Doctoral Comparison Chart

Choosing the right doctoral degree can be a challenge. It is important to ask yourself what you want to achieve by earning your doctoral degree and what you most want to study. The comparison provided below will aid you in understanding the differences and strengths of each doctoral program offered at DBU.

  Ph.D. in
Leadership
Studies		 Ed.D. in
Educational
Leadership		 Ed.D. in
Educational
Leadership (K-12)
Application Deadline Mid-March June 1 June 1 (Fall)
November 1 (Spring)
Semester Start Summer Fall Fall and Spring
Credit Hours1  60 60 60
Length of Program 4-6 years 3-4 years 3-4 years
Program Format In-person
3x per semester on Friday-Saturday + 8-10 days per summer		 8-week classes
Available 100% online		 In-person
3x per semester on Friday-Saturday + 7-8 days per summer
Dissertation or Treatise Required Yes Yes Yes
Typical Cohort Size 15-20 12-15 15-20
Concentrations
  • Business
  • General Leadership
  • Higher Education
  • Ministry
  • Global Leadership
  • Higher Education
  • Ministry Leadership
  • Organizational Leadership
  • K-12 Leadership
Travel Study2 Washington, DC
Oxford, England		 None Austin, TX
Washington, DC
Cost (2024-25) $1,391.00 per credit hour $795.00 per
credit hour		 $1,391.00 per
credit hour
Financial Aid Available3,4 Yes Yes Yes
Potential Career Outcomes
  • University & Seminary Presidents
  • University Vice Presidents
  • University & Seminary Deans
  • Company
  • Presidents & CEOs
  • Senior Pastors & Executive Pastors
  • University Professors & Directors
  • Senior Systems Engineers
  • Ministry Executive Directors & Church Ministers
  • National Speakers
  • College & University Vice Presidents
  • College, University, & Seminary Deans for Education disciplines
  • Educational Consultants
  • Directors of International Organizations
  • University Professors in Education Programs
  • Education Directors & Church Ministers
  • Directors of Training & Development Departments
  • Superintendent5
  • Assistant or Deputy Superintendent5
  • Principal
  • District Administrators
  • University Professor in Teacher Preparation Programs
  • Educational Consultants
Learn More About Each Program

Program
Website

Program
Website

Program
Website

1Additional dissertation hours may be required
2Airfare and lodging included in tuition costs
3Most students fund their education through ministerial grants, church matching, student loans, employer reimbursement, and/or personal funds.
4Online students in this program may receive federal and state aid. No institutional aid will be given to students in exclusively online programs.
5The Ed.D. in Educational Leadership (K-12) meets the requirements for Texas State Superintendent Certifications. Once students complete the doctoral program, they can attend test preparation and apply for Superintendent Certification.