PhD in Christian Leadership – Digital Discipleship Lead in the Digital Age
Expand and Strengthen the Reach of Your Ministry with Liberty’s Doctorate in Christian Leadership and Digital Discipleship
These days, the physical and digital realms have become blurred as more people, young and old, increasingly rely on digital media for connection. Learning how to communicate with your congregation both inside and outside the church building has its challenges. Conferring Liberty’s Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Christian Leadership – Digital Discipleship can help you develop strategies for reaching new communities while strengthening your relationship with your current flock.
As social media and digital platforms become increasingly ubiquitous, pastors and ministry leaders now have entirely new opportunities for virtual discipleship. Reaching new Christian communities can be facilitated using digital media. This is also a wonderful opportunity to minister to those who are unable to attend church in person. Our digital evangelism and discipleship degree can help you understand and use innovative technology to help fulfill the Great Commission.
Additionally, our doctorate in Christian leadership is designed to aid you in integrating a biblical worldview with leadership and education principles. This PhD in Christian Leadership can equip you to lead and manage church and ministry organizations – and your dissertation will allow you to take the principles you’ve learned and develop new materials to contribute to this growing field.
The PhD in Applied Apologetics, PhD in Bible Exposition, PhD in Christian Leadership, and PhD in Practical Theology are not approved by the Commission on Accrediting of The Association of Theological Schools but are approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Backed by a brick-and-mortar campus ranked as Niche.com’s #2 Best College Campus in America for 2026
What Sets Us Apart?
- Private Nonprofit University
- 600+ Online Degrees
- No Standardized Testing for Admission
- Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
- Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree
Why Choose Liberty’s PhD in Christian Leadership Online?
Liberty University’s mission of Training Champions for Christ extends into every area of your education. Here are some of the ways Liberty stands out and upholds this mission:
- This Christian doctoral program is offered 100% online. If you are actively engaged in ministry, family, or professional obligations, you don’t have to worry about relocation or attending on-campus classes.
- Our online program promotes a Christian leadership community. You can have the opportunity to build relationships with professors and other students throughout your degree.
- This online degree in discipleship can help you study new and innovative ways to create your own Christian community in your church or organization.
- The integrated dissertation allows you to complete parts of your dissertation throughout your degree. You can have the chance to complete this crucial part of your education efficiently and effectively.
What Will You Study in Our Digital Discipleship Doctorate?
Our PhD in Christian Leadership – Digital Discipleship degree program is designed to provide you with a biblical foundation for leadership and effective utilization of technology. Our experienced faculty can help lead you into the ever-changing landscape of digital media as you learn how to best employ the tools at your disposal.
The digital discipleship specialization is designed to build upon 4 digital domains:
- Digital Community – These days, the advancement of technology has enabled us to create a community that exists not only physically but online as well. In this program, you’ll explore best practices for online church ministry.
- Digital Formation – As more ministry settings move to an online sphere, we must learn how to use technology to develop a model of spiritual formation in the digital age.
- Digital Strategies – The ability to develop a sound plan will allow you to effectively use technology in your digital ministry efforts.
- Digital Theology – The historic distinction between digital and physical has lessened. This program can help you formulate a theology of networks so you can effectively minister to God’s people.
Your Christian leadership courses will culminate in doctoral-level research for practical application in diverse educational, organizational, and ministry contexts. Your PhD dissertation gives you the opportunity to synthesize the knowledge gained throughout the program. You can apply advanced research methods studied in the Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Leadership program to help contribute to the general body of knowledge in digital discipleship.
Potential Career Opportunities
Featured Courses
Degree Information
Degree Completion Plan
Not sure what to choose?
Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.
Tuition & Aid
At Liberty University, a private Christian education is less expensive than you think. Over the last 10 years, Liberty University’s Online Program has only raised its standard tuition costs by less than 5% – and most of our online tuition rates rank in the top 35% for affordability for 2025 when compared to our leading online competitors.
To continue our mission of providing affordable education, electronic textbooks are provided for many divinity courses* all for one convenient fee.
*Electronic textbooks are not provided for PACO courses or courses that fall under departments outside the School of Divinity.
| Doctoral Divinity Block Rate (7-15 credit hours) | $2,850 |
|---|---|
| Doctoral Divinity Part Time (1-6.99 or over 15 credit hours) | $410/Credit |
| Military Doctoral Divinity Block Rate (7-15 credit hours) | $2,800 |
| Military Doctoral Divinity Part Time (1-6.99 or over 15 credit hours)* | $375/Credit |
*Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $375/credit hour (learn more).
These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Admission Requirements for Our PhD in Christian Leadership – Digital Discipleship
Admission Requirements
Preliminary Acceptance
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Ready to Apply?
Submit your application online or over the phone.
Military
Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.
Who May Qualify?
- Active Duty
- Reserve/National Guard
- Veterans/Retirees
- Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
- Current Department of Defense Employees
Available Benefits:
- Discounted divinity block rate – $2,800 per semester*
- 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
*Credits taken below 7 and above 15 credit hours per semester are charged at the part-time rate of $375/credit hour.
Eligible current and former service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $375/credit hour (learn more), but the $375/credit hour doctoral military rate cannot be combined with the First Responder Discount.
These rates are reflective of academic year 2025-2026. Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
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- What Sets Us Apart?
- Why Choose Liberty?
- What Will You Study?
- Tuition & Aid
- Admission Information
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