Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Agribusiness, Specialization in Non-Profit Sustainable Community Development

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Agribusiness

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 systemic issues within global agribusiness through the lens of economic sustainability and social responsibility.
• Evaluate the operational effectiveness of non-profit models in promoting long-term community development in marginalized populations.
• Design rigorous, original research that contributes to the academic and practical understanding of sustainable agricultural management.
• Integrate ethical decision-making and stewardship principles into the planning and execution of agricultural community projects.
• Develop strategic leadership skills necessary to navigate the intersections of government, NGO, and private sectors in community development.
• Communicate complex academic and technical findings to professional and scholarly audiences through diverse media.
• Demonstrate advanced pedagogical proficiency in the disciplines of agribusiness and sustainable non-profit management.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES701
• Advanced Research Methodology
• 3
• Graduate standing
• BUS710
• Global Agricultural Economics
• 3
• None
• THE720
• Ethics in Non-Profit Governance
• 3
• None
• RES701 — Advanced Research Methodology: Explores qualitative and quantitative research designs relevant to agribusiness and social sciences. Students examine the logic of scientific inquiry in the context of community development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS710 — Global Agricultural Economics: Analyzes the complexities of global food production, supply chains, and market dynamics from a systemic perspective. The course emphasizes sustainability and resource efficiency. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE720 — Ethics in Non-Profit Governance: Examines ethical frameworks and governance models that facilitate transparency and stewardship in faith-based organizations. Covers legal compliance and organizational integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• MGT730
• Sustainable Community Development Strategies
• 3
• BUS710
• RES702
• Quantitative Analysis in Development
• 4
• RES701
• BUS740
• Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation
• 3
• None
• MGT750
• Leadership Dynamics in Non-Profit Entities
• 3
• None
• MGT730 — Sustainable Community Development Strategies: Focuses on the implementation of long-term strategies for rural and urban community resilience. Students evaluate project impact using multidimensional metrics. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES702 — Quantitative Analysis in Development: Provides advanced instruction in statistical methods for evaluating socioeconomic and agricultural data. Application involves software-driven modeling and data interpretation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS740 — Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Investigates the role of innovation in creating viable, self-sustaining businesses that solve societal problems. Students explore models of venture philanthropy and impact investment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT750 — Leadership Dynamics in Non-Profit Entities: This course examines organizational leadership theories and management practices within the non-profit sector. Students explore human resource management, team dynamics, and institutional governance to improve organizational efficiency. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES801
• Qualitative Research and Ethnography
• 4
• RES701
• BUS810
• Agricultural Policy and Advocacy
• 3
• BUS710
• MGT820
• Resource Stewardship and Management
• 3
• None
• SOC830
• Community Resilience and Sociology
• 3
• None
• RES801 — Qualitative Research and Ethnography: Teaches the collection and analysis of qualitative data through interviews, observations, and narrative studies. Useful for understanding cultural contexts in community development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS810 — Agricultural Policy and Advocacy: Analyzes local and global policy frameworks influencing food production, land use, and development efforts. Students assess the impact of legislation on non-profit initiatives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT820 — Resource Stewardship and Management: Focuses on the responsible management of financial and physical assets within the agribusiness sector. Emphasizes environmental sustainability and long-term fiscal viability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC830 — Community Resilience and Sociology: Studies the sociological factors influencing community cohesion and growth in the context of agricultural projects. Explores how non-profits can foster positive change. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES805
• Dissertation Proposal Development
• 4
• RES801
• BUS840
• Advanced Supply Chain Management
• 3
• BUS710
• MGT850
• Organizational Development and Change
• 3
• None
• SOC860
• Sociology of Labor and Professional Development
• 3
• None
• RES805 — Dissertation Proposal Development: Guides students through the creation of their dissertation research proposal and initial literature review. Students defend their research questions before a faculty committee. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS840 — Advanced Supply Chain Management: Examines the challenges and opportunities of logistics in small-scale and regional agricultural operations. Focuses on fair trade and efficiency for non-profits. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT850 — Organizational Development and Change: Covers management techniques to navigate change and growth within non-profit entities. Focuses on scaling operations while maintaining cultural mission alignment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC860 — Sociology of Labor and Professional Development: This course analyzes the sociological impact of labor trends, professional identity, and economic participation in modern society. It emphasizes the integration of vocational training with broader community development goals and economic sustainability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• DIS901
• Dissertation Research I
• 6
• RES805
• BUS870
• Financial Analysis for Non-Profit Leaders
• 3
• None
• MGT880
• Strategic Communication and Outreach
• 3
• None
• COM890
• Professional Development and Mentorship
• 3
• None
• DIS901 — Dissertation Research I: The initial phase of primary research and data collection for the dissertation project. Regular consultation with the chair is required for project tracking. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS870 — Financial Analysis for Non-Profit Leaders: Enhances the candidate's ability to interpret financial reports and project budgets for grant and donor compliance. Focuses on sustainability metrics. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT880 — Strategic Communication and Outreach: Analyzes how to articulate complex research and organizational missions to key stakeholders, donors, and the general public. Focuses on message clarity and engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM890 — Professional Development and Mentorship: Encourages the cultivation of mentorship and networking skills for professional leaders in the non-profit sector. Includes a component on peer-review practices. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• DIS902
• Dissertation Research II
• 6
• DIS901
• CAP899
• Advanced Practitioner Synthesis
• 3
• All Core Courses
• HIS890
• History of Non-Profit Development
• 3
• None
• BUS895
• Capstone Seminar in Organizational Integration
• 3
• None
• DIS902 — Dissertation Research II: The final stage of research, analysis, and writing, culminating in the formal dissertation defense. Demonstrates independent capacity for scholarly excellence. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP899 — Advanced Practitioner Synthesis: A final synthesis course where students integrate their research findings into practical application tools for organizations. Focuses on post-graduation career efficacy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS890 — History of Non-Profit Development: Surveys the history of civil society and non-profit involvement in social reform. Provides context for contemporary agricultural development roles. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS895 — Capstone Seminar in Organizational Integration: This seminar facilitates the synthesis of theoretical research and practical application across the disciplines of agribusiness and sustainable community development. Students engage in critical analysis of sector-specific challenges to formulate evidence-based solutions for community improvement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants for the Doctor of Philosophy must possess a completed Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field such as agriculture, business, community development, or social work. A minimum cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required. Prospective students must submit a formal research proposal, three letters of academic and professional reference, a current curriculum vitae, and a statement of purpose outlining their commitment to research and service in the field of faith-based agribusiness. Dissertation Requirement The Dissertation serves as the crowning achievement of the doctoral program, requiring candidates to produce an original, high-quality research project that contributes significantly to the field of faith-based agribusiness and community development. Students are expected to identify a specific, complex issue within the sector, conduct extensive empirical or qualitative research, and articulate findings that advance both scholarly theory and practitioner excellence. The dissertation must be a minimum of 12 credit hours, demonstrating the candidate's mastery of research methodology and their capacity to synthesize complex data into meaningful solutions. Integrating the program’s faith-based identity, the dissertation is evaluated not only on academic rigor but also on its alignment with principles of servant leadership, biblical stewardship, and ethical integrity. Students are required to reflect upon their findings through a worldview that prioritizes the dignity of the community and the sustainable use of resources. This culmination validates the student's transition from learner to independent scholar, demonstrating both technical competence and the spiritual maturity required to navigate the ethical complexities of the modern non-profit landscape.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours, including the 35-credit transfer block, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. Candidates must successfully defend their dissertation before a faculty committee and demonstrate the ability to synthesize academic research with community-informed practice. Students are also expected to fulfill requirements for ongoing spiritual formation and professional character development, ensuring they are prepared to serve with integrity, humility, and academic excellence.
• Beyond technical mastery, graduates must exhibit a commitment to the university’s mission of service, demonstrating how their research and personal character align with faith-informed values. This includes participation in scholarly forums, mentorship activities, and community service initiatives that underscore the importance of applying knowledge for the common good. Completion of this degree signals that the scholar is prepared for a lifelong contribution to the field through ethical service, critical inquiry, and sustained spiritual development.
• Career Opportunities
• Director of Agricultural Sustainability for International NGOs
• Non-Profit Executive Consultant for Food Security Initiatives
• Academic Researcher in Sustainable Community Development
• Policy Analyst for Faith-Based Development Organizations
• Director of Operations for Community-Based Agricultural Cooperatives
• University Faculty in Business or Agricultural Economics
• Grant Strategist for Global Development Foundations
• 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 Agribusiness
• 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 Agribusiness 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
• RES701 | Advanced Research Methodology | 3 | Graduate standing
• BUS710 | Global Agricultural Economics | 3 | None
• THE720 | Ethics in Non-Profit Governance | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• MGT730 | Sustainable Community Development Strategies | 3 | BUS710
• RES702 | Quantitative Analysis in Development | 4 | RES701
• BUS740 | Social Entrepreneurship and Innovation | 3 | None
• MGT750 | Leadership Dynamics in Non-Profit Entities | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES801 | Qualitative Research and Ethnography | 4 | RES701
• BUS810 | Agricultural Policy and Advocacy | 3 | BUS710
• MGT820 | Resource Stewardship and Management | 3 | None
• SOC830 | Community Resilience and Sociology | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES805 | Dissertation Proposal Development | 4 | RES801
• BUS840 | Advanced Supply Chain Management | 3 | BUS710
• MGT850 | Organizational Development and Change | 3 | None
• SOC860 | Sociology of Labor and Professional Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS901 | Dissertation Research I | 6 | RES805
• BUS870 | Financial Analysis for Non-Profit Leaders | 3 | None
• MGT880 | Strategic Communication and Outreach | 3 | None
• COM890 | Professional Development and Mentorship | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS902 | Dissertation Research II | 6 | DIS901
• CAP899 | Advanced Practitioner Synthesis | 3 | All Core Courses
• HIS890 | History of Non-Profit Development | 3 | None
• BUS895 | Capstone Seminar in Organizational Integration | 3 | None