Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Organizational Leadership

Lead with Vision. Serve with Integrity. Transform with Faith.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Organizational Leadership and Christian Ministry at Eldermont University is a research-intensive, faith-centered program designed for senior ministry leaders, nonprofit executives, Christian educators, and faith-based organizational strategists. This program challenges students to explore the intersection of biblical principles, leadership theory, and ministry practice, preparing them to be thought leaders and change-makers in their respective fields.

With a focus on independent research and scholarly contributions, students complete this 100% online, self-paced program by earning 30 credits through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) for previous leadership and ministry experience and completing a doctoral dissertation worth 30 credits. Graduates leave with a strong theological foundation, strategic leadership expertise, and advanced research skills to lead churches, ministries, nonprofit organizations, and academic institutions.

Program Features
✅ 100% Online, Self-Paced Learning – Study anywhere, anytime.
✅ Earn 30 Credits Through PLA – Gain credit for real-world leadership and ministry experience.
✅ 30-Credit Doctoral Dissertation – Make a scholarly contribution to Christian leadership.
✅ Flexible Completion Timeline – Finish in 6-12 months (or as little as 90 days with full-time focus).
✅ No Standardized Tests Required – Admissions based on experience and research proposal.
✅ Faith-Centered, Research-Driven – Develop original research rooted in biblical truth and leadership.

What Will You Study?
This doctoral program is highly specialized in leadership, ministry strategy, and theological research, equipping students with:
📖 Biblical Leadership & Governance – Study biblical models of leadership, servant leadership, and church administration.
🏛 Faith-Based Organizational Management – Learn how to lead complex church networks, mission agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
🔎 Advanced Theological Ethics & Decision-Making – Examine moral leadership, integrity, and biblical conflict resolution.
📊 Nonprofit & Ministry Leadership Strategies – Master fundraising, donor engagement, and operational sustainability.
🌍 Cross-Cultural Ministry & Global Missions – Prepare for international missions, church planting, and cross-cultural outreach.
🎙 Preaching, Teaching, & Ministry Communication – Enhance public speaking, leadership training, and biblical instruction.
📚 Doctoral-Level Research & Theological Writing – Conduct rigorous, faith-based academic research and publish original work.

Degree Structure
The 60-credit Ph.D. program consists of:
📌 Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) – 30 Credits
Students earn credit through a comprehensive PLA portfolio, which may include:
✅ Executive leadership in churches, denominations, and Christian organizations
✅ Ministry experience in discipleship, pastoral leadership, and outreach
✅ Advanced certifications in Christian counseling, theology, or leadership
✅ Published research, books, or theological writings
✅ Conference presentations, training seminars, or ministry curriculum development
📢 PLA allows students to accelerate their degree completion by applying real-world experience toward academic credit.
📌 Doctoral Dissertation – 30 Credits
The dissertation is the heart of the Ph.D. program, requiring students to make an original contribution to the field of Christian leadership and ministry.
📢 Students will conduct in-depth research, contribute new knowledge to faith-based leadership studies, and provide solutions to real-world challenges in Christian organizations.

Career Paths with a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership and Christian Ministry
This doctoral program prepares graduates for executive leadership roles, academic teaching, and consulting in ministry, nonprofit, and faith-based sectors.
⛪ Senior Pastor / Denominational Leader
📖 Christian University Professor / Theological Researcher
🏛 Executive Director of Christian Nonprofits & Global Missions Organizations
🎤 Ministry Speaker / Leadership Consultant
📚 Author / Theologian / Ministry Strategist
🌍 Cross-Cultural Mission Leader / International Church Development
💼 Chief Executive of Faith-Based Enterprises

📢 Graduates are prepared for high-level leadership, strategic ministry impact, and theological scholarship.

Doctoral Dissertation – Your Research Focus
Students conduct advanced, original research, producing a doctoral dissertation that contributes to the fields of Christian leadership and ministry.
Examples of Ph.D. Dissertation Topics:
📝 The Role of Biblical Servant Leadership in Transformational Ministry
📝 Developing Leadership Models for Global Missions and Church Growth
📝 Crisis Leadership in Christian Organizations: A Biblical Perspective
📝 The Impact of Digital Ministry: Evangelism & Discipleship in the Digital Age
📝 Faith-Based Nonprofits: Sustainable Models for Kingdom Impact
📝 Theological Foundations of Ethical Decision-Making in Church Leadership
📝 Pastoral Burnout and Leadership Longevity: Strategies for Sustainable Ministry

📢 Your dissertation will establish your expertise in Christian leadership and position you as a thought leader in ministry and academia.

Admission Requirements
📌 Master’s Degree in a Related Field (Leadership, Theology, Ministry, or Business)
📌 Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Submission (Portfolio of Leadership & Ministry Experience)
📌 Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Submission

📢 Eldermont University offers a streamlined admissions process and does not require standardized test scores.

Why Choose Eldermont University?
🌍 100% Online & Self-Paced – Study on your schedule, at your own pace.
📖 Faith-Centered & Leadership-Focused – Merge biblical values with strategic leadership training.
✍ Dissertation-Based Program – No traditional coursework—focus on independent research and academic contribution.
🎓 Earn Credit for Leadership & Ministry Experience – Maximize PLA credits.
⏳ Flexible Completion Timeline – Graduate in 6-12 months, or accelerate to finish in as little as 90 days.

At Eldermont University, we equip leaders, pastors, and faith-driven professionals to serve with wisdom, lead with integrity, and transform communities with faith.

Advance Your Leadership and Ministry Calling
📌 Apply Now – Begin your Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership and Christian Ministry today.
📌 Request More Information – Speak with an advisor about PLA + Dissertation.
📌 Explore Our Programs – See how Eldermont University prepares leaders for Kingdom impact.