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Students in a classroom: Pursue a Ph.D. in Education – Christian Education Leadership at Regent University.

Ph.D. in Education – Christian School Administration & Leadership

Transform Minds for a Better World

The Bible regularly promotes education as an integral activity in life. Regent’s Ph.D. in Education – Christian School Administration & Leadership program emphasizes teaching for discipleship by equipping for competence in the Great Commission, Two Greatest Commandments, and Holy Nation Citizenship, all within an excellent academic setting. The research-based relational love motive, being crucial to both faith and learning is a mainstay of the educational process in this program. Maintaining full biblical fidelity, the program emphasizes the Kingdom of God and the facilitating role of the Holy Spirit in education. With this research-focused Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Christian School Administration & Leadership, you can be fully equipped to teach and administer in Christian academia.

Online
67+
August 25, 2025
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INCREASE YOUR EARNING POTENTIAL

Capitalize on a higher salary with your Ph.D. degree.

EXPAND YOUR CAREER PATH

Take your career to the next level with exciting leadership opportunities.

MAKE AN IMPACT IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Present ground-breaking research to improve the world of education.

ALIGN YOURSELF WITH EXCELLENCE

Regent has been ranked among the Top National Universities by the U.S. News & World Report (2025). Our programs have also been ranked among the Top 10 Best Online Graduate Education Programs in Virginia for 13 years in a row (2013-2025).

Presented from a Christian worldview, this specialty degree is supported by award-winning faculty in Virginia Beach.

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

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

  • Master key approaches to problem-solving through case studies.
  • Engage in effective practices of kingdom leadership, research, curriculum, and teaching.
  • Foster learning environments essential to building high educational standards and Christian leadership development.

Career Opportunities

  • Christian School Principal
  • Christian University Faculty
  • Education Consultant
$96Thousand
Mean annual wage for postsecondary teachers U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022
Table listing featured courses with course code, name, and credit hours.
ECSL 710Christian School Foundations3
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 715Vision, Mission, & Community in Christian Schools3
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 720The Flourishing Christian School3
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 730Instructional Leadership in Christian Schools3
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 735Emotionally Intelligent Leadership in Christian Schools3
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.

2024-25 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.

SessionSemester Check-InSession Start Date
Session AFriday, August 9Monday, August 19
Session MFriday, September 6Monday, September 16
Session BFriday, October 11Monday, October 21
Session CWednesday, January 8Monday, January 13
Session TFriday, January 31Monday, February 10
Session DFriday, March 7Monday, March 17
Session EFriday, May 2Monday, May 12
Session FFriday, June 13Monday, June 23

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, AACRAO 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.

Part-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Education (M.Ed.)$5856$3,510
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)$8206$4,920
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)$8203$2,460
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)$8203$2,460

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Education (M.Ed.)$5859$5,265
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)$8209$7,380
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)$8206$4,920
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)$8206$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 »

PART-TIME STUDENTS

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Education (M.Ed.)$5656$3,390
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)$8006$4,800
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)$8003$2,400
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)$8003$2,400

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Education (M.Ed.)$5659$5,085
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)$8009$7,200
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)$8006$4,800
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)$8006$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.

Ph.D. Requirements

A Ph.D. student will (a) complete 21 hours associated with the Ed.D. core curriculum, (b) complete 24-26 hours associated with an Ed.D. concentration, (c) complete an additional 6 hours of research related credit, and (d) complete 16 hours of dissertation research credit—the total program is 67 hours. A candidate for the Ph.D. degree must present an acceptable research-based dissertation. The dissertation demonstrates that the candidate has technical competence in the field and has done research of an independent character. It must add to or modify what was previously known in the candidate’s field of interest or present a significant interpretation of the subject based upon original investigation and research.

Ph.D. students are required to take the following courses:
EDCO 806 Multivariate Statistics (3)
EHEA 805 Advanced Research Design and Analysis (3)

“I was eager to fulfill a lifelong dream and make a career change to education. Regent's Career Switcher program allowed me to complete most of the training while still on active duty. I was hired immediately upon my retirement from the Air Force.”
Joe Sexton, M.Ed., 2012 Career Switcher
“A Regent education will open up doors for you. It certainly has for me.”
Roxie Godfrey, Ed.D., 2005 Teacher Educator & Assistant Professor, Texas Tech University
“A great teacher learns how to love and care for the students. At Regent this isn't only taught as our responsibility to others but it is modeled. The caring instructors seek to grow leaders with a Christian worldview and a heart to serve others.”
Wilbur Chapman, M.Ed., 2011 TESOL
“One of my professors actually called me while I was in the program. That really opened up the door for me. Even though I'm doing this online, I still have a person and a face to talk to. Just having those lines of communication is awesome.”
Rahni Jenkins, MA, 2016
“Regent University taught me how to be a servant leader when it comes to reaching children. I've learned to not just teach students, but to serve them according to what they need.”
Anthony Swann, M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, 2014 5th Grade Teacher, Rocky Mount Elementary