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

EdD in Christian Leadership – Ministry Leadership Transform Ministry Leadership

Credit Hours

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100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Influence Tomorrow’s Leaders with Our Doctorate in Christian Education and Leadership

Do you want to disciple new leaders and improve your ministry’s effectiveness? Our 100% online Doctor of Education (EdD) in Christian Leadership – Ministry Leadership degree can help. Through this program, you can prepare to disciple new leaders and increase your own ministry’s effectiveness.

As an applied theology degree, our doctorate in Christian leadership integrates a biblical worldview with leadership, education, and social science principles. You can gain a well-rounded foundation to lead wherever God calls you. As a Christian school, we have designed this program to help you become a Champion for Christ . Partner with us and gain the training you need to make an impact on God’s Kingdom.

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.

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• Private Nonprofit University
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• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Why Choose Liberty’s Doctor of Christian Education Online?

Liberty University’s mission of Training Champions for Christ extends into every area of your education. Here are some of the ways Liberty stands out and upholds this mission:

• Unlike other theological seminaries, Liberty University holds regional accreditation with SACSCOC , the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
• This online Christian doctoral program is offered 100% online. If you are actively engaged in ministry, family, or professional obligations, you don’t have to worry about relocation or attending on-campus intensives.
• Our online program promotes a Christian leadership community. You can have the opportunity to build relationships with professors and other students throughout your degree.
• This degree program includes a praxis – which allows you to conduct valuable research and apply the knowledge you have learned.

What Will You Study in Our Doctor of Educational Ministry Online?

Our EdD in Christian Leadership – Ministry Leadership degree program is designed to provide you with a biblical foundation for leadership and management in the Church and ministry organizations. Your courses can help equip you with the tools and skills essential to effectively lead a team by giving you opportunities for leadership experience.

Our professors care about your growth as a leader within the Church. They will use their real-world experience in ministry leadership to teach you the practical skills you need to conquer the challenges of this field.

In your online Christian leadership courses, you can perform doctoral-level research for practical application in diverse educational, organizational, and ministry contexts. Fulfillment of the EdD praxis gives you the opportunity to exhibit your expertise and abilities. You can apply advanced concepts learned in the Christian leadership program to your research.

Potential Career Opportunities

You may be qualified to pursue a variety of careers with our Christian leadership doctoral degree including:

• Academic teaching and leadership role
• Faith-based organizational leadership role
• Ministry or missions leadership role

Featured Courses

• CLED 700 – Biblical and Theological Foundations of Leadership
• CLED 780 – Change, Power, and Conflict in Leadership
• CLED 815 – Character and Ethics in Leadership and Education
• CLED 845 – Group and Team Dynamics: Theory and Practice

Degree Information

• This EdD program falls under the John W. Rawlings School of Divinity .
• View the Graduate Divinity Course Guides (login required) .

Degree Completion Plan

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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.

Tuition rates may change annually. For the current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.

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Admission Information for Our EdD in Christian Leadership – Ministry 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 36 credit hours and a minimum 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

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Lynchburg, VA 24515

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Submit your application online or over the phone.

Apply by phone: (800) 424-9595

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)

Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this program have any additional accreditation.

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 can you do with a Christian education degree?

Our Christian leadership doctorate is designed to help you earn and maintain administrative and leadership roles in ministry. Whether you want to work in a church, nonprofit, or educational institution, this degree can help. Our doctoral program may be right for you if:

• You are a ministry leader who would like to improve your organization.
• You are a ministry professional who would like to transition into a leadership role.
• You would like to educate the next generation of ministry leaders.

What is the difference between an EdD and a PhD in Education?

Have you been researching EdD and PhD in Christian leadership online programs and aren’t sure what the difference is? The main difference between these two types of doctoral degrees is that an EdD is focused on practice, and a PhD is focused on academia. However, either program can help you meet your career goals.

If you are looking to actively pursue roles in ministry leadership, then our program is for you. You may also be qualified to teach in Christian institutions and help pass your expertise on to the next generation of faith-based leaders.

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Doctor of Education

The curriculum, program details.

The DTS Doctor of Education degree program is designed to equip Christian educators for leadership and educational instruction roles in K–12, higher education, or other education settings.

The Doctor of Education program is designed to produce scholar-practitioners who can make a meaningful impact in various educational settings. The structure of the EdD allows students to remain in their current place of employment or ministry without relocating to Dallas. Each course assumes educational experience, and faculty endeavor to integrate learning with the student's present context and future goals.

requirements

The EdD requires the DTS MACE or an MA in Education with 36 hours of leveling work.

In addition, the following prerequisites apply to EdD applicants. All applicants must:

• Give evidence of growth and competence in educational ministerial skills and leadership;
• Have an academic record that demonstrates superior ability and shows promise of success in doctoral studies (3.0 or above is desired);
• Provide a GRE test score; and
• Hold a DTS Master of Arts in Christian Education (MACE) or its equivalent, or an MA in Education or a related degree from an accredited institution plus leveling courses as necessary to provide DTS MACE equivalence.

Specific prerequisites apply to EdD applicants depending on the applicant’s prior master’s-level preparation. Applicants with a theological master’s degree (MACE or its equivalent) are eligible to enroll in the 48-hour EdD program with little to no leveling work required. Applicants with a non-theological master’s degree in education or a related field are eligible to enroll in the EdD program after completing the appropriate leveling work. The final determination of an applicant’s eligibility to enter the EdD program is at the discretion of the Doctor of Education office.

Courses needed to meet the DTS MACE equivalence requirements must cover the breadth and scope of DTS’s curriculum and commitment to Scripture as prescribed by the EdD office. Courses required for MACE equivalence may be earned at DTS (including its extension sites) or other accredited institutions. For more information on MACE equivalence, please contact the EdD office.

Applicants must supply the requisite written admission materials and must have a personal or remote interview with members of the faculty. Prospective EdD students may apply for admission at any time. The normal deadline for applications for admission in the fall is March 15, but applications will be considered on a continual basis and individuals may be admitted as space allows. Further details on admission requirements and procedures are available from the Admissions office.

The EdD program requires 48 credit hours, 39 of which are coursework (including 36 hours of prescribed and elective courses), 3 hours of Research Development Capstone and comprehensive exams, and 9 hours of dissertation work on a research topic selected by the student. The program typically requires at least 3 years of study.

The EdD operates within the standard fall-spring-summer academic calendar. All work leading to the Doctor of Education degree must be completed in no less than three and no more than six years from the time of matriculation. A minimum grade of B- must be received in every course credited toward graduation, on the comprehensive exams, and on the dissertation. Additional information on EdD policies and procedures is provided in the Doctor of Education Handbook .

Transfer of up to 10 hours of doctoral-level credit may be applied toward the EdD degree if those hours constitute equivalent work. Normally only courses taken after receiving an MA, MDiv, ThM, STM, or equivalent degree can be credited toward the EdD degree. Requests for transfer of credit should be sent to the director of EdD studies. Plans to take other courses for transfer credit must be approved by the EdD committee prior to taking the course.

Students may be admitted to candidacy for the EdD degree after the following requirements have been met: (1) completion of all residency requirements leading to the degree; (2) the satisfactory completion of 39 semester hours of coursework – which includes an acceptable Prospectus; and (3) successfully completing and passing comprehensive exams (written and oral portions).

Students must be admitted to candidacy before they may be registered for ED7250 – Dissertation.

Students must complete all required coursework and pass their comprehensive exams before being registered for ED7250 – Dissertation.

The dissertation is the student’s major research project in the degree program. It should be directly related to his or her educational/professional interests and must make a significant contribution to the field of education. The length is to be appropriate for the subject as judged by the student’s dissertation committee.

Students will develop a Prospectus during ED7240 outlining the plan for the research interest being pursued. A dissertation committee will be selected by the student at this time consisting of a dissertation chair and one or two other readers. This committee must be approved by the EdD office.

Students will write a Proposal which covers chapters 1 – 3 of the dissertation. The Proposal must be defended by the student and approved by the student’s dissertation committee before research/data collection may commence.

Upon successful written completion and defense of chapters 1 – 5 of the dissertation, the student will be considered as having met the dissertation requirements. The student must meet the doctoral standards of research, content, and format to complete the dissertation requirements.

Details on the procedures and deadlines for the Prospectus, Proposal and dissertation defense are available in the Doctor of Education office and in the  EdD Dissertation Guidelines Handbook.

To graduate with the Doctor of Education degree, students must satisfactorily complete their coursework, pass comprehensive exams, and compose and defend their dissertation. Coursework includes 39 hours of core, research, and elective class offerings. A minimum grade of B- must be received in every course credited toward graduation and on the dissertation. 

The completion of minimum requirements does not automatically qualify a student for the degree. Students must be approved by faculty for graduation and be in adherence to the following doctrines: the authority and inerrancy of Scripture; the Trinity; the full deity, and humanity of Christ; the spiritual lostness of the human race; the substitutionary atonement and bodily resurrection of Christ; salvation by faith alone in Christ alone; and the physical return of Christ. 

Diplomas will not be awarded, transcripts issued, or placement assistance provided unless all financial obligations to the seminary and/or the student loan program are current.

• ED7100 Orientation 
• ED7105 History & Philosophy of Formal Education
• ED7110 Faith Integration
• ED7115 Learning Theory
• ED7120 Administration & Leadership in Formal Education
• ED7125 Legal Issues in Formal Education
• ED7210 Educational Statistics
• ED7220 Quantitative Research
• ED7230 Qualitative Research  
• ED7240 Research Development
• ED7250 Dissertation
• ED7310 The Adult Learner
• ED7320 Writing for Academic Publication
• ED7330 Selected Topics of Education Issues in Today’s World
• ED7340 Teaching in Formal Christian Education
• ED7345 Teaching Practicum
• ED7350 Foundations of Distance Learning
• ED7360 Thinking Theologically in Formal Education
• ED7370 Student Affairs
• ED7390 Assessment in Higher Education

Students in the EdD program will:

• Integrate a biblical and theological framework with educational theories that lead to improved practices and outcomes in educational leadership, teaching, and student development
• Demonstrate biblical, competent, and contextualized personal / organizational leadership skills and administrative practices
• Demonstrate competent writing skills suitable for academic publication or communication with stakeholders in their given educational setting
• Exhibit biblically and theologically sound research in the social sciences that provides contextualized solutions leading to improved educational practices and results 

The PhD usually prepares scholar teachers who contribute to education through research and teaching in the classroom. The EdD prepares educational leaders to fill administrative leadership roles in K-12 and higher education as well as teach on a limited scale in the classroom.

If attending is not an option during a given semester, students can attend classes remotely online in real time if necessary.

We love having students in the classroom with us. Therefore, we have structured many of our classes in hybrid or week-long intensive formats to allow for students not living in the DFW area to attend in person. We believe the experience of being in the classroom with the professor and other fellow students impacts the learning experience in so many ways beyond the mere acquisition of the course content. 

The EdD classes at DTS have been created with working adults in mind. Some classes are scheduled in a Friday night and all-day Saturday hybrid fashion a few times a semester where work is also assigned in-between class meetings. Other classes might meet for a week-long intensive during the summer. Occasionally a class might be scheduled for a day-long meeting a few times during the semester or one night a week throughout the semester. Regardless, you can remain in your current ministry/work position and pursue your doctorate.

Our courses run during the normal fall-spring-summer academic calendar. Students prepare for class by reading assigned books/articles and completing practical assignments. Whereas undergraduate and graduate school is often mostly lecture, our EdD courses are primarily seminars. There is some lecture while the professor introduces a topic or a student makes a presentation, but then we launch into discussion and problem-solving exercises where real-world educational issues are wrestled with. Students are expected to engage in this conversation because everyone brings their experience to class. We learn best when we learn with and from each other.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Hold the DTS MACE (or its equivalent), the MDiv, ThM or other theological master’s degrees plus leveling courses as necessary to provide DTS MACE equivalence. Applicants may also hold a Master of Education (MEd) degree plus leveling courses as necessary to provide DTS MACE equivalence.
• Have an academic record that demonstrates superior ability and shows promise of success in doctoral studies.
• Test results from the GRE
• Be able to affirm agreement with the seven essential points from our  doctrine statement .

Financial Aid

Through our donors and Foundation, we are able to offer hundreds of scholarships to students every year.

Logos Bible Software

Every student at DTS receives a copy of Logos Bible Software customized with additional commentaries and resources, and DTS courses integrate Logos into assignments and learning.

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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 and Financial Aid 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.

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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

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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.