Doctor of Philosophy in Faith-Based UX Design

Degree abbreviation

Ph.D. in Faith-Based UX Design

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 user-experience challenges using advanced qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.
• Design inclusive digital architectures that demonstrate a profound commitment to accessibility and ethical stewardship.
• Evaluate the impact of digital system design on user behavior, autonomy, and community well-being.
• Develop original research that advances the body of knowledge in human-computer interaction and design ethics.
• Integrate Christian worldview perspectives into the professional practice of UX design to promote organizational integrity.
• Communicate complex design theories and research findings effectively to diverse stakeholders and scholarly communities.
• Course Outline
• Semester 1 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• UXD701
• Advanced Foundations of UX Research
• 4
• None
• RES705
• Quantitative Inquiry in Human-Computer Interaction
• 4
• None
• THE710
• Ethics and Stewardship in Technology
• 4
• None
• UXD701 — Advanced Foundations of UX Research: Explores the psychological and technical underpinnings of user research methodologies in diverse populations. Focuses on methods that uphold human dignity and ethical engagement. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES705 — Quantitative Inquiry in Human-Computer Interaction: Examines statistical analysis and experimental design as tools for evaluating digital interfaces and user performance. Emphasizes the responsible handling of sensitive user data. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• THE710 — Ethics and Stewardship in Technology: Evaluates technological advancements through the lens of ethical responsibility, focusing on servant leadership and the stewardship of digital assets. Analyzes the impact of design on marginalized communities. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 2 — Year 1
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• UXD720
• Psychology of Interactive Systems
• 4
• None
• UXD725
• Inclusive Design Principles
• 4
• None
• RES730
• Qualitative Research Methods
• 4
• None
• MGT740
• Organizational Leadership in Design
• 4
• None
• UXD720 — Psychology of Interactive Systems: Analyzes cognitive theories as they relate to human interactions with complex digital systems. Discusses the role of user-centered design in facilitating communication. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• UXD725 — Inclusive Design Principles: Investigates accessibility and universal design to ensure equitable technology access for diverse populations. Emphasizes designing for the needs of the vulnerable. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES730 — Qualitative Research Methods: Develops skills in interviews, ethnography, and narrative analysis to understand user needs deeply. Focuses on gathering data with empathy and integrity. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT740 — Organizational Leadership in Design: Examines management strategies for leading design teams within faith-based and mission-oriented nonprofits. Focuses on servant leadership and collaborative innovation. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 3 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• UXD801
• Advanced Interface Prototyping
• 4
• UXD701
• RES805
• Advanced Statistical Modeling
• 4
• RES705
• UXD810
• Emerging Technologies and User Needs
• 4
• None
• BUS815
• Professionalism and Career Development in Design
• 4
• None
• UXD801 — Advanced Interface Prototyping: Explores sophisticated techniques for rapid prototyping and iterative design in complex environments. Applies design thinking to solve real-world community issues. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES805 — Advanced Statistical Modeling: Introduces predictive modeling and advanced quantitative tools for assessing user behavior patterns. Teaches ethical application of data in decision-making processes. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• UXD810 — Emerging Technologies and User Needs: Investigates the implications of AI, virtual reality, and automation on social interaction and organizational workflows. Addresses the potential for technological harm. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• BUS815 — Professionalism and Career Development in Design: This course examines the socio-economic drivers of modern design professions and the psychological dimensions of career satisfaction. It explores frameworks for organizational alignment and professional growth within the technology sector. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 4 — Year 2
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• UXD820
• Human-Centric Data Analytics
• 4
• RES805
• UXD825
• Social Impact Technology Projects
• 4
• None
• RES830
• Dissertation Seminar
• 4
• RES730
• COM840
• Communicating Research for Stakeholders
• 3
• None
• UXD820 — Human-Centric Data Analytics: Explores how to translate complex data into meaningful insights for organizational decision-making. Focuses on data transparency and truthfulness. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• UXD825 — Social Impact Technology Projects: Engages students in a practical project designed to assist community organizations with digital infrastructure. Emphasizes stewardship of institutional resources. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES830 — Dissertation Seminar: Provides guidance in the conceptualization and initial drafting of the dissertation proposal. Focuses on research viability and theoretical contribution. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• COM840 — Communicating Research for Stakeholders: Trains scholars to explain technical findings to non-technical audiences, such as community board members or volunteers. Stresses clarity, honesty, and humility. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 5 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES850
• Directed Dissertation Research I
• 4
• RES830
• UXD855
• Advanced Design Ethics Seminar
• 4
• THE710
• RES860
• Collaborative Research Lab
• 4
• None
• MGT865
• Strategic Stewardship in the Digital Age
• 4
• MGT740
• RES850 — Directed Dissertation Research I: Formal research phase involving data collection and preliminary analysis under faculty supervision. Encourages diligent and disciplined academic practices. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• UXD855 — Advanced Design Ethics Seminar: Deep-dives into the moral dilemmas faced by designers in a globalized, digital economy. Focuses on integrity and protection of user privacy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• RES860 — Collaborative Research Lab: Provides a forum for peer-review and constructive critique of ongoing research projects. Highlights the importance of collaborative academic community. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• MGT865 — Strategic Stewardship in the Digital Age: Covers long-term digital sustainability and the efficient use of technological tools for organizational growth. Emphasizes responsible management of assets. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• Semester 6 — Year 3
• Code
• Title
• Credits
• Prerequisites
• RES870
• Directed Dissertation Research II
• 4
• RES850
• CAP880
• Dissertation Completion and Defense
• 4
• RES870
• UXD885
• Global Issues in Digital Interaction
• 3
• None
• EDU890
• Pedagogy and Mentoring in Design
• 3
• None
• RES870 — Directed Dissertation Research II: Final phase of the research project, focusing on synthesis of findings, conclusions, and preparation of the written manuscript. Requires high standards of scholarly accuracy. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• CAP880 — Dissertation Completion and Defense: The final submission and oral defense of the doctoral dissertation before a review committee. Represents the culmination of original academic contributions. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• UXD885 — Global Issues in Digital Interaction: Examines the global impact of localized design decisions and the duty to care for the international community. Addresses cultural sensitivity in software development. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.
• EDU890 — Pedagogy and Mentoring in Design: Trains students in teaching methodologies to mentor others in design and research within educational settings. Promotes the transfer of knowledge and service. This course prepares students in supporting faith-based, nonprofit, community organizations' missions.

Applicants must hold a master's degree from an accredited institution in computer science, design, information systems, or a closely related field. Prospective students must submit official transcripts, a statement of purpose outlining their research interests and how they align with the institution's mission, three letters of recommendation, and a portfolio demonstrating advanced proficiency in UX design and scholarly writing. Dissertation Requirement The Dissertation is the culminating academic experience of the PhD in Faith-Based UX Design, representing an original contribution to the discipline through rigorous, independent research. Students are expected to identify a significant problem within human-computer interaction, develop a comprehensive research framework, and execute a study that results in actionable, evidence-based design interventions. This project is worth 12 credit hours and requires the student to defend their findings before a committee of faculty scholars. In addition to academic mastery, the dissertation serves as a vehicle for demonstrating the integration of faith-informed character development and ethical reasoning. Students must articulate how their design solutions honor the principles of servant leadership and stewardship, ensuring that the technology produced fosters community health rather than exploitation. Through this process, candidates demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and a professional life defined by integrity and service to others.

• Graduation requires the successful completion of 120 credit hours, including the transfer of up to 35 credits from a relevant master's degree, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. Students must successfully defend their dissertation and achieve institutional approval on all research documentation. Academic requirements are inextricably linked with the demonstration of ethical character and spiritual maturity.
• Candidates must participate in specified community service activities and professional formation seminars throughout their tenure to fulfill the university's mandate for whole-person development. Graduation confirms not only a high level of technical competency but also the student's preparedness to serve in professional or academic contexts with the compassion, humility, and moral clarity required for stewardship-oriented leadership.
• Career Opportunities
• Director of User Experience for Nonprofits
• Professor of Human-Computer Interaction
• Digital Strategy Consultant for Faith-Based Organizations
• Lead Researcher for Social Impact Technology
• Ethical Design Architect
• Director of Digital Innovation and Inclusion
• Academic Research Fellow
• 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 UX Design
• 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 UX design 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
• UXD701 | Advanced Foundations of UX Research | 4 | None
• RES705 | Quantitative Inquiry in Human-Computer Interaction | 4 | None
• THE710 | Ethics and Stewardship in Technology | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• UXD720 | Psychology of Interactive Systems | 4 | None
• UXD725 | Inclusive Design Principles | 4 | None
• RES730 | Qualitative Research Methods | 4 | None
• MGT740 | Organizational Leadership in Design | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• UXD801 | Advanced Interface Prototyping | 4 | UXD701
• RES805 | Advanced Statistical Modeling | 4 | RES705
• UXD810 | Emerging Technologies and User Needs | 4 | None
• BUS815 | Professionalism and Career Development in Design | 4 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• UXD820 | Human-Centric Data Analytics | 4 | RES805
• UXD825 | Social Impact Technology Projects | 4 | None
• RES830 | Dissertation Seminar | 4 | RES730
• COM840 | Communicating Research for Stakeholders | 3 | None
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES850 | Directed Dissertation Research I | 4 | RES830
• UXD855 | Advanced Design Ethics Seminar | 4 | THE710
• RES860 | Collaborative Research Lab | 4 | None
• MGT865 | Strategic Stewardship in the Digital Age | 4 | MGT740
• Code | Title | Credits | Prerequisites
• RES870 | Directed Dissertation Research II | 4 | RES850
• CAP880 | Dissertation Completion and Defense | 4 | RES870
• UXD885 | Global Issues in Digital Interaction | 3 | None
• EDU890 | Pedagogy and Mentoring in Design | 3 | None