PhD in Christian Leadership – Digital Discipleship Lead in the Digital Age

60

Credit Hours

View Courses

100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

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. 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.


Niche Best Colleges

Ranked in the Top 10% of Niche.com’s Best Online Schools in America

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

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 will have the opportunity to build relationships with professors and other students throughout your degree.
  • This online degree in discipleship can help you learn 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 complete this crucial part of your education efficiently and effectively.

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 learned in the Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Leadership program to help contribute to the general body of knowledge in digital discipleship.

Degree Completion Plan


Top 1% For Online Programs

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.


Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

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) $2,750
Doctoral Divinity Part Time (0-6.99 or over 15 credit hours) $395/Credit
Military Doctoral Divinity Block Rate (7-15 credit hours) $2,700
Military Doctoral Divinity Part Time (0-6.99 or over 15 credit hours)* $395/Credit

*Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour (learn more).

Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.


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 – $2,700 per semester*
  • Additional discount for veterans who service in a civilian capacity as a First Responder
  • 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 $395/credit hour.

Eligible current and former service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour (learn more), but the $300/credit hour doctoral military rate cannot be combined with the First Responder Discount.

Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.