Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Christian Education Leadership

Degree Overview

: William Cox, Jr., Ph.D.
Christian Education Leadership
Faculty Advisor

Coursework for the Ph.D. is delivered primarily online and is designed to facilitate the learning styles of adults and provide a collaborative community for higher-level thinking and problem solving. The program places much emphasis on (a) acquiring rigorous analytical research skills and tools (quantitative and qualitative) for vocations in higher education; (b) supporting research that will result in publication in refereed conference, journals and books; (c) significant interaction and mentorship by doctoral faculty; (d) vocations in higher education; and (e) developing a mature understanding of an integrative personal and professional life centered on the historic Christian faith.

Undergirding the entire program is critical thinking, scholarly research, writing, and learning from a Christian worldview. The capstone project, as with any doctoral program, is the submission and defense of a doctoral dissertation.

Summer 2013 Cohort:
The traditional Ph.D. cohort will begin in mid-June and a one-week residency will be held July 8-12, 2013 at our Virginia Beach Campus.

Ph.D. in Christian Education Leadership Highlights

Courses: View Course Sequence and Descriptions
Length: 72 credit hours. May be completed in as little as 4 years.
Format: Offered in a cohort model beginning with an online class in the month of June and a one-week residency in the month of July. Subsequent courses are offered online with additional one-week residencies during the second and third summers of the program.
Results: Doctor of Philosophy degree. The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) is awarded after completion of 30 credit hours. The Doctor of Philosophy degree is awarded after completion of 72 credit hours.
Important Links: Apply Now | Tuition & Financial Aid | Faculty |Course Schedule
Features: Online coursework, cognate and dissertation advisor, on-campus residencies.

Cognate Description

The Christian Education Leadership cognate is designed to equip educators (including parents and pastors) with vision and accompanying skills for bringing full biblical fidelity to Christian education. The Bible strenuously admonishes that each generation be raised to love and obey God in every dimension of life. We are thus compelled to excel in Christian education for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The Christian Education Leadership cognate focuses on how to make Christian education as biblically sound as possible. Read more>>

View our Introductory Video

Career Opportunities

The Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Education Leadership prepares its graduates for leadership at every level of Christian/Kingdom education. Graduates of the program now or have occupied positions such as Christian school teacher, principal, headmaster, founder; Christian university faculty; curriculum developer; and representative of international Christian education associations.

Hot Academic Jobs of the Future
Ph.D.'s and Ed.D.'s are in high demand, and will be for some time." - Mark David Milliron

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Ph.D. in Christian Education Leadership graduates will be able to:

Identify, respond to, and lead in important local, national, and global educational issues in a Christ-like manner from informed biblical perspectives.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of how key theories inform planning, administration, policy, and professional practice.
Evaluate educational research from theoretical and methodological perspectives in order to determine its contribution to policy and professional practice.
Solve problems associated with planning, administration, policy, and professional practice by

analyzing data;
synthesizing information; and
applying critical thinking

Provide intellectual leadership in producing and communicating action research to significantly impact respective professional spheres of education
Demonstrate integrity, fairness, and ethical behavior in a Christ-like manner in planning, administration, policy development, problem solving, and professional practice.