Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Global Communication, Media Influence

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Global Communication, Media Influence

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 media landscapes through the lens of established communication theories and contemporary social science research.
• Evaluate the ethical implications of global media influence on diverse cultural populations and public institutional structures.
• Design sophisticated, original research projects that contribute to the scholarly understanding of mediated communication.
• Apply frameworks of servant leadership and stewardship to resolve communication challenges within organizational or global contexts.
• Communicate nuanced research findings to diverse academic and professional audiences through high-quality scholarly writing.
• Integrate ethical reasoning and faith-informed perspectives into critical evaluations of media policy and audience engagement strategies.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES700
• Foundations of Research Methodology
• 4
• None
• COM705
• Advanced Communication Theory
• 3
• None
• ETH710
• Ethical Reasoning in Media
• 3
• None
• RES700 — Foundations of Research Methodology: An introduction to the paradigms of doctoral-level inquiry and research design. Covers qualitative and quantitative methodologies essential for media analysisThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COM705 — Advanced Communication Theory: A deep analysis of the historical and contemporary theories governing global communication. Evaluates the evolution of media influence on societal institutionsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• ETH710 — Ethical Reasoning in Media: Explores the ethical challenges in digital communication and media influence. Emphasizes character-driven decision making and stewardshipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES720
• Quantitative Research Methods
• 4
• RES700
• COM725
• Global Media Ecosystems
• 4
• COM705
• SOC730
• Media Influence and Cultural Formation
• 3
• None
• MGT735
• Organizational Leadership in Media
• 3
• None
• RES720 — Quantitative Research Methods: Advanced statistical analysis techniques applied to communication research. Students design data models to test variables of media impactThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COM725 — Global Media Ecosystems: An investigation into how global media networks structure cross-cultural communication. Examines the impact of digital globalization on indigenous and local narrativesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• SOC730 — Media Influence and Cultural Formation: Evaluates the sociological aspects of how mass media shapes societal norms and individual worldviews. Discusses the role of stewardship in media creationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MGT735 — Organizational Leadership in Media: Examines models of servant leadership within media corporations and organizations. Focuses on organizational governance and long-term societal impactThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES800
• Qualitative Inquiry and Analysis
• 4
• RES700
• COM810
• Digital Platforms and Social Cohesion
• 4
• COM725
• COM815
• Professional Ethics and Resource Management
• 3
• None
• COM820
• Advanced Media Analytics
• 3
• RES720
• RES800 — Qualitative Inquiry and Analysis: Focuses on ethnographic, phenomenological, and discourse analysis methods. Prepares students for the complexity of human-centric media researchThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COM810 — Digital Platforms and Social Cohesion: Critiques the influence of digital platforms on democracy and public discourse. Explores strategies for fostering healthy online civic participationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COM815 — Professional Ethics and Resource Management: This course examines the principles of professional responsibility and the strategic management of organizational assets within the media sector. It focuses on ethical decision-making frameworks and sustainable practices for long-term institutional growth. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM820 — Advanced Media Analytics: Provides technical training in measuring audience engagement and the proliferation of information. Addresses the ethics of surveillance and data usageThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES830
• Dissertation Seminar
• 4
• RES800
• COM835
• Global Policy and Media Regulation
• 4
• COM725
• EDU840
• Pedagogy in Communication Studies
• 3
• None
• COM845
• Media and Human Development
• 3
• None
• RES830 — Dissertation Seminar: A foundational course for the development of the dissertation prospectus. Guides students through the formulation of research questions and literature synthesisThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COM835 — Global Policy and Media Regulation: A comparative study of international media policies and legal frameworks. Examines how governance impacts freedom of expression and social justiceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• EDU840 — Pedagogy in Communication Studies: Prepares doctoral students for university-level instruction. Focuses on effective teaching techniques and curriculum development in higher educationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COM845 — Media and Human Development: Examines the intersection of cognitive development and long-term media exposure. Addresses the implications for educational and family policyThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES850
• Dissertation Research I
• 4
• RES830
• COM855
• Communication and Cross-Cultural Conflict
• 4
• COM725
• MGT860
• Strategic Communication and Social Change
• 3
• None
• COM865
• Advanced Synthesis in Media and Social Systems
• 3
• None
• RES850 — Dissertation Research I: Initial data collection and analysis under the supervision of a faculty chair. Focuses on methodological execution and preliminary findingsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COM855 — Communication and Cross-Cultural Conflict: Explores the role of media in mitigating or exacerbating international conflicts. Studies conflict resolution and peace-building communication strategiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• MGT860 — Strategic Communication and Social Change: Analyzes the efficacy of strategic communication campaigns in non-profit and social advocacy. Discusses the ethics of public influenceThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COM865 — Advanced Synthesis in Media and Social Systems: This seminar provides a comprehensive review of the intersection between communication strategies and complex social organizational structures. Students engage in critical analysis to synthesize theoretical frameworks with contemporary global media challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES890
• Dissertation Research II
• 4
• RES850
• COM895
• Advanced Topics in Media Influence
• 4
• None
• COM898
• Scholarly Publication and Professionalism
• 3
• None
• CAP899
• Dissertation Defense
• 3
• RES890
• RES890 — Dissertation Research II: Final synthesis of data and writing of the dissertation. Includes the preparation of the oral defense before the doctoral committeeThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COM895 — Advanced Topics in Media Influence: A capstone seminar addressing the future of communication technology and ethical implications for the next decade of digital evolutionThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• COM898 — Scholarly Publication and Professionalism: Supports students in preparing their research for peer-reviewed publication. Focuses on the standards of professional academic discourseThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CAP899 — Dissertation Defense: The final oral defense of the doctoral dissertation. Demonstrates academic mastery, original research contributions, and ethical integration of the candidate's findingsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Applicants must hold a master's degree from a regionally or professionally accredited institution in a field related to communication, media studies, or a cognate discipline. Admission requires the submission of official academic transcripts, a statement of research intent, letters of professional or academic recommendation, and evidence of scholarly writing capability. Candidates must demonstrate the potential for doctoral-level rigor, critical thinking, and a commitment to aligning their professional development with the institutional mission. Dissertation Requirement The dissertation serves as the culminating academic achievement for the PhD program, representing an original contribution to the field of global communication and media influence. Candidates are required to conduct independent, rigorous research that addresses a significant gap in current literature, applying both quantitative and qualitative methodological excellence. This project serves as a demonstration of the candidate's mastery of the discipline and their ability to conduct ethical, high-impact scholarly inquiry. The scope of the dissertation must reflect a synthesis of theoretical frameworks, meticulous data analysis, and professional synthesis. Students are expected to demonstrate how their research addresses societal needs and promotes responsible communication practices through the application of a coherent ethical and faith-based framework. The dissertation process encourages the development of servant leadership, as students are challenged to ensure their findings contribute to the common good and reflect the principles of stewardship and moral integrity within the broader academic community.

• 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 and fulfill all institutional requirements for academic progress. Beyond intellectual rigor, students are expected to demonstrate ongoing character development through community engagement and reflection on their spiritual formation, ensuring their professional identity is rooted in integrity and a commitment to service. Successful completion certifies that the scholar has attained both the cognitive mastery and the ethical maturity expected of graduates who seek to influence the global media landscape with character and professional excellence.
• Career Opportunities
• University Professor of Communication
• Media Policy Consultant
• Director of Global Communications for Non-Profit Organizations
• Strategic Communications Researcher
• Public Policy Advisor on Media Influence
• Executive Leader in Media Ethics and Governance
• International Media Outreach Coordinator
• 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 Global Communication, Media Influence
• 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 global communication and media theory | 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 | Foundations of Research Methodology | 4 | None
• COM705 | Advanced Communication Theory | 3 | None
• ETH710 | Ethical Reasoning in Media | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES720 | Quantitative Research Methods | 4 | RES700
• COM725 | Global Media Ecosystems | 4 | COM705
• SOC730 | Media Influence and Cultural Formation | 3 | None
• MGT735 | Organizational Leadership in Media | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES800 | Qualitative Inquiry and Analysis | 4 | RES700
• COM810 | Digital Platforms and Social Cohesion | 4 | COM725
• COM815 | Professional Ethics and Resource Management | 3 | None
• COM820 | Advanced Media Analytics | 3 | RES720
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES830 | Dissertation Seminar | 4 | RES800
• COM835 | Global Policy and Media Regulation | 4 | COM725
• EDU840 | Pedagogy in Communication Studies | 3 | None
• COM845 | Media and Human Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES850 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES830
• COM855 | Communication and Cross-Cultural Conflict | 4 | COM725
• MGT860 | Strategic Communication and Social Change | 3 | None
• COM865 | Advanced Synthesis in Media and Social Systems | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES890 | Dissertation Research II | 4 | RES850
• COM895 | Advanced Topics in Media Influence | 4 | None
• COM898 | Scholarly Publication and Professionalism | 3 | None
• CAP899 | Dissertation Defense | 3 | RES890