Ed.D. – Christian School Administration & Leadership

Transform Minds & Hearts Through K-12 Christian Education

The Bible affirms the importance of education as a vital aspect of life. Regent’s Ed.D. – Christian School Administration & Leadership program emphasizes changing the world through teaching and discipleship. It is designed to prepare students to oversee the daily affairs of a Christian school, supervise instruction, and apply scholarly habits of inquiry that lead to effective decision-making. Students learn how to integrate a real-world, innovative curriculum with sound training. Major areas of emphasis include exploring the foundational principles and historical context of Christian education, establishing a vision and mission that can shape a flourishing school and community, and navigating the complexities of Christian school operations.

Location: Online

Total Credit Hours: 61+

Next Session Start: January 12, 2026

Approved Degree Plan: Download PDF

INCREASE YOUR INFLUENCE & SALARY

Advance in leadership while increasing your earning potential.

TRANSFORMATIVE CHRISTIAN EDUCATION LEADERSHIP

Build an impressive reputation in the area of Christian education.

EXPAND YOUR CAREER PATh Online School ADMINISTRATION Degree

Enjoy high-level career opportunities.

Presented from a Christian worldview, the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) – Christian School Administration & Leadership program is supported by award-winning faculty in Virginia Beach.

Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.

Regent University ranked #2 of Top 25 Accredited Online PhD & Doctoral Degree Programs | Learn.org

Regent University Ranked Among the Best Online Ed.D. Degree Options by Forbes

Career Opportunities

On completing the Ed.D. – Christian School Administration & Leadership degree, you can:

Develop best practices for starting or operating Christian schools.
Apply scholarly habits of inquiry that lead to biblically-based decision-making.
Integrate real-world, innovative curriculum with sound Christian training to ensure knowledge and faith are presented together.

Career Opportunities

Christian School Administrator
Principal/Headmaster
University Faculty
Curriculum Developer

Ranked Among Top National Universities U.S. News & World Report, 2019-2020, 2022-2025

Featured Courses

Table listing featured courses with course code, name, and credit hours.
Code	Name	Credits
ECSL 710	Christian School Foundations	3	Offers an in-depth exploration of the principles and historical context of P12 Christian education. Students will examine the rationale for Christian schooling and its role in preparing the next generation of Christians to change the world. Key topics include various philosophies that inform Christian pedagogy. Through a historical lens, participants will study the evolution of P12 Christian education, highlighting influential figures and movements. Cross-listed with ECSL 510.
ECSL 715	Vision, Mission, & Community in Christian Schools	3	Focuses on the development and implementation of vision and mission statements in Christian schools, emphasizing their role in shaping school culture and community engagement. Students will explore the principles of effective leadership and strategic planning, learning how to create compelling vision and mission statements that resonate within and beyond the school walls. Through practical exercises, case studies, and collaborative projects, participants will gain skills to inspire stakeholders, foster community involvement, and drive meaningful impact. Cross-listed with ECSL 515.
ECSL 720	The Flourishing Christian School	3	Explores the principles that foster flourishing cultures and individuals in Christian schools. Students will examine key components of a thriving school environment, focusing on positive culture, community building, and holistic education. Participants will learn strategies to empower leaders and teachers, promoting growth and spiritual development among students. The course emphasizes restorative practices and culminates in actionable plans for sustaining a flourishing Christian school that nurtures the well-being and success of all stakeholders. Cross-listed with ECSL 520.
ECSL 730	Instructional Leadership in Christian Schools	3	Prepares students to become effective instructional leaders in Christian schools, focusing on supervision of key areas such as choosing a curriculum model, developing professional learning communities, evaluating instruction, and selecting learning standards. Participants will explore best practices for strategies that lead to creating engaging learning environments that enhance the student experience and support teacher growth. Cross-listed with ECSL 530.
ECSL 735	Emotionally Intelligent Leadership in Christian Schools	3	Explores emotionally intelligent leadership in Christian schools, emphasizing the integration of heart and mind. Students will learn strategies for managing conflict, fostering collaboration, and enhancing team dynamics through empathy and self-awareness. Key topics include recognizing emotional cues, active listening, and conflict resolution techniques aligned with Christian values. Participants will engage in reflective practices to enhance their leadership style and build stronger relationships within their school community. Students will be equipped to lead with compassion and integrity, creating an inclusive environment that promotes growth, trust, and a shared mission in P12 Christian education. Cross-listed with ECSL 535.

Students should refer to their catalog or audited degree plan (ADP) for required courses to complete their degree.

Other Concentrations

Admissions Requirements

2025-26 Semester Check-In Deadlines

All students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.

Session	Semester Check-In	Session Start Date
Session A	Friday, August 15	Monday, August 25
Session M	Friday, September 12	Monday, September 22
Session B	Friday, October 17	Monday, October 27
Session C	Wednesday, January 7	Monday, January 12
Session T	Friday, January 30	Monday, February 9
Session D	Friday, March 6	Monday, March 16
Session E	Friday, May 1	Monday, May 11
Session F	Friday, June 12	Monday, June 22

Admissions Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.

Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.

Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts

Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.

Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES or NAFSA approved agency.

Step 3: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.

Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.

Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

Tuition & Fees

2025-26 Tuition Rates

Part-Time Students

Degree	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Average Credit Hours Per Semester	Average Tuition Per Semester
Master of Education (M.Ed.)	$585	6	$3,510
M.S. in Library Science	$700	6	$4,200
Master of Arts (M.A.)	$820	6	$4,920
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)	$820	6	$4,920
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)	$820	3	$2,460
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)	$820	3	$2,460

Full-Time Students

Degree	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Average Credit Hours Per Semester	Average Tuition Per Semester
Master of Education (M.Ed.)	$585	9	$5,265
M.S. in Library Science	$700	9	$4,200
Master of Arts (M.A.)	$820	9	$7,380
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)	$820	9	$7,380
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)	$820	6	$4,920
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)	$820	6	$4,920

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)	$900 (Fall & Spring) $750 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)	$750

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

2024-25 Tuition Rates

PART-TIME STUDENTS

Degree	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Average Credit Hours Per Semester	Average Tuition Per Semester
Master of Education (M.Ed.)	$565	6	$3,390
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)	$800	6	$4,800
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)	$800	3	$2,400
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)	$800	3	$2,400

Full-Time Students

Degree	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Average Credit Hours Per Semester	Average Tuition Per Semester
Master of Education (M.Ed.)	$565	9	$5,085
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)	$800	9	$7,200
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)	$800	6	$4,800
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)	$800	6	$4,800

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)	$850 (Fall & Spring) $700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)	$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

Advanced Standing

Students possessing an Ed.S. or equivalent may be admitted to the Ed.D. program with advanced standing after a review of their post-master’s transcript(s). Offered in a cohort model. Students may begin the program in the spring, summer or fall semesters. Courses are delivered online with some required face-to-face components. School division cohorts are also offered in varying formats.

Related Programs

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“I just can't say enough about the program—it's everything I wanted.”

Gary Maestas, Ed.D., 2010 K-12 School Leadership

“I looked at other institutions, but I understood the importance of a Christ-centered focus, and I wanted that to be a part of my graduate experience.”

Cheryl C. Askew, Ed.D., 2012 Principal, Landstown High School

“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.”

Kathy Galford, Ed.D., 2018 School Principal, Chesapeake Public Schools

“It literally was one phone call with a Regent faculty member that convinced me this is the place that I needed to be.”

Rev. Dr. Colleen Derr, Doctorate in Christian Education Leadership, 2013 President, Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University

“From the professors to advisors to support staff, my experience at Regent has been extremely satisfying, and I highly recommend the program to others.”

Lorri Wilke, M.Ed., 2012 NILD Educational Therapy