Christian School Leadership

Credential: Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

Degree Level: Doctoral Degree

Credits: 72 total, with up to 30 transfer credits accepted

School: School of Divinity

Program Overview

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Christian School Leadership at Abide University is the premier doctoral degree for scholars and practitioners pursuing advanced expertise in educational research, leadership theory, organizational development, and policy analysis within faith-based educational contexts. Our RCSAI-accredited curriculum provides rigorous training in advanced educational research methodologies, comprehensive examination of leadership theories and their application to educational organizations, and sophisticated understanding of organizational change and development processes. Students engage in intensive study of educational policy analysis, strategic planning, and institutional effectiveness while developing expertise in academic writing, research design, and scholarly discourse. The program emphasizes original research culminating in a doctoral dissertation that makes a significant contribution to the field of educational leadership. Graduates emerge as accomplished educational scholars and leaders equipped for careers in higher education administration, seminary leadership, Christian school superintendency, denominational education oversight, and academic research positions. This degree prepares students to provide transformational leadership in educational institutions while integrating Christian faith with best practices in educational leadership.

Core Courses

  • PHDEL 801 — Advanced Educational Research Methods (4 credits)
  • PHDEL 810 — Leadership Theory and Practice (4 credits)
  • PHDEL 820 — Organizational Development in Education (4 credits)
  • PHDEL 830 — Educational Policy Analysis (4 credits)
  • PHDEL 840 — Strategic Planning and Institutional Effectiveness (4 credits)
  • PHDEL 850 — Faith Integration in Christian School Leadership (3 credits)
  • PHDEL 860 — Advanced Statistics for Educational Research (3 credits)
  • PHDEL 890 — Doctoral Dissertation in Christian School Leadership (12 credits)
  • PHDEL 870 — School Leadership Inquiry and Research Colloquium (6 credits)
  • PHDEL 871 — Advanced Educational Leadership Research Portfolio (10 credits)

Credit requirements

  • Core courses: 54 credits
  • Required elective credits: 18 credits

Total required: 72 credits

Elective Courses

Complete 18 credits from the options below (18 credits offered).

  • PHDEL 910 — Higher Education Administration (3 credits)
  • PHDEL 920 — Curriculum Leadership and Innovation (3 credits)
  • PHDEL 930 — Legal and Ethical Issues in Education (3 credits)
  • PHDEL 940 — Educational Technology Leadership (3 credits)
  • PHDEL 950 — Diversity and Inclusion in Christian School Leadership (3 credits)
  • PHDEL 960 — Special Topics in Christian School Leadership Research (3 credits)

Admission Requirements

  • Master's degree in Education, Christian School Leadership, or related field from an accredited institution
  • Minimum GPA of 3.5 in previous graduate educational studies
  • Demonstrated leadership experience in educational settings (minimum 3 years)
  • Demonstrated capacity for advanced research and scholarly writing (writing sample required)
  • Three professional references from educational leaders or faculty members
  • Preliminary dissertation proposal outlining intended research area in educational leadership

Degree Levels in Christian School Leadership