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

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, Leadership, and Spiritual Formation

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 spiritual formation 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 and Leadership with a specialization in Spiritual Formation is an advanced academic program designed for experienced professionals seeking to integrate rigorous project management methodologies with a deep commitment to ethical, servant-led organizational stewardship. The curriculum emphasizes the intersection of complex project life cycles and the principles of spiritual maturity, ensuring that leaders are equipped to handle organizational challenges with integrity and visionary precision. By engaging with both empirical research and holistic development frameworks, students refine their capacity to lead high-impact initiatives within diverse mission-driven contexts. This program prepares students to navigate the complexities of contemporary organizational environments through the lens of stewardship, ethical accountability, and sustainable practice. The academic design fosters a robust environment for scholarly inquiry where students investigate the structural, operational, and interpersonal dynamics of leading nonprofit and faith-based institutions.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Project Management, Leadership, Specialization in Spiritual Formation is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based project management, leadership, and spiritual formation 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, leadership, and spiritual formation-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, Leadership, and Spiritual Formation
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 complex organizational challenges through the integration of project management theories and spiritual formation paradigms.
  • Evaluate the ethical implications of leadership decisions within the context of faith-based nonprofit stewardship.
  • Develop evidence-based strategies to optimize organizational performance and operational sustainability.
  • Design comprehensive research studies that contribute to the academic field of nonprofit leadership and project management.
  • Integrate a Christian worldview with contemporary management research to address systemic institutional needs.
  • Communicate scholarly findings effectively to diverse stakeholders within the academic and professional communities.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • RES800
  • Advanced Research Methodologies
  • 4
  • None
  • MGT810
  • Strategic Project Management
  • 4
  • None
  • LDR820
  • Advanced Leadership Ethics and Character Development
  • 4
  • None
  • RES800 — Advanced Research Methodologies: Students explore quantitative and qualitative research designs, focusing on data collection and ethical analysis procedures. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT810 — Strategic Project Management: This course covers advanced project life cycle management, risk assessment, and resource allocation in non-profit environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • LDR820 — Advanced Leadership Ethics and Character Development: This course examines the psychological and sociological foundations of character development within leadership frameworks. Students evaluate behavioral models and ethical decision-making processes necessary for organizational integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • BUS830
  • Organizational Ethics and Stewardship
  • 4
  • None
  • RES840
  • Data Analysis for Organizational Improvement
  • 4
  • RES800
  • MGT850
  • Change Management and Organizational Culture
  • 4
  • None
  • EDU860
  • Pedagogical Approaches in Leadership
  • 4
  • None
  • BUS830 — Organizational Ethics and Stewardship: A study of ethical decision-making frameworks and the principles of responsible resource management in faith-based settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • RES840 — Data Analysis for Organizational Improvement: Students apply statistical tools to interpret organizational data and identify areas for operational efficiency and growth. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT850 — Change Management and Organizational Culture: Focuses on leading transformational change while respecting the unique cultural landscape of mission-driven institutions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • EDU860 — Pedagogical Approaches in Leadership: Explores how to develop, mentor, and teach other leaders within organizational and educational environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • MGT870
  • Global Project Strategy
  • 4
  • None
  • SOC880
  • Sociology of Work and Professional Identity
  • 4
  • None
  • BUS890
  • Financial Governance for Nonprofits
  • 4
  • None
  • RES900
  • Dissertation Proposal Development
  • 4
  • RES840
  • MGT870 — Global Project Strategy: Analysis of project implementation in cross-cultural and international contexts, focusing on adaptability and partnership development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • SOC880 — Sociology of Work and Professional Identity: This course analyzes the sociocultural dimensions of labor, professional calling, and the impact of institutional structures on individual identity. Topics include career trajectory, the evolution of work environments, and the alignment of professional values with institutional roles. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS890 — Financial Governance for Nonprofits: A comprehensive look at budgeting, audit readiness, and legal compliance tailored to the needs of the non-profit sector. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • RES900 — Dissertation Proposal Development: Structured development of the research proposal, including problem identification and methodological justification for the dissertation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • MGT910
  • Advanced Leadership Seminar
  • 4
  • None
  • PSY920
  • Organizational Psychology and Group Dynamics
  • 4
  • MIN820
  • COM930
  • Professional Communication and Advocacy
  • 4
  • None
  • RES940
  • Research Seminar I
  • 4
  • RES900
  • MGT910 — Advanced Leadership Seminar: Seminar-style exploration of complex leadership dilemmas, conflict resolution, and stakeholder engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • PSY920 — Organizational Psychology and Group Dynamics: This course explores the principles of group behavior, social cohesion, and interpersonal influence within institutional settings. Emphasis is placed on conflict resolution, collaborative team building, and the fostering of positive organizational climates. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • COM930 — Professional Communication and Advocacy: Techniques for effective organizational messaging, public relations, and advocacy in the nonprofit arena. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • RES940 — Research Seminar I: Guided research progress and literature review finalization for the dissertation project. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 5 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • MGT950
  • Strategic Sustainability
  • 4
  • None
  • BUS960
  • Public Policy and Non-Profit Interface
  • 4
  • None
  • RES970
  • Research Seminar II
  • 4
  • RES940
  • DIS980
  • Dissertation Research I
  • 4
  • RES970
  • MGT950 — Strategic Sustainability: Explores the long-term viability of non-profit models and the impact of leadership transition on project success. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS960 — Public Policy and Non-Profit Interface: Examines the relationship between government regulation, policy, and the operation of faith-based non-profit entities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • RES970 — Research Seminar II: Focuses on data collection and preliminary analysis results for the dissertation study. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • DIS980 — Dissertation Research I: Initial phases of primary research for the dissertation project under faculty guidance. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 6 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • DIS985
  • Dissertation Research II
  • 4
  • DIS980
  • DIS990
  • Dissertation Final Defense
  • 4
  • DIS985
  • DIS995
  • Dissertation Final Review
  • 4
  • DIS990
  • MGT999
  • Capstone Integration Project
  • 3
  • All Core Courses
  • DIS985 — Dissertation Research II: Advanced research, final drafting, and preparation for the dissertation defense. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • DIS990 — Dissertation Final Defense: The final presentation and defense of the original scholarly research project. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • DIS995 — Dissertation Final Review: Final revisions and submission of the approved dissertation manuscript. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT999 — Capstone Integration Project: Culminating synthesis of management practice, faith-informed leadership, and community service impact analysis. 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. A completed application portfolio must include official transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining professional goals and alignment with the program’s faith-informed mission, two letters of professional or academic recommendation, and a curriculum vitae demonstrating significant leadership or management experience. Dissertation Requirement The Dissertation serves as the terminal scholarly project, requiring students to conduct original research that addresses a significant problem or opportunity within the field of faith-based project management or leadership. Candidates are expected to synthesize their academic coursework, methodological training, and spiritual formation to produce a substantial contribution to the professional literature. The dissertation process involves the identification of a research question, a comprehensive literature review, rigorous data collection and analysis, and the synthesis of findings. Students must demonstrate a commitment to ethical rigor and biblical stewardship throughout the research process. The final deliverable must reflect high academic standards, demonstrating the student's capability to integrate faith-informed character development with professional expertise. By framing their research within the context of servant leadership, students ensure that their work advances the mission of their respective organizations while contributing to broader societal wellbeing. The dissertation is weighted at 12 credit hours.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students must demonstrate competency in all core areas and successfully defend their dissertation before a faculty committee. Beyond academic success, students must fulfill the university's spiritual formation requirement, which includes participation in collaborative service-learning and evidence of ongoing character reflection.
  • Academic excellence is coupled with a demonstrated readiness for service, reflecting the candidate's commitment to ethical integrity and spiritual maturity. The institution ensures that every graduate is not only academically prepared to excel in their chosen field but is also equipped to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct and stewardship in support of faith-informed institutional missions.
  • Career Opportunities
  • Executive Director of Faith-Based Nonprofits
  • Organizational Leadership Consultant
  • Director of Strategic Initiatives
  • Academic Administrator for Christian Higher Education
  • Project Management Researcher
  • Humanitarian Organization Operations Director
  • Spiritual Formation Program 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 | Ed.D. in Faith-Based Project Management, Leadership, and Spiritual Formation
  • 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 spiritual formation 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
  • RES800 | Advanced Research Methodologies | 4 | None
  • MGT810 | Strategic Project Management | 4 | None
  • LDR820 | Advanced Leadership Ethics and Character Development | 4 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BUS830 | Organizational Ethics and Stewardship | 4 | None
  • RES840 | Data Analysis for Organizational Improvement | 4 | RES800
  • MGT850 | Change Management and Organizational Culture | 4 | None
  • EDU860 | Pedagogical Approaches in Leadership | 4 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MGT870 | Global Project Strategy | 4 | None
  • SOC880 | Sociology of Work and Professional Identity | 4 | None
  • BUS890 | Financial Governance for Nonprofits | 4 | None
  • RES900 | Dissertation Proposal Development | 4 | RES840
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MGT910 | Advanced Leadership Seminar | 4 | None
  • PSY920 | Organizational Psychology and Group Dynamics | 4 | MIN820
  • COM930 | Professional Communication and Advocacy | 4 | None
  • RES940 | Research Seminar I | 4 | RES900
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MGT950 | Strategic Sustainability | 4 | None
  • BUS960 | Public Policy and Non-Profit Interface | 4 | None
  • RES970 | Research Seminar II | 4 | RES940
  • DIS980 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES970
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • DIS985 | Dissertation Research II | 4 | DIS980
  • DIS990 | Dissertation Final Defense | 4 | DIS985
  • DIS995 | Dissertation Final Review | 4 | DIS990
  • MGT999 | Capstone Integration Project | 3 | All Core Courses

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Executive Director of Faith-Based Nonprofits
  • Organizational Leadership Consultant
  • Director of Strategic Initiatives
  • Academic Administrator for Christian Higher Education
  • Project Management Researcher
  • Humanitarian Organization Operations Director
  • Spiritual Formation Program Coordinator

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, Leadership, and Spiritual Formation
  • 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 spiritual formation 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
  • RES800 | Advanced Research Methodologies | 4 | None
  • MGT810 | Strategic Project Management | 4 | None
  • LDR820 | Advanced Leadership Ethics and Character Development | 4 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • BUS830 | Organizational Ethics and Stewardship | 4 | None
  • RES840 | Data Analysis for Organizational Improvement | 4 | RES800
  • MGT850 | Change Management and Organizational Culture | 4 | None
  • EDU860 | Pedagogical Approaches in Leadership | 4 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MGT870 | Global Project Strategy | 4 | None
  • SOC880 | Sociology of Work and Professional Identity | 4 | None
  • BUS890 | Financial Governance for Nonprofits | 4 | None
  • RES900 | Dissertation Proposal Development | 4 | RES840
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MGT910 | Advanced Leadership Seminar | 4 | None
  • PSY920 | Organizational Psychology and Group Dynamics | 4 | MIN820
  • COM930 | Professional Communication and Advocacy | 4 | None
  • RES940 | Research Seminar I | 4 | RES900
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • MGT950 | Strategic Sustainability | 4 | None
  • BUS960 | Public Policy and Non-Profit Interface | 4 | None
  • RES970 | Research Seminar II | 4 | RES940
  • DIS980 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES970
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • DIS985 | Dissertation Research II | 4 | DIS980
  • DIS990 | Dissertation Final Defense | 4 | DIS985
  • DIS995 | Dissertation Final Review | 4 | DIS990
  • MGT999 | Capstone Integration Project | 3 | All Core Courses