Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Nonprofit Leadership, Specialization in Nonprofit Leadership

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Nonprofit 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

• Analyze complex organizational challenges through the application of advanced leadership and management theories.
• Evaluate the intersection of ethical stewardship, servant leadership, and effective nonprofit governance.
• Design and execute original, scholarly research to contribute new knowledge to the field of nonprofit management.
• Apply evidence-based decision-making strategies to solve problems in organizational development and community sustainability.
• Integrate diverse academic perspectives into a cohesive framework for faith-informed nonprofit administration.
• Communicate scholarly findings effectively to diverse stakeholders within the academic and nonprofit communities.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES701
• Advanced Research Methodology
• 3
• None
• MGT705
• Nonprofit Organizational Theory
• 3
• None
• THE710
• Stewardship and Servant Leadership
• 3
• None
• RES701 — Advanced Research Methodology: This course explores advanced quantitative and qualitative research design for organizational inquiry. Students evaluate research ethics and sampling strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT705 — Nonprofit Organizational Theory: This course analyzes the historical and sociological development of nonprofit institutions. It examines organizational structures and administrative frameworks. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE710 — Stewardship and Servant Leadership: Students analyze the ethics of stewardship as a foundational pillar for organizational governance. The course emphasizes servant-oriented leadership models within diverse institutional settings. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES715
• Qualitative Inquiry in Nonprofits
• 4
• RES701
• BUS720
• Fiscal Strategy and Sustainability
• 3
• None
• MGT725
• Strategic Governance and Board Relations
• 3
• MGT705
• SOC730
• Community Engagement and Social Capital
• 3
• None
• RES715 — Qualitative Inquiry in Nonprofits: This course covers advanced qualitative methods including phenomenology, case study design, and narrative analysis. Students practice data collection and thematic coding techniques. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS720 — Fiscal Strategy and Sustainability: This course focuses on advanced financial modeling and resource development strategies for long-term organizational health. Students evaluate budgeting for mission-driven impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT725 — Strategic Governance and Board Relations: Students examine the complex dynamics between executive leadership and board governance. The course addresses legal and ethical responsibilities of nonprofit leadership. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC730 — Community Engagement and Social Capital: This course explores the role of nonprofits in building community social capital and facilitating inter-organizational partnerships. Students design engagement models for diverse populations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES801
• Quantitative Data Analysis
• 4
• RES701
• MGT805
• Global Trends in Nonprofit Management
• 3
• MGT705
• EDU810
• Leadership Development and Training
• 3
• None
• BUS815
• Advanced Fundraising and Development
• 3
• BUS720
• RES801 — Quantitative Data Analysis: This course provides instruction in multivariate statistical analysis for social sciences and organizational leadership. Students perform regression analysis and test hypotheses using specialized software. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT805 — Global Trends in Nonprofit Management: This course analyzes international nonprofit developments, cross-cultural leadership challenges, and global policy trends. Students synthesize diverse perspectives on humanitarian aid and development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU810 — Leadership Development and Training: Students design leadership development programs for staff and volunteers based on adult learning theory. The focus is on capacity building and talent retention. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS815 — Advanced Fundraising and Development: This course covers advanced donor management, ethical fundraising, and grant writing strategies for large-scale operations. Students analyze the psychology of philanthropy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES820
• Doctoral Research Seminar
• 4
• RES715, RES801
• MGT825
• Organizational Change and Innovation
• 3
• MGT805
• CHR830
• Ethics and Values-Based Management
• 3
• THE710
• COM835
• Strategic Communication and Public Advocacy
• 3
• None
• RES820 — Doctoral Research Seminar: This seminar facilitates the conceptualization and development of individual dissertation research proposals. Students receive peer and faculty feedback on methodological rigor. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT825 — Organizational Change and Innovation: Students investigate theories of change management and innovation within stagnant or traditional nonprofit structures. The focus is on adaptive leadership under pressure. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR830 — Ethics and Values-Based Management: This course examines ethical decision-making frameworks within organizational culture. Students address the intersection of mission fidelity and professional practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM835 — Strategic Communication and Public Advocacy: Students refine skills in public communication, brand storytelling, and legislative advocacy for nonprofit causes. The course explores internal and external stakeholder alignment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP850
• Dissertation Research I
• 4
• RES820
• MGT855
• Advanced Human Resource Management
• 3
• None
• BUS860
• Strategic Marketing for Nonprofits
• 3
• COM835
• RES865
• Program Evaluation and Metrics
• 3
• RES701
• CAP850 — Dissertation Research I: This stage involves active data collection, analysis, and early manuscript development under faculty mentorship. Students focus on rigorous application of their methodology. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT855 — Advanced Human Resource Management: This course analyzes human resource strategies for nonprofit environments, focusing on motivation, volunteer management, and labor law. Students design equitable workforce policies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS860 — Strategic Marketing for Nonprofits: This course explores contemporary marketing technologies and digital presence to expand organizational visibility and impact. Students develop mission-aligned promotional campaigns. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES865 — Program Evaluation and Metrics: Students design comprehensive evaluation plans to measure the effectiveness and social impact of organizational programs. The focus is on outcome reporting and accountability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP899
• Dissertation Defense and Final Writing
• 8
• CAP850
• MGT870
• Executive Leadership Residency
• 3
• None
• MGT875
• Civic Engagement and Public Policy
• 2
• CHR830
• BUS880
• Current Issues in Nonprofit Law
• 3
• MGT725
• CAP899 — Dissertation Defense and Final Writing: This final phase requires completion of the dissertation manuscript and the successful oral defense before the doctoral committee. It culminates the student's research journey and scholarly contribution. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT870 — Executive Leadership Residency: This residency focuses on the synthesis of executive management skills through reflective practice and peer consultation. Students articulate their leadership philosophy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT875 — Civic Engagement and Public Policy: This course examines the intersection of nonprofit organizations and the public sector, focusing on policy advocacy and collaborative community service models. Students analyze legislative environments and cross-sector partnerships essential for effective social impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS880 — Current Issues in Nonprofit Law: Students examine current legal regulations, compliance issues, and tax implications affecting nonprofit stability. The course addresses risk management and regulatory adherence. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must hold a master's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. A complete application includes official transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining research interests, three letters of recommendation, and a writing sample demonstrating the ability to engage in graduate-level scholarly analysis. Potential candidates undergo a faculty review process to ensure their research goals align with the doctoral program's focus on nonprofit leadership and institutional sustainability. Dissertation Requirement The Dissertation represents the culminating academic achievement of the PhD program, requiring 12 credit hours of original, scholarly research. Candidates are expected to identify a significant problem within the nonprofit sector, formulate a robust research design, and execute a study that contributes meaningful insights to the discipline. The dissertation process is monitored by a faculty committee and requires both a proposal defense and a final oral defense to ensure academic rigor and mastery of the subject matter. Substantively, the dissertation encourages students to synthesize their scholarly findings with an ethical, faith-based perspective. This integration involves critically examining how values-based leadership, biblical stewardship, and servant-oriented service models influence organizational sustainability and community outreach. The final deliverable demonstrates not only technical competence in research methodologies but also the student's growth as a reflective, faith-informed scholar dedicated to the betterment of their community.

• To graduate, students must complete all 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Beyond academic coursework, candidates must demonstrate successful completion and defense of their doctoral dissertation. All students are required to maintain a record of satisfactory professional and character development throughout their tenure, reflecting the university's commitment to cultivating leaders who possess both academic intellect and a high degree of ethical integrity.
• Graduation honors the synthesis of scholarly development and spiritual maturity. Students are expected to participate in community-engaged service and demonstrate a commitment to lifelong stewardship. Readiness for graduation is assessed by the faculty as an intersection of intellectual achievement and the student's clear dedication to serving the public interest through faith-informed leadership within the nonprofit sector.
• Career Opportunities
• Executive Director of a Nonprofit Organization
• Chief Development Officer
• Nonprofit Management Consultant
• University Faculty in Nonprofit Leadership
• Director of Community Outreach and Engagement
• Director of Strategic Initiatives
• Policy Analyst for Faith-Based Organizations
• 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 Nonprofit 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 nonprofit 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
• RES701 | Advanced Research Methodology | 3 | None
• MGT705 | Nonprofit Organizational Theory | 3 | None
• THE710 | Stewardship and Servant Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES715 | Qualitative Inquiry in Nonprofits | 4 | RES701
• BUS720 | Fiscal Strategy and Sustainability | 3 | None
• MGT725 | Strategic Governance and Board Relations | 3 | MGT705
• SOC730 | Community Engagement and Social Capital | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES801 | Quantitative Data Analysis | 4 | RES701
• MGT805 | Global Trends in Nonprofit Management | 3 | MGT705
• EDU810 | Leadership Development and Training | 3 | None
• BUS815 | Advanced Fundraising and Development | 3 | BUS720
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES820 | Doctoral Research Seminar | 4 | RES715, RES801
• MGT825 | Organizational Change and Innovation | 3 | MGT805
• CHR830 | Ethics and Values-Based Management | 3 | THE710
• COM835 | Strategic Communication and Public Advocacy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP850 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES820
• MGT855 | Advanced Human Resource Management | 3 | None
• BUS860 | Strategic Marketing for Nonprofits | 3 | COM835
• RES865 | Program Evaluation and Metrics | 3 | RES701
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP899 | Dissertation Defense and Final Writing | 8 | CAP850
• MGT870 | Executive Leadership Residency | 3 | None
• MGT875 | Civic Engagement and Public Policy | 2 | CHR830
• BUS880 | Current Issues in Nonprofit Law | 3 | MGT725