Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Leadership Studies

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Leadership Studies

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 leadership theories and their application within organizational and community contexts.
• Evaluate diverse research methodologies to design and conduct original scholarly inquiries that address gaps in leadership knowledge.
• Design strategic organizational frameworks that promote servant leadership, ethical stewardship, and community impact.
• Integrate philosophical and ethical dimensions of leadership into comprehensive strategies for institutional development.
• Communicate scholarly findings effectively through advanced writing and oral presentation in academic and professional forums.
• Demonstrate a high degree of professional integrity and personal character development as foundational elements of leadership.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES700
• Advanced Research Methodology
• 3
• None
• LDR701
• Foundations of Ethical Leadership
• 3
• None
• LDR702
• Organizational Stewardship and Governance
• 3
• None
• RES700 — Advanced Research Methodology: This course examines qualitative and quantitative research designs relevant to leadership studies. Students analyze empirical data to support organizational decision-making. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LDR701 — Foundations of Ethical Leadership: This course explores the philosophical underpinnings of ethical leadership and its impact on institutional culture. Students analyze the role of servant leadership in diverse organizational contexts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LDR702 — Organizational Stewardship and Governance: This course evaluates principles of effective governance and financial stewardship within mission-driven entities. Students design frameworks for long-term organizational sustainability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES710
• Quantitative Data Analysis for Leaders
• 4
• RES700
• LDR715
• Conflict Resolution and Mediation
• 4
• None
• LDR720
• Global Leadership Perspectives
• 4
• None
• RES725
• Qualitative Inquiry in Leadership
• 4
• RES700
• RES710 — Quantitative Data Analysis for Leaders: This course focuses on the application of statistical methods to evaluate institutional performance and outcomes. Students gain proficiency in analytical software for research purposes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LDR715 — Conflict Resolution and Mediation: This course examines strategies for navigating interpersonal and systemic conflict within organizations. Students analyze communication styles that foster reconciliation and organizational health. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LDR720 — Global Leadership Perspectives: This course explores leadership dynamics in a globalized, multicultural context. Students synthesize cross-cultural communication techniques for effective mission delivery. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES725 — Qualitative Inquiry in Leadership: This course investigates interpretive research methods including case studies and ethnographic approaches. Students develop skills in coding and thematic analysis of interview data. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• LDR800
• Strategic Organizational Planning
• 4
• None
• LDR805
• Change Management and Organizational Development
• 4
• None
• HIS810
• History of Leadership thought
• 4
• None
• LDR815
• Human Resource Management in Nonprofits
• 4
• None
• LDR800 — Strategic Organizational Planning: This course guides students in developing comprehensive strategic plans that align resources with mission-driven objectives. Students apply systems thinking to address complex institutional challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LDR805 — Change Management and Organizational Development: This course examines evidence-based strategies for leading through organizational change. Students design interventions to improve institutional effectiveness and cultural alignment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS810 — History of Leadership thought: This course explores the evolution of leadership concepts from antiquity to the present. Students analyze the impact of historical thinkers on modern institutional practices. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LDR815 — Human Resource Management in Nonprofits: This course focuses on talent development, volunteer management, and personnel policies for ethical organizations. Students design strategies for fostering personnel professional growth. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• LDR820
• Public Policy and Institutional Advocacy
• 4
• None
• RES825
• Dissertation Seminar I: Proposal Development
• 4
• RES725
• LDR830
• Advanced Fundraising and Resource Development
• 4
• None
• COM835
• Public Relations and Organizational Communications
• 4
• None
• LDR820 — Public Policy and Institutional Advocacy: This course examines the intersection of public policy and private organizational impact. Students analyze how legislative frameworks influence mission delivery and community engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES825 — Dissertation Seminar I: Proposal Development: This seminar facilitates the creation of a formal dissertation proposal. Students receive critique on their research questions, literature review, and methodology design. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LDR830 — Advanced Fundraising and Resource Development: This course investigates strategies for sustainable resource acquisition, including grants and philanthropy. Students synthesize ethical principles into fundraising frameworks. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM835 — Public Relations and Organizational Communications: This course analyzes effective communication strategies for nonprofit and mission-driven entities. Students design multi-channel communication plans for stakeholders and communities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES840
• Dissertation Seminar II: Data Collection
• 4
• RES825
• LDR845
• Integrative Leadership Practicum
• 4
• None
• LDR850
• Social Justice and Community Engagement
• 4
• None
• LDR855
• Advanced Leadership Seminar
• 4
• None
• RES840 — Dissertation Seminar II: Data Collection: This course supports the execution of primary data collection phases in the doctoral research process. Students engage in ongoing review of ethical considerations and data management. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LDR845 — Integrative Leadership Practicum: This course requires students to apply leadership theory in a mentored professional setting. Students demonstrate servant leadership and critical problem-solving skills in real-time. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LDR850 — Social Justice and Community Engagement: This course evaluates methods for community engagement that address systemic needs. Students design programs that utilize institutional resources for local community empowerment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• LDR855 — Advanced Leadership Seminar: This capstone seminar synthesizes all core concepts of the doctoral curriculum. Students reflect on their personal leadership journey and professional objectives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP899
• Dissertation Defense
• 4
• RES840
• RES860
• Dissertation Research and Writing
• 4
• RES840
• RES865
• Scholarly Publication and Dissemination
• 4
• RES840
• RES870
• Advanced Statistical Review
• 3
• RES840
• CAP899 — Dissertation Defense: This final course involves the formal submission and oral defense of the doctoral dissertation. Students demonstrate mastery of their research topic and field of study. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES860 — Dissertation Research and Writing: This course allows for the finalization and refinement of the dissertation manuscript. Students work closely with committee advisors to prepare for final submission. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES865 — Scholarly Publication and Dissemination: This course examines the processes of peer-review and scholarly publishing. Students refine their research for publication in academic journals or professional platforms. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES870 — Advanced Statistical Review: This final advisory meeting confirms the mathematical and analytical rigor of the dissertation project. Students ensure all data integrity protocols have been satisfied. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission to the Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Leadership Studies requires a completed Master’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25. Applicants must submit a formal application, official transcripts, three letters of professional or academic recommendation, a curriculum vitae, and a personal statement outlining their research interests and professional objectives. Additionally, candidates participate in an admissions interview to assess their readiness for advanced scholarly work and their alignment with the mission of the institution. Dissertation Requirement The Dissertation serves as the culminating academic experience for the PhD program, requiring the student to contribute original knowledge to the field of leadership studies. Spanning 12 credit hours, the dissertation process mandates the identification of a significant research problem, a comprehensive literature review, the application of rigorous methodology, and the analysis of data. Students are expected to produce a high-quality scholarly document that reflects critical engagement with their chosen subject matter and demonstrates mastery of academic discourse. Integration of faith-based perspectives is a central component of the dissertation process, requiring students to articulate how their research addresses ethical reasoning, servant leadership, and stewardship. Students must demonstrate how their academic inquiry aligns with their personal faith-informed character, ensuring that their research contributes not only to intellectual discourse but also to the betterment of organizational and community life. The dissertation stands as a testament to the candidate’s ability to synthesize academic competence with a commitment to integrity and principled service.

• Graduation from the PhD program requires the successful completion of 120 total credit hours, including 35 transfer credits and 85 credits of doctoral coursework, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. In addition to academic coursework, students must successfully defend their dissertation before a faculty committee. The program demands a rigorous adherence to ethical conduct and institutional standards, ensuring that all academic achievements are commensurate with the scholar’s professional and character development.
• Furthermore, candidates are expected to demonstrate ongoing engagement in spiritual formation and community service, reflecting the program’s emphasis on the holistic development of the leader. Successful candidates must demonstrate not only academic expertise but also the capacity to serve with empathy, integrity, and intellectual humility. Graduation serves as a formal recognition of the scholar’s readiness to assume leadership roles that prioritize the common good and the flourishing of faith-informed organizational missions.
• Career Opportunities
• Nonprofit Executive Leadership
• Academic Research and Teaching
• Organizational Strategy Consultant
• Philanthropic Program Director
• Faith-Based Institutional Administration
• Public Policy Advisor
• Community Development Coordinator
• 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 Leadership Studies
• 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 leadership studies 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
• RES700 | Advanced Research Methodology | 3 | None
• LDR701 | Foundations of Ethical Leadership | 3 | None
• LDR702 | Organizational Stewardship and Governance | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES710 | Quantitative Data Analysis for Leaders | 4 | RES700
• LDR715 | Conflict Resolution and Mediation | 4 | None
• LDR720 | Global Leadership Perspectives | 4 | None
• RES725 | Qualitative Inquiry in Leadership | 4 | RES700
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• LDR800 | Strategic Organizational Planning | 4 | None
• LDR805 | Change Management and Organizational Development | 4 | None
• HIS810 | History of Leadership thought | 4 | None
• LDR815 | Human Resource Management in Nonprofits | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• LDR820 | Public Policy and Institutional Advocacy | 4 | None
• RES825 | Dissertation Seminar I: Proposal Development | 4 | RES725
• LDR830 | Advanced Fundraising and Resource Development | 4 | None
• COM835 | Public Relations and Organizational Communications | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES840 | Dissertation Seminar II: Data Collection | 4 | RES825
• LDR845 | Integrative Leadership Practicum | 4 | None
• LDR850 | Social Justice and Community Engagement | 4 | None
• LDR855 | Advanced Leadership Seminar | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP899 | Dissertation Defense | 4 | RES840
• RES860 | Dissertation Research and Writing | 4 | RES840
• RES865 | Scholarly Publication and Dissemination | 4 | RES840
• RES870 | Advanced Statistical Review | 3 | RES840