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.

Location: Online

Total Credit Hours: 67+

Next Session Start: June 23, 2025

Approved Degree Plan: Download PDF

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.

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

Regent University Ranked Among Best Online Ph.D. In Higher Education Programs by Forbes

Regent University ranked #3 of the top 31 Best Online Ph.D. Programs | Best Value Schools

Top Online Degrees - AffordableSchools.net

Career Opportunities

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

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

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.

Session	Semester Check-In	Session Start Date
Session A	Friday, August 9	Monday, August 19
Session M	Friday, September 6	Monday, September 16
Session B	Friday, October 11	Monday, October 21
Session C	Wednesday, January 8	Monday, January 13
Session T	Friday, January 31	Monday, February 10
Session D	Friday, March 7	Monday, March 17
Session E	Friday, May 2	Monday, May 12
Session F	Friday, June 13	Monday, 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.

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
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
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.

Requirements

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)

Related Programs

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“The Virginia Beach City Public Schools cohort of ESL teachers in training was the perfect platform in which to study and learn. Upon completion of my last TESOL class, I was blessed with the opportunity to join the ESL staff of VBCPS. The amazing faculty of Regent's TESOL department helped make it possible.”

Altina Suber, M.Ed., 2015 Teacher

“Regent opened a door to self-discovery and selflessness. My Regent instructors encouraged me to operate on a higher level of motivation and others-oriented awareness.”

Sandra Turner, M.Ed., 2016 Professional Development

“There’s an atmosphere of excellence at Regent.”

Sharon Byrdsong, Ed.D., 2008 K-12 School Leadership

“I found Regent's School of Education to be a place where I could obtain some of those practical skills I needed to help others. The TESOL curriculum included a good balance of instruction in reading, writing, and conversation skills that I can apply with adults or children.”

Jason Clark, M.Ed., 2010 TESOL

“Looking back, I can take almost every single facet of my daily work and tie it to my training at Regent. ”

Thomas "Randy" Brunk, M.Ed., 1989 Head of School, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy