Doctoral Degree Programs at Dallas Baptist University
You have a unique calling to lead.
DBU's doctoral programs provide a community of Christian scholars and life-long mentors to help you become a servant leader in your sphere of influence.
Rewarding Benefits of Doctoral Studies at Dallas Baptist University
Pursuing a doctorate in Texas is incredibly rewarding — especially when you have a unique calling to continue your education, gain competitive advantage, and advance your career while serving the Lord.
Dallas Baptist University offers compelling Christian doctoral programs where you can achieve your goals alongside a vibrant community of like-minded peers, mentors, and professors who are equally passionate about learning and leading change in the world. Our programs leading to a doctorate offer a community of Christian scholars and life-long mentors to help you become a servant leader in your sphere of influence.
With our premier, Christ-centered academic environment and culture, we implicitly understand your calling and commitment — and our doctoral programs can help you fulfill your academic goals.
Christian Doctoral Programs in Texas
Discover two enriching doctoral degrees at our Christian university in Dallas, Texas, with each program led by world-class professors and faculty dedicated to student learning and development. Earn a doctorate in education with our Ed.D. in Educational Leadership — or get your Ed.D. in Leadership Studies with a K-12 Concentration. You can also pursue your Ph.D. in Leadership Studies at DBU.
Ed.D. in Educational Leadership
This doctorate in education is an accelerated degree program offering a challenging and cohort-driven model that explores educational leadership in various contexts. You can complete the Ed.D in Educational Leadership within 34 months.
Ed.D. in Leadership Studies, K-12 Concentration
Designed with the classroom in mind, this doctorate in education focuses on leadership development and prepares educators for the next step in their careers — both in schools and school districts.
Ph.D. in Leadership Studies
For those seeking a Ph.D. in leadership from a humanities and philosophy perspective, this unique doctorate in leadership blends both theoretical and practical elements in a cohort model.
Not quite sure which doctoral program would be the best fit? View our Doctoral Comparison Chart to decide or request more information.
Meet the DBU Family
Dr. Aaron Glover, Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, Head of School and Upper Campus Principal of King's Academy Christian School
"I am immensely grateful that God guided me to this transformative institution. The coursework and instruction I received at DBU equipped me to overcome numerous challenges in ministry, education, and leadership."
Dr. Jeremy L. Earnhart, Ed.D. in Leadership Studies, K-12 Concentration, President & CEO of Music for All
"DBU offers a rigorous cohort program designed to engage the family-minded, successful professional. The schedule allows you to compartmentalize life and responsibilities with intense focus at specific times. Having completed 201 hours in the state school environment, this experience has been unique in terms of access to staff in a supportive environment where 'everybody knows your name.'"
Learn About the Ed.D. in Leadership Studies, K-12 Concentration
Dr. Doug Lawson, Ph.D. in Leadership Studies, CEO of St. Luke's Health
"The thing that drew me to DBU was the opportunity to pursue a degree that was Christ-centered and had the discipline and rigor associated with the formal Ph.D. program."
Campus Virtual Tour
Whether you take doctoral degree classes on campus or online, we strive to create a welcoming environment on one of the most beautiful and picturesque campuses in Texas. Take a virtual tour below or schedule an appointment to visit the campus.
FAQs About Pursuing a Doctoral Degree at DBU
A Ph.D. stands for Doctor of Philosophy and is one of the most common doctorate programs. It encompasses many fields, including the sciences, business, engineering, and arts and humanities.
A doctoral degree is an overarching term for the most advanced educational degrees. As such, a Ph.D. is considered a type of doctoral degree. Other doctoral programs include Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.), Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Doctor of Theology (Th.D.), as well as Applied Doctorates such as Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Doctor of Optometry (O.D.), Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), and Juris Doctor (J.D.).
A doctoral degree is an overarching term for the most advanced educational degrees. As such, an Ed.D. is a type of doctoral degree.
Ed.D. stands for Doctor of Education and is one of the most common doctorate programs for professionals working in education whether that be in K-12 education, higher education, or corporate training and development.
Other doctoral programs include Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.), Doctor of Theology (Th.D.), as well as Applied Doctorates such as Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Doctor of Optometry (O.D.), Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), and Juris Doctor (J.D.).
A doctoral degree gives you an incredible competitive advantage and prepares you for the highest leadership or management level in your respective industry. As such, earning a doctorate opens many advanced career paths to consider.
For example, those with a doctorate in education might consider being a college professor, principal, superintendent, or even an education researcher.
Pursuing a Ph.D. is excellent for students who want to focus on research and varying their background in a meaningful way. Meanwhile, a Texas Ed.D. program is a good choice for students who want to be leaders in their fields, such as a superintendent or a school principal.
Ultimately, the benefits of a doctoral degree are significant to your calling and commitment to lead — offering a competitive advantage that opens additional career opportunities while affording valuable transferable skills and connecting you to a community of like-minded leaders.
The short answer is, "It depends"! DBU's Ph.D. in Leadership Studies is designed to be completed in 5 years or less, though some students will take longer. Others have a shorter timeline and take closer to three years. For example, the Ed.D in Educational Leadership program at DBU is an accelerated degree program that students can complete within 34 months.
Doctoral degree programs require both a time and a financial commitment, but they provide a remarkable return on investment by enriching your leadership and your life while equipping you with a significant competitive advantage in your field. DBU's doctoral tuition can be found using the Cost of Attendance webpage. Beginning in Fall 2024, DBU will offer the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership at a reduced price for exclusively online students.
"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." – Colossians 3:17 NIV
