Doctor of Christian Leadership (DCL)

The Doctor of Christian Leadership (DCL) is a terminal practical degree. It is designed to further the development of leaders already serving in organizations such as higher education institutions, mission agencies, congregations, para-church agencies, and relief and development agencies. It is also intended for leaders of Christian education, children’s workers, ministers of youth, parachurch youth leaders, ministers of adults, directors of family life education, administrators or teachers in Christian higher education, Christian school teachers and administrators, or women’s ministry leaders. The Doctor of Christian Leadership (DCL) program enables students to develop insight into the theory and practice of leadership and exemplifies the University’s mission in educating leaders of conscience. Interdisciplinary in nature, research and study in the program blends together the arts, humanities and social sciences in a liberalizing course of study that builds on the varied backgrounds and careers of admitted students.

Learning Outcomes

The Doctor of Christian Leadership (DCL) degree program will allow students to:

  • Contribute to a deeper understanding of the leadership processes in an increasingly complex world through applied research, teaching, and scholarship
  • Improve their performance and the quality of their leadership decisions through reflective practice and lifelong learning
  • Help organizations solve critical problems and foster an environment of performance excellence
  • Make a difference in the life of their organizations, professions, and the larger world-wide community through service to social and professional organizations by conducting themselves in accordance with the highest ethical standards
  • Critically and reflectively appropriate and apply theory to practice, particularly within a specific leadership context
  • Use conflict resolution and negotiation skills to promote a productive environment
  • Facilitate the exchange of ideas, goods, and services in an ethical manner to satisfy the needs of diverse stakeholders
  • Improve their performance and the quality of their organizational decision through reflective practice and lifelong learning.

Admission Requirements

  • Education. Applicants must possess evidence of an earned bachelor and master degree in any discipline will be admitted directly to the Doctor of Christian Leadership (DCL) program. All degrees must be earned at institutions approved by the BPPE, public or private institutions of higher learning accredited by an accrediting association recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or any institution of higher learning, including foreign institutions.
  • Professional Experience. Applicants should possess a minimum of 5 years of professional work.

Graduation Requirements

  1. Student must complete 72 semester units of prescribed curriculum.
  2. Satisfactory completion of all required course work with a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
  3. Students must apply for graduation and meet all academic and financial requirements.

Doctor of Christian Leadership (DCL) Curriculum: 72 units

DCL 800 – Christian Leadership: Advanced System and Research
DCL 810 – Organizational Christian Analysis: Culture and Change Strategies
DCL 820 – Moral and Ethical Foundations for Christian Decision Making
DCL 830 – Strategic Christian Leadership
DCL 840 – Christian Leadership and Spirituality
DCL 850 – Christian Organizational Behavior & Leadership
DCL 860 – Human Resource and Christian Management
DCL 870 – Advanced Coaching for Lay Leaders
DCL 880 – Developing Christian Leadership for Strategic Execution
DCL 890 – Christian Leadership and Communication
DCL 891 – Developing A Leader’s Self Understanding
DCL 892 – Developing Christian Ethical Foundation and Personal Development for Lay Leaders
DCL 893 – Transforming Christian Leadership Development
DCL 894 – Raising and Multiplying godly Leaders
RSC 900 – Doctoral Research Methods
RSC 901 – Literature Review I
RSC 902 – Literature Review II
RSC 903 – Literature Review III
RSC 904 – Doctoral Project/Dissertation Proposal
RSC 905 – Doctoral Project