Christian School Leadership

Credential: Master of Arts (M.A.)

Degree Level: Master's Degree

Credits: 60 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)

Admission Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent experience
  • 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