Online PhD in Christian Leadership Learn to Lead with Christian Principles

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Degree Options

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100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total


Are you interested in ascending to the pinnacle of academia? Maybe you feel led to pursue your doctoral degree – and you would like a degree program that can help equip you with leadership training as well as key biblical principles. If so, Liberty University’s 100% online Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Christian Leadership may be a great fit for you. This degree program is primarily offered in convenient 8-week courses with no set login times and no required intensives – allowing you to further your studies while remaining committed to your job, family, and community.

Today’s world needs principled, driven leaders. As a university whose mission is to Train Champions for Christ, we have been developing Christian leaders since our inception in 1971. Equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to succeed in life is nothing new to us – and by partnering with us, you can experience firsthand what a Christian leadership PhD program can do for you.

With multiple specializations to choose from, our Christian leadership degree allows you to gain foundational knowledge as well as training in spiritual formation, digital discipleship, church revitalization, next generation ministry, strategic Christian ministry, or ministry leadership. With this multitude of options, you can focus your studies on the topics you’re most passionate about.

*The PhD in Applied Apologetics, PhD in Bible Exposition, PhD in Christian Leadership, and PhD in Practical Theology are not approved by the Commission on Accrediting of The Association of Theological Schools but are approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.


Our Christian leadership PhD features core courses, specialization courses, and a selection of research courses. In the core courses, you will study biblical and theological foundations of leadership and education. You will also study character and ethics in leadership and education as well as theological anthropology. Additionally, you’ll explore leadership and management theory, organizational theory and development, and group and team dynamics.

The specialization courses vary depending on which degree track you choose. You could learn more about being conformed to the image of Christ through the spiritual formation track, explore how to evangelize on digital platforms with the digital discipleship track, learn to breathe life into a struggling church with our church revitalization specialization, or shepherd tomorrow’s Christian leaders with the next generation ministry track. Our Christian leadership PhD program also offers you the opportunity to study strategic Christian ministry or ministry leadership.

After completing your specialization courses, you’ll venture into research methods for Christian leadership, dissertation research and writing, and dissertation defense. Upon completion of this degree section, you will have earned a terminal degree in Christian leadership.


Niche Best Colleges

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

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

Our PhD in Christian Leadership offers you the opportunity to select a specialization that matches your unique interests. Check out the list of options below:

Top 1% For Online Programs

Not sure what to choose?

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


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.

Electronic textbooks are provided for many divinity courses* all for one convenient fee. To continue our mission of providing affordable education, this fee is waived for students who enroll by Summer 2024 D-term.

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

Doctoral Divinity Block Rate (7-15 credit hours) $2,750
Doctoral Divinity Part Time (0-6.99 or over 15 credit hours) $395/Credit
Military Doctoral Divinity Block Rate (7-15 credit hours) $2,700
Military Doctoral Divinity Part Time (0-6.99 or over 15 credit hours)* $395/Credit

*Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour (learn more).

All Tuition & Fees



Military

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:

  • Discounted divinity block rate – $2,700 per semester*
  • Additional discount for veterans who service in a civilian capacity as a First Responder
  • 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)

*Credits taken below 7 and above 15 credit hours per semester are charged at the part-time rate of $395/credit hour.

Eligible current and former service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour (learn more), but the $300/credit hour doctoral military rate cannot be combined with the First Responder Discount.