Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Theology, Education, Ministry

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Biblical Theology, Education, Ministry

Total program length

90 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 Seminary

Total credits

90

Duration

-1 years

• Demonstrate advanced exegetical skills in analyzing biblical texts.
• Articulate the relationship between biblical studies and contemporary educational theories.
• Develop pedagogical frameworks that integrate biblical principles in ministry.
• Conduct independent research that contributes to the field of biblical studies.
• Critically evaluate and synthesize biblical literature within a theological context.
• Effectively communicate biblical teachings to diverse audiences.
• Incorporate cultural contexts into educational methodologies within the church.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• PHBS 801
• Doctoral Research Design & Scholarly Inquiry
• 3
• None
• PHBS 802
• Advanced Academic Writing for Publication
• 3
• None
• PHBS 803
• Quantitative Methods for Ministry & Education Research
• 3
• None
• PHBS 804
• Qualitative Research Methods (Case Study & Ethnography)
• 3
• None
• PHBS 805
• Mixed Methods & Program Evaluation
• 3
• None
• PHBS 806
• Statistics & Data Interpretation for Religious Research
• 3
• None
• PHBS 801 — Doctoral Research Design & Scholarly Inquiry: Year 1, Semester 1 - Foundations in Scholarship & Biblical StudiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PHBS 802 — Advanced Academic Writing for Publication: Year 1, Semester 1 - Foundations in Scholarship & Biblical StudiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PHBS 803 — Quantitative Methods for Ministry & Education Research: Year 1, Semester 2This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PHBS 804 — Qualitative Research Methods (Case Study & Ethnography): Year 1, Semester 2This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PHBS 805 — Mixed Methods & Program Evaluation: Year 2, Semester 3 - Advanced Biblical Studies & Education/Ministry MajorThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PHBS 806 — Statistics & Data Interpretation for Religious Research: Year 2, Semester 4This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• PHBS 811
• Advanced Biblical Hermeneutics & Theological Interpretation
• 3
• None
• PHBS 812
• History of Biblical Interpretation (Patristic–Modern)
• 3
• None
• PHBS 813
• Old Testament Theology & Exegesis Seminar
• 3
• None
• PHBS 814
• New Testament Theology & Exegesis Seminar
• 3
• None
• PHBS 816
• Second Temple Judaism & Backgrounds to Early Christianity
• 3
• None
• PHBS 817
• Textual Criticism & Manuscript Traditions
• 3
• None
• PHBS 811 — Advanced Biblical Hermeneutics & Theological Interpretation: Year 1, Semester 1 - Foundations in Scholarship & Biblical StudiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PHBS 812 — History of Biblical Interpretation (Patristic–Modern): Year 1, Semester 1 - Foundations in Scholarship & Biblical StudiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PHBS 813 — Old Testament Theology & Exegesis Seminar: Year 1, Semester 2This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PHBS 814 — New Testament Theology & Exegesis Seminar: Year 1, Semester 2This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PHBS 816 — Second Temple Judaism & Backgrounds to Early Christianity: Year 2, Semester 3 - Advanced Biblical Studies & Education/Ministry MajorThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PHBS 817 — Textual Criticism & Manuscript Traditions: Year 2, Semester 4This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• PHBS 818
• Research Seminar in Biblical Studies (Doctoral Colloquium)
• 3
• None
• PHEDM 821
• Philosophy of Christian Education & Ministry Formation
• 3
• None
• PHEDM 822
• Curriculum Design & Instructional Systems for Faith Contexts
• 3
• None
• PHEDM 823
• Teaching Practicum in Higher Education (Supervised)
• 3
• None
• PHEDM 824
• Assessment, Learning Outcomes & Accreditation in Theological Education
• 3
• None
• PHEDM 825
• Leadership & Administration in Churches, Schools & Nonprofits
• 3
• None
• PHBS 818 — Research Seminar in Biblical Studies (Doctoral Colloquium): Year 3, Semester 5 - Specialization, Seminars & Doctoral MilestonesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PHEDM 821 — Philosophy of Christian Education & Ministry Formation: Year 2, Semester 3 - Advanced Biblical Studies & Education/Ministry MajorThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PHEDM 822 — Curriculum Design & Instructional Systems for Faith Contexts: Year 2, Semester 3 - Advanced Biblical Studies & Education/Ministry MajorThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PHEDM 823 — Teaching Practicum in Higher Education (Supervised): Year 2, Semester 4This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PHEDM 824 — Assessment, Learning Outcomes & Accreditation in Theological Education: Year 2, Semester 4This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PHEDM 825 — Leadership & Administration in Churches, Schools & Nonprofits: Year 3, Semester 5 - Specialization, Seminars & Doctoral MilestonesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• PHEDM 826
• Spiritual Formation, Discipleship & Pastoral Pedagogy
• 3
• None
• PHBS 831
• Advanced Seminar I (Biblical or Ministry Elective)
• 3
• None
• PHBS 832
• Advanced Seminar II (Biblical or Ministry Elective)
• 3
• None
• PHBS 833
• Advanced Biblical Studies Elective
• 3
• None
• PHEDM 837
• Digital Pedagogy & Online Ministry Education
• 3
• None
• PHEDM 838
• Trauma-Informed Ministry & Educational Leadership
• 3
• None
• PHEDM 826 — Spiritual Formation, Discipleship & Pastoral Pedagogy: Year 3, Semester 5 - Specialization, Seminars & Doctoral MilestonesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PHBS 831 — Advanced Seminar I (Biblical or Ministry Elective): Year 3, Semester 5 - Specialization, Seminars & Doctoral MilestonesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PHBS 832 — Advanced Seminar II (Biblical or Ministry Elective): Year 3, Semester 6This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PHBS 833 — Advanced Biblical Studies Elective: Year 4, Semester 8This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PHEDM 837 — Digital Pedagogy & Online Ministry Education: Year 3, Semester 6This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PHEDM 838 — Trauma-Informed Ministry & Educational Leadership: Year 4, Semester 8This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• PHBS 891
• Comprehensive Exam Preparation & Reading Colloquium
• 3
• None
• PHBS 892
• Dissertation Proposal Seminar & Prospectus Defense
• 3
• None
• PHBS 901
• Dissertation Research I
• 3
• None
• PHBS 902
• Dissertation Research II
• 3
• None
• PHBS 903
• Dissertation Research III
• 3
• None
• PHBS 904
• Dissertation Research IV
• 3
• None
• PHBS 891 — Comprehensive Exam Preparation & Reading Colloquium: Year 3, Semester 6This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PHBS 892 — Dissertation Proposal Seminar & Prospectus Defense: Year 3, Semester 6This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PHBS 901 — Dissertation Research I: Year 4, Semester 7 - Dissertation Research & DefenseThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PHBS 902 — Dissertation Research II: Year 4, Semester 7 - Dissertation Research & DefenseThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PHBS 903 — Dissertation Research III: Year 4, Semester 7 - Dissertation Research & DefenseThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PHBS 904 — Dissertation Research IV: Year 4, Semester 7 - Dissertation Research & DefenseThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• PHBS 905
• Dissertation Research V
• 3
• None
• PHBS 906
• Dissertation Defense & Publication Seminar
• 3
• None
• PHBS 905 — Dissertation Research V: Year 4, Semester 8This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• PHBS 906 — Dissertation Defense & Publication Seminar: Year 4, Semester 8This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Applicants must hold a master's degree in theology, biblical studies, or a related field from an accredited institution. Additional requirements include a statement of purpose, academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a writing sample demonstrating scholarly capability. Dissertation Requirement The doctoral dissertation serves as the program's capstone, requiring original research that contributes to the advancement of biblical theology and ministry practice. Candidates must demonstrate an ability to synthesize scholarly analysis with practical ministry applications, reflecting a commitment to the mission of the Church. The research process requires the student to articulate a rigorous biblical foundation for their chosen topic, ensuring that the final work promotes the faithful stewardship of spiritual and intellectual resources. Through this scholarly endeavor, students exemplify the integration of faith and reason as they address complex challenges in modern ministry.

• To graduate, students must complete 60 credit hours of doctoral-level coursework with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in original biblical research, maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity as an expression of Christian ethical commitment. Beyond coursework, students are expected to show evidence of ongoing spiritual formation and a dedication to the principles of servant leadership. A successful public defense of the dissertation, demonstrating both mastery of the subject matter and an unwavering adherence to a biblical framework, is required for the conferral of the degree.
• Career Opportunities
• Theological Educator
• Church Leadership Development Coordinator
• Biblical Curriculum Developer
• Religious Nonprofit Administrator
• Academic Researcher in Theology
• Director of Christian Education
• Ministry Consultant
• 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 Biblical Theology, Education, Ministry
• Total program length | 90 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 biblical theology, education, and ministry 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 | 90 semester credit hours
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PHBS 801 | Doctoral Research Design & Scholarly Inquiry | 3 | None
• PHBS 802 | Advanced Academic Writing for Publication | 3 | None
• PHBS 803 | Quantitative Methods for Ministry & Education Research | 3 | None
• PHBS 804 | Qualitative Research Methods (Case Study & Ethnography) | 3 | None
• PHBS 805 | Mixed Methods & Program Evaluation | 3 | None
• PHBS 806 | Statistics & Data Interpretation for Religious Research | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PHBS 811 | Advanced Biblical Hermeneutics & Theological Interpretation | 3 | None
• PHBS 812 | History of Biblical Interpretation (Patristic–Modern) | 3 | None
• PHBS 813 | Old Testament Theology & Exegesis Seminar | 3 | None
• PHBS 814 | New Testament Theology & Exegesis Seminar | 3 | None
• PHBS 816 | Second Temple Judaism & Backgrounds to Early Christianity | 3 | None
• PHBS 817 | Textual Criticism & Manuscript Traditions | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PHBS 818 | Research Seminar in Biblical Studies (Doctoral Colloquium) | 3 | None
• PHEDM 821 | Philosophy of Christian Education & Ministry Formation | 3 | None
• PHEDM 822 | Curriculum Design & Instructional Systems for Faith Contexts | 3 | None
• PHEDM 823 | Teaching Practicum in Higher Education (Supervised) | 3 | None
• PHEDM 824 | Assessment, Learning Outcomes & Accreditation in Theological Education | 3 | None
• PHEDM 825 | Leadership & Administration in Churches, Schools & Nonprofits | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PHEDM 826 | Spiritual Formation, Discipleship & Pastoral Pedagogy | 3 | None
• PHBS 831 | Advanced Seminar I (Biblical or Ministry Elective) | 3 | None
• PHBS 832 | Advanced Seminar II (Biblical or Ministry Elective) | 3 | None
• PHBS 833 | Advanced Biblical Studies Elective | 3 | None
• PHEDM 837 | Digital Pedagogy & Online Ministry Education | 3 | None
• PHEDM 838 | Trauma-Informed Ministry & Educational Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PHBS 891 | Comprehensive Exam Preparation & Reading Colloquium | 3 | None
• PHBS 892 | Dissertation Proposal Seminar & Prospectus Defense | 3 | None
• PHBS 901 | Dissertation Research I | 3 | None
• PHBS 902 | Dissertation Research II | 3 | None
• PHBS 903 | Dissertation Research III | 3 | None
• PHBS 904 | Dissertation Research IV | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• PHBS 905 | Dissertation Research V | 3 | None
• PHBS 906 | Dissertation Defense & Publication Seminar | 3 | None