Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based Film Production, Specialization in Documentary, Media Activism

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based Film Production

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

Unassigned Academic Unit

Total credits

120

Duration

3 years

• Analyze historical and contemporary developments in documentary film to synthesize new scholarly insights.
• Evaluate the socio-ethical implications of media activism through a rigorous, faith-informed research framework.
• Design and execute original documentary projects that demonstrate technical excellence and scholarly depth.
• Apply ethical principles of servant leadership and stewardship to the production and dissemination of media.
• Communicate complex academic and artistic arguments to both scholarly and public audiences.
• Integrate a Christian worldview into the scholarly analysis and creative practice of documentary storytelling.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES700
• Research Methodologies in Humanities
• 4
• None
• FIL710
• Documentary Theory and History
• 3
• None
• THE720
• Ethics and Stewardship in Media
• 3
• None
• RES700 — Research Methodologies in Humanities: This course explores qualitative and quantitative research methods tailored to the study of media and arts. Students learn to critique existing scholarship and design original studies that address social phenomena. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• FIL710 — Documentary Theory and History: An in-depth study of the evolution of the documentary form from early cinema to contemporary digital expressions. Students analyze major works and theoretical movements that shaped current practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE720 — Ethics and Stewardship in Media: This course examines the moral responsibilities of media makers, focusing on themes of truth-telling, privacy, and the common good. Students evaluate how a Christian worldview informs professional conduct in the arts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• FIL730
• Advanced Cinematography Techniques
• 4
• None
• COM740
• Media Activism and Social Change
• 3
• None
• RES750
• Advanced Qualitative Analysis
• 4
• RES700
• MIN760
• Leadership and Community Engagement
• 3
• None
• FIL730 — Advanced Cinematography Techniques: Students master sophisticated lighting, composition, and camera operation techniques required for professional-grade documentary production. The course emphasizes technical precision as a means of effective communication. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM740 — Media Activism and Social Change: This seminar investigates how media serves as a tool for public advocacy and systemic reform. Participants analyze successful grassroots campaigns and the role of storytelling in public discourse. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES750 — Advanced Qualitative Analysis: Focusing on interpretive frameworks, this course teaches students how to analyze visual data, interviews, and cultural narratives. Students apply these methods to their evolving research interests. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN760 — Leadership and Community Engagement: Examines the principles of servant leadership within organizational and community settings. Students develop skills for fostering dialogue and facilitating partnerships in non-profit contexts. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• FIL770
• Documentary Pre-Production and Planning
• 4
• FIL710
• COM780
• Digital Storytelling and Advocacy
• 4
• None
• SOC790
• Sociology of Cultural Institutions
• 3
• None
• RES800
• Research Seminar for Dissertation
• 3
• RES750
• FIL770 — Documentary Pre-Production and Planning: Focuses on the logistical, ethical, and creative planning required for long-form documentary projects. Students refine their research proposals and project scope for their final dissertation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM780 — Digital Storytelling and Advocacy: Explores current trends in digital media as vehicles for social activism and community education. Students create multimedia artifacts designed to influence public awareness of critical social issues. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• SOC790 — Sociology of Cultural Institutions: This course examines the role of social structures, shared values, and cultural institutions in shaping community identity. Students will analyze how diverse organizational frameworks influence public perception and societal development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES800 — Research Seminar for Dissertation: Designed to provide peer review and faculty feedback for students drafting their dissertation prospectus. Students refine their thesis arguments and methodology through collaborative inquiry. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• FIL810
• Advanced Post-Production Editing
• 4
• FIL730
• COM820
• Global Media and Cultural Perspectives
• 3
• None
• EDU830
• Pedagogy of Media and Advocacy
• 3
• None
• BUS840
• Nonprofit Media Management
• 4
• None
• FIL810 — Advanced Post-Production Editing: Focuses on the narrative construction of non-fiction works using advanced editing software and audio engineering. Students learn to shape content with stylistic and ethical intention. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM820 — Global Media and Cultural Perspectives: Analyzes the influence of transnational media on local cultures and faith practices. Students examine the ethics of representation and cross-cultural communication in documentary. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU830 — Pedagogy of Media and Advocacy: Prepares scholars for instructional roles in higher education, focusing on teaching strategies for documentary production. Students develop course designs that integrate technical skill with critical social theory. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS840 — Nonprofit Media Management: Provides instruction on the business side of documentary, including grant writing, fundraising, and organizational oversight. Focuses on the practical sustainability of advocacy-driven media initiatives. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• FIL850
• Dissertation Production I
• 4
• FIL810
• RES860
• Writing the Dissertation Thesis
• 4
• RES800
• HUM870
• Contemporary Philosophical Issues
• 3
• None
• HUM880
• Professional Ethics and Career Development
• 3
• None
• FIL850 — Dissertation Production I: Students begin the principal photography and creative execution of their doctoral dissertation project. This course requires intense focus on the application of learned methodologies and ethical storytelling. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES860 — Writing the Dissertation Thesis: Provides structured time for writing the theoretical and historical chapters of the dissertation. Students synthesize their filmic research with established scholarly discourse. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM870 — Contemporary Philosophical Issues: Examines current philosophical challenges and their impact on media interpretation and ethical reasoning. Students engage with questions of identity, community, and purpose. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• HUM880 — Professional Ethics and Career Development: This course explores the intersection of individual professional identity, ethical frameworks, and the development of long-term career goals. Students will engage with theories of professional practice and the integration of personal values within the nonprofit sector. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• FIL890
• Dissertation Production II: Completion
• 4
• FIL850
• CAP895
• Dissertation Defense and Portfolio
• 4
• RES860
• COM896
• Media Advocacy Professionalism
• 3
• None
• MIN897
• Servant Leadership in Practice
• 3
• None
• FIL890 — Dissertation Production II: Completion: The final stage of the doctoral project involving post-production, editing, and the completion of the written thesis. Students finalize their work for the formal committee defense. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP895 — Dissertation Defense and Portfolio: Candidates present and defend their completed scholarly and creative work before a faculty committee. The process evaluates the student’s mastery of the discipline and their integration of faith-informed practice. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM896 — Media Advocacy Professionalism: Discusses post-graduation career paths, focusing on ethical professional practice and academic networking. Students prepare their portfolios for institutional or public placement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MIN897 — Servant Leadership in Practice: A capstone seminar focused on the application of servant leadership within the candidate's chosen field of study. Participants evaluate their personal commitment to ethics and community service. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must hold a conferred Master of Arts or Master of Fine Arts from an accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Candidates must submit a portfolio of creative or scholarly work, a statement of intent regarding their research interests in documentary and media activism, and three letters of recommendation that speak to the candidate's professional promise and commitment to ethical practice. All applicants must demonstrate an aptitude for doctoral-level research and an alignment with the institutional mission of faith-based service and scholarship. Dissertation Requirement The dissertation serves as the terminal scholarly and creative requirement for the Doctor of Philosophy. Candidates must produce a significant body of work that includes both a written research thesis and a substantial documentary film project. The written component must demonstrate mastery of literature, critical theory, and methodological rigor, while the film project must embody the student’s unique contribution to the genre of activist documentary. This capstone allows students to translate abstract ethical and philosophical frameworks into concrete visual narratives, reflecting a mature, faith-informed perspective on social challenges and community needs. Students work under the guidance of a faculty committee to ensure that the work meets the highest standards of academic integrity and artistic excellence. The dissertation must exemplify the student's capacity for independent research and their dedication to using media for the stewardship of truth, justice, and human flourishing, demonstrating an integration of scholarly competence and a Christ-centered ethic of service.

• To qualify for the Doctor of Philosophy, students must complete all 120 credit hours of the curriculum with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, with no course grade falling below a B. Graduation is contingent upon the successful defense of the dissertation, which must be approved by the faculty committee and archived by the university. Beyond academic completion, students must demonstrate spiritual and professional maturity, evidenced by consistent participation in university-sanctioned community service and leadership activities that align with the institution’s commitment to faith-based character development and servant leadership. Completion signifies not only intellectual mastery but also a demonstrated readiness to act with integrity and moral courage within the professional field, ensuring the student is prepared to contribute positively to both the academic community and the broader society through their faith-informed vocation.
• Career Opportunities
• Documentary Film Producer
• University Professor of Media Studies
• Nonprofit Communications Director
• Media Activism Consultant
• Educational Documentary Specialist
• Community Engagement Strategist
• Cultural Media Researcher
• 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 Film Production
• 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 film production 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 | Research Methodologies in Humanities | 4 | None
• FIL710 | Documentary Theory and History | 3 | None
• THE720 | Ethics and Stewardship in Media | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• FIL730 | Advanced Cinematography Techniques | 4 | None
• COM740 | Media Activism and Social Change | 3 | None
• RES750 | Advanced Qualitative Analysis | 4 | RES700
• MIN760 | Leadership and Community Engagement | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• FIL770 | Documentary Pre-Production and Planning | 4 | FIL710
• COM780 | Digital Storytelling and Advocacy | 4 | None
• SOC790 | Sociology of Cultural Institutions | 3 | None
• RES800 | Research Seminar for Dissertation | 3 | RES750
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• FIL810 | Advanced Post-Production Editing | 4 | FIL730
• COM820 | Global Media and Cultural Perspectives | 3 | None
• EDU830 | Pedagogy of Media and Advocacy | 3 | None
• BUS840 | Nonprofit Media Management | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• FIL850 | Dissertation Production I | 4 | FIL810
• RES860 | Writing the Dissertation Thesis | 4 | RES800
• HUM870 | Contemporary Philosophical Issues | 3 | None
• HUM880 | Professional Ethics and Career Development | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• FIL890 | Dissertation Production II: Completion | 4 | FIL850
• CAP895 | Dissertation Defense and Portfolio | 4 | RES860
• COM896 | Media Advocacy Professionalism | 3 | None
• MIN897 | Servant Leadership in Practice | 3 | None