phd christian education

EdDPrograms.org

Doctorate Programs in Christian Education Leadership

Thinking about a doctorate in Christian Education or Ministry Leadership? Discover our Ed.D. in Christian Education listings ! Explore online and on-campus options from religious universities and theological seminaries. Dig into curricula, costs, and admissions requirements. Learn more about degree alternatives (e.g. D.Ed.Min.) and faith-based accreditation organizations. And find out about career opportunities post-graduation.

What is an Ed.D. in Christian Education?

A faith-based doctorate of education focuses on the application of educational theory, practice & leadership in a Christian instructional setting (e.g. church, school, university, ministry organization, etc.). To that end, many Christian Ed.D. programs are offered by Schools of Divinity or Theology. They will also be available in Colleges of Education within a Christian university.

You may wish to pursue an Ed.D. in Christian Education or Leadership in order to:

• Explore the intersection of faith and education from a Christian worldview
• Prepare for specific PK-20 educational leadership positions in faith-based settings
• Acquire practical skill-sets in administration (e.g. financial management, staff development, program development, etc.)
• Gain expertise in policy-making, governance, and legal matters that apply to Christian institutions
• Foster collaborative cultures, community engagement, and servant leadership

Note: Interested in Jewish doctoral programs? Check out offerings from Rabbinical and Talmudic schools that are accredited by the Association of Advanced Rabbinical and Talmudic Schools (AARTS) . Regionally accredited Jewish universities like Gratz College and Yeshiva University also offer Ed.D. programs in Jewish Education & Leadership.

Types of Doctorate in Christian Education Programs

Ed.d. in christian education leadership.

A doctorate in Christian Education Leadership is usually designed for folks who wish to assume faith-based leadership positions in teaching or administration. Regent’s Ed.D. in Christian Education Leadership is a good example—it’s a judicious mix of religious education & practical considerations (e.g. starting and operating Christian schools). Check out our listings for more ideas.

Ed.D. in Christian Education Administration

As the title implies, Ed.D. programs in Christian Education Administration are aimed at doctoral students who aspire to lead faith-based schools. This subject may be offered as a unique degree or a concentration. For instance:

• ORU’s Ed.D. in Christian School Administration is targeted at aspiring PreK-12 superintendents—it’s aligned with National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) and Performance Assessment for School Leaders (PASL) standards.
• NYU’s Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration: Focus on Campus Religious Life aims to develop the next generation of campus-based religious life leaders.

Ed.D. in Ministry Leadership/Christian Ministry

An Ed.D. in Christian Ministry or Ministry Leadership tend to be focused on leadership & management training for church and ministry organizations. However, this doctorate may be relevant in a wide range of settings. For example, Evangelia University’s Ed.D. in Christian Ministry can be applied to local churches, world missions, para-church organizations, Christian schools, and Christian alternative education areas. Check the curriculum links in our listings to get a sense of the program’s direction.

Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from a Theological Seminary or Christian University

In your search, you could also consider a standard Ed.D. from an accredited theological seminary or religious institution . Coursework will typically cover the same ground as an Ed.D. in Christian Education Leadership. For example:

• Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary’s Ed.D. prepares students for the advanced practice of Christian education and educational leadership in the academy, the local church, and in other denominational settings.
• Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary’s Ed.D. focuses on both the theory and practice of education within church, school, and university settings.

Alternatively, you might want to take a look at Ed.D. programs from universities that support Christian values (e.g. Gardner-Webb’s Ed.D. in Educational Leadership ).

Faith-Based Accreditation

In the field of Christian leadership & education, we recommend you consider Ed.D. programs from schools that are a) regionally accredited; and/or b) accredited by CHEA-approved faith-related accredited organizations . CHEA-approved organizations are:

• Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE)
• Association of Theological Schools (ATS)
• Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS)
• Association of Advanced Rabbinical and Talmudic Schools (AARTS)

For example, ATS is the standard for theological schools—there are 270+ Member Schools across the country. Within those schools, you’ll find doctoral offerings like the D.Min., Ed.D., D.Ed.Min., and Ph.D. in various concentrations (e.g. Educational Leadership).

Ph.D. vs. D.Min. vs. D.Ed.Min. vs. Ed.D.

You’re going to have a dizzying array of choices for a faith-based doctorate. We’ve provided a brief summary of the differences below, but we suggest you talk to your mentors and the university about your career goals. Recent graduates will also be able to give you a sense of whether the degree is going to be applicable to your professional setting.

• Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in a Christian Field: The Ed.D. is a practical degree that focuses on applied research & theory—these doctorates are designed for faith-based leaders who want to start implementing their educational studies into their professional lives.
• Doctor of Ministry (D.Min): A Doctor of Ministry often follows a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) or the equivalent. You might wish to earn a D.Min. in order to improve your leadership qualities & skills as a pastor; delve into preaching, exhortation, and leadership; use application-oriented research in a ministry setting; and become an expert in ministry affairs & organizations (e.g. church, parachurch, mission, etc.).
• Doctor of Ministry in Education/Educational Ministry (D.Ed.Min.): The D.Ed.Min. usually follows a Master of Arts in Christian Education (MACE), Master of Arts in Religious Education (MARE) or the equivalent. This is a relatively new degree—it was approved by the ATS in 1998—and it’s similar in focus to the Ed.D. It’s aimed at students who are interested in practical educational ministry (e.g. training religious teachers & leaders, developing new ministry methods & outreach strategies, exploring biblical educational theories, etc.).
• Ph.D. in Christian Education: A Ph.D. in Christian Education may follow a Master of Theology (Th.M.), Master of Arts in Biblical Languages (MABL), M.Div. or other theological MA degree. Ph.D. programs are going to be heavily focused on research and deep-dive studies into educational theory & practice. They’re the typical choice for students who want to apply for a university-level teaching position (e.g. professor). But they can also be relevant for folks who are interested in church leadership roles.

You can learn more about the differences between Ed.D. and Ph.D. programs in our full guide .

Earning an Ed.D. in Christian Education

Christian education prerequisites.

• Master’s Degree: Most schools will ask for a relevant master’s degree (e.g. M.Ed., M.Div., MA in a religious field, etc.), but check with the program coordinator and explore the admissions links in our listings for more info. Some schools are willing to consider a wide range of subjects.
• Minimum GPA: GPA requirements will vary. The standard minimum for Ed.D. programs is 3.0 in any master’s degree coursework, but we noticed that a number of religious universities & seminaries have a higher threshold (e.g. 3.2-3.5).
• Faith-Based Commitment & Recommendations: This is often included as a requirement in religious doctorates. Universities may ask to see letters from your minister or pastor and evidence of your commitment to the Christian faith.
• Work Experience: Universities may or may not specify work experience in the admissions section, but they’ll always be considering your experiences in teaching, education, and mentorship.
• Additional Requirements: On top of your transcripts, some Ed.D. programs may also require GRE or MAT scores, an autobiographical admissions essay, a résumé, and/or an academic writing sample.

Christian Education Coursework

Ed.D. coursework will depend on your choice of degree or concentration and your choice of university. Every religious school will tailor the doctorate to reflect the university’s denomination (e.g. Baptist, Methodist, etc.) and Christian worldview. Explore the curriculum links in our listings to see how this plays out. Generally speaking, you’ll often be covering bases such as:

• Biblical Studies, Bible Teaching & Christian Education
• Contemporary Education Theory & Strategies
• Principles of Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Technology, and Instructional Design
• Christian Leadership Theory & Practice
• Faith-Based Educational Administration & Management Skills

Christian Education Internship & Fieldwork

A number of Ed.D. programs in religious education will contain opportunities to put theory in practice through fieldwork or job-specific placements. For example, Evangelia’s Ed.D. in Christian Ministry contains an internship. Examine the curriculum links in our listings and chat to the Ed.D. program coordinator about potential opportunities.

Christian Education Dissertation or Capstone Project

All Ed.D. programs in Christian Education will contain a traditional dissertation, Dissertation in Practice (DiP), or a capstone project. We explore the differences between these options in our guide to No Dissertation Ed.D. Programs .

To get a sense of what’s in store, ask the Ed.D. program coordinator for a list of recent Ed.D. dissertation titles. You’ll often end up applying your research interests to practical leadership & educational challenges in the workplace (e.g. church, Christian school, religious organization, etc.).

Online Ed.D. in Christian Education Programs

Are ed.d. programs in christian education offered online.

Yes. Many schools in our listings offer online Ed.D. programs in Christian Education and Educational Leadership. We’ve flagged them all with an “Offered Online” marker.

Do Online Ed.D. in Christian Education Programs Contain Residencies?

It depends. Some universities will offer hybrid Ed.D. programs with campus residencies; some will opt for an all-distance format. For example, Liberty’s Online Ed.D. in Christian Leadership – Ministry Leadership is 100% online, with no in-person elements. When in doubt, ask the Ed.D. program coordinator for details.

Christian Education Careers

Ed.d. in christian education jobs.

An Ed.D. in Christian Education will set you up for top-level positions in faith-based schools & universities and leadership roles in religious organizations. Examples of job titles include:

• Principal/Headmaster of a Religious School
• Faculty in a Religious Department or University
• Christian School Superintendent
• Character School Administrator
• Curriculum Developer/Instructional Coordinator
• Training and Development Manager

If you’re pursuing a doctorate in organizational leadership or ministry leadership for a career with your church, mission, or non-profit institution, you could explore job titles such as:

• Director of Operations
• Operations and Outreach Coordinator
• Director of Strategic Initiatives
• Director of Engagement
• Director of a Faith-Based Non-Profit

Ed.D. in Christian Education Salary

Salary numbers for educational leadership positions in Christian institutions will depend on a number of factors, including the size of the institution, your level of seniority, your geographic location, and your role.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) publishes annual job & wage data on:

• Kindergarten through Secondary Education Administrators
• Postsecondary Education Administrators
• Directors of Religious Activities & Education
• Postsecondary Philosophy & Religion Teachers

These will give you ballpark salary figures for your field.

You may also wish to make a shortlist of your preferred job titles and use different salary sites to compare numbers (e.g. Glassdoor, Indeed, Salary.com, Payscale, etc.).

Is an Ed.D. in Christian Education Worth it?

Talk to your professional mentors before you make the decision to commit to an Ed.D. in Christian Education. It may be worth your while if you have a specific job in mind (e.g. superintendency), a burning passion to explore the field, or a desire to become a better educational leader.

Just keep in mind that you have a lot of alternatives in the realm of religious education & leadership, including the D.Min., D.Ed.Min., and Ph.D. Pick the doctorate that aligns best with your long-term goals.

Christian Education Resources and Organizations

• American Association of Christian Schools (AACS) : AACS is made up of forty state, regional, and international associations who represent Christian schools. It serves 100,000+ students and teachers.
• Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE) : ABHE is a faith-related accreditation organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
• Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) : ACSI is an association of evangelical Protestant Christian schools—it’s the largest Protestant educational organization in the world.
• Association of Theological Schools (ATS) : ATS is a faith-related accreditation organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
• Christian Educators Association International (CEAI) : CEAI exists to serve Christian educators in K-12 public, charter, and private schools throughout the world.
• Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) : CCCU is a higher education association composed of 180+ Christian institutions around the world.
• Society of Professors in Christian Education (SPCE) : SPCE is a scholarly guild for evangelical academicians in the field of practical theology, particularly in the disciplines of education, discipleship, and ministry leadership.
• Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS) : TRACS is a faith-related accreditation organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

School Listings

11 Schools Found

Calvary Chapel University

Sun City, Arizona

Doctor of Christian Education - Educational Leadership

Offered Online

• Curriculum Info
• How To Apply

Grand Canyon University

College of Education

Phoenix, Arizona

EdD in Organizational Leadership - Christian Ministry

Online edd in organizational leadership - christian ministry, evangelia university.

Anaheim, California

Doctor of Education in Christian Ministry

New orleans baptist theological seminary.

New Orleans, Louisiana

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership

Doctor of education (ed.d.) in ministry leadership, doctor of education (ed.d.) in teaching/pedagogy, midwestern baptist theological seminary.

Doctoral Studies Department

Kansas City, Missouri

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

New york university.

Steinhardt School of Education

New York, New York

EdD in Higher Education Administration - Campus Religious Life Focus

North carolina, southeastern baptist theological seminary.

Advanced Degrees Specialization

Wake Forest, North Carolina

Doctor of Education in Christian Counseling

Doctor of education in christian education, doctor of education in discipleship and mentoring, western seminary.

Portland, Oregon

Doctor of Education in Intercultural Education

Dallas baptist university.

Gary Cook School of Leadership

Dallas, Texas

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership - Educational Ministry Leadership

Liberty university.

School of Behavioral Sciences

Lynchburg, Virginia

Online Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling - Pastoral Care & Counseling

Online edd in christian leadership - ministry leadership, regent university.

School of Education

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Online Doctor of Education in Christian Education Leadership

Ph.D. – Educational Studies

Program Requirements

Admissions & deadlines, application steps, alumni spotlight, tuition and financial aid.

Program at a Glance

Format .

Note: This program a combination of one-week intensive residential core courses offered in November and March, and online and HyFlex courses offered in the fall and spring semesters.

Total Credits 

42–51 credits

Cost per Credit 

View Tuition Details

Standard Completion Time 

Accreditation .

WSCUC / ATS

At Talbot School of Theology, biblical wisdom is our doctoral programs’ central pursuit. The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree equips the “Researcher-Teacher” with the research and integration, as well as teaching and leadership skills to contribute to their discipline. Students will be able to teach and equip others for educational formation leadership roles and provide leadership to their institutions. This is the preferred degree for full-time teaching at most Christian higher education institutions.

This doctoral degree, established in 1984, has a strong record of equipping educators for advanced positions of educational leadership, research and publishing. It involves a 36-credit coursework and 9–15 credits of dissertation — the dissertation demonstrates a competency in research and the contribution of theory to the practice of educational ministry.

Students come to the program already having completed a graduate degree and usually with significant experience in educational ministry, theological education or Christian higher education. In general, doctoral students are established within a particular ministry organization and pursue this degree to receive a robust biblical and theological foundation that richly enhances their educational practice. The curriculum particularly encourages critical thinking, integrative synthesis of Scripture and social science data, and original research.

Courses follow a seminar format that requires student initiation to participate during class discussions. Small class sizes of five to 12 students permit such a dialogical format, an important element for promoting critical and integrative thinking.

Program Format

The Ph.D. degree program is a combination of one-week intensive residential core courses offered in November and March, and online and HyFlex courses offered in the fall and spring semesters. This flexible format allows students to either move to Southern California or remain in their places of ministry, and only come to campus to attend the intensive residential weeks.

The program follows a cohort model, in which students work through the core courses together and select their elective courses in Christian higher education or practical theology. A new cohort begins every fall.

Courses are offered on campus in fall (late August to mid-December) and spring (January through May) semesters. A normal full-time load is three courses, or nine credits of coursework. Please note that students are counted as full-time at six credits per semester.

Yes! Tell Me More!

What are the program requirements for an educational studies student.

The Ph.D. degree requires 42–51 credits of coursework, including 18 credits of core classes and a 3-credit Candidacy Exam Capstone course, 15 credits of electives and up to 15 credits of dissertation. The program’s office assists with planning the schedule of courses and guides the student's progress in the program. Up to 3 credits of graduate coursework directly related to the specialization may be taken in other departments at Biola University or transferred in from other accredited graduate institutions.

• Doctoral Program Proposal. During the first term of study and in consultation with the doctoral office, students identify the 15-credit electives program they will complete, along with the remaining core courses, to meet the minimum requirement. Once approved, this schedule serves as the projected course of study.
• Candidacy Exam. During the final semester of coursework, the student also enrolls in the TTDE 8950 Candidacy Exam Capstone course. The student completes the candidacy exam before engaging work on the dissertation. The candidacy exam evaluates the student's attainment of program study objectives.
• Advancement to Candidacy. Official candidacy for the doctorate signifies an advanced stage in the student’s progress and is characterized by self-directed research in the completion of a dissertation under the direction of a faculty dissertation advisor. In order to be admitted to candidacy, the student must have successfully passed the candidacy exam.
• Dissertation. After passing the candidacy exam, the student will enroll in TTDE 8960 Dissertation (3 credits) for up to five semesters. A student must enroll for a minimum of two terms of TTDE 8960 and must be enrolled in 8960 or 8970 Dissertation Extension the semester of graduation. Ph.D. dissertation students are considered full-time for a maximum of five semesters of TTDE 8960 only. Doctoral students must submit a dissertation evidencing high attainment in scholarship. Detailed information may be found in the Dissertation Guidelines Handbook.
• Final Dissertation Defense. The final examination is an oral defense of the dissertation before the student’s dissertation committee and other invited guests. Detailed information regarding the defense and final submission deadlines for graduation may be found in the Dissertation Guidelines Handbook.
• Graduation Requirements. All students must present an acceptable dissertation, satisfactorily pass their candidacy exam, and complete all coursework with a minimum 3.25 GPA to qualify for graduation. Beyond completion of academic requirements, doctoral program faculty must also recommend that the student is eligible for conferral of the degree on the basis of evidence of Christian life and character established during his or her course of studies. All financial obligations must be settled. Attendance at commencement ceremonies is required when the degree is granted unless approval has been received from the dean to graduate in absentia (see the Doctoral Program Handbook for further details).
• View Program-Specific Courses

As a Christian institution, Biola seeks to admit applicants whose backgrounds clearly demonstrate scholarly aptitude, a commitment to the historic Christian faith, personal character and integrity, and a positive service-oriented motivation toward their field of study. Biola does not discriminate on the basis of the applicant's race, color, sex, socio-economic status, disability, or national or ethnic origin.

Education and GPA Requirements

• Equivalence is defined as an earned master's degree of 36 semester credits of graduate study, including 18 credits of graduate Bible and theology.
• If your formal educational preparation does not include all of the required prerequisite coursework, it must be completed prior to enrollment.

Contact your graduate admissions counselor for recommendations on options for completing the needed prerequisite courses.

• Office of Graduate Admissions:   [email protected]
• International Students:   [email protected]

English Proficiency Requirements

• If English is not your first language, you are required to display your English proficiency before admittance into a Biola University graduate program. See “English Proficiency” in the application steps section below.

Application Deadlines

• General Deadline: March 1

Visit Biola

Explore our sunny Southern California campus in person or virtually. Learn more about your program of interest and the admissions process by scheduling an appointment with an admissions counselor.

Visit Biola Virtual Tour

Meet Your Admissions Counselor

If you have more questions about the program, admissions process or Biola in general, schedule a phone call or send an email to your admissions counselor.

Graduate Admissions Counselor

Email: michael.klunder @biola.edu Phone : (562) 906-4115 Book a Phone or Virtual Appointment

International Graduate Admissions Counselor

The Office of International Admissions serves students who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States.

Email: [email protected] Book a Phone or Virtual Appointment

Complete and submit the online application

Submit a non-refundable $65 application fee

Submit supplemental application materials through your online application portal:

Official Transcripts

• Request official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
• If enrolled at the time the application is filed, be sure to request transcripts of work finished to date and final transcripts upon completion of your course of study.
• Mail transcripts to: Biola University Office of Graduate Admissions 13800 Biola Avenue, La Mirada, CA 90639
• Note for International Students: All international transcripts need U.S. grade equivalencies noted (i.e. GPA on a 4.0 scale). If your transcripts do not show U.S. grade equivalencies, you must have them evaluated by a credential evaluation agency like SpanTran (Biola Discount), World Education Services (WES) or Foundation for International Services (FIS) .  Be sure to choose "course by course report" and have SpanTran/WES/FIS send them directly to Biola University via online portal or post (13800 Biola Ave, La Mirada, CA 90639) in order to be considered official.

Four Reference Letters

• Three academic references — must be completed by faculty who had the applicant in at least two courses
• Pastoral reference — must be completed by a mentor, teacher or pastor
• Note: Additional instructions can be found in the online application.

Three Essays

• Formal academic paper: submit a sample of scholarly writing (with citations and bibliography), preferably related to education, of at least 10 pages
• Vocational objectives statement
• Personal biography
• Note: The essay prompts can be found in the online application.

English Proficiency (required for non-native English speakers)

• TOEFL: minimum score of 100 iBT
• IELTS: minimum score of 7.5
• Duolingo: minimum score of 125
• Official written communication from the institution (Registrar, Controller of Examinations Office, or Undergraduate College)
• Official degree statements or transcripts may be accepted given English is stated as the medium of instruction
• Official catalog verification
• Note: For universities from non-Anglophone countries, further language assessment may be required.
• Completion  of the English Language Scholars (ELS) with passing status on the ELS's final exit exam , which must be approved by the ELS Director in collaboration with the academic program committee. An updated TOEFL or IELTS score may be used at the end of a term to test directly into the graduate program for the following term.
• Students eligible for ELS will be assessed by the ELS Director to determine the total number of academic English courses to take while enrolled in their graduate program courses. The following are the scores needed to qualify for ELS: TOEFL iBT 90 / IELTS 7.0 / Duolingo 110–124.
• Note: Students must be admitted to the graduate program first to be considered for ELS.

Additional Forms

• “Change of Program” Form:  Talbot General Change of Program Request
• Special Student Application
• Graduate Readmit Application

Things to Note

• Track your application status at any time. You do not have to complete the application in one sitting. You can complete a portion and finish at a later time. Your information will be saved. When you apply, to guarantee confidentiality, you will be asked to create a user name and a password, and will receive a personalized identification number. Track your application status by logging in to the online application .
• Official documents presented for admission or evaluation become part of the student’s academic file and normally cannot be returned or copied for distribution.
• International students who will be studying on campus are required to apply for an F-1 student visa. For more information, visit biola.edu/international/admitted-students .

Read the testimonials to learn more about how Talbot's doctoral programs impacted the lives of our students.

Explore Alumni Spotlight

Biola is committed to help make your studies affordable — each school offers different scholarship, grant and loan opportunities to help finance your education.

• Explore Tuition and Costs
• Explore Scholarships and Aid
• Departmental Scholarships

Octavio Esqueda

Professor of Christian Higher Education

• Ph.D., University of North Texas
• M.A., Dallas Theological Seminary
• Lic., University of Guadalajara

Orbelina Eguizabal Escobar

• Ph.D., Talbot School of Theology
• M.A., Central American Theological Seminary, Guatemala
• B.A., Central American Theological Seminary, Guatemala

Jonathan Kim

Professor Emeritus of Christian Ministries

• Ph.D., Trinity International University
• M.Div., Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
• M.A., Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
• B.S., University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

Meet All Program Faculty

You may also be interested in

Doctor of ministry (d.min.), ed.d. in educational studies.

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Hybrid (On Campus and Online) : This program includes a blend of course formats, including online and in person at Biola University's Southern California campus.

Total Credits

Every program at Biola University features rigorous academics, biblically integrated curriculum and vocational preparation.

Cost per Credit

This is the cost per credit; total tuition costs for each term will differ for part-time and full-time students.

Standard Completion Time

This indicates the standard duration of this program. Completion time may vary depending on transferred coursework and preferred courseload.

Accreditation

Biola University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. Additional accreditations may apply to specific programs.

(929) 417-4491

• Doctor of Christian Education

Advanced training in Biblical principles of Christian Education

Doctor of christian education (edd).

Credit Hours: 45 Prerequisites: Master’s Degree or Equivalent

The Doctor of Christian Education (EdD) degree program is designed to provide advanced training in Biblical principles of Christian Education. This degree prepares one to do educational tasks in a Christian setting. Among these are teaching, supervising, developing, and implementing Christian education programs.

Courses You’ll Complete to Earn Your Degree

• GCED 610 The Importance of Christian Education
• CED 311  Childhood Christian Education
• GBNT 540 The Letters of Peter
• GBTH 620 Christian Apologetics
• GCED 620 Tutoring, Mentoring, Teaching, Learning
• GCED 600 Creative Bible Teaching
• GBTH – 560 Graduate Hermeneutics
• BPA 370  Homiletics
• GCCS 629  Counseling, Psychology and the Christian
• GCCS 540  Pastoral Counseling
• BPA 240 Preparation for Ministry I
• BPA 250 Preparation for Ministry II

Course Objectives

Upon completing the  C.Ed.D . program, students will have received the following:

• A general level of competence in the literature and practice of education, especially educational philosophy and history, curriculum, and instruction
• The ability to teach with creativity and active engagement in both academic and pastoral contexts
• The ability to demonstrate an advanced and critical study of educational theory and practice as it relates to local church and other ministry contexts.
• The capacity to demonstrate advanced-level of ministry skills

Graduation Requirements

Before graduating with a Doctor of Christian Education (EdD) , the student must satisfy the following requirements:

• Complete at least 45 semester credit hours
• Complete all required coursework, essays, homework, and exams for the respective degree
• Have at least a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher on a scale of 4.0.
• Complete Dominion Theological Seminary’s Degree Completion Application.

Total Cost w/o Books: $4,000.00 (Payment Plans Accepted)

Undergraduate Programs

Associate degree programs.

• Associate of Arts in Biblical Studies

Bachelor Degree Programs

• Bachelor of Arts in Church Administration
• Bachelor of Arts in Theology

Graduate Programs

Master degree programs.

• Master of Arts in Christian Education
• Master of Arts in Clinical Christian Counseling
• Master of Arts in Theology

Postgraduate Programs

Doctorate degree programs.

• Doctor of Christian Counseling & Psychology
• Honorary Doctorate of Divinity

•  1-877-27-BIBLE
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Education Doctorate in Educational Leadership

The EdD in Educational Leadership is a fully online advanced degree for educational leaders of faith-based institutions. The program builds upon the skills learned in the MACE program and gives students a broad overview of the educational process and equips them with leadership skills and knowledge to strengthen faith-based schools throughout the world. Once the core curriculum has been mastered, students may choose a specialty area that coincides with their calling and gifting. 

Note : The institution does not offer any programs that lead to professional licensure. A graduate of programs offered at CCU is not eligible to sit for licensure exams within the United States.” 

Upon graduation, students may directly apply to ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International) for a certificate to teach in Christian schools, but CCU does not offer certification toward public school assignments.

The purpose of this scholarly doctoral program is to provide expertise and practical application for those serving in Christian educational environments. The applicant may work on a doctoral program with a specialization in Educational Leadership. Requirements for the EdD program consist of the mastery of a field of knowledge and the successful pursuit of research. Doctoral students act to some degree on their own responsibility. Doctoral programs are more flexible and varied than those leading to other graduate degrees.

Program Learning Outcomes

Program learning outcomes are clearly defined, established, and measurable in the ten statements outlined below. The EdD Educational Leadership EdDdegree will equip the student with practical skills and deep understanding of the educational process in the context of a Biblical Worldview. The student will develop exceptional written, research and oral communication skills that will benefit both personally and professionally.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Education Doctorate program will be able to:

• Analyze and articulate various philosophies of education and defend a Biblically-based philosophy of education by using this philosophy statement throughout the program.
• Respond to the changing needs of Christian organizations.
• Develop skills in managing and leading educational institutions, educational systems, and nonprofit agencies.
• Develop leadership skills and effective, team-oriented approaches to teaching and learning to maximize the performance achievements of all types of learners.
• Incorporate best practices related to e-learning instruction.
• Gain a solid understanding of emerging and pedagogically relevant resources.
• Develop comprehensive and innovative multimedia programming and curricula.
• Synthesize the implementation of technology in the Christian learning environments by researching best practices, discovering new technology, evaluating existing technology, and creating different projects utilizing instructional technologies (i.e. Mind Mapping, Wordy diagrams, presentations, blogs, videos etc…).
• Research the social, emotional, and spiritual aspects of learning and develop a biblically-based philosophy of behavioral influence and leadership.
• Demonstrate scholarly behaviors such as reflection, and problem-solving with skills for designing, critiquing, and implementing research relevant to effective practice.  

Program Structure

The 60 credit Education Doctorate in Educational Leadership program is scholarly in its academics and practical in its application to ministry.  The method of instruction is 100% online, asynchronous format, with video conferencing. 

Required Ed.D Courses (36 credits required)

• All courses in the Master of Divinity degree program are graduate level.

Admission Requirements

Graduate programs.

Individuals seeking admission to the Calvary Chapel University EdD graduate program must: 

• Fill out and submit the online application ;   
• Pay a $100 application fee;
• Request official transcripts for completed Master’s graduate degree. Conferred Master’s degree must be verified by the Registrar through official transcripts prior to admissions, enrolling, and matriculation.
• Minimum overall grade point average is 3.0.
• Complete Student Reference Requests.

Verification of conferred Master’s graduate degree from official transcripts must be verified by the Registrar prior to enrolling. Minimum overall grade point average is 3.0.

The spiritual requirements for admission involve demonstrating a commitment to Christ and to the authority of Scripture, and is evidenced by a lifestyle of consistent Christian character and the utilization of spiritual gifts for the building up of the Body of Christ.

Notification of Admission

Once the Admissions Office receives a completed application, confer official transcripts of an earned master-level graduate degree (verified by the Registrar), references, and fees, the Admissions Committee will make a decision regarding acceptance.  Applicants can expect to receive notification within one week of the application being complete.  Once an admission decision is made, applicants will receive information on registration, finances, and new student orientation. Upon acceptance at CCU, students must complete an Enrollment Agreement prior to course registration .

Competency Assessment 

Applicant’s skills and competencies to succeed in a distance education environment are assessed prior to acceptance via official transcripts, the online application, and required admission materials including a personal testimony to determine spiritual readiness. 

Technology Requirements

• 2.0 GHz processor or higher
• Screen Resolution 1024×768 recommended
• Web Browser (Google Chrome or Apple Safari recommended)
• High Speed Internet (with 1.5 Mbps upload/download recommended)
• Speakers/Headphones
• Microphone (external or built-in)
• Webcam (internal or external)
• Zoom Application 
• Operating System (Windows, macOS, Linux)
• Google Suite (Google Docs)
• Adobe Acrobat Reader (available free from the Adobe website)

Online Instructional Methods

Courses are disseminated 100% online through Populi.com. The Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership program will use instructional methods such as, but not limited to: video lectures, reading and writing assignments, discussion boards, quizzes, tests, and extensive research.

Online Grading Practices 

Final tests or examinations are course-specific and assessed with a rubric. Passing grades are determined by each instructor and stated in the course syllabus. Within 48 hours of submitting assignments, work is evaluated and a grade is posted in the online course grade book. Students have access to view their personal grades at any time. There is no mailing of institutional responses or evaluations of students’ work. All grading and communication with students is conducted within Populi, the online operating system. 

Graduation Requirements

CCU awards an academic degree or diploma to students who are in good standing upon the satisfactory completion of all degree requirements, as listed in the University Catalog for the year during which the student first enrolled. The course requirements for doctoral degrees vary from field to field and from student to student. A minimum of 60 credit hours beyond the master’s degree is required.

To be eligible for a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership, a student must:

• Complete the approved program consisting of 60 credits;
• Complete a minimum of 45 credits through Calvary Chapel University (CCU), not to include credits from a prior degree earned through CCU; and
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00
• Degree must be completed within 7 years
• Meet all University financial obligations.

Note: No grade below a C- will be applied toward a doctoral Doctorate degree at Calvary Chapel University. Please submit a Graduation Application to the Registrar’s Office at the beginning of the final semester. In order for you to receive your diploma all financial obligations must be met.

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Ph.D. in Theology and Education

Designed for students who have already completed a master's in theology, this program prepares scholars in the interdisciplinary fields of religious education and practical theology. Through a partnership with BC's Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences and the Lynch School of Education and Human Development, students take courses in theology, education, and religious education. 

Want to learn more?

Connect with us., at a glance, program duration.

The program can be completed in four years.

The minimum residency requirement for the Ph.D. in Theology and Education is two years.

Students perform 10 hours of service each week for two years as teaching assistants or M.A. thesis consultants.

Program of Study

Design a program of study customized to your research interests with the support of your advisor.

Interdisciplinary

Take courses and work with faculty across three Boston College graduate schools.

Comprehensive Examination

Master key areas related to your field and dissertation as you prepare for oral and written exams.

Dissertation

Complete a dissertation that contributes to the field of religious education or practical theology. 

Participate in a range of retreats, days of reflection, and faith-sharing groups offered at CSTM.

Financial Assistance

All Ph.D. students receive a full tuition scholarship and a four-year stipend of $31,200/year.

Academic Program

Designed to prepare tomorrow's leaders in the field of religious education, the Ph.D. curriculum is an expression of practical theology. The program includes 48 credits beyond the master's degree.

Student Handbook

Courses, advisement, examinations and dissertations focus on developing the following proficiencies:

Integration of scholarly reflection and practical educational concerns;

Development of a general level of competence in Biblical studies, systematics, ethics and practical theology;

Development of a general level of competence in the literature and practice of education, especially educational philosophy, educational history, and curriculum and instruction;

Development of a general level of competence in the social sciences most relevant to religious education, especially sociology and psychology;

Development of expertise in religious education as a field of scholarship and practice, including a) the contributions of theology, education, and the social sciences to religious education and b) the literature of religious education, including historical classics, contemporary writings, and ecclesial texts;

An ability to engage in research and write for various publics about religious education;

The ability to teach with creativity and active engagement in both academic and pastoral  contexts.

Religious Education Faculty

Meet our ph.d. students, career placements, professor , jesuit theological college, melbourne, australia  , professor of environmental ethics,  university of portland  , assistant professor of catholic studies, candler school of theology  , associate professor of practical theology,  villanova university  , assistant professor of christian education,  union presbyterian seminary, professor , mount mary college  , associate professor of christian ethics, xavier university  , director of contextual education and congregational partnerships, boston university school of theology, professor of christian/jewish learning , st. joseph’s university, president , college of st. mary, frequently asked questions, application requirements, fall 2025 deadline: january 15, 2025.

Ph.D. students may only begin their studies during the fall semester.

Application Form

The application to CSTM must be completed online. Please note you can submit your application form once it is completed; you do not need to wait for all of your supplemental materials to arrive. 

Note: Ph.D. applicants should already hold a master's degree in theology. If you do not, we encourage you to apply to one of our master's programs .

Religious & International Applicants

Applicants who are Catholic diocesan priests or deacons or members of religious orders must submit a letter of approval and financial support from their bishop, major superior, or Provincial. Please select "Bishop/Major Superior" as the recommender type on the application form.

International Applicants

Application Fee

A non-refundable fee of $75 is required for every degree and non-degree application submitted.

Payment Options

• Pay by credit or debit card via the web; You can pay the application fee at the same time your submit your application form.

Please note: The application fee cannot be refunded for any reason. If you qualify for a fee waiver, you should not pay the fee when you submit the application form. Fee waivers are granted to the following applicants: Jesuits, veterans, applicants currently completing a year of service or who are Pell Grant-eligible, and current CSTM students. We do not waive the application fee for other reasons.

Standardized Tests

The GRE is optional, but preferred.

Applicants who do send GRE scores should have them sent directly from ETS . Our GRE code is 2508.

English Proficiency Exam

All applicants for whom English is not their native language must also provide TOEFL or IELTS  test score results. Read more about special instructions for international applicants here . This webpage will also indicate under with criteria a waiver may be granted. Waivers must be approved in writing by the admissions office.

Transcripts

We require transcripts from all colleges, universities, seminaries, or theological schools that you have attended. Each transcript should contain a list of all coursework taken, grades/marks received, and, if applicable, degree granted and date of degree confirmation. If your college or university will send official transcripts electronically, they can be emailed to cstmapply@bc.edu.  Otherwise, transcripts must be mailed and be contained in a sealed, signed envelope. If the official transcript is not English, a translation should be provided with the official document. Please alert us if your transcript will be arriving with a different name than the one you are using on your application (e.g. your maiden name).  Please note that a transcript is only considered official if received directly from the institution issuing it.

Please note that your application may be reviewed with unofficial copies of your transcripts. If you send unofficial copies, know that if admitted, you must sent official copies before you begin coursework. In addition, if you are currently finishing a degree, you must send a final, official version of the transcript upon graduating, and before beginning coursework at CSTM.

Mailing Addresses For applicants using the U.S. Postal Service: Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry Simboli Hall 140 Commonwealth Avenue Chestnut Hill, MA 02467

For applicants using FedEx or UPS: Boston College Clough School of Theology and Ministry Simboli Hall 9 Lake Street Brighton, MA 02135-3841

Recommendations

Ph.D. applicants are required to submit three recommendations using the online application system. 

Each recommender should be familiar with the applicant’s academic background and their capacity for success in a doctoral program.

Applicants who are Catholic diocesan priests or deacons, or members of religious orders must submit a letter of approval and financial support from their bishop, major superior, or Provincial. This is in addition to the other three recommendations. Please select "Bishop/Major Superior" as the recommender type on the application form.

Please be sure that your recommenders are aware of the application deadlines and online process, and choose them carefully to ensure that they can write on your behalf in a timely manner.

Writing Sample

A writing sample must be uploaded as part of the application. The sample should be an academic paper of around 25 pages.  

The resume must be uploaded as part of the application.  It is helpful if you highlight relevant teaching, research, ministry, service, and leadership positions you have held.

Personal Statement

The personal statement must be uploaded as part of the application.  The personal statement should be three pages in length, double-spaced.

Your statement should address the following:

• The academic, professional, and personal development that has motivated you to apply to CSTM and the Ph.D. in Theology and Education. How has your education and/or experience impacted your discernment?
• Your understanding of theological education and ministry in the context of the Church's mission, as well as the role and responsibilities of a theologian and/or educator today?
• How you plan to apply your theological education.
• Information outlining your specific area and field of academic interest, a proposed topic(s) for your research and dissertation, how your previous academic, professional, and/or pastoral experience has prepared you for studies within that particular field, and the CSTM faculty member(s) with whom you would like to work.
• Given your experience, how you assess your principal strengths for theological education and/or ministry as well as your areas of needed development

Required Supplemental Essay

"Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire." (attributed to the poet William Butler Yeats).

Write a 700 word essay (two pages, double spaced, 12 font) in which you propose a vision for research on teaching theology or religious education in ways that "light a fire" of faith in people's lives. Use this essay to briefly name some of your methodological and intellectual commitments.

Explore CSTM's hilltop home, Simboli Hall, in-person or virtually.

Quick links, what is jesuit education, admission faq, why choose cstm, belonging at cstm, facts & figures.

PhD in Christian Scripture

Doctor of philosophy in christian scripture.

The Luther Rice Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Scripture (Ph.D.) is one of the most efficient (in terms of credit hours) and affordable Ph.D. in Christian Scripture programs of its kind in the nation. Most importantly, you can trust Luther Rice and our commitment to the inspired, inerrant, and authoritative Word of God.

The program is designed to train students in the rigor and skills necessary to become competent scholars in the areas of the Old Testament, New Testament, and Biblical Theology. The program is structured to equip an individual with the highest levels of scholarship and performance in a broad range of contexts including but not limited to pastoral ministry, teaching, research, and writing.

• The program may be completed 100% online with both asynchronous and synchronous elements or in combination with on-campus classes.
• The program provides 18 credit hours in Old Testament and 18 credit hours in New Testament, giving the student greater opportunities to teach at the highest level in the future (Old Testament and New Testatment).

This interdisciplinary program provides students with opportunities to engage in scholarship, to conduct research, and to develop professional competencies related to:

• Scholarly enhancement of pastoral ministries
• Ability to perform high level research and writing
• Ability to engage the Christian Scripture and its significance for culture
• Development of research and critical thinking skills necessary in any setting

Students will acquire the skills necessary to be better readers and teachers of the Christian Scripture. These skills include advanced exegetical skills related to the Hebrew and Greek canons of both the Old and New Testaments and an emphasis on methodologies related to biblical interpretation and biblical theology. These elements are meant to introduce the individual to the variety of approaches of moving from exegesis to theology.

Quick Facts

• Accredited with SACSCOC, TRACS, and ABHE
• 58-hour doctoral degree program
• Tuition is $450 per credit hour
• The degree can be completed 100% online or in combination with on-campus classes
• Currently 1 core course requires a one-week-long module (attend online via Zoom or on-campus)
• 97% of graduates reported that a Luther Rice education improved the quality of their ministry experience

Program Introduction Video

Course listings.

Download Ph.D. Course Listings here (pdf)

Potential Careers

Program coordinator.

• Administrator

Admissions Requirements

• Graduate degree in biblical studies, divinity, theology, or related discipline from an institution with accreditation recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education.
• 3.0 minimum graduate cumulative GPA (on 4.0 scale)
• Writing Sample
• Entrance interview
• Three semester hours of graduate-level work equivalent to an introduction to biblical hermeneutics/interpretation
• Three semester hours of graduate-level work equivalent to an introduction to the Old Testament
• Three semester hours of graduate-level work equivalent to an introduction to the New Testament
• Nine semester hours of graduate level biblical Hebrew; Nine semester hours of graduate level biblical Greek
• Other g eneral admissions requirements

Applicants whose graduate degree does not meet the minimum requirements for Hebrew or Greek will be required to take eighteen credit hours in biblical languages (i.e., nine credit hours in Hebrew and nine credit hours in Greek). Luther Rice offers nine credit hour graduate certificates in Hebrew and in Greek .

Other Items

• After completion of five seminars and two reading colloquia the student must show competency in German as a research language.  Students will have the opportunity to take additional coursework if needed to accommodate this item.
• Pending committee input and dissertation topics, some students may have to show competency in one of the following research languages: Latin, French, or Spanish.  This requirement occurs after completion of all course work and before the dissertation stages.  If needed, students will have the opportunity to take additional coursework to accommodate this item.

Contact the Enrollment Team for more details on these requirements at 770-484-1204 ext. 5758 or [email protected] .

Dr. Joshua Stewart

[email protected]

770-484-1204 ext. 5694

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Dr. Stewart personally anytime, or you can reach the Enrollment Team at [email protected] or 770-484-1204.

Call: 877-391-3741

• Doctor of Christian Education (D.C.Ed.)
• Doctorate Degree

The Doctor of Christian Education (D.C.Ed.) is an advanced academic degree designed for individuals passionate about Christian education and its role in shaping individuals’ faith and spiritual growth. This program equips students with advanced knowledge in theology, educational theory, curriculum development, leadership principles, and practical skills necessary for effective Christian education ministry.

Program Objectives:

• Advanced Theological Understanding: The D.C.Ed. program aims to provide students with advanced theological knowledge and understanding of Christian faith and doctrine. Students will engage in in-depth studies of biblical theology, systematic theology, church history, and Christian worldview, enabling them to integrate their faith into the field of Christian education.
• Educational Theory and Practice: The program focuses on developing advanced knowledge and skills in educational theory, instructional design, assessment, and educational leadership within the context of Christian education. Students will explore effective teaching methods, curriculum development, and program evaluation to foster transformative and holistic Christian education experiences.
• Faith Formation and Spiritual Development: Students will deepen their understanding of faith formation and spiritual development within Christian education. They will explore theories and practices of spiritual formation, discipleship, and Christian character development, equipping them to nurture the spiritual growth of individuals and communities.
• Leadership in Christian Education: The D.C.Ed. program emphasizes the development of advanced leadership skills specific to Christian education. Students will study leadership theories, organizational dynamics, strategic planning, and change management within educational settings. They will be equipped to provide visionary and effective leadership in Christian educational institutions, ministries, and churches.
• Research and Scholarship: Students will engage in advanced research and scholarship in the field of Christian education. They will develop skills in research methodologies, critical analysis, and the application of research findings to advance the theory and practice of Christian education.
• Practical Ministry Skills: The program equips students with practical skills relevant to Christian education ministry. Students will develop skills in teaching, curriculum design, program development, pastoral care, and counseling within the context of Christian education.

Potential Career and Educational Options:

• Christian Education Leadership: Graduates of the D.C.Ed. program can serve as leaders in Christian educational institutions, such as Christian schools, colleges, seminaries, or educational ministries. They can provide visionary leadership, guide curriculum development, and contribute to the overall growth and development of Christian education.
• Teaching and Faculty Positions: D.C.Ed. graduates can pursue teaching positions in Christian schools, colleges, seminaries, or Bible colleges. They can teach courses in Christian education, discipleship, spiritual formation, or other related fields.
• Curriculum Development and Instructional Design: Graduates can work as curriculum specialists, instructional designers, or educational consultants within Christian educational organizations or publishing companies. They can develop innovative curriculum materials and provide guidance in instructional design, aligning educational resources with Christian values and principles.
• Educational Leadership and Administration: Some graduates may be called to serve in leadership roles within educational institutions, such as educational directors, principals, or superintendents. They can provide strategic leadership, manage educational programs, and ensure the integration of Christian values and principles into the educational environment.
• Ministry Leadership: Graduates can serve in leadership positions within churches or Christian ministries, overseeing Christian education programs, discipleship initiatives, or spiritual formation ministries.
• Authorship and Publishing: D.C.Ed. graduates can author books, articles, and resources on Christian education, curriculum development, discipleship, and spiritual formation. They can contribute to the field through their scholarly writing and dissemination of knowledge.

Our courses are 100% correspondence and can be offered to inmates as part of our  College Prison Programs for the Incarcerated .

Please complete the information in the box that says, “Start Here” or call us at (877)391-3741 to begin your educational journey with ICCS.

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Doctor of philosophy in leadership (phd), avg. completion time.

4 yrs (full-time, including research dissertation)

Delivery Method

Why earn a phd in leadership through capital.

Get the education you need to further prepare and equip yourself as a leader, educator or administrator. Our Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership degree is cohort-based and has alternative delivery methods. When you study in LBC | Capital’s PhD in leadership, you’ll learn under the tutelage of expert faculty members and international ministry leaders, plus network with students from all parts of the world and vocations.

Our program is built upon a framework that understands organizations to be dynamic and developmental in nature. This hybrid online PhD program also promotes a balanced model of leadership that recognizes the importance of biblical values, incorporates the best of social science literature, cultivates inspiring vision and godly virtues, and gives attention to the details of leadership management practices.

Residency Requirement

1 week in October and 1 week in March

Research Dissertation Compare the Fundamental/Basic & Applied Research Approaches

PhD in Leadership Program Cost & Financial Aid

See the Program Costs Explore the Financial Aid Options

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Admissions Info:

Learn about the doctoral admissions process.

August 1 May 1 for international students

Our Philosophy of Doctoral Education

Read about our Educational Philosophy.

Would You Like More Information?

Take a moment to request more information, and one of our admissions counselors will be in contact with you to provide you with further details or answer your questions.

PhD in Leadership Program Scope

Doctor of philosophy in leadership (phd) (60 credits).

Servant Leader 8 Credits

Leader-Teacher 8 Credits

Organizational Leader 8 Credits

Change Agent 8 Credits

Researcher-Scholar 28 Credits

View the Academic Catalog for the complete curriculum plan, course descriptions and complete program details.

SUCCESS STORY: PhD Equips for Global Impact

Hear how earning his PhD in leadership from LBC | Capital has helped Dr. Nicholas Kalyebara (’21) realize a milestone in his career and life’s goal.

Program Distinctive - What makes LBC | Capital's program unique?

Designed for highly motivated students, this hybrid online PhD program is well-suited for pastors, missionaries, para-church ministry leaders, teachers and other Christian leaders looking for a way to heighten their professional development and give them a deep understanding of biblical leadership. Other benefits include:

• Doesn’t require full-time residency, allowing students to remain active in their ministries or vocations.
• Only requires you to meet on campus two weeks a year.
• Courses are delivered in a unique, blended learning model that combines online and face-to-face classes – and only requires a few weeks of residency for the  entire  program!
• Earn your degree from an accredited Bible college in Pennsylvania and a reputable seminary that connects theological and social science truth in a practical way.
• Interact face-to-face with global leaders who have led colleges, organizations and churches, as well as written dozens of books.
• Gain the skills and opportunities to publish your papers and dissertation.
• Engage with diverse leaders from around the world. Students come from 19 different countries with an even mix of male and female.
• Students are serving in a variety of fields: church, education, non-profit and business.
• Students can study in a variety of research designs: qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods.

Career Paths for a Leadership Student

The PhD in Leadership will prepare you for a wide range of service and/or ministry contexts. Here is a sampling of careers our PhD alumni serve in:

• Full-Time Faculty
• College President
• College Administrator
• Vice-President of NGO
• Senior Pastor

Program Goals – In this program, students will…

• Gain the ability to think and execute skillfully as servant-leaders. This core competency focuses on the acquisition of the essential knowledge, heart-level commitments and skills needed to carry out the servant leadership model.
• Grow as leader-teachers. This core competency focuses on the acquisition of indispensable knowledge and rational skills necessary in comprehending human development processes, learning theory and the teaching-learning process.
• Build and perfect skills as organizational leaders. This core competency focuses on the acquisition of comprehensive knowledge of major leadership theories and related practice.
• Develop and mature as organizational change agents. This core competency focuses on the essential knowledge, theory-base and skills needed to function as an agent of change within a church, mission organization, faith-based organization, non-profit organization or an institution of higher education.
• Cultivate skills as researcher-scholars. This core competency focuses on the development of research skills necessary in the completion of a research doctoral degree.

Be Part of a Cohort-based Community of Learners

The PhD in Leadership is a cohort-based program. Students will enter the program with a group of 10 to 14 other students. This cohort follows a prescribed sequence of courses together. Because cohort learning involves a group of students who start and finish their degree together, students experience a number of educational advantages. Cohort learning, combined in a blended manner with both face-to-face and internet-enhanced learning, offers one of the most effective learning opportunities available to the doctoral student. Genuine, rich, and deep relationships will be developed through the course of the program as students support and serve each other in the quest for knowledge. As part of a cohort group, doctoral level students will be expected to ground their research in significant and pertinent literature and to share resources with their colleagues in preparation for on site seminars.

Course Plan

The following is the proposed schedule for this degree program.

Meet the Faculty

Kevin gushiken, phd, dean, school of bible & ministry and director, phd in leadership and dmin programs, rodney cooper, phd, adjunct faculty, debra johnson-cortesi, phd, assistant director of ministry doctoral programs, professor, michael anthony, phd, gene habecker, phd, marc talbert, phd, hear from students about the phd program.

Listen to PhD students describe their experience in LBC | Capital’s Leadership program – why they love it, how it’s changed them, why they chose it and why they call the blended program “the best of both worlds.”

Watch Video

Resources for the PhD Program

Here are some additional resources that may assist you in discovering more information about this program.

• 4 Reasons You Should Earn Your PhD
• Compare Our Doctoral Programs

Looking for Ways to Finance Your Doctoral Degree?

LBC’s Financial Aid Office can help you navigate the process.

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• 110 Baker St. Moscow, ID 83843
• 208.882.1226

A Classical & Christ-Centered Education

Classical Christian Education

Christ-centered.

In all its levels, programs, and teaching, Logos School seeks to: Teach all subjects as parts of an integrated whole with the Scriptures at the center (II Timothy 3:16-17); Provide a clear model of the biblical Christian life through our staff and board (Matthew 22:37-40); Encourage every student to begin and develop his relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20, Matthew 19:13-15).

In all its levels, programs, and teaching, Logos School seeks to: Emphasize grammar, logic, and rhetoric in all subjects (see definitions below); Encourage every student to develop a love for learning and live up to his academic potential; Provide an orderly atmosphere conducive to the attainment of the above goals.

Grammar : The fundamental rules of each subject. Logic : The ordered relationship of particulars in each subject. Rhetoric : How the grammar and logic of each subject may be clearly expressed.

What Do We Mean by Classical?

In the 1940’s the British author, Dorothy Sayers, wrote an essay titled The Lost Tools of Learning . In it she not only calls for a return to the application of the seven liberal arts of ancient education, the first three being the “Trivium” – grammar, logic, rhetoric, she also combines three stages of children’s development to the Trivium. Specifically, she matches what she calls the “Poll-parrot” stage with grammar, “Pert” with logic, and “Poetic” with rhetoric (see The Lost Tools Chart ). At Logos, the founding board members were intrigued with this idea of applying a classical education in a Christian context. Doug Wilson, a founding board member explained the classical method further in his book, Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning. Logos School has been committed to implementing this form of education since the school’s inception.

Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership Study Today to Lead Tomorrow

Degree Options

View Degree Options

100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Distinguish Yourself as a Leader with Liberty’s Online Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership

At Liberty, we believe that knowledge of all things begins with Christ — especially knowledge of leadership. As a steward of the power vested in you, you have a responsibility to lead others with excellence and integrity. People look to you for answers, guidance, expertise, and encouragement. If you are in a position of authority or hope to pursue a job that requires principled leadership, Liberty University’s 100% online Doctor of Education (EdD) in Christian Leadership can help you develop valuable leadership skills that are directly applicable to several career fields.

No matter what leadership position you serve in, you can benefit from a Christian view of leadership. Leading others can be challenging – awareness of the needs, strengths, and weaknesses of your team is a must, as is the ability to steer your team towards the completion of goals and objectives. At Liberty University, we seek to train principled, ethical leaders who can compassionately and effectively shepherd others.

Our doctorate in Christian leadership gives you the opportunity to personalize your degree. This program offers multiple specializations, allowing you to gain knowledge that is both broadly applicable and specifically tailored to your career goals.

Whether you’d like to revive a struggling church, minister to today’s youth, develop your ability to share the Gospel on digital platforms, start your own ministry, or serve as an administrator in a Christian school, Liberty’s Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership is an excellent option. Partner with us, gain valuable knowledge and skills, and take your career to new heights.

Accreditation

Liberty Theological Seminary, as part of Liberty University’s John W. Rawlings School of Divinity, is accredited by the  Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools ( ATS ) . Your seminary degree is approved by ATS and has met rigorous accreditation standards, so you can feel confident that your degree is both academically excellent and well-respected among churches, ministries, and nonprofit organizations.

What Will You Study in Our Doctor of Christian Education Online?

While each of our Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership tracks has a different emphasis, each one contains the same core foundation of courses.

In the core classes of our Christian leadership doctoral degree program, you will study biblical and theological foundations of leadership and education. You will also study theological anthropology in leadership and education, character and ethics, leadership and management theory, and organizational development. In addition, our EdD in Christian Leadership covers group and team dynamics as well as teaching theory and practice.

Within each of the Christian leadership EdD specializations, you’ll find a group of courses tailored to your unique interests. For example, the digital discipleship specialization offers an overview of how to construct a theology of networks for the digital age, best practices for digital spiritual formation, techniques for fostering online Christian community, and an advanced examination of digital ministry. The next-generation ministry specialization features courses that can help develop your youth ministry skills — such as leadership models for next-generation ministry and trends in next-generation ministry.

Following completion of your particular specialization, you will begin preparing for your praxis sequence. In your praxis courses, you will seek to produce a scholarly artifact that demonstrates applied research competency, scholarly achievement, and professional development within a specific field setting. 

Featured Courses

• CLED 700 – Biblical and Theological Foundations of Leadership
• CLED 720 – Biblical and Theological Foundations of Education
• CLED 800 – Theological Anthropology in Leadership and Education
• CLED 815 – Character and Ethics in Leadership and Education

Degree Information

• This EdD degree program falls under the  John W. Rawlings School of Divinity .
• View the  Graduate Divinity Course Guides   (login required) .
• Contribute to the body of knowledge in your field through this program’s integrated praxis sequence. 

Why Choose Liberty’s Online Degree?

As a pioneer in distance education since 1985, we understand what you’re looking for in an online degree. You want a program that will challenge you to grow, teach you marketable skills, help you develop in-demand knowledge, and respect your free time. After all, your community, family, and personal obligations don’t stop when your degree begins. Our EdD in Christian Leadership is offered 100% online with no set login times and no required intensives, so you can take the next step in your educational journey while staying invested in your personal commitments.

Many doctoral programs have one of 2 emphases: theoretical or practical. For example, if you were to pursue a PhD in Christian Leadership online, your program would likely have a theoretical emphasis. While many PhD programs are designed to prepare you for careers in research or academia, other doctoral programs have a practical emphasis — like our Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree program. Programs like the DMin are designed for practical application and hands-on problem-solving.

Liberty’s Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership offers you the best of both worlds. Our Christian leadership EdD won’t just help prepare you for academic or research careers – it can also help you pursue careers like ministry or Christian education. If you’re not sure whether you’d like to pursue a career within or apart from academia, choose a degree program that can help prepare you for both: Liberty’s EdD in Christian Leadership.

Ranked in the Top 10% of Niche.com’s Best Online Schools in America

• What Sets Us Apart?
• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
• No Standardized Testing for Admission
• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Potential Career Opportunities for Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership Graduates

• Christian education administrator
• Christian school principal or president
• Church administrator
• Church discipleship coordinator
• Curriculum coordinator
• Minister of education

Doctor of Education Degree Options

Our EdD in Christian Leadership allows you to choose from the following list of specializations so you can gain additional training in a subject you’re most passionate about. Whether you’d like to revive a struggling church, lead an online ministry, or minister to today’s youth, our EdD in Christian Leadership offers a specialization that can give you the training you need to succeed. 

Church Revitalization

Liberty’s  Doctor of Education (EdD) in Christian Leadership – Church Revitalization  can help prepare you to breathe new life into a struggling church.

View the Degree Completion Plan .

Digital Discipleship

Liberty’s  Doctor of Education (EdD) in Christian Leadership – Digital Discipleship  can help you gain an advanced understanding of effective evangelism on digital platforms.

Educational Ministries

Liberty’s  Doctor of Education (EdD) in Christian Leadership – Educational Ministries emphasizes leadership, foundations of educational ministries, and strategies for teaching others about biblical principles. The coursework integrates theory with practical application through a series of praxis courses, providing you with the opportunity to become well-prepared to address the unique challenges of Christian educational settings.

Faith-Based Consulting

Liberty’s  Doctor of Education (EdD) in Christian Leadership – Faith-Based Consulting  may be your key to a career that involves helping faith-based organizations, nonprofits, and churches achieve their vision and mission. You can help them grow stronger and more effective and become a beacon of faith, guiding others with wisdom and expertise. Gain the knowledge and skills you need to make a real difference in your community and beyond.

Ministry Leadership

Liberty’s  Doctor of Education (EdD) in Christian Leadership – Ministry Leadership  can help you become a knowledgeable minister capable of sharing God’s Word with your congregation.

Next Generation Ministry

Liberty’s  Doctor of Education (EdD) in Christian Leadership – Next Generation Ministry  can help equip you to minister to the leaders of tomorrow.

Spiritual Formation

Liberty’s  Doctor of Education (EdD) in Christian Leadership – Spiritual Formation  is designed to help you shepherd your flock and take your evangelical ability to the next level.

Strategic Christian Ministry

Liberty’s online  Doctor of Education (EdD) in Christian Leadership – Strategic Christian Ministry  is designed to help you critically assess and serve faith-based groups as you glorify Christ through effective evangelism.

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

To continue our mission of providing affordable education, electronic textbooks are provided for many divinity courses* all for one convenient fee.

*Electronic textbooks are not provided for PACO courses or courses that fall under departments outside the School of Divinity.

All Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid Forms & Eligibility

Scholarship Opportunities

Admission Information for the Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• How has your previous education and/or work experience prepared you for doctoral studies at Liberty University?
• What is your goal with regard to pursuing a doctoral education at Liberty University?
• Please describe the character and values you possess that will help you succeed in your desired field.
• Submit a  School of Divinity Questionnaire (login required) .
• Department Review
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

Admissions Office Contact Information

(800) 424-9596

(888) 301-3577

Email for Questions

[email protected]

Email for Documents

[email protected]

Liberty University Online Admissions Verification

1971 University Blvd.

Lynchburg, VA 24515

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

• Active Duty
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/Retirees
• Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
• Current Department of Defense Employees

Available Benefits:

• Tuition discounts – $275 per credit hour for EdS and EdD courses
• Additional discount for veterans who service in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $625 per course)
• 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)

Inner Navigation

• What Will You Study?
• Potential Careers
• Specializations
• Tuition & Aid
• Admission Information

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