Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Business, Tourism, Community Development

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Business, Tourism, Community Development

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 Business and Project Management

Total credits

120

Duration

3 years

• Analyze complex economic and social dynamics within tourism and community development sectors.
• Evaluate the impact of servant leadership models on organizational health and community outcomes.
• Design rigorous, independent research studies that address contemporary challenges in faith-informed community development.
• Integrate ethical decision-making frameworks into sustainable business and tourism practices.
• Communicate scholarly findings effectively through professional publications and peer-reviewed presentations.
• Develop strategic, mission-driven initiatives that foster long-term community resilience.
• Apply biblical stewardship principles to the management of financial, human, and natural resources.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES700
• Foundations of Scholarly Inquiry
• 3
• None
• BUS710
• Stewardship and Financial Ethics
• 3
• None
• MGT720
• Servant Leadership in Global Contexts
• 3
• None
• RES700 — Foundations of Scholarly Inquiry: This course explores the philosophical underpinnings of research and the development of academic arguments within the social sciences. Students examine the relationship between empirical evidence and theory formation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS710 — Stewardship and Financial Ethics: Students analyze financial management principles through the lens of organizational stewardship and fiduciary responsibility. The course emphasizes transparency, accountability, and the sustainable allocation of resources. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT720 — Servant Leadership in Global Contexts: This course investigates the theory and practice of servant leadership in diverse cultural and professional settings. Emphasis is placed on developing interpersonal skills and leading with integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES710
• Quantitative Research Methods
• 4
• RES700
• BUS730
• Marketing and Communication for Nonprofits
• 4
• None
• TOUR700
• Sustainable Tourism Management
• 3
• None
• SOC710
• Sociology of Community Development
• 3
• None
• RES710 — Quantitative Research Methods: Students learn to design, implement, and analyze quantitative research studies using advanced statistical software. The course covers experimental design and data interpretation techniques. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS730 — Marketing and Communication for Nonprofits: This course examines strategic communication and marketing tactics designed to increase engagement and fundraising efficacy. Students evaluate the effectiveness of brand messaging in mission-aligned organizations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• TOUR700 — Sustainable Tourism Management: Students analyze the environmental and social impacts of tourism and develop strategies for sustainable economic development. The curriculum emphasizes local community benefit and cultural preservation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC710 — Sociology of Community Development: This course examines the social dynamics of community change and the role of social networks in local empowerment. Students identify strategies to build resilient and healthy populations. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES800
• Qualitative Research Methods
• 4
• RES710
• BUS810
• Strategic Human Resource Development
• 4
• None
• TOUR810
• Economic Impact of Heritage Tourism
• 3
• TOUR700
• SOC800
• Social Justice and Global Ethics
• 3
• None
• RES800 — Qualitative Research Methods: This course covers qualitative techniques including case studies, focus groups, and phenomenological research. Students engage in ethical reflection regarding the treatment of human participants. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS810 — Strategic Human Resource Development: Students explore the development of human capital through training, performance management, and organizational culture. Attention is given to fostering a sense of vocational calling among employees. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• TOUR810 — Economic Impact of Heritage Tourism: This course evaluates how cultural and heritage tourism can drive economic revitalization in underserved regions. Students analyze policy frameworks that balance profitability with community needs. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC800 — Social Justice and Global Ethics: This course examines the socio-economic frameworks of inequality and the ethical imperatives governing contemporary public policy. Students will analyze systemic social challenges through the lenses of political philosophy and international human rights law. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES820
• Advanced Data Analysis
• 4
• RES800
• BUS840
• Organizational Change and Development
• 4
• None
• TOUR820
• Public Policy and Tourism Development
• 3
• TOUR810
• MIN810
• Community Outreach and Engagement
• 3
• None
• RES820 — Advanced Data Analysis: This course focuses on advanced analytical procedures and the synthesis of research findings. Students develop their capacity to interpret complex data sets for practical application. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS840 — Organizational Change and Development: Students examine the behavioral aspects of organizational change and strategies for sustainable improvement. Special attention is given to the resistance to change and how to lead effectively. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• TOUR820 — Public Policy and Tourism Development: This course studies the intersection of local governance, tourism legislation, and community zoning. Students draft policy recommendations aimed at long-term economic resilience. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN810 — Community Outreach and Engagement: This course analyzes effective methods for engaging diverse populations in faith-informed community service projects. Focus is on collaboration and coalition building. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES890
• Dissertation Proposal Development
• 4
• RES820
• BUS850
• Advanced Leadership Seminar
• 4
• None
• HUM850
• Professional Ethics and Global Citizenship
• 3
• None
• SOC820
• Collaborative Community Initiatives
• 3
• None
• RES890 — Dissertation Proposal Development: Students work closely with faculty mentors to finalize the research design and literature review for their dissertation. This stage involves rigorous critical feedback and refining of methodology. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS850 — Advanced Leadership Seminar: This capstone seminar reviews current literature and trends in leadership studies, challenging students to articulate their personal leadership philosophy. Discussion centers on the sustainment of ethical influence. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM850 — Professional Ethics and Global Citizenship: This course examines ethical dilemmas in a globalized society, focusing on human rights and moral obligation. Students develop a framework for navigating complex professional challenges. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC820 — Collaborative Community Initiatives: This course explores the dynamics of cross-sector collaboration between nonprofits, governments, and private businesses. Success stories and failure points are evaluated through case study analysis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• CAP899
• Doctoral Dissertation Defense
• 8
• RES890
• BUS895
• Research Colloquium
• 3
• RES890
• BUS880
• Strategic Planning for Non-Profit Organizations
• 3
• None
• RES895
• Advanced Data Synthesis Seminar
• 3
• RES820
• CAP899 — Doctoral Dissertation Defense: The final stage of the doctoral experience where students defend their independent, original research project before a faculty committee. This project demonstrates mastery of the field and commitment to faith-based scholarly impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS895 — Research Colloquium: Students participate in a scholarly forum to present preliminary dissertation results and receive peer feedback. This enhances clarity and impact of academic communication. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS880 — Strategic Planning for Non-Profit Organizations: This course explores advanced methodologies for long-term organizational strategy, resource allocation, and stakeholder alignment within the non-profit sector. Emphasis is placed on mission sustainability, performance metrics, and the integration of community-focused institutional goals. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES895 — Advanced Data Synthesis Seminar: A focused seminar dedicated to finalizing data integration and formatting for the final manuscript submission. This serves as a concluding technical support for the dissertation project. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must hold a conferred Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a field related to business, administration, social sciences, or theology. A minimum cumulative graduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required, along with a formal statement of purpose articulating how the candidate’s professional goals align with the program’s focus on faith-based community development. Prospective students must submit official transcripts, two professional or academic letters of recommendation, and a research proposal outlining a potential area of scholarly inquiry. Dissertation Requirement The Dissertation represents the culminating intellectual achievement of the PhD program, requiring students to conduct original research that contributes new knowledge to the fields of business, tourism, or community development. Through this 12-credit requirement, students synthesize academic theory with empirical data to address complex problems, demonstrating high-level proficiency in research design and critical analysis. The dissertation process encourages deep reflection on the scholar's spiritual and intellectual maturation, ensuring that research remains firmly rooted in ethical integrity and a servant-leadership worldview. Beyond technical academic rigor, the dissertation must explicitly demonstrate how faith-based values inform the student's research objective and social impact. Scholars are expected to articulate how principles of stewardship, human flourishing, and justice integrate into their proposed solutions, serving as a testament to their commitment to faith-informed service. The final document serves as both a demonstration of professional competency and an expression of a commitment to long-term vocational calling within community-focused, nonprofit, or faith-centered institutions.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and no grade lower than a B. Students must demonstrate excellence in both core academic coursework and the final doctoral dissertation, which must be defended before a faculty committee. The program emphasizes a holistic approach to academic success, requiring students to demonstrate consistent adherence to the university’s code of conduct and ethical standards.
• In addition to academic mastery, students must fulfill a spiritual formation requirement, which includes documented participation in community service, chapel, or approved service-learning projects throughout the program. This component ensures that graduates enter the workforce not only as academically prepared professionals but as leaders of character who possess the spiritual maturity and ethical readiness to integrate faith into their chosen field of service.
• Career Opportunities
• Executive Director of Faith-Based Nonprofits
• Academic Faculty in Business or Community Studies
• Global Strategy Consultant for Development Organizations
• Social Entrepreneurship Program Manager
• Sustainable Tourism Policy Analyst
• Director of Community Engagement and Outreach
• Research Lead for Religious or Charitable NGOs
• 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 Business, Tourism, Community Development
• 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 business, tourism, and community development 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 | Foundations of Scholarly Inquiry | 3 | None
• BUS710 | Stewardship and Financial Ethics | 3 | None
• MGT720 | Servant Leadership in Global Contexts | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES710 | Quantitative Research Methods | 4 | RES700
• BUS730 | Marketing and Communication for Nonprofits | 4 | None
• TOUR700 | Sustainable Tourism Management | 3 | None
• SOC710 | Sociology of Community Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES800 | Qualitative Research Methods | 4 | RES710
• BUS810 | Strategic Human Resource Development | 4 | None
• TOUR810 | Economic Impact of Heritage Tourism | 3 | TOUR700
• SOC800 | Social Justice and Global Ethics | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES820 | Advanced Data Analysis | 4 | RES800
• BUS840 | Organizational Change and Development | 4 | None
• TOUR820 | Public Policy and Tourism Development | 3 | TOUR810
• MIN810 | Community Outreach and Engagement | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES890 | Dissertation Proposal Development | 4 | RES820
• BUS850 | Advanced Leadership Seminar | 4 | None
• HUM850 | Professional Ethics and Global Citizenship | 3 | None
• SOC820 | Collaborative Community Initiatives | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• CAP899 | Doctoral Dissertation Defense | 8 | RES890
• BUS895 | Research Colloquium | 3 | RES890
• BUS880 | Strategic Planning for Non-Profit Organizations | 3 | None
• RES895 | Advanced Data Synthesis Seminar | 3 | RES820