PhD in Christian Leadership – Next Gen Ministries Prepare for the Future Generation
60
Credit Hours
100% online, 8-week courses
Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
Next Start Dates: January 19, 2026 | February 16, 2026 | March 23, 2026
The Christian youth of today have the potential to be the godly men and women of tomorrow, but only if they are set on the right path. Ensuring that the future is led by strong men and women of God involves intentional ministry and specialized training that you can study to develop with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Christian Leadership – Next Generation Ministry. With a ministry degree from Liberty, you can prepare to potentially engage Christian youth in innovative and exciting ways.
We know you are passionate about serving the next generation of Christian young people – and at Liberty, you can channel that passion into meaningful research on how to minister effectively to youth demographics. This online degree allows you to stay active in your community and career while continuing your education and preparing for future opportunities. If you are ready to take the next step in your ministry journey, Liberty’s Christian leadership degree offers a flexible, practical way to grow as a leader and expand your impact.
Your officially conferred degree name will be Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Christian Leadership – Next Generation Ministry.
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
We know that, as you search for Christian PhD programs and ministry leadership degrees, flexibility could be a major consideration. That is why our Christian leadership degree is offered 100% online with no set login times. With flexibility like this, you can study while continuing to remain dedicated to your family, career, and community – all from anywhere with internet connection.
Additionally, the faculty in our Christian leadership programs are dedicated to your personal success – both as a ministry leader and as a scholar in the field of Christian leadership. Our professors have years of experience in ministry and advanced degrees in related areas of study. They are excited to mentor you as you earn your Christian leadership degree.
While some Christian leadership university programs may not be accredited, Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) – so you can be confident that you are receiving an education that meets high standards.
In our PhD in Christian Leadership, you will take a variety of core courses covering topics such as organizational behavior, ethics, and group and team dynamics. By studying topics like these, you can prepare for new opportunities or positions of added responsibility in church and ministry-related organizations.
You will also have the opportunity to take courses in leadership models for next generation ministry, issues and trends in next gen ministry, and the biblical and theological foundations of leadership and education. Our curriculum is designed so that you can be prepared for a wide variety of situations. With the skills and knowledge you can attain through these classes, you can set yourself apart from the competition. By completing several research courses and a dissertation, you can study how to produce original research that pushes the boundaries of the Christian leadership field.
Degree Completion Plan
Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.
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.
If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:
An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to luoverify@liberty.edu.
Liberty University Online Admissions Verification
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Lynchburg, VA 24515
Submit your application online or over the phone.
Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.
Who May Qualify?
Available Benefits:
*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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*Some restrictions may occur for this promotion to apply. This promotion also excludes active faculty and staff, military, non-degree-seeking, DGIA, Continuing Education, WSB, and certificate students.