dallas baptist university phd leadership

PHD in Leadership Studies

The Dallas Baptist University PHD in Leadership Studies is an interdisciplinary degree, requiring a minimum of sixty (60) credit hours of advanced study beyond the master’s degree: thirty (30) credit hours of core leadership studies (includes a 120-hour mentored internship); twelve (12) credit hours of research and statistics (assuming that a student enters with at least one master’s level statistics course); twelve (12) credit hours of seminars in one of four areas of concentration (business, general leadership, higher education, or ministry); and the writing of a prospectus/proposal and dissertation, for which six (6) credit hours will be awarded upon completion.  Organized both systematically and thematically, the study and research of leadership derives from the biblical, classical, philosophical, historical, and global dimensions of effective leadership. It draws from, and integrates with, the fields of business, general leadership, higher education, and ministry. Across the curriculum, the program includes several theoretical and behavioral cognates: applied biblical ethics, motivational communication skills, issues related to conflict and change, and the value of cultural diversity. 

Academically rigorous and creative, faculty and students engage the study of leadership as a community of scholars from business, education, government, ministry, and other disciplines. In addition to the semester courses, the program includes three summer institutes comprised of 7-10 day intensive sessions. The first summer institute is held in Dallas and focuses upon personal growth, professional development plans, and leadership courses. The second summer institute includes a trip to Washington, D.C. with a special emphasis on political and organizational leadership. The third summer institute takes place in Oxford, England, with a concentration on global and cultural leadership issues.

PHD IN LEADERSHIP STUDIES CURRICULUM

Requisite  -  PHDL 7320 - Statistics I

(Requisite unless successfully completed at the Master’s level.)

 (S-L) = Course(s) with field-based service-learning component.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Find course descriptions by category under the  Graduate Course Descriptions  section in the navigation panel.

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Our mission is no small task, and DBU is no small university. For more than 100 years, we have been pursuing our mission to develop Christian servant leaders, resulting in the footprint of DBU being seen throughout the world.

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At DBU, we desire to glorify God above all else as we prepare individuals to impact the world for the sake of the Kingdom. Excellence in service to God and humanity is mandated by the essential tenets of the Christian faith. DBU, therefore, aspires to fulfill this requirement by providing its students with the finest possible education, all to the glory of God.

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Why I Chose DBU’s PhD Program

A reader of this blog asked in the thread of my previous post why I chose Dallas Baptist University for my PhD in Leadership Studies. I thought it was a good question. And given that I’ll be studying from a Hampton Inn all week, I figured I’d take a quick break from my lonely hotel academia and answer his question.

So why DBU?

The cohort nature of the program . I wanted to pursue my PhD, but I did not want to be away from my church for 3 days a week. DBU’s cohort program is flexible enough for a full-time pastor to complete it in four years (or maybe seven)…

Diversity of my cohorts’ backgrounds . One of the more attractive aspects of the program is the diversity of the people. In our group are pastors, business people, and academics from different parts of the world. This global blend of people brings many different perspectives to the table.

Servant-leader focus . Since one of my passions is to train the saints , DBU’s focus on servant-leadership will certainly equip me better to equip others.

Personal degree mix . I have an undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina (the real USC) in finance and marketing, as well as a Master’s in Missiology from Southern Seminary . Since I have a business degree and a theological degree, a leadership degree rounds out a good personal degree mix from three very different schools.

High praise . I heard of the program through several of my mentors, all of whom said that DBU was the place to go.

Strong leadership . It only makes sense that a school for leaders has a strong leader at its helm. Such is the case at DBU. Dr. Gary Cook , DBU’s president and for whom the leadership school is named, has been at the school for 20 years. During his tenure, DBU has undergone a tremendous transformation.

Well, enough of a break. Now it’s back to studying…

4 comments on “Why I Chose DBU’s PhD Program”

Sam, what is your email address?

Mark – you can reach me at [email protected]

Sam, sounds exciting! I don’t know much about Dallas Baptist University, but that looks like a good program.

I still have yet to get myself to seminary. I’ve looked at Bethel, and at Liberty. Looking for affordable and something I can got to while staying in my current position.

Have you heard of anything? I know more seminaries are adding programs for people in full-time ministry.

Shane – I haven’t researched extensively online programs, but I believe that Liberty has a pretty good one.

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Gary Cook School of Leadership

Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

Beginning in Fall 2024, the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership offered by the Gary Cook School of Leadership will be available for exlusively online students at a reduced price. Applications for Fall 2024 are due June 1, 2024.

The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership under the Gary Cook School of Leadership will be offered as a redesigned, fully online program in Fall 2025. Contact Dr. Kimberly Figaro for more information.

Think Critically.

Our challenging, Christ-centered academic environment combines a deeper exploration of faith and learning. An interdisciplinary approach allows you to take ownership of your education and pursue a unique combination of theory and practical experience that equips you to make the best contribution possible in your specific sphere of influence.

Contact the Director

Kimberly Figaro, Ph.D. Director (214) 333-5720 [email protected]

Featured Event - Prospective Student Webinar | April 30, 2024

Program requirements.

The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership is a 60-hour doctoral program that emphasizes a practical approach to leadership development, incorporating both theory and research, while accentuating the servant leadership model . The Christ-centered program is designed to produce leaders with the practical knowledge, training and unique skills necessary to develop other leaders. The degree consists of:

• 20 hours of core studies in educational leadership
• 20 hours of studies in a selected cognate area
• 8 hours of research studies
• 12 hours in dissertation research and writing

Concentration Tracks

Three concentration tracks are offered:

• Higher Education Leadership – provides cognate studies in higher education administration and leadership.
• Educational Ministry Leadership – provides cognate studies specific to leadership in the church or a Christian education organization.
• General Leadership – provides cognate studies for professionals in a range of leadership positions.

Cohort Structure

Complete your doctorate in 34 months.

Students progress through the hybrid courses and research as a cohort, completing the program in 34 months. Cohort programs begin in August of each year, with classes offered each spring, summer, and fall.

Students enroll for two (2) classes of four (4) credit hours each term. The hybrid design provides significant learning experiences through the online component of each class, along with face-to-face interaction as students participate in on-campus seminars for one week, three (3) times each year. The dissertation process is interwoven throughout the class structure, allowing students to complete the entire program in less than three years.

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How Our Graduates Impact Their World

Graduates of the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership are servant leaders who are exceptionally trained to apply their skills in positions of leadership. They utilize their skills through positions of leadership in higher education institutions, educational ministry organizations or churches, the business market and other leadership-oriented endeavors.

Ed.D. in Educational Leadership Program Testimonial

Dr. aaron glover, alumnus ('20).

Alumnus Dr. Aaron Glover, Head of School and Upper Campus Principal of King's Academy Christian School, shares that his experience at DBU profoundly impacted his spiritual and academic development. In  August 2023 , he shared,

“I am immensely grateful that God guided me to this transformative institution. The coursework and instruction I received at DBU equipped me to overcome numerous challenges in ministry, education, and leadership.”

“The Ed.D. Leadership program is specifically designed towards the integration of faith, theory, and experiental learning. Coupled together, this transformative experience well-equips students for leadership roles within their own circles of influence.” — Kimberly Figaro, Ph.D. Director, Ed.D. in Educational Leadership

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Master of Arts in Education Ministry Leadership

The Master of Arts in Education Ministry Leadership degree provides a multifaceted approach to using authority in education ministry to lead individuals, groups, and congregations toward spiritual maturity and obedience to Jesus Christ. The degree offers a strong biblical, theological, philosophical, and practical foundation in Christian Education Leadership for students currently leading or preparing to lead the body of Christ toward fulfillment of the Great Commission (Matt 28:19-20). Dallas Baptist University's program structure provides a broad-based degree plan with the benefit of extended concentrations in multiple ministry areas. The program combines practical experience, contemporary methodology, and the timeless truth of God’s Word. The Master of Arts in Education Ministry Leadership program supports the University's aim of offering Christ-centered, quality higher education in order to produce servant leaders in the education ministry of the church.

In addition to general graduate admission requirements, the following program-specific requirements must be met:

• Evidence that the student is a Christian and is compatible with DBU’s mission by proven conduct in accordance with Christian standards set forth in the Bible, announced intent, and by church involvement.

• Within the last 12 months, the applicant must have been an active member of a Christian church that holds Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and who holds solely the Old Testament and the New Testament as sacred Scripture. NOTE: The church membership requirement only applies for admission into Master’s Ministry Degrees, Advanced Ministry Certificate Programs, the EDD in Educational Leadership—all concentrations, and PHD in Leadership Studies’ Ministry Concentration.

Graduate School of Ministry Portfolio

Dallas Baptist University’s ministry degree programs seek to provide an academic experience that enables all candidates to engage and impact Christian Ministries of the 21st century. The Portfolio is designed to be an individualized collection of documents that represent the candidate’s preparation for future ministry positions, demonstrating the candidate’s ongoing knowledge, skills, and ministry experiences.   

The Graduate School of Ministry provides candidates the opportunity for self-reflection through the compilation of documents in an electronic Portfolio. Documents in the Portfolio may include the candidate's signature assignments, resume, and philosophy of ministry among other materials. Throughout the program, the candidate will collect designated documents and upload them to the Portfolio within Blackboard. The Portfolio will be used to assess the candidate's development as they proceed through their designated ministry program.  It is the candidate’s responsibility to meet with their GSOM Program Director to discuss the Portfolio required documents prior to graduation.

Old Testament Survey

New Testament Survey

Requisites may be met with equivalent courses from another institution or from a passing grade on the GSOM Old Testament and New Testament equivalency exams and do not count toward degree completion.