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A person leaning against a wall: Explore a PhD in Christian leadership.

Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership – Ecclesial Leadership

Gain a Deeper Insight into Christian Leadership through Regent’s Ph.D. Program

Prepare to influence organizations around the world as a scholar, teacher, or business leader through Regent’s Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership – Ecclesial Leadership. You’ll explore the past, present, and future of organizational leadership in the church and denominational contexts through this online doctoral program. Our Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership – Ecclesial Leadership is a research-based terminal degree taught from a Christian worldview. There are no GMAT/GRE requirements. Receive mentorship by seasoned professionals through the Executive Mentor Program and explore the Church Matching Grant Program. Regent has been ranked among top national universities by the U.S. News & World Report, 2024, and has also been ranked as a Top 10 Military Friendly® School by Military Friendly®, 2024-25. Experience the difference of a university established to develop Christian leadership to change the world.

Online
60
January 13, 2025
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Careers | Courses | Other Concentrations | Admissions | Tuition

BECOME A THOUGHT LEADER

Join the ranks of leading contributors to the body of knowledge in ecclesial organizational leadership research.

REFINE YOUR CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP SKILLS

Learn to fuse leadership theory with strategy, and to reflectively apply these skills. Gain a deeper insight into servant leadership.

GAIN EXPERTISE ON SPIRITUAL FORMATION

Explore the spiritual formation of those in ecclesial leadership and the differences in Christian and organizational spirituality.

ALIGN YOURSELF WITH EXCELLENCE

Regent has been ranked among the Top National Universities by the U.S. News & World Report (2024). Our programs have also been recognized among the Top 5 Best Graduate Online Business (Non-MBA) Programs in Virginia for 9 consecutive years (2015-23).

Led by our award-winning faculty, this ecclesial leadership degree will allow you to network with peers of diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Explore Dissertation Abstracts

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

After earning your ecclesial leadership degree, you can:

  • Understand historical, theological, and philosophical developments in the church and denominational leadership.
  • Analyze and apply evidence-based research to Christianity today.
  • Create solutions in response to organizational change and anticipate the impact of strategic initiatives.

Career Opportunities

  • Researcher for Nonprofits and Think Tanks
  • University Faculty
  • Consulting
21%
Higher median usual weekly earnings for workers with a doctoral degree versus a master's degree U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021
Featured Courses
LPEC 761Ecclesial Leadership Theology & Philosophy3
Theological and philosophical developments in ecclesial leadership theories, models, praxis and research. Prerequisites: LPHD 752, 754, 757, 761, 762, 763, and 764.
LPEC 762Historic Research & Ecclesial Leadership3
Historic research methodologies, the origins and historic developments of ecclesial leadership, and key differences in ecclesial organizational and leadership traditions. Prerequisites: LPHD 752, 754, 757, 761, 762, 763, and 764.
LPEC 763Ecclesial Organizational Design & Leadership Development3
Ecclesial organizational designs, traditions and practices in leadership formation, principles of leadership legitimacy and ordination processes. Prerequisites: LPHD 752, 754, 757, 761, 762, 763, and 764.
LPEC 764Spiritual Formation & the Ecclesial Leader3
Christian spirituality, organizational spirituality, communal formation, ecclesial spirituality, and the spiritual formation of the ecclesial leader. Prerequisites: LPHD 752, 754, 757, 761, 762, 763, and 764.
LPHD 785Seminar: Trends in Organizational Leadership Research3
Current topics and trends in organizational leadership research. Students must present a paper developed in the seminar at an academic conference, either in person or virtual. Prerequisites: LPHD 752, 754, 757, 761, 762, 763, and 764.

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 CWednesday, January 8Monday, January 13
Session EFriday, May 2Monday, May 12

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 Resume

Provide an updated copy of your professional resume or curriculum vitae that includes:

  • Employment history with details of leadership responsibilities, skill sets and results – the committee looks at both quantity and quality of responsibilities
  • School, community and church leadership positions – the committee looks at both quantity and quality of positions
  • Service activities in which you have been involved
  • Academic and non-academic honors and distinctions you have received

Your resume should be submitted to regent.edu/items.

Step 4. Submit a Leadership Essay or Graduate Degree Paper (with Citations)

Leadership specific writing samples play an important role in helping the Admissions Committee evaluate a doctoral applicant’s research, writing and analytical and problem-solving skills. Your essay should be on "The Most Pressing Leadership Issue of Today" and submitted to regent.edu/items.

LEADERSHIP ESSAY

Writing samples play an important role in helping the Admissions Committee evaluate a doctoral applicant's research, writing, analytical and problem-solving skills.

Please provide a separate essay to address the topic with citations: "The most pressing leadership issue of today."

The body (excludes a title page or a reference page) of this writing sample should not exceed one page in length (single spaced, 12-point type).

The Admissions Committee will evaluate the essay based on the following criteria:

  • Thesis Development and Critical Thinking. The thesis expresses the main idea of the paper in one sentence and informs the reader of the paper's focus. Critical thinking is the act of examining, analyzing and evaluating information followed by the drawing of accurate conclusions. Thesis development and critical thinking include the following four key elements: (a) thesis, (b) argument, (c) research and (d) analysis.
  • Organization. The structure or outline of apply@regent.edu using the subject line: SBL Doctoral Application Pieces.
  • Paragraph Development. The structure of each paragraph within the outline is vital to the overall stability of the essay and includes the use of transitions and language within each paragraph.
  • Mechanics. Clarity through spelling, grammar, punctuation and capitalization is vital in any written document.
  • Style (APA, MLA or other acceptable style). At the doctoral level, it is important to adhere to a particular writing style as required by the specific academic or professional publication in which one desires to be published. Therefore, the applicant should compose the essay in APA, MLA or other acceptable style. In addition, the applicant should identify the style being used in the writing sample. It is important that the writing sample exhibit the style’s guidelines in the areas of: (a) in-text citations, (b) reference list, (c) title, (d) headings, (e) sub-headings, (f) numbers, (g) serial content, (h) quotes, (i) punctuation, etc. While these styles typically require double spacing, we request that, in the case of this writing sample, applicants use single spacing so the essay does not exceed one page.

GRADUATE DEGREE PAPER

If you are opting to submit the Graduate Degree Paper, please ensure this is a submission that contains citations.

Your leadership essay or graduate degree paper should be submitted to regent.edu/items.

Step 5: 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 Arts (MA) / Master of Science (MS)$6956$4,170
Master of Business Administration (MBA)$6956$4,170
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)$1,0203$3,060
Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership (PhD)$1,0203$3,060
Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL)$1,0203$3,060

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA) / Master of Science (MS)$6959$6,255
Master of Business Administration (MBA)$6959$6,255
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)$1,0206$6,120
Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership (PhD)$1,0206$6,120
Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL)$1,0206$6,120

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 »

Part-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA) / Master of Science (MS)$6956$4,170
Master of Business Administration (MBA)$6956$4,170
Doctor in Business Administration (DBA)$1,0203$3,060
Doctor of Philosophy in Business (PhD)$1,0203$3,060
Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership (PhD)$1,0203$3,060
Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL)$1,0203$3,060

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA) / Master of Science (MS)$6959$6,255
Master of Business Administration (MBA)$6959$6,255
Doctor in Business Administration (DBA)$1,0206$6,120
Doctor of Philosophy in Business (PhD)$1,0206$6,120
Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership (PhD)$1,0206$6,120
Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL)$1,0206$6,120

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.

“Regent challenged me to think beyond the mechanics of business. I was able to address work-life balance and focus on core personal leadership attributes. The strong academics and values-based leadership focus helped move me from sales to management almost immediately.”

Jonathan Freeland, MBA, 2000 VP, Product Marketing at Cox Communications

“As a Christian business leader, I regularly use my military experience and Regent education to lead others into a comprehensive vision. I've learned a lot about innovation and organizational culture that fuel my daily work and desire to coach and mentor others to fulfill their God-given purpose.”

Thom Owens, Ph. D., 2013 Owner, Commercial Realty Business

“I am thrilled, delighted and honored to be used for His purpose.”

Jennifer Bennett, B.S., 2007; M.A. in Organizational Leadership & Management, 2011 Organizational, Workforce, Strategic Planning and Leadership Management, U.S. Navy (Washington Navy Yard)

“This isn't just a job for me — this is a ministry. Whatever I've done at Regent I've always had the sense that this is what God has called me to do.”

Doris Gomez, Ph.D. Dean, Regent University's School of Business & Leadership

“Regent's program resonated with me because it's about servant leadership and mentoring and coaching. That is so important. At the end of the day, it's about the legacy you leave behind.”

Kelly Tanner, DSL, 2017 Dental Hygienist