Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based IT Support, Specialization in Technology, Management

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based IT Support

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 Computer Science

Total credits

120

Duration

3 years

• Analyze complex information technology ecosystems to identify opportunities for strategic organizational alignment.
• Evaluate the ethical implications of emerging technologies within the context of institutional governance and stewardship.
• Design comprehensive IT management frameworks that optimize organizational resources and support collaborative community initiatives.
• Integrate research-based methodologies to resolve systemic operational challenges in nonprofit technology infrastructures.
• Demonstrate servant leadership by fostering professional environments that prioritize transparency, security, and collaborative mission-advancement.
• Develop innovative policy-driven approaches to data management and digital security within faith-based service contexts.
• Communicate complex technical strategies to diverse institutional stakeholders to foster buy-in and organizational sustainability.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES701
• Quantitative Research Methods
• 3
• None
• MGT710
• Strategic Leadership in Technology
• 3
• None
• THE705
• Ethical Stewardship and Technology
• 3
• None
• RES701 — Quantitative Research Methods: This course examines statistical frameworks and research design necessary for doctoral-level inquiry. Students develop skills in analyzing data to drive organizational decision-making. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT710 — Strategic Leadership in Technology: This course explores the intersection of leadership theories and technological integration within an organizational structure. Focus is placed on leading teams with a heart for service and technical precision. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE705 — Ethical Stewardship and Technology: This course examines the intersection of biblical stewardship and the ethical management of digital systems. Students analyze the moral implications of data handling and technology investment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES702
• Qualitative Research Methods
• 3
• RES701
• MGT720
• IT Systems Governance
• 3
• MGT710
• BUS730
• Resource Optimization and Stewardship
• 3
• MGT710
• COM740
• Organizational Communication Strategy
• 3
• None
• RES702 — Qualitative Research Methods: This course introduces qualitative inquiry techniques, including interviews and case study analysis. Students learn to interpret the lived experience of stakeholders within technical environments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT720 — IT Systems Governance: This course covers the legal and procedural frameworks for IT governance, emphasizing policy and risk management. Students learn to design secure systems that protect organizational assets and community data. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS730 — Resource Optimization and Stewardship: This course investigates cost-effective strategies for managing IT infrastructure in resource-constrained environments. Students explore sustainable procurement and operational efficiency. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM740 — Organizational Communication Strategy: This course focuses on communication techniques for technology leaders to engage with diverse stakeholder groups. Emphasis is placed on transparency and the clear articulation of organizational mission. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES801
• Advanced Dissertation Design
• 3
• RES702
• MGT810
• Enterprise Architecture Management
• 4
• MGT720
• MGT820
• Change Management and Organizational Development
• 4
• MGT710
• HUM830
• Servant Leadership in Tech Organizations
• 3
• None
• RES801 — Advanced Dissertation Design: This course guides students in formulating their dissertation research question and methodological approach. Students refine their research proposals through intensive scholarly peer review. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT810 — Enterprise Architecture Management: This course provides an in-depth analysis of enterprise systems and their role in facilitating organizational goals. Students design scalable, secure technology architectures. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT820 — Change Management and Organizational Development: This course examines theories of organizational change as they relate to technology adoption and human systems. Students learn to lead teams through periods of significant digital transition. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM830 — Servant Leadership in Tech Organizations: This course explores the application of servant leadership principles in technical roles and management contexts. Students analyze the impact of leadership style on staff retention and performance. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES802
• Data Analysis for Doctoral Research
• 4
• RES801
• MGT835
• Cloud Strategy and Security
• 4
• MGT810
• BUS840
• Strategic Funding and Grant Management
• 3
• BUS730
• MGT850
• Digital Transformation in the Public Sector
• 3
• None
• RES802 — Data Analysis for Doctoral Research: This course focuses on advanced statistical or qualitative software tools used in doctoral-level research. Students prepare datasets for inclusion in their formal dissertation chapters. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT835 — Cloud Strategy and Security: This course examines modern cloud infrastructure, focusing on deployment, governance, and long-term viability. Students assess security protocols essential for nonprofit data protection. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS840 — Strategic Funding and Grant Management: This course explores strategies for securing funding to support technological initiatives in nonprofit contexts. Students analyze grant writing and resource allocation processes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT850 — Digital Transformation in the Public Sector: This course analyzes how digital tools can be used to improve outcomes in public and charitable programs. Students evaluate the success of various technology implementation projects. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• DIS890
• Dissertation Research Phase I
• 4
• RES802
• MGT860
• Advanced Cybersecurity Policy
• 3
• MGT835
• EDU870
• Instructional Technology Leadership
• 3
• None
• RES880
• Scholarly Writing and Publication
• 4
• RES802
• DIS890 — Dissertation Research Phase I: This course marks the commencement of primary research and data collection for the doctoral dissertation. Students work under faculty supervision to execute their established research methodology. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT860 — Advanced Cybersecurity Policy: This course addresses the formulation and maintenance of cybersecurity policy within high-impact nonprofit environments. Students develop risk-mitigation frameworks based on current threat assessments. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU870 — Instructional Technology Leadership: This course examines the implementation of educational technology to facilitate organizational training and mission-focused learning. Students evaluate tools for remote engagement and development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES880 — Scholarly Writing and Publication: This course supports students in drafting their final dissertation chapters and preparing professional manuscripts for publication. Emphasis is placed on academic clarity and rigor. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• DIS899
• Dissertation Completion and Defense
• 4
• DIS890
• MGT891
• Professional Ethics and Global Stewardship
• 3
• THE705
• BUS892
• Advanced Strategic Management
• 3
• MGT810
• MGT893
• Future Trends in IT and Society
• 4
• None
• DIS899 — Dissertation Completion and Defense: This final course involves the completion of the dissertation document and the formal oral defense before a faculty committee. Successful completion represents the culmination of doctoral study. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT891 — Professional Ethics and Global Stewardship: This capstone seminar reviews the ethical and spiritual responsibilities of technology leaders in a global context. Students reflect on their legacy as stewards of organizational health. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS892 — Advanced Strategic Management: This course synthesizes core management themes through the analysis of complex case studies in nonprofit leadership. Students develop long-term strategic plans for organizational viability. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT893 — Future Trends in IT and Society: This course explores emerging technologies and their potential impact on social and community service models. Students anticipate future needs and design resilient strategy frameworks. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission to the PhD program requires a completed Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a related field such as Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, or Organizational Leadership, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must submit official transcripts, a statement of intent detailing their research interests, three professional or academic letters of recommendation, and a writing sample demonstrating their ability to synthesize complex scholarly information. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to the university’s mission through their academic or professional background in community service or organizational leadership. Dissertation Requirement The Dissertation is the culminating scholarly project of the PhD program, representing the student's ability to conduct independent, high-level research that contributes to the field of faith-based IT management. The scope requires identifying a significant problem within a nonprofit or community organization and applying rigorous research methodology to propose evidence-based solutions. Students are expected to produce a formal document that includes an original literature review, detailed analysis, and recommendations for organizational practice. Integrating the Christian worldview and the ethos of stewardship, the dissertation must explicitly address the ethical and moral dimensions of technological management. Students must demonstrate how their research findings promote servant leadership, facilitate responsible digital infrastructure management, and support the long-term mission of the organization under study. This final project serves as a demonstration of both advanced academic competence and the spiritual maturity required to lead in complex, mission-focused environments.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students must fulfill all curricular requirements, including core courses and the successful defense of a doctoral dissertation. Beyond academic milestones, students must participate in periodic spiritual formation seminars, demonstrate evidence of sustained community service, and uphold the university’s code of ethical conduct.
• Graduates are expected to reflect a synthesis of technical proficiency and spiritual integrity, demonstrating that their academic journey has been paired with a commitment to faith-informed service. Readiness for professional practice is defined by the ability to apply expert knowledge in IT management while maintaining the servant leadership standards and ethical stewardship necessary for influential service in faith-based and community organizations.
• Career Opportunities
• Chief Information Officer for Non-Profit Organizations
• Director of Technology Strategy in Faith-Based Educational Institutions
• IT Consultant for Global Mission-Focused Agencies
• Organizational Management Researcher
• Technical Operations Manager for Social Services
• Digital Strategy Advisor for Charitable Foundations
• Director of Information Security and Stewardship
• 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 IT Support
• 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 IT support 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 | Quantitative Research Methods | 3 | None
• MGT710 | Strategic Leadership in Technology | 3 | None
• THE705 | Ethical Stewardship and Technology | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES702 | Qualitative Research Methods | 3 | RES701
• MGT720 | IT Systems Governance | 3 | MGT710
• BUS730 | Resource Optimization and Stewardship | 3 | MGT710
• COM740 | Organizational Communication Strategy | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES801 | Advanced Dissertation Design | 3 | RES702
• MGT810 | Enterprise Architecture Management | 4 | MGT720
• MGT820 | Change Management and Organizational Development | 4 | MGT710
• HUM830 | Servant Leadership in Tech Organizations | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES802 | Data Analysis for Doctoral Research | 4 | RES801
• MGT835 | Cloud Strategy and Security | 4 | MGT810
• BUS840 | Strategic Funding and Grant Management | 3 | BUS730
• MGT850 | Digital Transformation in the Public Sector | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS890 | Dissertation Research Phase I | 4 | RES802
• MGT860 | Advanced Cybersecurity Policy | 3 | MGT835
• EDU870 | Instructional Technology Leadership | 3 | None
• RES880 | Scholarly Writing and Publication | 4 | RES802
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS899 | Dissertation Completion and Defense | 4 | DIS890
• MGT891 | Professional Ethics and Global Stewardship | 3 | THE705
• BUS892 | Advanced Strategic Management | 3 | MGT810
• MGT893 | Future Trends in IT and Society | 4 | None