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Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Business Administration in Project Management, Specialization in Business Ethics

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 Business Administration in 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 business administration 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 Business Administration in Project Management, with a specialization in Business Ethics, is an advanced doctoral program designed to equip scholars and practitioners with the expertise to lead complex organizational initiatives through the lens of moral integrity and stewardship. The curriculum focuses on the intersection of advanced project management methodologies and rigorous ethical theory, enabling students to navigate the nuanced demands of the contemporary global marketplace while upholding the principles of servant leadership and social responsibility. Through a blend of theoretical inquiry and practical application, the program challenges students to rethink the purpose of enterprise, emphasizing that long-term sustainability is rooted in ethical conduct and the holistic well-being of the communities served. By integrating interdisciplinary research with a commitment to virtuous administration, the program fosters a profound understanding of how complex project environments can function as platforms for positive social impact and principled governance. This rigorous academic experience prepares graduates to serve as thought leaders who can harmonize technical excellence with character-driven decision-making in diverse professional contexts.

The Doctor of Education in Faith-Based Business Administration in Project Management is an applied professional doctorate emphasizing advanced faith-based business administration 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 business administration-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 Business Administration in 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 theories to optimize organizational efficiency and strategic resource allocation.
  • Evaluate the impact of ethical frameworks on corporate culture and stakeholder relations in a variety of institutional settings.
  • Develop original research that integrates scholarly inquiry with practical, faith-informed business solutions.
  • Apply models of servant leadership to manage cross-functional teams and complex project life cycles.
  • Interpret global economic and societal challenges through a lens of biblical stewardship and ethical sustainability.
  • Demonstrate the capacity to lead organizational change through transparent and accountability-focused administrative practices.
  • Communicate complex academic findings to diverse audiences to promote excellence in professional service.
  • Course Outline
  • Semester 1 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • RES700
  • Advanced Research Methodology
  • 3
  • None
  • BUS705
  • Foundations of Ethical Administration
  • 3
  • None
  • MGT710
  • Project Management Frameworks
  • 3
  • None
  • RES700 — Advanced Research Methodology: Students analyze various qualitative and quantitative research paradigms applicable to business inquiry. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS705 — Foundations of Ethical Administration: An investigation of classical and contemporary ethical theories applied to executive decision-making. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT710 — Project Management Frameworks: A deep dive into advanced project life cycle management and resource optimization. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 2 — Year 1
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • RES720
  • Quantitative Data Analysis
  • 4
  • RES700
  • BUS725
  • Stewardship and Organizational Finance
  • 3
  • None
  • MGT730
  • Risk Management and Governance
  • 3
  • MGT710
  • THE735
  • Servant Leadership in Practice
  • 4
  • None
  • RES720 — Quantitative Data Analysis: Focuses on statistical modeling and data interpretation for management research. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS725 — Stewardship and Organizational Finance: Explores financial management models that prioritize sustainability and resource stewardship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT730 — Risk Management and Governance: Evaluates methods for mitigating institutional risk while maintaining transparent governance. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • THE735 — Servant Leadership in Practice: Analyzes leadership philosophies that prioritize the development of others. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 3 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • RES740
  • Qualitative Research Design
  • 4
  • RES700
  • BUS745
  • Ethics in Global Markets
  • 3
  • BUS705
  • MGT750
  • Advanced Team Dynamics
  • 3
  • MGT710
  • BUS755
  • Strategic Social Impact
  • 4
  • None
  • RES740 — Qualitative Research Design: Covers ethnographic and phenomenological approaches to organizational study. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS745 — Ethics in Global Markets: Addresses the intersection of cultural diversity, global economics, and ethical practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT750 — Advanced Team Dynamics: Examines the psychological and administrative requirements for leading diverse workforces. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS755 — Strategic Social Impact: Integrates business strategy with the pursuit of tangible social good. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 4 — Year 2
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • RES800
  • Dissertation Proposal Development
  • 4
  • RES740
  • MGT805
  • Agile Project Execution
  • 3
  • MGT750
  • BUS810
  • Advanced Moral Philosophy
  • 3
  • BUS745
  • MGT815
  • Operations Strategy
  • 4
  • MGT710
  • RES800 — Dissertation Proposal Development: Guides the creation of a formal research prospectus and ethics review process. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT805 — Agile Project Execution: Evaluates modern agile frameworks in the context of organizational change. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS810 — Advanced Moral Philosophy: Critically examines the roots of virtue and duty in modern organizational life. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT815 — Operations Strategy: Focuses on the alignment of operational goals with institutional mission and vision. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 5 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • RES820
  • Dissertation Research I
  • 4
  • RES800
  • BUS825
  • Conflict Resolution and Mediation
  • 3
  • None
  • MGT830
  • Change Management Leadership
  • 3
  • MGT815
  • BUS835
  • Professional Identity and Career Development
  • 4
  • None
  • RES820 — Dissertation Research I: Initial phases of primary research, data collection, and preliminary analysis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS825 — Conflict Resolution and Mediation: Examines administrative strategies for fostering peace and resolution in the workplace. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT830 — Change Management Leadership: Analyzes the human and structural elements of guiding organizations through transition. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS835 — Professional Identity and Career Development: This course examines the intersection of professional values, organizational culture, and long-term career trajectory within the modern business landscape. Students analyze strategies for aligning personal expertise with organizational goals to foster professional longevity and systemic influence. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • Semester 6 — Year 3
  • Code
  • Title
  • Credits
  • Prerequisites
  • RES850
  • Dissertation Defense
  • 10
  • RES820
  • BUS855
  • Professional Ethics Seminar
  • 3
  • BUS810
  • MGT860
  • Seminar in Organizational Theory
  • 3
  • None
  • CAP890
  • Doctoral Leadership Practicum
  • 4
  • None
  • RES850 — Dissertation Defense: The concluding doctoral experience involving the submission, defense, and refinement of the final dissertation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • BUS855 — Professional Ethics Seminar: A final synthesis of applied ethics across diverse management contexts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • MGT860 — Seminar in Organizational Theory: Explores the evolution of institutional structure and its societal impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
  • CAP890 — Doctoral Leadership Practicum: Capstone seminar reflecting on the integration of theoretical knowledge in professional service settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission Requirements

Admission and entry requirements

Applicants must possess a Master of Business Administration or a related graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Candidates are required to submit official transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining their research interests and professional goals, three letters of recommendation, and a writing sample demonstrating doctoral-level research and critical thinking capabilities. Dissertation Requirement The Dissertation serves as the final, rigorous academic requirement, necessitating an original contribution to the field of business administration and project management. Students are expected to identify a significant problem within their industry, conduct exhaustive qualitative or quantitative research, and produce a manuscript that adheres to the highest standards of academic excellence and integrity. The process involves identifying a research question, formulating a methodology that respects the dignity of human subjects, and synthesizing data with historical and theoretical precedents. Beyond technical precision, the dissertation requires the scholar to evaluate how their findings align with ethical reasoning and the call to serve the common good. Through this work, students demonstrate their ability to apply a Christian worldview to real-world business challenges, ensuring that their research not only advances academic knowledge but also serves as a testament to their commitment to stewardship and moral transparency. The dissertation is weighted at 10 credit hours and requires a successful defense before a faculty committee, evidencing both intellectual growth and a deep-seated commitment to ethical leadership in their chosen field. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Protected Curriculum

Complete program outline available after verification

Graduation Requirements

Graduation and completion requirements

  • Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours, including 35 transfer credits and 85 institutional doctoral credits, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students must successfully defend their dissertation and demonstrate continued alignment with the university’s expectations for professional ethics, integrity, and servant leadership. Beyond academic attainment, students are expected to engage in consistent spiritual formation and community service as evidence of their maturation into leaders who harmonize professional competence with personal character. This holistic approach ensures that graduates are prepared to offer service that is not only effective in administrative output but also reflects an unwavering dedication to virtue, social justice, and the betterment of the community. Graduation signifies that the scholar possesses the intellectual rigor, technical proficiency, and moral clarity to lead with faith-informed excellence in the global marketplace.
  • Career Opportunities
  • Project Management Consultant
  • Chief Operations Officer in Nonprofits
  • Director of Ethical Compliance
  • Business Administration Professor
  • Organizational Strategy Lead
  • Faith-Based Institutional Director
  • Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
  • 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 Business Administration in 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 business administration 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
  • RES700 | Advanced Research Methodology | 3 | None
  • BUS705 | Foundations of Ethical Administration | 3 | None
  • MGT710 | Project Management Frameworks | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • RES720 | Quantitative Data Analysis | 4 | RES700
  • BUS725 | Stewardship and Organizational Finance | 3 | None
  • MGT730 | Risk Management and Governance | 3 | MGT710
  • THE735 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 4 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • RES740 | Qualitative Research Design | 4 | RES700
  • BUS745 | Ethics in Global Markets | 3 | BUS705
  • MGT750 | Advanced Team Dynamics | 3 | MGT710
  • BUS755 | Strategic Social Impact | 4 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • RES800 | Dissertation Proposal Development | 4 | RES740
  • MGT805 | Agile Project Execution | 3 | MGT750
  • BUS810 | Advanced Moral Philosophy | 3 | BUS745
  • MGT815 | Operations Strategy | 4 | MGT710
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • RES820 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES800
  • BUS825 | Conflict Resolution and Mediation | 3 | None
  • MGT830 | Change Management Leadership | 3 | MGT815
  • BUS835 | Professional Identity and Career Development | 4 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • RES850 | Dissertation Defense | 10 | RES820
  • BUS855 | Professional Ethics Seminar | 3 | BUS810
  • MGT860 | Seminar in Organizational Theory | 3 | None
  • CAP890 | Doctoral Leadership Practicum | 4 | None

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities

Career Opportunities

  • Project Management Consultant
  • Chief Operations Officer in Nonprofits
  • Director of Ethical Compliance
  • Business Administration Professor
  • Organizational Strategy Lead
  • Faith-Based Institutional Director
  • Corporate Social Responsibility Manager

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 Business Administration in 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 business administration 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
  • RES700 | Advanced Research Methodology | 3 | None
  • BUS705 | Foundations of Ethical Administration | 3 | None
  • MGT710 | Project Management Frameworks | 3 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • RES720 | Quantitative Data Analysis | 4 | RES700
  • BUS725 | Stewardship and Organizational Finance | 3 | None
  • MGT730 | Risk Management and Governance | 3 | MGT710
  • THE735 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 4 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • RES740 | Qualitative Research Design | 4 | RES700
  • BUS745 | Ethics in Global Markets | 3 | BUS705
  • MGT750 | Advanced Team Dynamics | 3 | MGT710
  • BUS755 | Strategic Social Impact | 4 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • RES800 | Dissertation Proposal Development | 4 | RES740
  • MGT805 | Agile Project Execution | 3 | MGT750
  • BUS810 | Advanced Moral Philosophy | 3 | BUS745
  • MGT815 | Operations Strategy | 4 | MGT710
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • RES820 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES800
  • BUS825 | Conflict Resolution and Mediation | 3 | None
  • MGT830 | Change Management Leadership | 3 | MGT815
  • BUS835 | Professional Identity and Career Development | 4 | None
  • Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
  • RES850 | Dissertation Defense | 10 | RES820
  • BUS855 | Professional Ethics Seminar | 3 | BUS810
  • MGT860 | Seminar in Organizational Theory | 3 | None
  • CAP890 | Doctoral Leadership Practicum | 4 | None