10 Most Affordable Online PhDs in Christian Leadership 2025

There are plenty of positions in Christian organizations, such as churches, schools, and associations, that require strong leadership skills. Many aspiring leaders pursue higher education to learn these skills, primarily Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Leadership (PhD in Christian leadership) programs.

Learn about some of the best and most affordable PhD in Christian leadership online programs available nationwide.

What Is a PhD in Christian Leadership?

A PhD in Christian leadership is a degree program that focuses on leadership development and skills through a Christian lens. These programs are designed specifically for people pursuing leadership roles within schools, Christian churches, and other religious organizations. These degrees help prepare Christian leaders by teaching organizational leadership theory, spiritual formation, and organizational theory aligned with Biblical principles.

Some schools have slightly differing names for these degrees, depending on the college you attend. Your degree might be titled as a PhD in leadership in Christian ministry, Christian leadership and management, or even simply organizational leadership.

Can I Earn a Christian Leadership PhD Online?

There are many online Christian doctoral programs that focus on leadership, but most aren't fully online. In most cases, degrees are closer to a hybrid format, with coursework and classes being delivered fully online and limited on-campus learning experiences required. These face-to-face experiences allow students to gain practical experience with their newly developed skills.

How Much Does a Doctorate in Christian Leadership Program Cost?

The average cost of Christian doctorate degrees in leadership is about $35,000. However, the total cost of your degree can differ greatly from school to school. Some factors that will affect your total tuition cost include the total number of required credits, enrollment status (full-time vs. part-time), and how much financial aid you qualify for.

Cheapest Online PhD in Christian Leadership Programs

Some of the most affordable Christian PhD programs online are among the best. Learn more about these programs to help find the best Christian PhD programs for your educational goals and financial needs.

1. Liberty University

Liberty University has an online PhD in Christian leadership. This degree is offered in eight-week courses, and students can transfer up to 50% of the total credits. Liberty offers eight different specializations, including digital discipleship, faith-based consulting, and next-generation ministry.

• Estimated tuition cost: $259 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Liberty students can use Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)-based aid and apply for school-offered scholarships.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Cornerstone Christian University

Students at Cornerstone Christian University (CCU) can complete a fully online PhD in Christian leadership and management. This 64-credit degree has monthly start dates, allowing students to start their education whenever is best for them. Coursework covers topics such as biblical studies, Christian education leadership, and strategic leadership.

• Estimated tuition cost: $275 per credit hour
• Financial aid: CCU offers scholarships and accepts FAFSA-based aid.
• Accreditation: Florida Department of Education's Commission for Independent Education

3. Nelson University

Nelson University, formerly known as Southwestern Assemblies of God University until 2024, has a DMin in Leadership. The program is delivered online with three on-campus, mid-semester residences at the Waxahachie, TX. Students can choose from different educational tracks to tailor their education.

• Estimated tuition cost: $415 per credit hour
• Financial aid: In addition to FAFSA-based aid, Nelson Doctoral students can apply for special grants and scholarships.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. Bethel University

The online Doctor of Ministry (DMin) at Bethel University has four concentration options, including church leadership and transformational leadership. Both programs are delivered online, but the church leadership program includes two different one-week intensives during the two years of coursework.

Students in either program will complete 36 credit hours of coursework over two years and a one-year dissertation period.

• Estimated tuition cost: $520 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Bethel offers merit- and need-based scholarships and accepts FAFSA-based aid packages.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

5. Luther Rice College and Seminary

Luther Rice College and Seminary (LRCS) offers a PhD in organizational leadership. This degree approaches leadership through a Christian approach, combining theology with leadership. This leadership degree can lead to potential careers in government, educational institutions, and ministry leadership. Students can complete all 48 required credit hours online or on campus and may transfer up to nine credits to LRCS.

• Estimated tuition cost: $640 per credit hour
• Financial aid: LRCS students can qualify for federal financial aid, Georgia state-based aid, and need-based tuition assistance programs.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Anderson University

Anderson University offers a PhD in Leadership: Christian Ministry in a fully online format. This degree program allows Master of Ministry or Master of Divinity degree holders to expand their education. This program includes 48 required credit hours, and students complete it in an average of two to four years.

• Estimated tuition cost: $705 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students at Anderson University can submit their FAFSA documents and apply for federal aid. The school also has military discounts and works with third-party scholarship providers.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. Southeastern University

Southeastern University students can earn a PhD in organizational leadership with a concentration in ministry leadership. This degree prepares students to work in both church and parachurch ministries. This program has a heavy emphasis on research and organizational change within faith-based organizations.

Students can complete this 60-credit program either fully online or in a hybrid format at the Lakeland, FL campus.

• Estimated tuition cost: $875 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Students can use FAFSA-based aid packages. The school also has merit-, need-, and faith-based scholarships.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary

The Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary (SBTS) has a PhD in Christian leadership available in a modified residency program through a combination of online lectures, asynchronous coursework, and on-campus experiences at the Wake Forest, NC campus. This program has 60 total credit hours, with 18 hours devoted to dissertation work.

• Estimated tuition cost: $680 per credit hour
• Financial aid: SBTS has institutional scholarships and educational funds available to learners. Students can also use federal aid and external scholarships.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

9. Lancaster Bible College

The PhD in leadership from Lancaster Bible College (LBC) is delivered online with two yearly on-campus residencies at the Lancaster and Philadelphia, PA campuses or in Washington, D.C. This degree includes 60 total credits spread out over four years, and students can transfer up to 50% of their required credits.

• Estimated tuition cost: $695
• Financial aid: LBC students can use FAFSA-allocated aid and apply for LBC scholarships.
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

10. Eastern University

Eastern University has a PhD in Organizational Leadership offered online with residencies at the school's St. Davids, PA campus. This degree isn't strictly for ministry leaders; however, there is a strong emphasis on blending faith-based principles, combining leadership with discipleship. Most students complete this 60-credit degree in around five years, with three years for coursework and two years for their dissertation.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,115 per credit hour
• Financial aid: Eastern has diverse scholarship opportunities, including graduate assistantships, merit- and need-based scholarships, and federal aid.
• Accreditation: MSCHE

How We Rank Schools

We used three criteria when evaluating the Christian PhD programs for this list. These criteria look at accreditation, costs, and overall reputation.

• Accreditation: Every degree program on this list either has state or regional accreditation. This ensures that your degree will be respected by employers and meets Department of Education standards.
• Affordability: Every program on this list was chosen due to low initial tuition rates and diverse financial aid packages to reduce these costs even further.
• Program reputation: In addition to accreditation, these schools were selected for their reputations with third-party publications, such as U.S. News & World Report or Forbes.

What To Expect From an Online Christian Leadership PhD

Students should expect a few common features of online Christian leadership programs, no matter what school they attend. Curriculum focuses on leadership skills such as communication, organizational change, and more.

These lessons are all taught with a Christian perspective that highlights the role of evangelism in leadership. Even though coursework is delivered online, some programs require on-campus residencies for a week or two each academic year.

FAQs About the Cheapest Online PhDs in Christian Leadership

Many aspiring church leaders have questions about online PhDs in Christian leadership. These questions include the value of these degrees, if they are respected, and how they differ from Doctor of Theology programs.

Is an Online PhD in Christian Leadership Worth It?

Online PhD in Christian leadership degrees can be worth it. These programs provide flexible and affordable pathways to advancement in leadership roles ranging from churches to Christian schools to nonprofits and more. These degrees can lead to higher earning potential and career advancement.

Are Online Christian Leadership PhDs Respected?

Online Christian leadership degrees are respected if they are accredited. Most schools don't differentiate between online and on-campus degrees, making online degrees as respected as on-campus degrees, as long as they come from accredited schools.

What Is the Difference Between a PhD and a ThD?

The main difference between a PhD and a Doctor of Theology (ThD) is their approaches to theology. A ThD primarily focuses on theology, including the study of religious organizations and the Bible. A PhD can incorporate religious and theological studies, but they generally have other focuses, such as leadership.

What Can I Do with a Christian Leadership Doctoral Degree?

Multiple career paths result from a PhD in Christian leadership. The most common ones include Christian education, leadership roles in Christian organizations (e.g., churches, nonprofits, etc.), work in academic and research roles, and some pastoral positions.

Discover Online Doctoral Programs

Read more about these programs and more with our articles and school profiles. Learn about admission requirements and how you can contact these schools for more information, and how to start your application process today.