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Doctor of Leadership

Program Overview

The Doctor of Leadership (DLD) degree is a professional doctorate in the practice and theory of global leadership. It is designed for educated, experienced Christian leaders who recognize their need to develop transmissible projects in unconventional ministry contexts.

The Doctor of Leadership program powered by Portland Seminary at George Fox University is distinctive from other leadership doctorates in that its primary focus is on the practice of leadership from a Christ-centered, globally-minded, and theologically-informed perspective.

Powered by Portland Seminary of George Fox University

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36

SEMESTER CREDIT HOURS

3

IN-PERSON ADVANCES

3 Years

PROGRAM LENGTH

ACCREDITATION

Learn more about JDS accreditation via our partnership schools HERE.

FORMAT

Hybrid (100% online courses)

(3) In-person Advances

  • Africa Advance
  • Spring Residency
  • Fall Symposium

TUITION

$23,328* (plus Advance fees)

  • Africa Advance: $5,000
  • Spring Residency: $3,000
  • Fall Symposium: $3,000

* All stated financial information is subject to change. Financial aid available.

Empowering Christian Leaders for an Uncertain World

In a world marked by disruption and uncertainty, we seek Christian leaders ready to shape a hopeful future. Explore biases, bridge cultures, engage in mentorship, and elevate your leadership alongside a supportive cohort. The Doctor of Leadership is a theologically informed, professional doctorate preparing leaders for diverse contexts.

What Can I Do with a Leadership Doctoral Degree?

 

  • Business Executives
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Leaders of Charities & Nonprofits
  • Church Pastors
  • Mission Pastors
  • International Senior Pastors
  • Leaders of NGOs
  • Educational Institutions
  • …and much more

WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

  • Christ-Centered Leadership Practice: Formulate a Christ-centered marketplace leadership philosophy and practice that is globally and theologically informed.
  • Lead with Vision & Integrity: Become innovative, visionary leaders who conduct themselves with integrity and respect in the spirit of excellence.
  • Applied Doctoral Project: Through a 3-year research sequence, a Faculty Advisor will help you address a challenge in your professional context.

PROGRAM DETAILS

ONLINE & FLEXIBLE

You will join a cohort that meets via Zoom and engage in course content with your peers. You will also regularly interact with a faculty advisor in small peer groups each semester.

COHORT-BASED

Each fall semester, students are organized into a cohort of 12-18 students that journey through the program together. The cohort provides a learning community for sharing research, insights and professional experiences.

ADVANCES IN AFRICA, RESIDENCY, AND SYMPOSIUM

You will participate in an online orientation to begin the program and (3) face-to-face Advances. These include a trip to Africa, the Spring Residency, and the Fall Symposium.

In a globally connected world encompassing economics, politics, media, and pandemics, Advance locations challenge your leadership perspective. Engage with mentors, leaders, and scholars, expanding your understanding of global marketplace.

ADMISSIONS

Admission Requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the Doctor of Leadership degree tracks must hold a master’s degree in a relevant area (humanities, social sciences, or theology/ministry) from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (or possession of a competitive grade point average as reflected in one’s transcripts). Master’s degree relevance is evaluated on the basis of the program theme and the student’s leadership context. In addition, applicants must complete the following to be considered for admission to the program:

  • Completion of the DLD application form and payment of application fee.
  • Submission of one official transcript from each college, seminary, or university attended.
  • Curriculum vitae or resumé.
  • Documentation of full-time participation in at least three years of leadership experience.
  • Three letters of reference (as specified in admissions materials).
  • Articulation of the scope and character of one’s current leadership context.
  • Evidence of the capacity for an advanced level of competence and critical thinking in the practice of leadership beyond that of the master’s level and possession of writing skills sufficient to excel in an ATS-accredited professional doctorate program.
  • Statement of faith.
  • An academic writing sample.
  • An entrance interview with the director of the Doctoral program (by invitation only).

Non-native English speakers must submit a TOEFL score of 80 (Internet-based) or IELTS 6.5 and complete the Declaration of Finance. For more information, international applicants can reference the International Graduate Admissions page.

Transfer Credit

Transfer credit from another doctoral program may be allowed up to a maximum of 18 semester hours. Transferability of credits earned at this institution and transferred to another is at the discretion of the receiving institution.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Residence Requirements

All work leading to the Doctor of Leadership must be completed within seven years from the time of matriculation. Extension of this limit requires the approval of the director. Program extension requests must be received before the conclusion of the sixth year. Reinstatement to the program after withdrawal requires Admissions Committee action and may subject the student to additional requirements for the degree.

Because of the cohort model used for this DLD program, students must maintain full attendance throughout each module experience. However, a student in good standing who must interrupt his or her studies for compelling reasons may petition the director for a leave of absence of not more than one year. Students who discontinue enrollment without an official leave of absence will be withdrawn and required to apply for readmission.

Course Requirements

The Doctor of Leadership in the Global Marketplace program requires three years and the completion of 36 semester hours of coursework as a minimum for graduation. A maximum of 16 semester hours of coursework may be completed during one calendar year unless a student takes an approved leave of absence or works out an alternative plan with the director.

The six-course project research sequence is completed over three years. Of the total hours required for the degree, 16 hours are in prescribed program-themed ‘taught’ courses and 20 hours in the doctoral project research and design sequence.

The program also requires participation in three ‘advance’ face-to-face intensives. A fee is attached to the ‘taught’ course offered that semester. Most meals, lodging, and ground transportation to assigned tours are included in that fee. All transportation costs round trip from the country of origin and back from the visiting country are the responsibility of the student.

Doctoral Project

The Jakes Divinity School (JDS) doctoral program includes the design and completion of an applied doctoral project. The project addresses a challenge in the student’s professional context.  As such, the goal is to apply theological research skills to a significant and real-world need, problem, or opportunity (NPO) in the student’s professional context.

The program uses a 3-year, qualitative approach combining bibliographic and field research to explore the NPO and create an effective solution or response. Students will not only address a current challenge in a professional setting but will also gain skills for addressing challenges after graduation.

FINANCIAL AID

Apply for Financial Aid

Complete a FAFSA application and use School Code: 003194 George Fox University.
Click here to complete a Spanish FAFSA application.

Scholarships

There are limited merit-based scholarships available for the DMin program. Upon acceptance, students will be given information on merit-based scholarships as amounts do vary.

DEGREE OUTCOMES

Graduates of the Doctor of Leadership in the Global Marketplace track will:

  1. Formulate a Christ-centered marketplace leadership philosophy and practice that is globally and theologically informed.
  2. Become innovative, visionary leaders who conduct themselves with integrity and respect in the spirit of excellence.
  3. Gain skills and competencies in applied doctoral research.
  4. Construct a doctoral-level project that expresses the skill of global marketplace leadership.

Graduates serve in roles such as business executives, entrepreneurs, leaders of charities & nonprofits, church pastors, mission pastors, international senior pastors, leaders of NGOs or educational institutions, and much more.

Graduation Requirements

In order to graduate with the Doctor of Leadership degree, students must:

  • Satisfactorily complete a minimum of 36 semester hours with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above.
  • Achieve no grade lower than a B- in all core courses. If a grade of a C+ or lower is received in a designated course, that course must be retaken (for more specific information, please refer to the student handbook).
  • Fully participate in all face-to-face intensives.
  • Oral presentation of the doctoral project.
  • Successfully defended the doctoral project.
  • Be recommended by Portland Seminary faculty and Jakes Divinity School for graduation from George Fox University.

FACULTY ADVISORS

You will be paired with a faculty advisor for three years. Faculty advisors join students at various Advances and meet regularly online to guide them in their research.

CONTACT US


Karen L. Brown

Enrollment and Academic Engagement Coordinator

(972) 774 – 5054

 klbrown@jakesdivinity.org

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