Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Strategic Leadership

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Strategic 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 systems using advanced theoretical frameworks and empirical research methodologies.
• Evaluate the impact of ethical leadership and stewardship on organizational sustainability and community health.
• Design original, scholarly research that contributes new knowledge to the field of strategic leadership.
• Demonstrate advanced proficiency in professional communication, disseminating scholarly findings to academic and practitioner audiences.
• Integrate core values of servant leadership into strategic decision-making and policy formulation.
• Formulate strategic initiatives that reflect a commitment to social justice, community service, and professional integrity.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES701
• Advanced Research Methodologies
• 4
• None
• MGT705
• Theories of Organizational Strategy
• 4
• None
• THE710
• Ethical Foundations of Leadership
• 4
• None
• RES701 — Advanced Research Methodologies: This course examines qualitative and quantitative research designs applicable to the study of leadership. Students will refine their ability to conduct rigorous, peer-reviewed inquiry. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT705 — Theories of Organizational Strategy: Students investigate seminal and contemporary theories of organizational behavior and strategy. The focus is on aligning mission-driven goals with institutional execution. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE710 — Ethical Foundations of Leadership: This course explores the philosophical and ethical underpinnings of leadership in a pluralistic society. It emphasizes the role of moral agency in high-level decision-making. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES720
• Quantitative Data Analysis
• 4
• RES701
• MGT730
• Strategic Resource Management
• 4
• None
• BUS740
• Policy Development and Analysis
• 4
• None
• PSY750
• Psychology of Leadership and Change
• 4
• None
• RES720 — Quantitative Data Analysis: This course provides advanced training in statistical software and data interpretation for leadership research. It emphasizes the application of data to improve organizational efficiency. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT730 — Strategic Resource Management: Students learn to apply principles of fiscal stewardship and resource allocation in complex organizations. The course addresses long-term sustainability through prudent management. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS740 — Policy Development and Analysis: This course examines the processes of creating and implementing organizational and public policies. Students analyze the impact of policy on diverse communities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PSY750 — Psychology of Leadership and Change: This course investigates the psychological dynamics of leading individuals and groups through periods of organizational transition. It emphasizes empathetic and effective communication strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES805
• Qualitative Research and Ethnography
• 4
• RES701
• MGT810
• Organizational Culture and Diversity
• 4
• None
• BUS820
• Strategic Global Perspectives
• 4
• None
• MGT830
• Principles of Ethical Leadership and Personal Integrity
• 4
• None
• RES805 — Qualitative Research and Ethnography: This course teaches advanced qualitative methodologies including interviewing, focus groups, and participant observation. It focuses on understanding the human experience within organizational structures. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT810 — Organizational Culture and Diversity: Students analyze the intersection of internal culture and external community engagement. The focus is on fostering inclusive environments that align with mission objectives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS820 — Strategic Global Perspectives: This course explores the complexities of operating within global contexts and diverse regulatory frameworks. Students evaluate cross-cultural leadership challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT830 — Principles of Ethical Leadership and Personal Integrity: This course examines the role of moral philosophy, virtue ethics, and personal integrity in professional decision-making within complex organizational structures. It emphasizes the development of professional character traits required for long-term executive success and organizational resilience. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES840
• Dissertation Prospectus Seminar
• 4
• RES805
• MGT850
• Strategic Communication and Influence
• 4
• None
• BUS860
• Innovation and Creative Problem Solving
• 4
• None
• EDU870
• Pedagogy and Training in Leadership
• 4
• None
• RES840 — Dissertation Prospectus Seminar: Students work closely with faculty to refine their dissertation research questions and methodological approach. The course results in a formal prospectus submission. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT850 — Strategic Communication and Influence: This course covers advanced communication strategies for leaders navigating crisis, public relations, and stakeholder engagement. It stresses integrity in messaging. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS860 — Innovation and Creative Problem Solving: Students investigate models for innovation within resource-constrained environments. The focus is on creative stewardship of organizational potential. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU870 — Pedagogy and Training in Leadership: This course focuses on teaching and training methods for those preparing to educate or mentor future leaders. It includes curriculum design and instructional delivery. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP880
• Advanced Leadership Seminar
• 4
• None
• DIS900
• Dissertation Research I
• 4
• RES840
• DIS901
• Dissertation Research II
• 4
• DIS900
• DIS902
• Dissertation Research III
• 4
• DIS901
• CAP880 — Advanced Leadership Seminar: This integrative seminar synthesizes previous coursework into a cohesive philosophy of strategic leadership. Students reflect on their professional trajectory and future impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS900 — Dissertation Research I: Students begin the formal data collection and writing phase of the dissertation. This stage involves iterative feedback and rigorous analysis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS901 — Dissertation Research II: Continued development and writing of the dissertation project under faculty supervision. Focus remains on methodological consistency and synthesis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS902 — Dissertation Research III: The final stage of the dissertation, involving the completion of chapters and preparation for the defense. This emphasizes academic clarity and scholarly rigor. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• DIS990
• Doctoral Dissertation Defense
• 4
• DIS902
• MGT910
• Advanced Strategic Governance
• 4
• None
• BUS920
• Professional Ethics and Law
• 4
• None
• COM930
• Dissemination of Research
• 4
• None
• DIS990 — Doctoral Dissertation Defense: The final defense of the completed dissertation research before a committee of scholars. Successful defense completes the academic requirements for the degree. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT910 — Advanced Strategic Governance: This capstone elective explores the intricacies of board governance and executive oversight. It emphasizes the importance of accountability and mission alignment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS920 — Professional Ethics and Law: Students examine the legal and ethical landscapes of modern organizational management. The course focuses on risk management and regulatory compliance. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM930 — Dissemination of Research: This final course focuses on preparing scholarly work for publication or presentation at professional conferences. Students develop skills in translating complex research for broader audiences. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must hold a master's degree from a regionally or nationally recognized institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Admissions requires submission of official transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining research interests and professional goals, three letters of recommendation, and a writing sample demonstrating academic rigor. Evidence of prior graduate-level research or professional experience in a leadership capacity is highly encouraged as part of the holistic evaluation process. Dissertation Requirement The Dissertation serves as the culminating academic experience of the PhD program, requiring students to conduct original, independent research that makes a substantive contribution to the field of strategic leadership. This capstone is designed to challenge students to synthesize their theoretical coursework with practical application, resulting in a project that addresses a critical need within the organizational or community sectors. The scope of the work must demonstrate high-level critical thinking, methodological precision, and the capacity for scholarly inquiry. Students are expected to frame their research questions within the context of ethical leadership and organizational stewardship, ensuring that the findings offer value to contemporary practitioners. The deliverable is a comprehensive dissertation document that undergoes a rigorous defense before a faculty committee. This project represents the pinnacle of the student’s academic and professional formation, evidencing an ability to apply a faith-informed perspective to complex, real-world problems. By weaving together empirical data and ethical reasoning, students demonstrate how their work advances the mission of their respective professional environments while maintaining a steadfast commitment to character-informed leadership.

• To qualify for graduation, students must complete the total 120 credit hour requirement, which includes the successful defense of the dissertation and the fulfillment of all residency requirements. Candidates are required to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 throughout the duration of their doctoral study. Beyond academic achievement, graduation is contingent upon the demonstration of professional integrity and spiritual maturity, evaluated through engagement in communal life and alignment with institutional values. Graduation signifies not only the acquisition of advanced knowledge but also a readiness for service in various professional and community settings. Candidates must demonstrate that they have internalized the principles of ethical stewardship and are prepared to lead with compassion, discernment, and a commitment to the greater good. This holistic evaluation ensures that graduates are equipped both academically and characteristically for their future professional endeavors.
• Career Opportunities
• Executive Director of Nonprofit Organizations
• Organizational Strategy Consultant
• Academic Faculty in Leadership Studies
• Chief Operations Officer in Faith-Based Institutions
• Director of Community Development and Social Policy
• Public Policy Analyst
• Research Scholar in Strategic Governance
• 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 Strategic 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 strategic 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
• MGT705 | Theories of Organizational Strategy | 4 | None
• THE710 | Ethical Foundations of Leadership | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES720 | Quantitative Data Analysis | 4 | RES701
• MGT730 | Strategic Resource Management | 4 | None
• BUS740 | Policy Development and Analysis | 4 | None
• PSY750 | Psychology of Leadership and Change | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES805 | Qualitative Research and Ethnography | 4 | RES701
• MGT810 | Organizational Culture and Diversity | 4 | None
• BUS820 | Strategic Global Perspectives | 4 | None
• MGT830 | Principles of Ethical Leadership and Personal Integrity | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES840 | Dissertation Prospectus Seminar | 4 | RES805
• MGT850 | Strategic Communication and Influence | 4 | None
• BUS860 | Innovation and Creative Problem Solving | 4 | None
• EDU870 | Pedagogy and Training in Leadership | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP880 | Advanced Leadership Seminar | 4 | None
• DIS900 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES840
• DIS901 | Dissertation Research II | 4 | DIS900
• DIS902 | Dissertation Research III | 4 | DIS901
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS990 | Doctoral Dissertation Defense | 4 | DIS902
• MGT910 | Advanced Strategic Governance | 4 | None
• BUS920 | Professional Ethics and Law | 4 | None
• COM930 | Dissemination of Research | 4 | None