The Doctor of Christian Leadership program at California Grace University is a terminal degree program designed to equip students for advanced leadership roles in Christian organizations. The program emphasizes advanced leadership abilities, biblical understanding, and hands-on ministry experience.
The program covers advanced themes in Christian theology, leadership theory and practice, ethics, and organizational management. Students will also research a specific aspect of Christian leadership.
Graduates of a Doctor of Christian Leadership program are prepared to work as executive directors, pastors, ministry leaders, or denominational leaders in Christian organizations. They will be equipped with the advanced skills and knowledge required to effectively lead, traverse complex ethical dilemmas, and make strategic decisions that benefit their communities and organizations.
CGU’s DCL program prepares students to become transformative leaders in their communities and substantially impact the world by deepening their understanding of Christian theology and leadership, developing advanced leadership skills, and gaining practical ministry experience.
Each of the following courses for the DCL program are 3-units with the exception to the research project which is 6-units.
- Biblical Studies and Theology: This course will provide advanced study in Christian theology and biblical understanding, including the interpretation of the Bible and advanced theological concepts.
- Christian Ethics: This course will explore ethical issues related to Christian leadership, including moral philosophy and advanced ethical debates.
- Leadership Theory and Practice: This course will provide advanced theory studies, including communication, strategic decision-making, and effective team management.
- Organizational Behavior and Management: This course will explore advanced principles of organizational behavior and management in a Christian context.
- Strategic Planning and Implementation: This course will provide advanced study in strategic planning and implementation in Christian organizations.
- Financial Management in Christian Organizations: This course will explore financial management in Christian organizations, including budgeting, financial statements, and fundraising.
- Interpersonal Relationships and Conflict Resolution: This course will explore advanced strategies for building positive interpersonal relationships and resolving conflicts in Christian organizations.
- Cultural Diversity and Inclusion: This course will explore advanced issues related to diversity, inclusion, and equity in Christian organizations, including strategies for creating a welcoming and inclusive environment.
- Leading Change: This course will provide advanced study in leading change in Christian organizations, including change management and innovation challenges.
- Advanced Homiletics: This course will provide advanced study and practical skills in homiletics, including preparing and delivering advanced sermons.
- Advanced Pastoral Theology: This course will explore progressive theological perspectives related to pastoral care, including issues related to grief, trauma, and counseling.
- Missions and Evangelism: This course will explore advanced strategies for global missions and evangelism in diverse cultures and communities.
- Leadership Research Methods: This course will provide advanced study in research methods related to Christian leadership, including qualitative and quantitative research methods and data analysis.
- Leadership Writing and Publishing: This course will provide advanced study in writing and publishing leadership research and scholarship.
- Leading Non-Profit Organizations: This course will explore advanced principles of leading non-profit organizations in a Christian context.
- Organizational Leadership Practicum: This course will provide practical experience in organizational leadership, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings.
- Research Project: This final assessment will require students to conduct original research in an area of interest within Christian leadership and make a significant contribution to the field of Christian leadership.
Tuition for the DCL is $250 per credit unit; $13,500 USD for the entire program or $4,500 USD per year.