Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership (Ed.D.) – Ministry Leadership Cognate
Purpose
The Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership (Ed.D.) is a 60-credit-hour, research-based degree designed to produce cognitive and skill development in the areas of theory and praxis of leadership and education for application in the academy and faith-based organization. Empirical research is conducted requiring scholarly, solution-oriented, problem-solving thinking and skills within the context of a learning community. This design and delivery model is uniquely structured in a way that sets the Ed.D. apart from other doctoral degrees at Liberty University.
Program Learning Outcomes
The student will be able to:
- Appraise biblical and theological principles as they relate to educational and leadership philosophy, theory, and practice.
- Evaluate the knowledge-base, the character qualities, and essential skillsets to lead a faith-based organization.
- Synthesize teaching, learning, and group theory as foundational elements of effective leadership.
- Create empirically-based research in order to provide solutions for educational and ministerial leadership problems.
Program Specific Admissions Requirements
In addition to general requirements for admission to the School of Divinity, applicants for admission to the Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership must submit the following for review:
- An earned seminary degree (or graduate degree in a related area) with at least 36 hours (or equivalent such as a Master’s with a thesis) from a regionally accredited seminary or university.
- All official transcripts must be submitted as part of the application process. Other graduate degrees may be considered as qualifying; however, applicants that possess these degrees (or applicants with seminary degrees with insufficient biblical or theological training may need to take an additional 12 hours of Bible/Theology courses in order to be admitted to the program.
- An earned grade point average of 3.0 or higher in all previous graduate work.
- Professional Vita. Include degrees earned, educational experience, and career goals.
- Applicants must submit a Statement of Purpose that answers the following questions (1000 – 1500):
- How has your previous education and/or work experience prepared you for doctoral studies at Liberty University?
- What is your goal with regard to pursuing doctoral education at Liberty University?
- Please describe the character and values you possess that will help you succeed in your desired field.
- Contact information for two recommendations may be requested as an additional requirement on a case-by-case basis.
Transfer Credit
Transfer hours may not exceed 9 credit hours for the Ed.D. program. Transfer credits can only be accepted towards cognate courses. Course work must be within the previous seven (7) years from a regionally accredited program to be accepted. Courses must have a grade of B- or higher to be eligible for consideration for transfer credit. Correspondence studies or life experiences will not be accepted for transfer credit. Credits from a prior degree earned through Liberty University are considered transfer credits.
Dissertation Process
A dissertation is required and is completed in a two-phase process. The first phase is embedded in the program course curriculum. In this phase, the necessary research skill development is scaffolded throughout the course sequence. Upon completion of 700 and 800 level course requirements and comprehensive exams, the student then enters the second phase of the dissertation process under the direct supervision of a dissertation committee.
Once students enter the dissertation phase two of their degree (900 level), they must maintain continuous enrollment (Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters) until they complete all degree requirements. If they do not, they will break enrollment, and they will be required to apply for readmission if/when they wish to resume the pursuit of their degree. They will have to complete their degree under the Degree Completion Plan (DCP) in effect at the time of their readmission.
Time Limits for Degree Completion
The time limit for completing the degree from the date of admission to the program is seven years for the Ed.D. Only in unusual circumstances may the student be granted an extension. Granting of an extension of time will usually result in additional requirements. Any student who does not complete coursework within the permissible time limit, for any reason including discontinued enrollment, must reapply for admission. A student may reapply only once and will be subject to the current standards and curriculum. The Ed.D. Graduate Committee in the CCFS will determine if any previous courses are sufficiently time-sensitive and must be repeated. Beginning with the date of readmission, the student’s time limit for degree completion is determined by the number of hours remaining.
- Academic Teaching and Leadership Role
- Faith-Based Organizational Leadership Role
- Ministry or Missions Leadership Role
This course is a study of the biblical and theological foundations of leadership as evidenced within Scripture. Learners examine theological themes and biblical assumptions that directly impact one's philosophy and practice of leadership. Students learn to think theologically about issues, and concepts drawn from the discipline of leadership.
Note: Enrollment in the School of Divinity EdD in Christian Leadership
Offered: Online
This course will examine an ecological model of spiritual formation that attends to the role of God's people, the body of Christ in fostering individual and corporate growth. The course will also include an analysis of the function of Christian Social networks in promoting evangelism to non-Christians and facilitating edification in the Church.
Note: Enrollment in the School of Divinity EdD in Christian Leadership
Offered: Online
Online Prerequisite: CLED 700
This course builds on the CLED700 and is a study of the biblical and theological foundations of leadership as evidenced within Scripture. Learners examine theological themes and biblical assumptions that directly impact one's philosophy and practice of leadership. Students learn to think theologically about issues, and concepts drawn from the discipline of leadership. A framework for biblically-based integrative thinking is developed and practiced with regards to relationship between education, leadership, and theology.
Note: Enrollment in the School of Divinity EdD in Christian Leadership, CLED 700
Offered: Online
Online Prerequisite: CLED 700
As the first of six sequenced research courses, this course provides an overview of the dissertation research and writing process. Students develop the foundational knowledge, skills, and disposition necessary for critical inquiry, research design, dissertation preparation, data analysis, data interpretation, and the evaluation of research results. The course focuses on the critical evaluation of research quality. Students learn to deconstruct dissertations as a way to understand the process.
Note: Enrollment in the School of Divinity EdD in Christian Leadership
Offered: Online
Online Prerequisite: CLED 700
This course assists leaders in defining "a vision for a preferred future" that is culturally and contextually appropriate. The course involves an analysis of the leader's role as a communicator within and outside the organizational structure. It includes a focus on the role of public and private communication channels in moving the vision and mission of the organization forward. The course looks at communication success and failure in the context of culture, crisis and change. Skill sets are developed for leading people within the culture and ministry leadership context.
Note: Enrollment in the School of Divinity EdD in Christian Leadership
Offered: Online
Online Prerequisite: CLED 700
In this course students will research and present contemporary issues and trends relevant to the fields of leadership and education. Current literature and research is presented and discussed. Each topic is then examined biblically and theologically. Topics are determined in consultation with course professors as the student beings to develop a line of research that eventually leads to the development of the dissertation topic and research questions.
Note: Enrollment in the School of Divinity EdD in Christian Leadership
Offered: Online
Online Prerequisite: CLED 730
As the second of six sequenced research courses, this course acquaints the students with quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods methodologies and the role of statistical analysis in the evaluation of research results. Students are introduced to the resources and tools available to the doctoral level researcher. Additionally, this course addresses the steps needed to successfully defend the dissertation. Lastly, students will choose their research topic for their doctoral research.
Offered: Online
Online Prerequisite: CLED 700
This course provides an analysis of dynamics surrounding the innovation and strategic change process. While innovation and change are essential to the progress of any organization, they often produce conflict solutions. This course looks at how innovation brings valuable disruption to an organization. Students learn how to lead change effectively while leveraging the benefits of the disruption and conflict that innovative change created. Leaders learn to capture and capitalize on the opportunities of new technologies, creative methods, and strategic initiatives to move their church or organization forward. Additionally, this course explores the role of entrepreneurial leadership in the development of strategic initiatives within a faith-based organization and strategic partnerships outside of faith-based organization.
Note: Enrollment in the School of Divinity EdD in Christian Leadership
Offered: Online
This course examines he implications of the doctrine of the image of God in all persons as the central concept for the development of a philosophy, theory, and practice of leadership and education. Building upon this study of the imago dei (Image of God), this course further consider factors that define and distinguish a Christian view of leadership and educational practice that are consistent with a belief that all persons are created in the image of God.
Note: Enrollment in the School of Divinity EdD in Christian Leadership
Offered: Online
This is the third course in a series of six research methods seminars. This course is designed to develop research proficiency necessary for the creation of the first chapter of the research prospectus. Students will gain a further understanding of the research process including the identification of a research problem and initial steps in the development of a literature review. Students will submit a working draft of chapter 1 "Introduction to the Research Problem".
Note: Enrollment in the School of Divinity EdD in Christian Leadership
Offered: Online
This course builds on the CLED800. Building upon this study of the imago dei (Image of God), this course further studies the essential character qualities of effective biblical servant leader-teachers, and the principles of ethical influence, communication, instruction, problem-solving, and decision-making. Ethical dilemmas will be considered in case study format to aid students in applying ethics to leadership and education decisions.
Note: Enrollment in the School of Divinity EdD in Christian Leadership
Offered: Online
Resident Prerequisite: CLED 800
This course provides a critical examination of historic and contemporary leadership theories, principles and practices. This course also includes an analysis of each theory's worldview assumptions, scientific worthiness and potential contribution to the leadership and management of faith-based organizations. Authentic, transformational, and servant leadership theories are in light of biblical examples, principles, and theological understandings of leadership.
Note: Enrollment in the School of Divinity EdD in Christian Leadership
Offered: Resident and Online
This course is the fourth in a series of six methods seminars. This course is designed to develop research proficiency necessary for the creation of the second chapter of the research prospectus. Students will development of a literature review and being design of research study. In this seminar, students continue work on the prospectus and submit a working draft of chapter 2 "Literature Review".
Note: Enrollment in the School of Divinity EdD in Christian Leadership
Offered: Resident and Online
This course provides a review of theoretical understandings of organizations and their development. Students gain skills in the analysis of organizational culture, the formation of an organization culture, and the role of staff training in the transmission of an organizational culture. The unique factors shaping faith-based organizations are considered.
Note: Enrollment in the School of Divinity EdD in Christian Leadership
Offered: Online
This course is a study of group theory and team processes and their application to faith-based organizational leadership. Team dynamics, team development and the role of the team leader are examined.
Offered: Online
This course integrates a study of teaching and learning theory in relationship to leading the faith-based organization. This course develops an understanding of the role of teaching and learning in the processes of both leader and follower development. Major theories of learning are considered, critically and theologically evaluated, and applied.
Offered: Online
Online Prerequisite: CLED 700 and CLED 720 and CLED 730 and CLED 770 and CLED 800 and CLED 805 and CLED 815 and CLED 820 and CLED 830 and CLED 835 and CLED 845 and CLED 855
This course is designed to develop research proficiency necessary for the creation of the third chapter of the research prospectus. The course will include content on population and sampling procedures, instrument design and validation, data collection and analysis, and data reporting, as these concepts apply to quantitative and qualitative research. As part of this course, students will complete the comprehensive exam requirement of the program, details of which are found in the program handbook.
Registration Restrictions: Manual Registration with Director Approval
Offered: Online
Online Prerequisite: CLED 900
This course is the final course in a six course sequence on research methodology. Students continue in a guided mentorshiup begun in CLED 900 as the student continues to prepare for the submission of dissertation prospectus under the supervision fo the faculty member. During the course, students will develop and submit the full prospectus (comprised of chapter 1-3) for approval. Upon successful supervisor and IRB approval of the prospectus, students will then enter the field research phase of the dissertation process.
Registration Restrictions: Manual Registration with Director Approval
Offered: Online
Online Prerequisite: CLED 700 and CLED 720 and CLED 730 and CLED 770 and CLED 800 and CLED 805 and CLED 815 and CLED 820 and CLED 830 and CLED 835 and CLED 845 and CLED 855
This course is designed to develop research proficiency necessary for the creation of the third chapter of the research prospectus. The course will include content on population and sampling procedures, instrument design and validation, data collection and analysis, and data reporting, as these concepts apply to quantitative and qualitative research. As part of this course, students will complete the comprehensive exam requirement of the program, details of which are found in the program handbook. (Formerly CLED 900)
Registration Restrictions: Manual Registration with Director Approval
Offered: Online
This course is the final course in a six course sequence on research methodology. Students continues in a guided mentorship begun in CLED 900 as the student continues to prepare for the submission of dissertation prospectus under the supervision of the faculty member. During the course, students will develop and submit the full prospectus (comprised of chapters 1-3) for approval. Upon successful supervisor and IRB approval of the prospectus, students will then enter the field research phase of the dissertation process. (Formerly CLED 905)
Registration Restrictions: Manual Registration with Director Approval
Offered: Online
This course exists so that the student can conduct approved dissertation research, analyze research findings, and compile conclusions based on the research.
Registration Restrictions: Manual Registration with Director Approval
Offered: Online
Online Prerequisite: CLED 989
This course exists for students to defend the methodology of the research design, the gathering of the research data, the analysis of the research findings, and the conclusions derived from the research.
Registration Restrictions: Manual Registration with Director Approval
Offered: Online
CLED 695/995 - Directed Research (1 to 6 hours)