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

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Science in Project Management, Operations, and Christian Management

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 Business and Project Management

Total credits

120

Duration

3 years

• Analyze complex operational challenges using quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
• Evaluate organizational management strategies through the framework of ethical decision-making and stewardship.
• Design comprehensive project management systems that optimize resource allocation and institutional efficacy.
• Integrate Christian leadership principles with contemporary operational theories to solve systemic management issues.
• Communicate original scholarly research effectively to academic and professional audiences.
• Demonstrate servant leadership by aligning organizational objectives with the long-term needs of stakeholders and the broader community.
• Develop evidence-based models for sustainable, faith-informed organizational growth.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES700
• Foundations of Doctoral Research
• 3
• None
• MGT705
• Strategic Leadership and Stewardship
• 3
• None
• BUS710
• Quantitative Methods for Decision Making
• 3
• None
• RES700 — Foundations of Doctoral Research: Explores the philosophical underpinnings of scholarly inquiry and methodology in the social sciences. Students begin to define their research focus through an examination of academic literature and professional paradigms. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT705 — Strategic Leadership and Stewardship: Analyzes leadership theories with a focus on administrative ethics, organizational health, and resource management. Students investigate the implementation of servant leadership in diverse operating environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS710 — Quantitative Methods for Decision Making: Provides an overview of statistical analysis tools required to interpret data within complex organizational structures. Emphasis is placed on data-informed decision making and internal reporting. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MGT715
• Operations Management Theory
• 4
• None
• RES720
• Advanced Qualitative Research
• 3
• RES700
• CHR725
• Ethics in Management Practice
• 3
• None
• BUS730
• Financial Stewardship and Budgeting
• 4
• None
• MGT715 — Operations Management Theory: Examines advanced processes for planning, coordinating, and controlling organizational operations to maximize efficiency. Topics include supply chain integrity, quality control, and process optimization. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES720 — Advanced Qualitative Research: Focuses on case studies, ethnography, and narrative analysis as methods for understanding institutional culture and operational dynamics. Students practice coding data and synthesizing themes for research purposes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR725 — Ethics in Management Practice: Addresses the application of moral philosophy and professional codes of conduct to contemporary management challenges. Discussions center on integrity, transparency, and accountability in organizational governance. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS730 — Financial Stewardship and Budgeting: Covers advanced fiscal management practices including fund accounting, budget projections, and risk management strategies. Students analyze financial sustainability and its impact on the longevity of institutional missions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MGT735
• Project Management Frameworks
• 4
• MGT715
• RES740
• Advanced Quantitative Analysis
• 3
• BUS710
• MGT745
• Change Management and Organizational Development
• 3
• None
• RES750
• Dissertation Prospectus Seminar
• 4
• RES720, RES740
• MGT735 — Project Management Frameworks: Analyzes global project management standards, including risk management, scheduling, and stakeholder communication. Students learn to apply systematic approaches to executing multi-faceted operational initiatives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES740 — Advanced Quantitative Analysis: Explores advanced statistical modeling techniques for assessing organizational impact and operational performance. Students interpret data sets to forecast trends and improve service delivery systems. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT745 — Change Management and Organizational Development: Investigates strategies for managing transitions, building organizational resilience, and leading culture change. Focuses on the role of leaders in navigating complexity while maintaining core values. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES750 — Dissertation Prospectus Seminar: Facilitates the formal development of the dissertation proposal, including research questions, hypotheses, and methodological design. Students receive peer and faculty feedback on their proposed scholarly project. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MGT755
• Human Resource Strategy and Development
• 3
• None
• BUS760
• Legal and Regulatory Environments
• 3
• None
• MGT765
• Supply Chain and Logistics Management
• 3
• MGT715
• RES770
• Advanced Research Synthesis
• 5
• RES750
• MGT755 — Human Resource Strategy and Development: Examines models for talent acquisition, staff development, and performance management within mission-driven organizations. Emphasizes the importance of professional flourishing and vocational calling. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS760 — Legal and Regulatory Environments: Surveys the legal landscape for organizational operations, including compliance, taxation, and employment law. Focuses on navigating complex regulatory requirements while maintaining institutional autonomy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT765 — Supply Chain and Logistics Management: Studies the coordination of logistics, distribution, and procurement to maximize organizational flow. Explores ethical sourcing and the impact of logistical decisions on operational capacity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES770 — Advanced Research Synthesis: Focuses on the extensive review of literature and conceptual framework development for the dissertation. Students analyze primary and secondary data streams relevant to their specific areas of inquiry. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MGT800
• Innovation and Technology in Operations
• 3
• None
• BUS805
• Corporate and Institutional Social Responsibility
• 3
• None
• DIS810
• Dissertation Research and Writing I
• 6
• RES770
• MGT815
• Advanced Christian Management Seminar
• 2
• None
• MGT800 — Innovation and Technology in Operations: Evaluates the integration of digital tools and automation in modern operations to enhance service and stewardship. Discusses the ethical implications of technological adoption. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS805 — Corporate and Institutional Social Responsibility: Analyzes the role of organizations in addressing societal needs through strategic outreach and sustainability efforts. Explores the convergence of organizational goals and community prosperity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS810 — Dissertation Research and Writing I: Dedicated to the systematic execution of the dissertation, including data collection and initial drafting of chapters. Mentorship is provided to ensure rigor and alignment with ethical standards. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT815 — Advanced Christian Management Seminar: A capstone seminar integrating faith-based leadership principles with advanced administrative strategies. Encourages self-reflection on leadership, calling, and long-term organizational impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• DIS820
• Dissertation Research and Writing II
• 6
• DIS810
• DIS825
• Dissertation Defense and Final Review
• 6
• DIS820
• MGT830
• Global Organizational Trends
• 3
• None
• BUS835
• Executive Strategic Management
• 3
• None
• DIS820 — Dissertation Research and Writing II: Focuses on the final stages of the dissertation, including data interpretation, analysis, and manuscript preparation for defense. Candidates demonstrate their readiness for scholarly and administrative leadership. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS825 — Dissertation Defense and Final Review: The concluding requirement involving the oral defense of the dissertation before a faculty committee. Success signals readiness to contribute significantly to the professional field and scholarly community. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT830 — Global Organizational Trends: Explores emerging trends in global management, including the impact of globalization on resource allocation and institutional strategy. Emphasizes international stewardship and collaborative partnerships. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS835 — Executive Strategic Management: Focuses on top-tier strategy development, encompassing policy, governance, and institutional vision. Students evaluate high-level management dilemmas within complex global networks. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission to the PhD program requires a completed master's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must submit official transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining their research interests, a professional curriculum vitae, and three letters of recommendation that address the applicant's academic potential and ethical character. An interview with the admissions committee is required to assess the candidate's commitment to the program’s core values and their alignment with the institutional mission. Dissertation Requirement The dissertation serves as the culminating academic achievement of the PhD program, representing an original contribution to the field of operations and project management. Students are expected to conduct rigorous, independent research that addresses a significant management problem, utilizing advanced methodologies to generate actionable insights. The scope of the project requires an exhaustive literature review, detailed analysis, and a defense of findings before a faculty committee. This research must integrate faith-based perspectives, specifically demonstrating how ethical reasoning, servant leadership, and stewardship principles inform the candidate’s findings and practical recommendations. Beyond technical academic competence, the dissertation process is designed to foster spiritual and professional formation. Candidates are required to articulate how their research reflects an intentional commitment to organizational integrity and societal well-being. This project is a 12-credit requirement that ensures students possess the intellectual rigor and moral clarity to lead within complex, mission-driven contexts. Success in this endeavor serves as the definitive evidence of the student's readiness to contribute to the academy and the professional sector with excellence and humility.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Candidates must demonstrate academic mastery through the submission and successful defense of their doctoral dissertation. Beyond intellectual requirements, students are expected to engage in consistent spiritual formation, including active participation in community service, chapel sessions, and reflective exercises that connect their scholarly pursuits to their personal faith and character development. The university prioritizes the synthesis of high academic achievement with integrity, ensuring graduates are prepared for service that honors their institutional, professional, and personal commitments.
• Students must also complete all program-specific milestones, including residency requirements and periodic evaluations of professional and spiritual maturity. The integration of faith and academic practice is reviewed at various stages to ensure graduates enter their careers not merely as technicians, but as leaders characterized by humility, resilience, and a dedication to the common good.
• Career Opportunities
• Executive Director of Faith-Based Nonprofits
• Chief Operations Officer in Educational Institutions
• Project Management Consultant for Humanitarian Agencies
• Academic Researcher in Management Studies
• Director of Institutional Strategy and Stewardship
• Operations Strategist for Global Missions Organizations
• Consultant for Community-Based Development Projects
• 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 Science in Project Management, Operations, and Christian 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 | Four to six academic years, depending on approved transfer credit, enrollment status, research progress, and dissertation completion
• Advanced faith-based science in project management 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 | Foundations of Doctoral Research | 3 | None
• MGT705 | Strategic Leadership and Stewardship | 3 | None
• BUS710 | Quantitative Methods for Decision Making | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT715 | Operations Management Theory | 4 | None
• RES720 | Advanced Qualitative Research | 3 | RES700
• CHR725 | Ethics in Management Practice | 3 | None
• BUS730 | Financial Stewardship and Budgeting | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT735 | Project Management Frameworks | 4 | MGT715
• RES740 | Advanced Quantitative Analysis | 3 | BUS710
• MGT745 | Change Management and Organizational Development | 3 | None
• RES750 | Dissertation Prospectus Seminar | 4 | RES720, RES740
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT755 | Human Resource Strategy and Development | 3 | None
• BUS760 | Legal and Regulatory Environments | 3 | None
• MGT765 | Supply Chain and Logistics Management | 3 | MGT715
• RES770 | Advanced Research Synthesis | 5 | RES750
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT800 | Innovation and Technology in Operations | 3 | None
• BUS805 | Corporate and Institutional Social Responsibility | 3 | None
• DIS810 | Dissertation Research and Writing I | 6 | RES770
• MGT815 | Advanced Christian Management Seminar | 2 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS820 | Dissertation Research and Writing II | 6 | DIS810
• DIS825 | Dissertation Defense and Final Review | 6 | DIS820
• MGT830 | Global Organizational Trends | 3 | None
• BUS835 | Executive Strategic Management | 3 | None