Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Advance Leadership with Biblical Wisdom and Scholarly Research

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Christian Leadership and Businessat Eldermont University is designed for visionary leaders, executives, educators, and scholarswho seek to integrate Christian ethics, business strategy, and leadership excellenceinto a transformative doctoral research program. This Ph.D. prepares students to engage in critical scholarship, develop thought leadership, and contribute original researchto the field of faith-driven business and leadership studies.

Through our 60-credit Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) + Dissertation model, students earn doctoral credit for prior leadership experiencewhile completing an original dissertation that advances both faith-based and professional leadership knowledge.

Program Features

✅100% Online, Self-Paced Format–Study anytime, anywhere.
✅Earn Credit for Prior Experience–Up to 30 credits through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA).
✅Doctoral Dissertation (30 Credits)–Replace traditional coursework with independent research.
✅Faith-Based Leadership Development–Align business, leadership, and Christian ethics.
✅Graduate in as Little as 12-24 Months–Based on PLA credit and dissertation completion.

What Will You Study?

The Ph.D. in Christian Leadership and Businessequips students with advanced research skills, faith-centered leadership principles, and business acumento shape organizations, industries, and ministries. Key areas of study include:

📖Christian Leadership Theory & Biblical Stewardship–Ethical decision-making and faith-based leadership strategies.
📖Strategic Organizational Development–Analyzing and improving leadership effectivenessin business and ministry settings.
📖Entrepreneurial Innovation & Kingdom Business–Developing faith-driven business strategies and nonprofit management.
📖Transformational Leadership & Ethical Governance–Applying biblical and ethical frameworksto leadership challenges.
📖Global Business & Ministry Leadership–Preparing for high-impact roles in corporate, nonprofit, and faith-based organizations.

Degree Structure

The 60-credit programconsists of:
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) –30 Credits
Students demonstrate subject-matter expertisein leadership, business, and faith-based strategyby submitting a comprehensive PLA portfolio, which includes:
✅Résumé/CVshowcasing executive, leadership, and business experience.
✅Industry Certifications, Executive Leadership Roles, and Business Achievements.
✅Letters of Validation from Employers, Mentors, or Ministry Leaders.
✅Published Research, Strategic Plans, or Business Case Studies.
PLA allows students to accelerate degree completionbased on real-world expertise.
Doctoral Dissertation –30 Credits
Instead of coursework, students complete a doctoral dissertation, contributing new knowledgein the field of Christian leadership and business.

Possible Career Paths

A Ph.D. in Christian Leadership and Businessprepares graduates for:
University & Seminary Professorship
Executive & Senior Leadership in Faith-Based and Corporate Organizations
Business & Leadership Consulting
Christian Thought Leadership & Publishing
Church & Nonprofit Administration
Strategic Organizational Research
Graduates gain expertise to lead, teach, and inspirewithin both academic and professional spheres.

Doctoral Dissertation –Your Research Contribution

The doctoral dissertationis the capstone of the Ph.D., demonstrating independent research, critical analysis, and real-world application.
Examples of Dissertation Topics:
The Role of Servant Leadership in Christian Business
Faith-Based Business Models and Their Impact on Organizational Success
Transformational Leadership in Christian Higher Education
Ethical Business Practices from a Biblical Perspective
Leadership Strategies for Christian Entrepreneurs and Marketplace Ministry
Students work independently on their dissertation, with asynchronous faculty review and feedback.

Admission Requirements

Master’s Degree from an Accredited Institution
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Submission (Résumé/CV & Supporting Documents)
Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Submission
Eldermont University has a streamlined admissions processand does not require standardized test scores.

Why Choose Eldermont University?

100% Online & Self-Paced–Flexibility for working professionals and ministry leaders.
Faith-Based & Research-Focused–Christian leadership and business strategyintegrated with advanced scholarship.
Dissertation-Based Program–No traditional coursework, just research that matters.
Earn Credit for Leadership Experience–Maximize PLA credits to fast-track your Ph.D..
At Eldermont University, we equip leaders to transform organizations, ministries, and communitieswith wisdom, faith, and purpose.

Take the Next Step in Your Doctoral Journey

Apply Now–Begin your faith-driven Ph.D.today.
Request More Information–Speak with an advisor about PLA + Dissertation.
Explore Our Programs–See how Eldermont University prepares leaders for success.