Online doctoral programs allow adult learners the opportunity to continue their education in a non-traditional way. In this article we take a look at five schools in particular with online doctoral opportunities and compare course offerings and school statistics.
Top Christian Online Doctoral Programs Comparison
The five schools selected below are based on the following criteria: quality of their faith-based education, accreditation, and quality of the degree program, such as a variety of degree options and 24/7 access to curriculum. Students can determine which school best fits their budget and interests.
| School Name | Institution Type | Denomination | Location | Graduate Tuition and Fees (2019-2020)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty University | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | Evangelical Christian | Lynchburg, VA | $8,400 |
| Regent University | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | Not affiliated | Virginia Beach, VA | $16,952 |
| Saint Leo University | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | Roman Catholic | Saint Leo, FL | $7,296 |
| Indiana Wesleyan University | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | Wesleyan | Marion, IN | $11,977 |
| Eastern University | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | American Baptist | Saint Davids, PA | $13,264 |
Sources: *National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Overview of Online Doctoral Programs
Each school highlighted holds accreditation from recognized organizations and has individual offerings related to faith and academics. For example, Saint Leo University offers online student organizations, while Indiana Wesleyan University assigns academic advisors to each student.
Liberty University
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The university offers doctoral programs in areas like criminal justice, community care and counseling, Christian leadership, and nursing. Online courses last eight-weeks and students are allowed to log in at any time. Liberty's mission of training champions for Christ extends into their online programs.
Regent University
Regent University is also accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. The university was established by Dr. Pat Robertson with the goal of providing graduate education to students who would represent Christ in the workplace. Regent students can access their account from anywhere via a platform called Blackboard, which is compatible with mobile devices. Online class sizes are typically 18 students and may include live lectures and chat, as well as student discussion forums. Areas of study include communication, education, ministry, and human services counseling.
Saint Leo University
Saint Leo University awards doctoral degrees in business administration, criminal justice education, homeland security, and school leadership. Saint Leo helps online students feel included in the college by offering a virtual open house for new students, Student Life social media information, and online student organizations, such as an accounting club and a student communication club. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Saint Leo is Roman Catholic but welcomes students of all denominations. The university seeks to inspire students to create a more inclusive, socially fair society.
Indiana Wesleyan University
At Indiana Wesleyan University, students will experience an education that is Christ-centric and encourages scholarship and leadership. The university has accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. All online students will have an academic advisor to guide them through their education. Students can also access the off-campus library services that include online journals, databases, and books. Indiana Wesleyan has online doctorate degrees in organizational leadership, nursing practice, and ministry. Some residency components may require in-class work.
Eastern University
Eastern University is currently accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The university offers a number of online programs, including doctorates in organizational leadership, marriage and family therapy, and ministry of contextual leadership. Eastern utilizes a learning management system that offers online students courses with case studies, video segments, and group breakout areas. The university's core values include areas like combining faith and justice in curriculum, academic quality, and using educational, economic, spiritual, and physical development to lead a faith-centered life.
