Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Organizational Leadership

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Organizational Leadership

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 Leadership

Total credits

120

Duration

3 years

• Demonstrate advanced understanding of leadership theories and practices.
• Analyze organizational behavior through the lens of Christian ethics.
• Develop effective strategies for ethical decision-making in leadership roles.
• Conduct original research contributing to the field of organizational leadership.
• Communicate complex ideas effectively to diverse audiences.
• Cultivate a transformative leadership style grounded in ethical considerations.
• Evaluate the impact of organizational policies on stakeholder engagement.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ORGL 620
• Organizational Behavior and Culture
• 3
• Foundation Courses SPCh 500, GEN 502, GRAD 501 and MADC 500
• CE 701
• Christian Ethics: Foundations & Moral Reasoning
• 3
• None
• OL 701
• Foundations of Organizational Leadership
• 3
• None
• CE 702
• Ethical Leadership: Christian Perspectives
• 3
• None
• OL 702
• Organizational Theory & Systems
• 3
• None
• CE 703
• Justice, Equity, & Christian Social Ethics
• 3
• None
• OL 703
• Research Design in Leadership Studies
• 3
• None
• ORGL 620 — Organizational Behavior and Culture: This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CE 701 — Christian Ethics: Foundations & Moral Reasoning: Foundations of Christian ethics and moral reasoningThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• OL 701 — Foundations of Organizational Leadership: Foundational concepts in organizational leadershipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CE 702 — Ethical Leadership: Christian Perspectives: Christian perspectives on ethical leadershipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• OL 702 — Organizational Theory & Systems: Organizational theory and systems thinkingThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CE 703 — Justice, Equity, & Christian Social Ethics: Justice, equity, and social ethics from Christian perspectiveThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• OL 703 — Research Design in Leadership Studies: Research methodologies for leadership studiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CE 704
• Ethics in Organizations: Faith, Law, & Public Responsibility
• 3
• None
• OL 704
• Quantitative Methods for Leadership Research
• 3
• None
• CE 705
• Christian Ethics Seminar: Contemporary Issues & Case Analysis
• 3
• None
• OL 705
• Organizational Behavior (Advanced)
• 3
• None
• CE 706
• Applied Christian Ethics in Leadership Research
• 3
• None
• OL 706
• Strategic Leadership & Decision-Making
• 3
• None
• CE 707
• Ethics of Power, Authority, & Servant Leadership
• 3
• None
• CE 704 — Ethics in Organizations: Faith, Law, & Public Responsibility: Organizational ethics: faith, law, and responsibilityThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• OL 704 — Quantitative Methods for Leadership Research: Quantitative research methods in leadershipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CE 705 — Christian Ethics Seminar: Contemporary Issues & Case Analysis: Contemporary issues in Christian ethicsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• OL 705 — Organizational Behavior (Advanced): Advanced organizational behavior theoryThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CE 706 — Applied Christian Ethics in Leadership Research: Applied Christian ethics in leadership researchThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• OL 706 — Strategic Leadership & Decision-Making: Strategic leadership and decision-making processesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CE 707 — Ethics of Power, Authority, & Servant Leadership: Ethics of power and servant leadershipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• OL 707
• Qualitative Methods for Organizational Research
• 3
• None
• CE 708
• Christian Ethics, Social Responsibility, & Public Leadership
• 3
• None
• OL 708
• Leadership Theory: Classical to Contemporary
• 3
• None
• CE 709
• Integrative Seminar in Christian Ethics & Leadership
• 3
• None
• OL 709
• Organizational Change & Transformation
• 3
• None
• OL 710
• Program Evaluation & Evidence-Based Leadership
• 3
• None
• OL 711
• Leadership in Complex & Adaptive Systems
• 3
• None
• OL 707 — Qualitative Methods for Organizational Research: Qualitative research methods in organizationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CE 708 — Christian Ethics, Social Responsibility, & Public Leadership: Social responsibility and public leadership ethicsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• OL 708 — Leadership Theory: Classical to Contemporary: Evolution of leadership theoryThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• CE 709 — Integrative Seminar in Christian Ethics & Leadership: Integrative seminar combining ethics and leadershipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• OL 709 — Organizational Change & Transformation: Managing organizational change and transformationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• OL 710 — Program Evaluation & Evidence-Based Leadership: Program evaluation and evidence-based practicesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• OL 711 — Leadership in Complex & Adaptive Systems: Leading in complex and adaptive systemsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• OL 712
• Governance, Policy, & Organizational Accountability
• 3
• None
• OL 713
• Advanced Data Analysis for Organizational Research
• 3
• None
• OL 714
• Global & Cross-Cultural Organizational Leadership
• 3
• None
• OL 715
• Talent Management, Coaching, & Leader Development
• 3
• None
• OL 716
• Ethics, Compliance, & Risk Management (Secular)
• 3
• None
• OL 717
• Organizational Culture, Power, & Influence
• 3
• None
• OL 718
• Conflict Resolution, Negotiation, & Mediation
• 3
• None
• OL 712 — Governance, Policy, & Organizational Accountability: Governance, policy, and accountability in organizationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• OL 713 — Advanced Data Analysis for Organizational Research: Advanced data analysis techniquesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• OL 714 — Global & Cross-Cultural Organizational Leadership: Leadership in global and cross-cultural contextsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• OL 715 — Talent Management, Coaching, & Leader Development: Talent management and leader developmentThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• OL 716 — Ethics, Compliance, & Risk Management (Secular): Secular ethics, compliance, and risk managementThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• OL 717 — Organizational Culture, Power, & Influence: Culture, power, and influence in organizationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• OL 718 — Conflict Resolution, Negotiation, & Mediation: Conflict resolution and negotiation strategiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• OL 719
• Doctoral Seminar: Leadership Research in Practice
• 3
• None
• OL 790
• Comprehensive Examination Seminar
• 3
• None
• OL 791
• Dissertation Research Methods Seminar
• 3
• None
• OL 792
• Dissertation Proposal Development
• 3
• None
• OL 793
• Dissertation Proposal Defense Seminar
• 3
• None
• OL 794
• Doctoral Colloquium in Organizational Leadership
• 3
• None
• OL 795
• Dissertation Research I
• 3
• None
• OL 719 — Doctoral Seminar: Leadership Research in Practice: Applied leadership research seminarThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• OL 790 — Comprehensive Examination Seminar: Preparation for comprehensive examinationsThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• OL 791 — Dissertation Research Methods Seminar: Dissertation research methodologiesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• OL 792 — Dissertation Proposal Development: Developing the dissertation proposalThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• OL 793 — Dissertation Proposal Defense Seminar: Dissertation proposal defense preparationThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• OL 794 — Doctoral Colloquium in Organizational Leadership: Doctoral colloquium and scholarshipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• OL 795 — Dissertation Research I: Dissertation research phase oneThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• OL 796
• Dissertation Research II
• 3
• None
• OL 797
• Advanced Dissertation Writing & Analysis
• 3
• None
• OL 798
• Leadership Scholarship & Publication Seminar
• 3
• None
• OL 799
• Dissertation Research III
• 3
• None
• OL 800
• Dissertation Completion & Defense
• 3
• None
• OL 796 — Dissertation Research II: Dissertation research phase twoThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• OL 797 — Advanced Dissertation Writing & Analysis: Advanced dissertation writing techniquesThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• OL 798 — Leadership Scholarship & Publication Seminar: Academic publishing and scholarshipThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• OL 799 — Dissertation Research III: Dissertation research phase threeThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..
• OL 800 — Dissertation Completion & Defense: Final dissertation completion and defenseThis course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions..

Candidates for the Ph.D. program must hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution, with a minimum GPA of 3.5. Applicants should also submit a research proposal, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement outlining their leadership and ethical perspectives. Dissertation Requirement The doctoral capstone serves as the culmination of the candidate’s academic and spiritual formation, requiring a dissertation that investigates a significant problem in leadership through the lens of a Christian worldview. Students are expected to demonstrate mastery of research methodology while integrating principles of servant leadership and ethical reasoning to address real-world organizational complexities. The completed project must exhibit original scholarly contribution, reflecting a dedication to stewardship and a commitment to advancing organizational health through the application of theological and ethical insights. Successful defense of this project serves as a testimony to the candidate’s ability to articulate, analyze, and apply professional knowledge within the framework of their faith and vocational calling.

• To qualify for the Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, students must successfully complete 60 credit hours of graduate-level coursework with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Candidates must demonstrate academic and professional integrity throughout their tenure, manifesting the ethical reasoning and spiritual formation essential for leadership in faith-based and secular environments. The program requires the successful completion of all core courses, the ethics minor, and a comprehensive examination that tests the integration of organizational theory with Christian scholarship. Finally, students must submit and defend an approved dissertation that meets institutional standards for rigorous inquiry, effectively showcasing their capacity for strategic leadership and responsible stewardship as transformative agents within their respective disciplines.
• Career Opportunities
• Organizational Development Consultant
• Executive Leadership Coach
• Ethics Compliance Officer
• University Professor in Leadership Studies
• Healthcare Administrator
• Nonprofit Executive 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 | Ph.D. in Faith-Based Organizational Leadership
• 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 organizational leadership 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
• ORGL 620 | Organizational Behavior and Culture | 3 | Foundation Courses SPCh 500, GEN 502, GRAD 501 and MADC 500
• CE 701 | Christian Ethics: Foundations & Moral Reasoning | 3 | None
• OL 701 | Foundations of Organizational Leadership | 3 | None
• CE 702 | Ethical Leadership: Christian Perspectives | 3 | None
• OL 702 | Organizational Theory & Systems | 3 | None
• CE 703 | Justice, Equity, & Christian Social Ethics | 3 | None
• OL 703 | Research Design in Leadership Studies | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CE 704 | Ethics in Organizations: Faith, Law, & Public Responsibility | 3 | None
• OL 704 | Quantitative Methods for Leadership Research | 3 | None
• CE 705 | Christian Ethics Seminar: Contemporary Issues & Case Analysis | 3 | None
• OL 705 | Organizational Behavior (Advanced) | 3 | None
• CE 706 | Applied Christian Ethics in Leadership Research | 3 | None
• OL 706 | Strategic Leadership & Decision-Making | 3 | None
• CE 707 | Ethics of Power, Authority, & Servant Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• OL 707 | Qualitative Methods for Organizational Research | 3 | None
• CE 708 | Christian Ethics, Social Responsibility, & Public Leadership | 3 | None
• OL 708 | Leadership Theory: Classical to Contemporary | 3 | None
• CE 709 | Integrative Seminar in Christian Ethics & Leadership | 3 | None
• OL 709 | Organizational Change & Transformation | 3 | None
• OL 710 | Program Evaluation & Evidence-Based Leadership | 3 | None
• OL 711 | Leadership in Complex & Adaptive Systems | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• OL 712 | Governance, Policy, & Organizational Accountability | 3 | None
• OL 713 | Advanced Data Analysis for Organizational Research | 3 | None
• OL 714 | Global & Cross-Cultural Organizational Leadership | 3 | None
• OL 715 | Talent Management, Coaching, & Leader Development | 3 | None
• OL 716 | Ethics, Compliance, & Risk Management (Secular) | 3 | None
• OL 717 | Organizational Culture, Power, & Influence | 3 | None
• OL 718 | Conflict Resolution, Negotiation, & Mediation | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• OL 719 | Doctoral Seminar: Leadership Research in Practice | 3 | None
• OL 790 | Comprehensive Examination Seminar | 3 | None
• OL 791 | Dissertation Research Methods Seminar | 3 | None
• OL 792 | Dissertation Proposal Development | 3 | None
• OL 793 | Dissertation Proposal Defense Seminar | 3 | None
• OL 794 | Doctoral Colloquium in Organizational Leadership | 3 | None
• OL 795 | Dissertation Research I | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• OL 796 | Dissertation Research II | 3 | None
• OL 797 | Advanced Dissertation Writing & Analysis | 3 | None
• OL 798 | Leadership Scholarship & Publication Seminar | 3 | None
• OL 799 | Dissertation Research III | 3 | None
• OL 800 | Dissertation Completion & Defense | 3 | None