Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based English Literature, Specialization in Education

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based English Literature

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 Education and Human Development

Total credits

120

Duration

3 years

• Analyze complex literary texts through the lens of ethical and philosophical frameworks to inform educational practice.
• Evaluate historical and contemporary pedagogical theories to design effective, literature-based instructional models.
• Demonstrate advanced proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies appropriate for interdisciplinary studies.
• Integrate Christian worldview perspectives and servant leadership principles into research and educational leadership.
• Communicate original, peer-reviewed research findings clearly to diverse scholarly and professional audiences.
• Develop evidence-based strategies for fostering character formation and community engagement within educational settings.
• Apply ethical reasoning to the interpretation of literature and the formulation of educational policy.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES700
• Advanced Research Methodologies
• 3
• None
• ENG705
• Literary Theory and Moral Philosophy
• 3
• None
• EDU710
• Pedagogy and Servant Leadership
• 3
• None
• RES700 — Advanced Research Methodologies: An investigation of qualitative and quantitative research paradigms suitable for interdisciplinary doctoral studies. Students evaluate various methodologies for application in educational and literary research. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ENG705 — Literary Theory and Moral Philosophy: This course analyzes the relationship between canonical texts and moral frameworks throughout history. Students explore how literary themes intersect with ethical reasoning and character development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU710 — Pedagogy and Servant Leadership: Focuses on the application of servant leadership principles within the context of contemporary educational environments. Students develop teaching strategies that promote student growth and community responsibility. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ENG720
• Canon and Culture
• 3
• ENG705
• EDU725
• Curriculum Design for Character Formation
• 3
• EDU710
• RES730
• Advanced Qualitative Research
• 3
• RES700
• THE735
• Ethical Frameworks in Higher Education
• 3
• None
• ENG720 — Canon and Culture: An examination of how historical and contemporary literary canons influence cultural and educational norms. Students critique the role of literature in shaping social values. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU725 — Curriculum Design for Character Formation: The study of designing curricula that foster character development alongside academic proficiency. Students create literature-integrated modules that emphasize integrity and moral growth. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES730 — Advanced Qualitative Research: An exploration of qualitative data collection and analysis techniques for scholarly research. Students practice coding, narrative analysis, and thematic synthesis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE735 — Ethical Frameworks in Higher Education: Critique of ethical dilemmas in higher education leadership through a biblical stewardship lens. Focuses on the role of the academician as a steward of communal trust. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ENG800
• Studies in World Literature
• 4
• ENG720
• EDU805
• Educational Psychology for the Humanities
• 4
• EDU725
• RES810
• Quantitative Data Analysis
• 4
• RES730
• HIS815
• Intellectual History and Education
• 4
• None
• ENG800 — Studies in World Literature: Exploration of diverse global perspectives within the literary tradition and their impact on modern educational pedagogy. Students apply analytical tools to diverse narratives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU805 — Educational Psychology for the Humanities: Application of psychological theories regarding cognitive and social development to literary studies in the classroom. Examines how students learn and internalize values through literature. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES810 — Quantitative Data Analysis: Introduction to advanced statistical methods used in social science and humanities research. Focuses on the application of data to educational outcomes and literary trends. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS815 — Intellectual History and Education: Analysis of the history of educational thought and its reflection in literature. Traces the evolution of concepts like wisdom, citizenship, and moral formation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ENG820
• Literature and Social Justice
• 4
• ENG800
• EDU825
• Leadership in Higher Education
• 4
• EDU805
• RES830
• Dissertation Proposal Development
• 4
• RES810
• EDU835
• Professional Ethics and Public Service
• 4
• THE735
• ENG820 — Literature and Social Justice: Examination of narratives that address social inequity and the call for justice through an ethical and community-centered perspective. Students evaluate literary contributions to social change. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU825 — Leadership in Higher Education: Study of administrative and faculty leadership roles in higher education, focusing on mission-driven decision-making and community engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES830 — Dissertation Proposal Development: Guided development of a dissertation research proposal including literature review and methodology design. Focuses on ethical research practices and academic clarity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU835 — Professional Ethics and Public Service: This course examines the socio-economic impact of civic engagement and the philosophical foundations of career ethics within modern public and private sectors. Students analyze historical models of community involvement and the professional responsibilities associated with educational leadership roles. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ENG840
• Rhetoric and Discourse Analysis
• 4
• ENG820
• EDU845
• Advanced Seminar in Educational Policy
• 4
• EDU825
• RES850
• Doctoral Research Practicum
• 4
• RES830
• CAP855
• Professional Teaching Portfolio
• 4
• None
• ENG840 — Rhetoric and Discourse Analysis: Advanced study of rhetorical strategies in literary and non-literary texts. Students examine how discourse shapes institutional policies and educational narratives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU845 — Advanced Seminar in Educational Policy: Evaluation of current educational policies and their impact on community-based and faith-based institutional success. Focuses on policy creation from an ethical standpoint. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES850 — Doctoral Research Practicum: Supervised independent research project that builds on the dissertation proposal, focusing on primary data collection and analysis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP855 — Professional Teaching Portfolio: Compilation of scholarly contributions and teaching materials that demonstrate pedagogical excellence and commitment to the academic community. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• DIS900
• Doctoral Dissertation I
• 4
• RES850
• DIS901
• Doctoral Dissertation II
• 4
• DIS900
• DIS902
• Doctoral Dissertation III
• 4
• DIS901
• RES905
• Scholarly Publishing and Dissemination
• 4
• DIS902
• DIS900 — Doctoral Dissertation I: Initial phase of the doctoral dissertation, involving drafting of core chapters and defense of progress to committee. Focuses on rigorous synthesis of research. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS901 — Doctoral Dissertation II: Continuation of research, focusing on finalizing conclusions, discussion, and preparation for the final public defense. Emphasizes academic integrity and contribution to knowledge. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• DIS902 — Doctoral Dissertation III: Finalization and refinement of the dissertation manuscript to meet institutional and scholarly publication standards. Completion of the final oral defense of research. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES905 — Scholarly Publishing and Dissemination: Final course preparing candidates for submitting dissertation work to peer-reviewed journals and conferences. Focuses on the ethics of dissemination and professional networking. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must possess a Master of Arts or Master of Education from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25. The application package must include a personal statement outlining research interests and personal commitment to the university’s mission, three professional letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and a writing sample demonstrating doctoral-level research capacity. Admission is competitive and evaluated based on academic preparation, alignment of research interests with faculty expertise, and potential for contribution to the institution's educational community. Dissertation Requirement The Dissertation represents the culminating intellectual achievement of the PhD program, serving as an original contribution to the field of English literature and education. Students are expected to identify a unique research problem, conduct systematic inquiry, and present findings that bridge literary analysis with practical educational application. The scope of the work must demonstrate rigorous academic scholarship, logical coherence, and a sophisticated integration of faith-based principles, particularly regarding ethical reasoning and the stewardship of knowledge. Throughout the dissertation process, students work under the guidance of a faculty committee to ensure the project meets professional standards and institutional values. The final deliverable consists of a scholarly manuscript that highlights the candidate's ability to engage in independent research while applying a servant-leadership perspective to educational challenges. The dissertation integrates spiritual formation and ethical integrity by requiring students to reflect on the moral implications of their findings and their future roles as scholarly practitioners in the community. Completion of the dissertation phase marks the transition from student to independent scholar, ready to engage in professional service and academic teaching.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, ensuring that students maintain a standard of excellence in both academic and character development. The curriculum includes mandatory participation in university-sponsored spiritual formation activities, chapel services, and community service initiatives, which are essential for aligning academic achievement with a commitment to faith-informed stewardship and service. These requirements ensure that graduates are prepared not only for intellectual rigor but for living a life of integrity and purpose within their chosen fields.
• Students must successfully defend their dissertation before an appointed faculty committee, demonstrating mastery of their research topic and the ability to articulate their work from a faith-based academic perspective. Readiness for graduation is confirmed through a comprehensive evaluation of the student’s scholarly outputs, ethical conduct, and commitment to the university’s mission. Candidates must exhibit readiness to serve as agents of positive influence, equipped with the spiritual maturity and academic expertise to foster growth in others.
• Career Opportunities
• University Professor of English or Education
• Educational Program Administrator
• Curriculum Developer for Nonprofit Educational Organizations
• Humanities Research Consultant
• Educational Policy Advisor for Faith-Based Organizations
• Literary Editor or Publication Director
• Academic Writing Center Director
• Organizational Leadership Trainer
• 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 English Literature
• 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 English literature 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
• RES700 | Advanced Research Methodologies | 3 | None
• ENG705 | Literary Theory and Moral Philosophy | 3 | None
• EDU710 | Pedagogy and Servant Leadership | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG720 | Canon and Culture | 3 | ENG705
• EDU725 | Curriculum Design for Character Formation | 3 | EDU710
• RES730 | Advanced Qualitative Research | 3 | RES700
• THE735 | Ethical Frameworks in Higher Education | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG800 | Studies in World Literature | 4 | ENG720
• EDU805 | Educational Psychology for the Humanities | 4 | EDU725
• RES810 | Quantitative Data Analysis | 4 | RES730
• HIS815 | Intellectual History and Education | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG820 | Literature and Social Justice | 4 | ENG800
• EDU825 | Leadership in Higher Education | 4 | EDU805
• RES830 | Dissertation Proposal Development | 4 | RES810
• EDU835 | Professional Ethics and Public Service | 4 | THE735
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ENG840 | Rhetoric and Discourse Analysis | 4 | ENG820
• EDU845 | Advanced Seminar in Educational Policy | 4 | EDU825
• RES850 | Doctoral Research Practicum | 4 | RES830
• CAP855 | Professional Teaching Portfolio | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS900 | Doctoral Dissertation I | 4 | RES850
• DIS901 | Doctoral Dissertation II | 4 | DIS900
• DIS902 | Doctoral Dissertation III | 4 | DIS901
• RES905 | Scholarly Publishing and Dissemination | 4 | DIS902