuses on clear, persuasive, and ethical communication. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must possess a master’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. A complete application includes official transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining research interests and leadership experience, two academic or professional references, and a curriculum vitae demonstrating at least three years of professional leadership experience. Dissertation Requirement The Dissertation serves as the terminal scholarly project for the PhD in Faith-Based Global Leadership, representing a significant contribution to the field. Students must identify a critical leadership problem, conduct an original empirical or theoretical study, and produce a dissertation that adheres to the highest standards of academic rigor. This process is supported by a faculty committee and emphasizes the development of original insights into administrative practice and global strategy. The dissertation encourages the substantive integration of faith-based principles, specifically exploring how ethical reasoning, servant leadership, and biblical stewardship inform solutions to contemporary organizational dilemmas. Through this research, students demonstrate both advanced cognitive mastery of their discipline and a commitment to character-informed leadership. The final deliverable requires a successful oral defense and formal submission, confirming the student's ability to operate as an independent scholar within a global, faith-informed context.

• To qualify for the degree, students must complete all 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Graduates must demonstrate satisfactory completion of the comprehensive examinations and the successful defense of the dissertation, ensuring both academic competence and the synthesis of research-based knowledge with ethical, faith-informed practices.
• Beyond academic requirements, students must demonstrate alignment with the university’s mission through consistent participation in spiritual formation activities, community service initiatives, and the practice of institutional core values. Graduation represents not only the attainment of doctoral-level proficiency but also the cultivation of a mature, character-driven approach to global service and professional stewardship.
• Career Opportunities
• International Non-Profit Executive Director
• Global Policy Consultant
• Academic Administrator
• Strategic Organizational Strategist
• Humanitarian Organization Program Director
• Ethical Leadership Consultant
• Community Development Liaison
• 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 Global 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 | Four to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, research progress, and dissertation completion
• Advanced faith-based global leadership 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
• Dissertation research and defense | 18 credit hours
• Total | 120 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES701 | Advanced Research Methodologies | 4 | None
• LDR705 | Global Leadership Foundations | 3 | None
• THE710 | Ethical Stewardship and Philosophy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES715 | Quantitative Data Analysis | 4 | RES701
• LDR720 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 3 | LDR705
• BUS725 | Global Organizational Strategy | 3 | None
• RES730 | Qualitative Inquiry | 3 | RES701
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• LDR735 | Cross-Cultural Organizational Dynamics | 4 | None
• BUS740 | Nonprofit Resource Management | 3 | None
• PSY745 | Psychology of Executive Development | 3 | None
• RES750 | Advanced Literature Review | 3 | RES701
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• LDR755 | Policy and Global Governance | 4 | None
• BUS760 | Sustainable Community Development | 3 | None
• RES765 | Dissertation Proposal Development | 3 | RES750
• LDR770 | Systems Thinking and Change | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES800 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES765
• LDR805 | Strategic Leadership Workshop | 3 | None
• THE810 | Applied Ethics for Global Leaders | 3 | THE710
• LDR815 | Organizational Culture Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES820 | Dissertation Research II | 4 | RES800
• CAP899 | Dissertation Defense | 3 | RES820
• LDR825 | Global Trends in Philanthropy | 3 | None
• LDR830 | Advocacy and Public Influence | 3 | None