Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Arts in Investigative Journalism, Reporting

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Arts in Investigative Journalism, Reporting

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 Communication and Media

Total credits

120

Duration

3 years

• Analyze complex social issues through advanced investigative research methodologies.
• Evaluate the intersection of media ethics and organizational transparency within diverse societal structures.
• Design original, evidence-based research that contributes to the academic and professional discourse of investigative reporting.
• Communicate research findings effectively to diverse audiences using multiple media formats.
• Integrate ethical reasoning and servant leadership principles into professional decision-making frameworks.
• Demonstrate advanced competency in scholarly writing, archival research, and collaborative data analysis.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES701
• Advanced Qualitative Inquiry
• 3
• None
• COM705
• Media Law and Ethical Frameworks
• 3
• None
• PUB710
• Public Sector Resource Management and Advocacy
• 4
• None
• RES701 — Advanced Qualitative Inquiry: Explores the philosophical foundations and methodological rigor of qualitative research in media studies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM705 — Media Law and Ethical Frameworks: Examines legal standards and the role of ethics in modern media reporting and institutional disclosure. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• PUB710 — Public Sector Resource Management and Advocacy: This course examines the strategic allocation of resources within public and social service sectors to ensure sustainable impact. Students explore fiscal responsibility, stakeholder accountability, and the management of humanitarian aid systems. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES702
• Quantitative Data Analysis
• 4
• RES701
• HIS720
• Historiography of Public Reporting
• 3
• None
• COM730
• Advanced Narrative Construction
• 3
• None
• ETH740
• Professional Standards and Ethical Decision-Making
• 3
• None
• RES702 — Quantitative Data Analysis: Focuses on statistical tools and data interpretation for investigative journalists and policy researchers. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS720 — Historiography of Public Reporting: Analyzes the evolution of journalistic traditions and the role of the press in democratic societies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM730 — Advanced Narrative Construction: Develops high-level writing and storytelling skills necessary for complex, investigative long-form journalism. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ETH740 — Professional Standards and Ethical Decision-Making: This course provides an intensive study of moral philosophy and professional codes of conduct within journalism and investigative reporting. Students analyze complex ethical dilemmas through the lens of institutional integrity and public accountability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES805
• Archival Research Methodology
• 4
• RES701
• COM810
• Technology in Investigative Media
• 3
• None
• MGT820
• Organizational Leadership and Transparency
• 3
• None
• SOC830
• Sociology of Civic Engagement and Community Identity
• 3
• None
• RES805 — Archival Research Methodology: Provides instruction in specialized investigative methods involving deep archival and document analysis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM810 — Technology in Investigative Media: Covers digital tools for tracking public expenditures and verifying institutional claims. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT820 — Organizational Leadership and Transparency: Explores the dynamics of leadership within nonprofits and the necessity of operational transparency. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC830 — Sociology of Civic Engagement and Community Identity: This course explores the sociological dynamics of community building, civic participation, and the formation of public identity. Analysis focuses on how social structures influence collective action and how investigative reporters map these influence networks. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES850
• Research Design and Proposal Development
• 4
• RES805
• COM860
• Crisis Communication and Public Integrity
• 3
• None
• HIS870
• Ethics in Historical Perspective
• 3
• None
• COM880
• Media and Global Justice Issues
• 3
• None
• RES850 — Research Design and Proposal Development: Guides the candidate through the formal process of developing a dissertation research proposal. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM860 — Crisis Communication and Public Integrity: Analyzes the communicative responses of institutions during times of ethical failure. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS870 — Ethics in Historical Perspective: Studies the history of institutional reform and the ethical impact of public advocacy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM880 — Media and Global Justice Issues: Investigates the role of media in highlighting systemic injustices and systemic corruption. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES900
• Dissertation Research Phase I
• 6
• RES850
• COM910
• Practicum in Investigative Reporting
• 3
• None
• EDU920
• Pedagogy for Communication Scholars
• 3
• None
• THE930
• Contemporary Ethical Issues
• 3
• None
• RES900 — Dissertation Research Phase I: Focuses on the implementation of the dissertation research proposal and initial findings synthesis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM910 — Practicum in Investigative Reporting: Allows students to apply research methods in a field-based practicum setting. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU920 — Pedagogy for Communication Scholars: Prepares doctoral students for teaching roles at the collegiate level with a focus on ethical inquiry. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE930 — Contemporary Ethical Issues: Explores complex ethical dilemmas in the context of institutional governance and stewardship. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES950
• Dissertation Finalization and Defense
• 6
• RES900
• COM960
• Advanced Seminar in Media Policy
• 3
• None
• MGT970
• Strategic Stewardship in Organizations
• 3
• None
• CHR980
• Formation for Servant Leadership
• 3
• None
• RES950 — Dissertation Finalization and Defense: Finalizes the written dissertation and prepares the student for the comprehensive final defense. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM960 — Advanced Seminar in Media Policy: Examines current trends in media policy and their impacts on institutional accountability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT970 — Strategic Stewardship in Organizations: Focuses on long-term resource management and ethical governance for organizational success. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR980 — Formation for Servant Leadership: Synthesizes spiritual formation and professional character development for the graduating scholar. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must possess a Master of Arts or Master of Science degree from an accredited institution in a field related to communication, journalism, history, or humanities, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25. Prospective students are required to submit a comprehensive research proposal, professional portfolio, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of intent detailing their alignment with the program’s commitment to ethical and community-centered investigative practice. Dissertation Requirement The Dissertation serves as the final, mandatory capstone experience for the doctoral program, requiring a minimum of 12 credits of original research. Candidates are expected to identify a significant socio-cultural issue, develop a robust research design, and execute an exhaustive investigative project that provides new insight into the intersection of public reporting and institutional accountability. The dissertation must demonstrate the scholar's ability to synthesize advanced media theories with practical investigative applications. Beyond technical proficiency, the dissertation functions as a platform for the synthesis of faith-informed character development. Candidates are tasked with explicitly addressing how their research contributes to the common good, demonstrates stewardship of institutional resources, and reflects an commitment to truth-telling as a form of service. The document and oral defense are evaluated not only for their academic depth but also for their clear articulation of ethical integrity and the scholar's readiness to pursue a career marked by intellectual humility and a servant-leader mindset.

• To qualify for the Doctor of Philosophy, students must complete the 120-credit requirement with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, ensuring that every course is passed with a grade of B or higher. In addition to the academic course load, graduates must successfully defend their doctoral dissertation before a faculty committee, proving both command of their research and the ability to articulate findings within an ethical and community-centered framework.
• Graduation is also predicated on the demonstration of spiritual and professional maturity. Students must participate in required spiritual formation seminars and engage in documented community-based service, reflecting the institution’s commitment to balancing high-level scholarly achievement with a heart for vocational service. This holistic approach ensures that graduates leave the program prepared to act as men and women of integrity, ready to contribute to society with both intellectual expertise and a steadfast commitment to the welfare of their neighbors.
• Career Opportunities
• Investigative Researcher for Nonprofit Foundations
• University Professor of Journalism and Media Ethics
• Director of Communications for Faith-Based Organizations
• Public Policy Analyst and Investigative Writer
• Archive and Records Manager for Public Interest Groups
• Senior Editor for Social Impact Media Outlets
• Institutional Transparency 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 Faith-Based Arts in Investigative Journalism, Reporting
• 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 arts in investigative journalism and reporting 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 Qualitative Inquiry | 3 | None
• COM705 | Media Law and Ethical Frameworks | 3 | None
• PUB710 | Public Sector Resource Management and Advocacy | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES702 | Quantitative Data Analysis | 4 | RES701
• HIS720 | Historiography of Public Reporting | 3 | None
• COM730 | Advanced Narrative Construction | 3 | None
• ETH740 | Professional Standards and Ethical Decision-Making | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES805 | Archival Research Methodology | 4 | RES701
• COM810 | Technology in Investigative Media | 3 | None
• MGT820 | Organizational Leadership and Transparency | 3 | None
• SOC830 | Sociology of Civic Engagement and Community Identity | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES850 | Research Design and Proposal Development | 4 | RES805
• COM860 | Crisis Communication and Public Integrity | 3 | None
• HIS870 | Ethics in Historical Perspective | 3 | None
• COM880 | Media and Global Justice Issues | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES900 | Dissertation Research Phase I | 6 | RES850
• COM910 | Practicum in Investigative Reporting | 3 | None
• EDU920 | Pedagogy for Communication Scholars | 3 | None
• THE930 | Contemporary Ethical Issues | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES950 | Dissertation Finalization and Defense | 6 | RES900
• COM960 | Advanced Seminar in Media Policy | 3 | None
• MGT970 | Strategic Stewardship in Organizations | 3 | None
• CHR980 | Formation for Servant Leadership | 3 | None