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
Minister to the Next Generation with a PhD in Christian Leadership – Next Gen Ministries from Liberty University
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 that you are passionate about serving the next generation of Christian young people – and at Liberty, you can direct that passion into useful research about ministering to youth demographics. If you are ready to take the next step in your ministry career, then our Christian leadership degree may be for you.
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.






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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 Christian Leadership PhD Program?
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.
What Will You Study in Our PhD in Christian Leadership – Next Gen Ministries Degree?
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.
Potential Career Opportunities
- Christian author
- Christian ministry professional
- Director of engagement
- Director of youth ministry
- Parachurch professional
- Pastor
Featured Courses
Degree Information
- This program falls under the John W. Rawlings School of Divinity.
- View the Graduate Divinity Course Guides (login required).
- Contribute to the body of knowledge in your field through this program’s integrated dissertation process.
Degree Completion Plan

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Tuition & Aid
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 (1-6.99 or over 15 credit hours) | $395/Credit |
Military Doctoral Divinity Block Rate (7-15 credit hours) | $2,700 |
Military Doctoral Divinity Part Time (1-6.99 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.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Admission Requirements for Our PhD in Christian Leadership – Next Generation Ministry Program
Admission Requirements
- Apply online or over the phone with an admissions counselor by calling (800) 424-9596.
- A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required).
- Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing. Previous education should show at least 15 hours of graduate-level Bible, Theology, or Leadership courses.
- Submit the School of Divinity Questionnaire (login required).
- Writing Sample – Submit 10 pages from prior academic coursework.
- Departmental approval is required.
- Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy.
Preliminary Acceptance
If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:
- Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
- Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
- Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
- Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.
Transcript Policies
Official College Transcript Policy
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.
Admissions Office Contact Information
Liberty University Online Admissions Verification
1971 University Blvd.
Lynchburg, VA 24515

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 serve 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.
Inner Navigation
- Overview
- What Sets Us Apart?
- Why Choose Liberty?
- What Will You Study?
- Tuition & Aid
- Admission Information
- Military
Have questions?