Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Business, Specialization in Non-Profit Business Management

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Business, Specialization in Non-Profit Business 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

• Evaluate advanced non-profit management theories to optimize organizational performance and operational sustainability.
• Design rigorous original research studies that contribute meaningful solutions to challenges faced by faith-based and community-oriented organizations.
• Integrate principles of ethical stewardship and servant leadership into strategic decision-making processes.
• Analyze the socio-economic and regulatory environments impacting non-profit organizational effectiveness.
• Demonstrate advanced communication skills by disseminating scholarly findings to academic and professional audiences.
• Formulate strategic, faith-informed business models that enhance community engagement and stakeholder accountability.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES700
• Advanced Research Methodology I
• 4
• None
• MGT710
• Stewardship and Non-Profit Governance
• 3
• None
• BUS720
• Ethical Leadership in Organizations
• 3
• None
• RES700 — Advanced Research Methodology I: This course covers qualitative and quantitative research designs essential for social science research. Students learn to critique published literature and formulate research proposals. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT710 — Stewardship and Non-Profit Governance: Explores the legal, financial, and ethical responsibilities of non-profit boards. Focuses on accountability and long-term sustainability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS720 — Ethical Leadership in Organizations: Examines moral frameworks and their application to complex management decisions. Develops the student's capacity for reflective leadership. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES701
• Advanced Research Methodology II
• 4
• RES700
• MGT730
• Strategic Human Capital Management
• 3
• None
• BUS740
• Financial Stewardship for Non-Profits
• 3
• None
• MGT750
• Non-Profit Marketing and Communication
• 3
• None
• RES701 — Advanced Research Methodology II: Focuses on advanced statistical analysis and mixed-methods research techniques. Students analyze datasets to draw meaningful organizational conclusions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT730 — Strategic Human Capital Management: Covers the recruitment, retention, and development of staff and volunteers in non-profit settings. Emphasizes alignment of talent with organizational culture. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS740 — Financial Stewardship for Non-Profits: Covers budgeting, resource allocation, and philanthropic sustainability. Analyzes fiscal transparency as a hallmark of organizational integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT750 — Non-Profit Marketing and Communication: Explores communication strategies that increase donor engagement and visibility. Discusses the role of narrative in achieving organizational goals. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES800
• Dissertation Prospectus Development
• 4
• RES701
• MGT810
• Global Perspectives on Non-Profit Management
• 3
• None
• BUS820
• Advanced Strategic Planning
• 3
• None
• MGT830
• Organizational Change and Resilience
• 3
• None
• RES800 — Dissertation Prospectus Development: Guided instruction on framing the dissertation research problem and literature review. Students refine their proposed methodology and scope. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT810 — Global Perspectives on Non-Profit Management: Analyzes the impact of international NGO activity and cross-cultural management. Focuses on social innovation in diverse global contexts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS820 — Advanced Strategic Planning: Provides analytical tools for long-term strategic positioning of non-profit entities. Emphasizes mission-driven planning processes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT830 — Organizational Change and Resilience: Investigates methodologies for leading organizations through periods of instability. Discusses cultural adaptation and organizational agility. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES810
• Dissertation Seminar I
• 4
• RES800
• MGT840
• Program Evaluation and Social Impact
• 3
• RES701
• BUS850
• Non-Profit Legal and Policy Environment
• 3
• None
• MGT860
• Servant Leadership in Practice
• 3
• None
• RES810 — Dissertation Seminar I: Students begin the data collection phase of their dissertation. Faculty mentors provide ongoing feedback on progress and methodological consistency. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT840 — Program Evaluation and Social Impact: Provides metrics and tools for assessing the efficacy of non-profit programs. Focuses on data-driven decision-making for program improvement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS850 — Non-Profit Legal and Policy Environment: Covers regulatory compliance and policy advocacy for non-profits. Examines how policy changes influence institutional operations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT860 — Servant Leadership in Practice: Analyzes the practical application of leadership theories that prioritize service and humility. Focuses on coaching and team dynamics. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES820
• Dissertation Seminar II
• 4
• RES810
• MGT870
• Collaborative Partnership Development
• 3
• None
• BUS880
• Risk Management and Institutional Safety
• 3
• None
• RES890
• Directed Research Study
• 3
• RES810
• RES820 — Dissertation Seminar II: Focuses on the analysis of data and initial drafting of dissertation chapters. Students engage in peer review and faculty consultation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT870 — Collaborative Partnership Development: Explores how to build effective coalitions with other organizations and public entities. Analyzes networking strategies for shared social impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS880 — Risk Management and Institutional Safety: Identifies risks facing modern non-profits, including cyber security and liability. Establishes protocols for maintaining institutional safety. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES890 — Directed Research Study: An individualized study tailored to the student’s specific dissertation research needs. Facilitates deep scholarly focus on a specialized topic. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP900
• Dissertation Defense and Final Revision
• 4
• RES820
• MGT910
• Advanced Organizational Strategy
• 3
• None
• BUS920
• Future Trends in Non-Profit Management
• 3
• None
• MGT930
• Doctoral Portfolio Development
• 3
• None
• CAP900 — Dissertation Defense and Final Revision: Candidates finalize their dissertation manuscript and present their research to a faculty committee. This experience confirms their readiness for advanced scholarly practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT910 — Advanced Organizational Strategy: Synthesizes advanced concepts in organizational theory and strategic application. Focuses on maintaining mission-drift prevention in large organizations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS920 — Future Trends in Non-Profit Management: Examines emerging technologies and shifts in the charitable sector. Challenges students to anticipate future organizational needs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT930 — Doctoral Portfolio Development: Students compile a professional portfolio demonstrating their research, teaching, and leadership experience. Prepares students for entry into senior professional roles. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission to the PhD program requires an earned Master’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Prospective candidates must submit a formal application, official academic transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining their research interests, a professional curriculum vitae, and three letters of recommendation that reflect the applicant's academic potential and leadership capacity. Applicants are also required to participate in an admissions interview to assess their readiness for doctoral-level research and alignment with the program's values regarding ethical leadership. Dissertation Requirement The Dissertation serves as the culminating academic experience for the PhD program, requiring students to execute an original research project that addresses a substantive issue in non-profit management. Candidates must formulate a clear research question, employ rigorous methodological frameworks, and synthesize theoretical perspectives to generate new knowledge. The project represents a significant contribution to the field, demonstrating the student's mastery of research design, analytical rigor, and the application of management theory within the non-profit sector. Throughout the dissertation process, students integrate their academic findings with the foundational principles of the program, such as stewardship, ethical reasoning, and a commitment to serving the greater good. The final deliverable requires the candidate to articulate how their findings advance the mission of faith-based and community-based organizations. Through this work, students demonstrate not only academic expertise but also the development of a character-centered approach to organizational leadership, preparing them to serve as thoughtful, informed professionals in their respective communities.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours, including 35 transfer credits and 85 doctoral-level credits, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students must successfully defend their dissertation before a faculty committee, showcasing both their research competence and their ability to bridge academic theory with professional practice. Every student is expected to maintain consistent enrollment and satisfy all residency requirements, demonstrating sustained dedication to their scholarly advancement.
• Beyond academic milestones, graduation involves a commitment to spiritual and character development. Students must demonstrate evidence of servant leadership through engagement in community initiatives and ongoing participation in university-sponsored activities that encourage ethical reflection. This balance of rigorous academic achievement and moral maturity ensures that graduates are well-prepared to lead with integrity, serving their communities through professional excellence and faith-informed stewardship.
• Career Opportunities
• Non-Profit Executive Director
• Organizational Development Consultant
• University Faculty in Business and Management
• Director of Strategic Development
• Policy Analyst for Social Service Agencies
• Director of Community Engagement
• Foundation Program Officer
• 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 Business, Specialization in Non-Profit Business 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 business and non-profit 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 | Advanced Research Methodology I | 4 | None
• MGT710 | Stewardship and Non-Profit Governance | 3 | None
• BUS720 | Ethical Leadership in Organizations | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES701 | Advanced Research Methodology II | 4 | RES700
• MGT730 | Strategic Human Capital Management | 3 | None
• BUS740 | Financial Stewardship for Non-Profits | 3 | None
• MGT750 | Non-Profit Marketing and Communication | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES800 | Dissertation Prospectus Development | 4 | RES701
• MGT810 | Global Perspectives on Non-Profit Management | 3 | None
• BUS820 | Advanced Strategic Planning | 3 | None
• MGT830 | Organizational Change and Resilience | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES810 | Dissertation Seminar I | 4 | RES800
• MGT840 | Program Evaluation and Social Impact | 3 | RES701
• BUS850 | Non-Profit Legal and Policy Environment | 3 | None
• MGT860 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES820 | Dissertation Seminar II | 4 | RES810
• MGT870 | Collaborative Partnership Development | 3 | None
• BUS880 | Risk Management and Institutional Safety | 3 | None
• RES890 | Directed Research Study | 3 | RES810
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP900 | Dissertation Defense and Final Revision | 4 | RES820
• MGT910 | Advanced Organizational Strategy | 3 | None
• BUS920 | Future Trends in Non-Profit Management | 3 | None
• MGT930 | Doctoral Portfolio Development | 3 | None