About the School of Business & Leadership
Regent University’s graduate School of Business & Leadership (SBL) focuses our Master of Business Administration (MBA), M.A. and doctorate degrees with a multidisciplinary and entrepreneurial approach that encourages servant leadership and social responsibility. Equipped to inspire and influence, our graduates are blazing trails in industries, not-for-profit organizations, universities, colleges, and churches worldwide, and as a military-friendly school, we are helping active duty military, veterans and their families retool for promising second careers.
Our regionally and nationally accredited programs are taught by distinguished scholars and practitioners who provide students with a global perspective on business and leadership, and who serve as mentors as you move forward in your career. You can earn your Master of Business Administration (MBA), M.A. and doctorate degree online or on campus.
Residing throughout the U.S. and overseas, our student body in the School of Business & Leadership numbers approximately 1,100 and is comprised of computer literate, mid to upper-level career professionals who are committed to embracing the rigors of a life-changing master’s or doctoral program. Our students desire to transform lives and organizations through the implementation of sound Judeo-Christian values, ethical business and leadership practices, and God-given wisdom.
Our students and alumni represent a wealth of diversity in professional, ethnic, Christian affiliation, and background, and are impacting lives at the local, national and international levels. They are business and nonprofit leaders, entrepreneurs, missionaries, pastors, teachers, government officials and other capable professionals dedicated to profoundly affecting lives. Each chose SBL because of their earnest desire to align with a university that would challenge their minds, support their callings and stretch their faith.
Inspired Influence
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
The School of Business & Leadership (SBL) wholeheartedly and with great conviction participates in Regent University’s key distinction of the integration of faith and learning. Our mission is to serve as a center of Christian thought and action to provide excellent education through a biblical perspective and global context equipping Christian leaders to change the world.
At the heart of SBL’s biblical integration lies its curriculum design, providing:
- Purposeful integration of and reflection on Scripture.
- Faculty participation in the truth and salvation of God.
- The extraordinary ability of faculty to communicate and foster personal faith and insight among students in their various disciplines of leadership and business.
- Practical assignments that ask students to reflect on biblical principles and how they can be applied to business and leadership today.
The School of Business & Leadership sees itself not separated from but integrated with the overall mission of the Church, seeking to fulfill both the Great Commandment and the Great Commission as it trains Christian leaders. Each SBL faculty member is a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and offers the encouragement, prayer and support students need to successfully navigate our degree programs. While the majority of our programs are online, offering students great convenience and flexibility, our faculty members are never too far to lend a listening ear and understanding heart.
Through biblical integration and our caring faculty, we equip students to strive toward inspired influence in business and leadership as they discover the destiny God has created for them and the impact they will make on the world in His name.
Former Resident Assistant, Regent University
I visited Regent during my brother’s first semester as a graduate student, toured the gorgeous campus, and realized I was called to Regent too.
Director, Learning Ops & Technology, Cox Communications
I was amazed at how much I was able to apply to the work sector. It was these true, real-life scenarios that allowed me to grow and expand at Cox.
Founder, Career & Professional Development
It’s official, I can finally use my new title! Dr. Ashley Dash at your service for all of your career and professional development needs!
Daybreak Anchor and Traffic/News Reporter, 13News Now (WVEC)
I truly believe God called me to be a journalist. Perhaps one of the most important lessons that I learned from Regent is to tell stories as best as I can through the lens of God.
Organizational Leadership
I am proud to further Regent University’s conviction of excellence in scholarship, passion for ministry, and devotion to the Word of God.
Mayor, City of Virginia Beach
When you’re leading the largest city in the Commonwealth, you realize quickly, you can’t do it by yourself … so I pray. Regent was a vital factor in my spiritual growth and my professional growth.
Community Counseling
People, especially kids, need more than clichés. My training at Regent gave me a meaningful way to express my empathy - which is passion and compassion combined - and they could feel the authenticity of it.
Executive Director, Global Water Center; Adjunct Professor, Charleston Southern University; Former CEO, National Christian Foundation
A dean from another university knew the journey of my life was in the intersection between ministry and the marketplace. He said to me, ‘You need Regent University’s Doctor of Strategic Leadership program.’ And how right he was.
President & TV Host, Total Life Counseling; Advisor, Listeners On Call; Author; Licensed Mental Health Counselor
At Regent, I loved the integration of Christian values that were wrapped tightly in a strong academic degree. I felt completely academically prepared to go out and help people, but I also had that very foundational core belief system that was strengthened unbelievably.
Bestselling Author, Historian, Researcher, & Speaker
I'm honored to be where I am right now. The Museum of the Bible and Regent are a big part of that.
School Principal, Chesapeake Public Schools
One of the biggest skills I learned through my studies at Regent was confidence. I learned that I am worthy, and I can go forward in my career and affect more students than just those in my own classroom.
Next Generation Coordinator, Strong Tower Church
My friends and I feel like Regent chose us. It was clear that we were meant to be here, and we're better for it. I tell others, 'If you're looking for something out of the ordinary, something authentic, that gives evidence to God, I suggest Regent University.' Our community and the pursuit of God are unparalleled.
Educational Leadership
Just four years after receiving my degree from Regent, I had the honor of being named one of the nation's top educators. My Regent professors honed my focus on leadership, quality and innovation in education, which I use in my classroom every day.
Director of Operations, Regent University School of Divinity
I experienced the Regent difference after visiting some of the best known seminaries. The faculty here prayed over each prospective student and laid hands on each of us. The Holy Spirit confirmed for me that day the Regent School of Divinity was where I needed to be.
Scholarship Recipient
Your investment in my life is an investment in many people groups and the nations of Israel and Iran…I believe this journey is preparing me to be a modern-day Esther or Daniel for such a time as this.
President, Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University
It literally was one phone call with a Regent faculty member that convinced me this is the place that I needed to be.SBL offers seven degree programs, each offering a number of varied and timely concentrations in which to focus your studies, and several certificate programs as noted below. View the full list of degrees, concentrations and certificate programs.
Degree Programs
- Master of Arts in Business & Design Management
- Master of Arts in Church Leadership
- Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (MAOL)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Science in Business Analytics
- Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL)
- Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership (Ph.D.)
Certificate Programs
- Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Leadership
- Certificate of Graduate Studies in Leadership
- Certificate of Post-Doctoral Studies in Organizational Leadership
Our two doctoral programs, the Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership and the Doctor of Strategic Leadership, are designed to meet the unique needs of today’s professionals and emerging leaders. Below is a brief description of each program to help you determine which one will help you fulfill your professional goals:
- The Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership is a terminal, research-based, multidisciplinary degree that is designed to equip leaders to influence the field of leadership through think tanks, scholarly research, academia and influential positions. If you have an interest in the following, then we encourage you to consider the Ph.D. program:
- Teaching at the university or college level
- Scholarly writing and research
- Guiding others in the art of research, critical thinking and writing
- Developing and advancing leadership theories
- The Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL) is an applied multidisciplinary terminal degree designed to equip leaders and executives to comprehend and address the intricacies and challenges of organizational transformation. Our DSL program is best suited for those with an interest in:
- Training and consulting
- Strategic planning
- Leading teams through successful plan execution
- Identifying organizational needs and providing solutions
Organizational leadership involves the following: leadership theories and principles applied in the workplace, structure of organizations, leading and motivating people, strategies, environment, values, ethics, and systems.
Master’s students are required to complete their degree requirements within five years of initial enrollment, so students are encouraged to enroll in at least one course per semester throughout their program. Course requirements can be found on each detailed program page.
The doctoral programs follow a cohort model in which doctoral students begin the program in the same semester and move through the required core course portion of the program as a cohort at the same pace (2 courses/ 6 credit hours each semester) until they reach their elective credit hours. At that point, doctoral students can slow the pace slightly, but will still need to complete all degree requirements within seven years of initial enrollment. Course requirements can be found on each detailed program page.
Review the business and leadership programs offered by Regent University.
Please follow the link to view our admissions requirements and online application.
Admissions deadlines vary by program. Please select the program you are interested in to learn about its admission deadline.
Yes. For your convenience, all of our programs are offered online. The doctoral programs do require minimal on-campus residency. Residency details can be found on each program’s detail page.
Upon acceptance into a program, you will receive an email from your program director with more information about the enrollment process and a list of important next steps.
Yes. Regent University has many forms of financial aid available including scholarships, grants, tuition discounts for military and government employees, and participation in the federal student loan program. Students are encouraged to explore the links below to learn more about each of these financial aid opportunities.
Yes. The School of Business & Leadership accepts international students.
International students should check out our international student requirements.
A necessary part of your application includes transcripts from all previously attended educational institutions. Our accrediting agency requires official transcripts, which is defined as being received by Regent University in a sealed envelope from the previous educational institution or evaluation agency. All transcripts that are not from an American institution must be evaluated. A course-by-course evaluation is required and the transcript must be converted to the American Grade Point Average system. Transcripts in a language other than English must also include an official English translation. A list of recommended evaluation agencies is listed here to assist you. Please note Regent is only requiring the evaluation for international transcripts. There is no need to send a copy of your official international transcript to Regent. The translation and evaluation fees must be paid directly to the agency performing the service.
Individuals without U.S. citizenship are required by the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to meet specific requirements before receiving permission to study in the United States. Visit the international admissionspage to get more information.
Regent University students currently represent more than 80 countries.
We encourage you to contact one of our admissions recruiters who can assist you with a plan and program that is best suited to your family and career needs.
Students who did not complete their undergraduate degrees have the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree through Regent University’s College of Arts & Sciences and may select from numerous degree options. Degrees offered by the College of Arts & Sciences are available on campus or online. You may apply to the School of Business & Leadership once you are within one semester of completing your undergraduate degree.
Your SBL admissions counselor can. Contact us now.
Distance education is defined by the Commission on the Institutions of Higher Education Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, for the purposes of accreditation review, as a formal educational process in which the majority of the instruction (interaction between students and instructors and among students) in a course occurs when students and instructors are not in the same place. Instruction may be synchronous or asynchronous. Distance education may employ correspondence study or audio, video and computer technologies.
Also referred to as distance education, online learning includes courses offered online that do not require the student to be on campus for most or all class participation. Students can work with course materials at their own convenience or they can work collaboratively on class projects using tools like chat and discussion groups.
No. The Internet is a vital tool used increasingly in everyday personal and professional life. In order to meet ever-changing and growing demands on people, education must be provided in a flexible, convenient format. Online courses are a necessary evolution in education.
There are many benefits of online learning for both the student and the instructor. The following are just a few of the potential benefits:
- Flexible scheduling
- Enhanced learning
- Geared toward adult learners
- Increased interaction with classmates
- Virtual office hours
- Electronic competency on the job
- Availability
- Collaboration with peers and professors next door or around the world
If this is your classroom style, you may not be comfortable in an online class. If you don’t participate by posting messages, neither your instructor nor your classmates will know you are “in class.” The online environment requires that every student participates for the entire course to succeed. Ideas and concepts “discussed” online become the major focus of the class.
You can complete your work at anytime and anywhere via the Internet.
Doctoral students attend three required four-day residencies held on the campus of Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Ph.D. students are also required to take comprehensive exams. These exams are offered six times each year on campus for USA-domestic students and by proctor for international students. The exams occur once each semester on Friday at the end of the modular week and once between each semester on a Friday.
Comprehensive Exam Policy for International Students
If an international student wants to take the exam in his/her country he/she must find a proctor and a suitable place to take the exam. The proctor may be a Ph.D. with knowledge of comprehensive exams or a professional test proctor in a test-giving facility. The location must be a place that is quiet (conducive to taking the exam) and have access to a computer with Microsoft Word (no internet). The proctor must submit their CV or resume at least one month prior to the proposed examination date for approval by the SBL Ph.D. program director.
Students are required to access their classes online via Canvas.
Course materials are available for students in Canvas or through our online database (Regent Library or other online resources).
Yes. Once you are given your Regent email address and password, you can access the Library database online using your Regent login and password.
Yes. Our distance education programs are conducted online, so access to a reliable computer is essential.
The basic computer equipment you need is Internet access and the ability to work on your papers. A more detailed description is provided by our IT Department.
We recommend that students use their own computers.
The Doctor of Strategic Leadership program in the School of Business and Leadership includes two required virtual residencies. The first residency covers pertinent content for the first year of study. The second residency focuses on class instruction for the courses to be taken in the second year as well as doctoral program requirements for the Final Project.
Each day includes a one-hour live session and several recordings that need to be listened to before the live session that evening. The recordings are available two weeks in advance. While it is not mandatory, some students choose to take time off from work to focus on the residency requirements. Please keep in mind that all live sessions are in Eastern Time.
Residencies are held virtually. All sessions are held in the evening (ET).
