Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Architecture, Specialization in Religious Artifacts

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Architecture, Specialization in Religious Artifacts

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 Architecture, Arts and Design

Total credits

120

Duration

3 years

• Analyze the historical and theological development of religious architecture and its impact on modern societal structures.
• Evaluate advanced methodologies for the conservation and interpretation of religious artifacts within institutional settings.
• Design innovative architectural solutions that address the evolving needs of religious and community-based organizations.
• Integrate ethical reasoning and biblical stewardship into the planning and management of sacred spaces.
• Develop original scholarly research that contributes to the field of faith-based architecture and material culture.
• Communicate complex architectural and historiographical concepts effectively to both professional and academic audiences.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ARC701
• Advanced Architectural Theory
• 3
• None
• RES701
• Research Methodologies in the Humanities
• 3
• None
• THE701
• Theology of Space and Stewardship
• 3
• None
• ARC701 — Advanced Architectural Theory: Exploration of contemporary and historical theories in architectural design and their relevance to sacred spaces. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES701 — Research Methodologies in the Humanities: A study of qualitative and quantitative research methods suited to architectural and historical inquiry. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE701 — Theology of Space and Stewardship: Investigation into the biblical and historical understanding of stewardship as applied to the built environment. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• HIS710
• Historiography of Religious Artifacts
• 4
• ARC701
• ARC720
• Design for Faith-Based Environments
• 4
• ARC701
• RES710
• Advanced Archival Research
• 3
• RES701
• MGT701
• Leadership in Nonprofit Organizations
• 3
• None
• HIS710 — Historiography of Religious Artifacts: Analysis of how religious artifacts reflect the history and spiritual culture of various communities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ARC720 — Design for Faith-Based Environments: Application of design principles for functional and evocative religious facilities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES710 — Advanced Archival Research: Advanced techniques for locating and interpreting historical documents related to architecture. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT701 — Leadership in Nonprofit Organizations: Examination of administrative practices, servant leadership, and ethical management within community-based contexts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ARC801
• Sustainable Practices in Architecture
• 4
• ARC720
• HIS801
• Conservation Ethics and Policy
• 4
• HIS710
• CHR801
• Ethical Leadership in Context
• 3
• MGT701
• RES801
• Dissertation Proposal Development
• 3
• RES710
• ARC801 — Sustainable Practices in Architecture: Integration of environmental stewardship and energy-efficient design strategies. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS801 — Conservation Ethics and Policy: Evaluation of ethical standards and legal policies governing the preservation of sacred artifacts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR801 — Ethical Leadership in Context: Application of moral philosophy and servant leadership to professional architectural practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES801 — Dissertation Proposal Development: Drafting and refinement of the research proposal for the final dissertation project. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• ARC810
• Urban Design and Community Impact
• 4
• ARC801
• HIS810
• Material Culture and Spirituality
• 4
• HIS801
• COM801
• Strategic Communication for Nonprofits
• 3
• MGT701
• RES810
• Independent Research Study
• 3
• RES801
• ARC810 — Urban Design and Community Impact: Analyzing how architectural placement affects local community engagement and social welfare. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS810 — Material Culture and Spirituality: Investigation into the spiritual significance of material objects and interior spaces. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM801 — Strategic Communication for Nonprofits: Methods for effectively communicating institutional vision and project impact to stakeholders. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES810 — Independent Research Study: Directed research on a specific topic within the student's area of specialization. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• DIS900
• Dissertation Research I
• 4
• RES801
• ARC901
• Advanced Practicum in Preservation
• 4
• HIS801
• CHR901
• Spiritual Formation and Professional Practice
• 3
• CHR801
• RES901
• Dissertation Research II
• 3
• DIS900
• DIS900 — Dissertation Research I: Initial phase of the doctoral dissertation, focusing on data collection and literature synthesis. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ARC901 — Advanced Practicum in Preservation: Hands-on application of preservation techniques for sensitive religious artifacts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CHR901 — Spiritual Formation and Professional Practice: Reflecting on the integration of personal spiritual growth with professional architectural excellence. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES901 — Dissertation Research II: Development of analytical chapters and primary findings for the dissertation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• DIS999
• Dissertation Defense and Completion
• 8
• RES901
• ARC990
• Contemporary Trends in Institutional Design
• 3
• ARC810
• HIS990
• Global Perspectives on Sacred Heritage
• 3
• HIS810
• CAP900
• Capstone Portfolio Review
• 3
• All Core Courses
• DIS999 — Dissertation Defense and Completion: Final synthesis of the dissertation, including revisions, final submission, and oral defense. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• ARC990 — Contemporary Trends in Institutional Design: Reviewing current innovations in the design of space for communal and faith-based impact. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HIS990 — Global Perspectives on Sacred Heritage: Comparative analysis of how different cultures preserve religious heritage and history. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP900 — Capstone Portfolio Review: Assessment of the student's entire body of scholarly and professional work for graduation readiness. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Admission to the PhD program requires a completed Master’s degree in Architecture, History of Art, Theology, or a related field from an accredited institution, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must submit a portfolio of professional or academic work, a formal statement of research intent, three letters of recommendation, and official transcripts. All applicants undergo a comprehensive faculty review to determine alignment between their proposed research interests and the program’s focus on faith-based architectural stewardship. Dissertation Requirement The Dissertation serves as the culminating academic experience of the PhD program, requiring 15 credit hours of original scholarly research. Students must identify a specific challenge or opportunity within the realm of religious architecture or artifact preservation, conduct rigorous investigation, and produce a high-quality written work that contributes new knowledge to the field. This process necessitates the synthesis of architectural theory, historiography, and professional practice. Integration of faith-based perspectives is central to the dissertation, as students must demonstrate how their research upholds biblical stewardship and reflects a commitment to servant leadership. The dissertation process encourages students to apply ethical integrity to their scholarly inquiry, ensuring that their findings support the mission-driven goals of nonprofit and community-focused organizations. This final project serves as a demonstration of both advanced academic mastery and the development of a character that prioritizes the ethical service of communal spaces.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours, including the 35 transferable credits and 85 doctoral-level credits, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Candidates must successfully defend their dissertation before a faculty committee, showcasing a deep understanding of their specialized research area. In addition to academic requirements, students must demonstrate growth in professional character, ethical conduct, and readiness for service in faith-informed environments.
• Students are expected to actively participate in community engagement and spiritual formation activities throughout their tenure, reflecting the university’s commitment to holistic development. Mastery of the program's learning outcomes, combined with a commitment to integrity and stewardship, ensures that graduates are well-prepared to serve in diverse organizational contexts with spiritual maturity and professional excellence.
• Career Opportunities
• University Professor of Architectural History
• Curator of Religious Artifacts and Collections
• Faith-Based Facility Consultant
• Historic Preservation Specialist
• Nonprofit Architectural Director
• Institutional Stewardship Coordinator
• Denominational Property Planner
• 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 Architecture, Specialization in Religious Artifacts
• 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 architecture 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
• ARC701 | Advanced Architectural Theory | 3 | None
• RES701 | Research Methodologies in the Humanities | 3 | None
• THE701 | Theology of Space and Stewardship | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• HIS710 | Historiography of Religious Artifacts | 4 | ARC701
• ARC720 | Design for Faith-Based Environments | 4 | ARC701
• RES710 | Advanced Archival Research | 3 | RES701
• MGT701 | Leadership in Nonprofit Organizations | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ARC801 | Sustainable Practices in Architecture | 4 | ARC720
• HIS801 | Conservation Ethics and Policy | 4 | HIS710
• CHR801 | Ethical Leadership in Context | 3 | MGT701
• RES801 | Dissertation Proposal Development | 3 | RES710
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• ARC810 | Urban Design and Community Impact | 4 | ARC801
• HIS810 | Material Culture and Spirituality | 4 | HIS801
• COM801 | Strategic Communication for Nonprofits | 3 | MGT701
• RES810 | Independent Research Study | 3 | RES801
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS900 | Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES801
• ARC901 | Advanced Practicum in Preservation | 4 | HIS801
• CHR901 | Spiritual Formation and Professional Practice | 3 | CHR801
• RES901 | Dissertation Research II | 3 | DIS900
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• DIS999 | Dissertation Defense and Completion | 8 | RES901
• ARC990 | Contemporary Trends in Institutional Design | 3 | ARC810
• HIS990 | Global Perspectives on Sacred Heritage | 3 | HIS810
• CAP900 | Capstone Portfolio Review | 3 | All Core Courses