Ph.D. in Leadership Studies
Lead with Distinction.
The PhD in Leadership Studies is designed with academic rigor for working professionals to become scholar-practitioners who are able to take their study and research and apply them into their vocational context. Since 2005, the PhD in Leadership Studies has produced Christ-centered servant leaders for a variety of fields, including hospitals, educational institutions, government agencies, global businesses, local schools, and the list could do on and on.
Through a commitment to servant leadership, the PhD in Leadership Studies seeks to challenge and develop you for the leadership role you have today—and in the future.
Our in-person, intensive classroom format connects you with a cohort of fellow students, providing a support network to see you through your coursework, comprehensive exams, and dissertation process. In addition, Cook School of Leadership faculty are present to serve as guides and mentors along the way, in addition to the vast array of PhD in Leadership Studies graduates who can counsel and encourage you.
Are you seeking that next step in your leadership calling? Perhaps the PhD in Leadership Studies is a part of your pathway to become what God is leading you to be.
“The Ph.D. in Leadership challenges students as scholars all the while cultivating their strengths as leaders and galvanizing their pursuit of God's calling.”
Mary Nelson, Ph.D.
Director
(214) 333-5396
maryn@dbu.edu
Next Application Deadline: March 16, 2026
Upcoming Events
NEXUS Ministry Conference with Dr. Barry Jones | February 2, 2026
Christian Leadership Summit with Peter Greer, Drayton McLane, and Matt Perman | March 26-27, 2026
Dallas Institute (for enrolled students) | June 5-13, 2026
Oxford Institute (for enrolled students) | June 23-July 4, 2026
D.C. Institute (for enrolled students) | July 8-17, 2026
Program Requirements
The Ph.D. in Leadership Studies is a minimum 60-hour research doctorate program designed to develop and enhance the competencies that are essential to servant leadership in the twenty-first century. The degree consists of:
- 30-hour core of leadership courses
- 12-hour concentration in one of four areas (business, higher education, ministry, or general leadership)
- 12 hours of research and statistics
- 6-hour dissertation
During the coursework phase, the format of the degree program requires students to attend one weekend a month for three months each fall and spring semester and 7-10 days in the summer.
Concentration Areas
The program includes a 12-hour concentration in business, higher education, ministry, or general leadership.
Summer Institutes
In addition to semester courses, the program includes three Summer Institutes comprised of 7-10 day intensive sessions. The first Summer Institute is held in Dallas, Texas and focuses upon personal growth, professional development, and leadership courses. The second Summer Institute includes a trip to Washington, D.C., with a special emphasis on political leadership. The third Summer Institute is based in Oxford, England, with a concentration on global and cultural leadership issues.
How Our Graduates Impact Their World
Graduates of the Ph.D. in Leadership Studies are highly equipped to serve in executive leadership positions within business, education, industry, ministry, civic, or governmental contexts. They are well-prepared scholars with the required biblical, classical, historical, philosophical, and cultural/global foundation to effectively address contemporary leadership issues.
“The Ph.D. in Leadership challenges students as scholars all the while cultivating their strengths as leaders and galvanizing their pursuit of God's calling.”
— Dr. Mary Nelson, Ph.D. Director