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Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Project Management, Specialization in Christian Leadership Management

Academic unitHBIU College of Business and Project ManagementTotal credits120Estimated duration3 years

Program Overview

Official program overview

Program Overview

Degree abbreviation

Ed.D. in Faith-Based Project Management

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 faith-based project management 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 Project Management, with a specialization in Christian Leadership Management, is an advanced interdisciplinary degree designed to cultivate scholar-practitioners capable of directing complex organizational initiatives. The curriculum bridges rigorous project management methodologies with the principles of ethical leadership, organizational stewardship, and human capital development. Students engage in critical inquiry to address contemporary challenges in mission-driven environments through the lens of systematic management theories and reflective practice.

Throughout this program, students explore the nexus between professional management excellence and the vocational requirements of service-oriented leadership. The program emphasizes a holistic approach to organizational health, requiring learners to evaluate institutional performance while maintaining a firm commitment to integrity, sustainable resource allocation, and collaborative governance. This rigorous doctoral experience is designed for individuals seeking to elevate their professional influence through scholarly research and applied management expertise.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Project Management is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based project management 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 project management-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 Facts

Program facts

Degree abbreviation
Ed.D. in Faith-Based Project Management
Total program length
120 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
Academic unit
HBIU College of Business and Project Management
Total credits
120
Duration
3 years

Program Description

Official program description

Learning Outcomes

Student learning outcomes

  • Analyze advanced project management frameworks within the context of organizational culture and strategic goals.
  • Evaluate the impact of leadership communication strategies on team performance and project success.
  • Design comprehensive research methodologies to address systemic challenges in nonprofit and mission-driven sectors.
  • Apply ethical decision-making models to complex management dilemmas involving personnel and resource allocation.
  • Integrate principles of biblical stewardship and servant leadership into organizational operational policies.
  • Develop original scholarship that contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the field of Christian leadership and project management.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • RES701
  • Research Design in Management
  • 3
  • None
  • MGT710
  • Advanced Organizational Theory
  • 3
  • None
  • LDR705
  • Ethics in Servant Leadership
  • 3
  • None
  • RES701 — Research Design in Management: Students examine quantitative and qualitative research methodologies suitable for management studies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT710 — Advanced Organizational Theory: Exploration of systemic organizational behavior and strategic alignment in modern environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • LDR705 — Ethics in Servant Leadership: An analysis of moral leadership frameworks centered on stewardship and community service. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • BUS720
  • Strategic Project Planning
  • 3
  • RES701
  • LDR715
  • Human Capital and Stewardship
  • 3
  • None
  • RES710
  • Statistical Analysis for Decision Making
  • 3
  • RES701
  • MGT730
  • Financial Stewardship and Budgeting
  • 3
  • None
  • BUS720 — Strategic Project Planning: Techniques for aligning long-term organizational goals with actionable project timelines. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • LDR715 — Human Capital and Stewardship: Strategies for managing human resources through the lens of ethical mentorship and development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • RES710 — Statistical Analysis for Decision Making: Advanced data analysis tools to support evidence-based organizational decision making. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT730 — Financial Stewardship and Budgeting: Applying fiscal discipline to project life cycles and organizational sustainability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • LDR801
  • Global Leadership and Cross-Cultural Management
  • 3
  • LDR705
  • BUS810
  • Project Risk Management and Mitigation
  • 3
  • BUS720
  • RES820
  • Advanced Qualitative Research
  • 3
  • RES710
  • MGT825
  • Operational Change and Organizational Culture
  • 3
  • None
  • LDR801 — Global Leadership and Cross-Cultural Management: Evaluating leadership challenges in diverse global contexts and cultural landscapes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS810 — Project Risk Management and Mitigation: Identification and strategic navigation of potential operational risks in organizational projects. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • RES820 — Advanced Qualitative Research: Methodologies for understanding phenomenological and case study research within management. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT825 — Operational Change and Organizational Culture: Leading effective organizational transitions through communication and cultural awareness. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • BUS840
  • Resource Allocation and Sustainable Growth
  • 3
  • MGT730
  • LDR850
  • Conflict Resolution and Collaborative Governance
  • 3
  • LDR705
  • RES850
  • Dissertation Proposal Development
  • 3
  • RES820
  • BUS860
  • Nonprofit Legal and Governance Frameworks
  • 3
  • None
  • BUS840 — Resource Allocation and Sustainable Growth: Strategic distribution of resources to foster long-term organizational viability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • LDR850 — Conflict Resolution and Collaborative Governance: Addressing organizational friction through mediation, diplomacy, and collaborative leadership. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • RES850 — Dissertation Proposal Development: Formalizing the research problem, scope, and methodology for the doctoral dissertation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS860 — Nonprofit Legal and Governance Frameworks: Understanding the regulatory environment and board accountability in the nonprofit sector. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 5 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • BUS901
  • Advanced Seminar in Project Management
  • 4
  • BUS810
  • LDR905
  • Leadership and Organizational Strategy
  • 4
  • LDR850
  • RES910
  • Advanced Data Synthesis
  • 4
  • RES850
  • CAP900
  • Dissertation Research Phase I
  • 4
  • RES850
  • BUS901 — Advanced Seminar in Project Management: Comprehensive review of current industry standards and applied project management tools. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • LDR905 — Leadership and Organizational Strategy: Integrating strategic foresight with executive management responsibilities in professional roles. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • RES910 — Advanced Data Synthesis: Refining research findings into actionable insights for the dissertation project. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CAP900 — Dissertation Research Phase I: Initial data gathering and chapter development for the doctoral dissertation project. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 6 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • CAP901
  • Dissertation Research Phase II
  • 4
  • CAP900
  • CAP902
  • Dissertation Defense and Publication
  • 4
  • CAP901
  • BUS950
  • Leadership Practicum
  • 4
  • None
  • MGT960
  • Professional Integration Seminar
  • 4
  • None
  • CAP901 — Dissertation Research Phase II: Finalizing data analysis and drafting findings for the completed dissertation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CAP902 — Dissertation Defense and Publication: Defending original research and preparing the dissertation for scholarly publication. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS950 — Leadership Practicum: Applying management theory in an active organizational leadership setting under mentorship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT960 — Professional Integration Seminar: Reflective integration of doctoral-level theory, faith-informed values, and professional practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must hold a master's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Prospective students are required to submit a personal statement outlining their professional goals and commitment to integrating leadership scholarship with service, official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a current professional resume reflecting relevant experience in management or organizational leadership roles. Dissertation Requirement The Dissertation serves as the culminating scholarly endeavor, requiring candidates to produce an original research project that addresses a substantive problem within the field of faith-based project management. Students are expected to demonstrate high-level mastery of research design, data analysis, and the synthesis of management theory, ensuring that their work provides a significant contribution to the field of Christian leadership management. The scope of the Dissertation encompasses the articulation of a Christian worldview as it informs management decision-making, ethical frameworks, and institutional stewardship. Deliverables include a comprehensive research proposal, a rigorous methodology section, a data-driven findings chapter, and a final defense demonstrating how the student has integrated spiritual formation and professional integrity into their academic scholarship. This project confirms the student's readiness to mentor others, advance organizational goals, and model the character expected of a scholar-leader.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • To graduate, candidates must complete 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, ensuring that all doctoral-level coursework and the dissertation are completed with excellence. Students must also maintain satisfactory progress in their research milestones and demonstrate consistent adherence to the ethical and professional standards of the university, reflecting personal growth in spiritual maturity and leadership integrity.
  • Graduation requires not only academic proficiency but also a demonstrated commitment to service and ethical community engagement. Candidates must satisfy the university's spiritual formation requirements, which include documented participation in community service or ministry-related initiatives throughout the program. This holistic approach ensures that graduates leave the institution prepared to offer leadership that is technically superior, morally grounded, and committed to the betterment of their communities.
  • Career Opportunities
  • Nonprofit Executive Director
  • Faith-Based Organizational Consultant
  • Director of Operations in Higher Education
  • Strategic Project Manager for Global Missions
  • Institutional Advancement Director
  • Leadership Development Coordinator
  • Policy Analyst for Social Service Organizations
  • 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 Faith-Based Project Management
  • 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 faith-based project management 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
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • RES701 | Research Design in Management | 3 | None
  • MGT710 | Advanced Organizational Theory | 3 | None
  • LDR705 | Ethics in Servant Leadership | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BUS720 | Strategic Project Planning | 3 | RES701
  • LDR715 | Human Capital and Stewardship | 3 | None
  • RES710 | Statistical Analysis for Decision Making | 3 | RES701
  • MGT730 | Financial Stewardship and Budgeting | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • LDR801 | Global Leadership and Cross-Cultural Management | 3 | LDR705
  • BUS810 | Project Risk Management and Mitigation | 3 | BUS720
  • RES820 | Advanced Qualitative Research | 3 | RES710
  • MGT825 | Operational Change and Organizational Culture | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BUS840 | Resource Allocation and Sustainable Growth | 3 | MGT730
  • LDR850 | Conflict Resolution and Collaborative Governance | 3 | LDR705
  • RES850 | Dissertation Proposal Development | 3 | RES820
  • BUS860 | Nonprofit Legal and Governance Frameworks | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BUS901 | Advanced Seminar in Project Management | 4 | BUS810
  • LDR905 | Leadership and Organizational Strategy | 4 | LDR850
  • RES910 | Advanced Data Synthesis | 4 | RES850
  • CAP900 | Dissertation Research Phase I | 4 | RES850
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP901 | Dissertation Research Phase II | 4 | CAP900
  • CAP902 | Dissertation Defense and Publication | 4 | CAP901
  • BUS950 | Leadership Practicum | 4 | None
  • MGT960 | Professional Integration Seminar | 4 | None

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Nonprofit Executive Director
  • Faith-Based Organizational Consultant
  • Director of Operations in Higher Education
  • Strategic Project Manager for Global Missions
  • Institutional Advancement Director
  • Leadership Development Coordinator
  • Policy Analyst for Social Service Organizations

Additional Official Information

Additional source information

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 Faith-Based Project Management
  • 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 faith-based project management 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
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • RES701 | Research Design in Management | 3 | None
  • MGT710 | Advanced Organizational Theory | 3 | None
  • LDR705 | Ethics in Servant Leadership | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BUS720 | Strategic Project Planning | 3 | RES701
  • LDR715 | Human Capital and Stewardship | 3 | None
  • RES710 | Statistical Analysis for Decision Making | 3 | RES701
  • MGT730 | Financial Stewardship and Budgeting | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • LDR801 | Global Leadership and Cross-Cultural Management | 3 | LDR705
  • BUS810 | Project Risk Management and Mitigation | 3 | BUS720
  • RES820 | Advanced Qualitative Research | 3 | RES710
  • MGT825 | Operational Change and Organizational Culture | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BUS840 | Resource Allocation and Sustainable Growth | 3 | MGT730
  • LDR850 | Conflict Resolution and Collaborative Governance | 3 | LDR705
  • RES850 | Dissertation Proposal Development | 3 | RES820
  • BUS860 | Nonprofit Legal and Governance Frameworks | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BUS901 | Advanced Seminar in Project Management | 4 | BUS810
  • LDR905 | Leadership and Organizational Strategy | 4 | LDR850
  • RES910 | Advanced Data Synthesis | 4 | RES850
  • CAP900 | Dissertation Research Phase I | 4 | RES850
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • CAP901 | Dissertation Research Phase II | 4 | CAP900
  • CAP902 | Dissertation Defense and Publication | 4 | CAP901
  • BUS950 | Leadership Practicum | 4 | None
  • MGT960 | Professional Integration Seminar | 4 | None