Alumni/Church Partners
Current Students
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Kentucky Christian University
Kentucky Christian University
Executive Christian Leaders
Mature Christians serving in leadership roles within churches, nonprofits, higher education, or faith-based organizations.
Scholar-Practitioners
Leaders seeking to strengthen research, pedagogy, and executive leadership capacity.
Faith-Integrated Professionals
Individuals are called to integrate theological conviction with leadership in diverse organizational settings.
Executive Leadership Focus
Designed to develop Christian leaders for executive-level leadership roles.
Pedagogical Formation
Includes a pedagogy seminar preparing graduates for teaching and academic leadership.
Faith & Leadership Integration
Equips leaders to apply Christian faith within organizations across multiple sectors.
The Doctor of Arts in Theological Leadership (DATL) at Kentucky Christian University is a fully online, research-based terminal degree designed for experienced Christian leaders serving in executive roles across ministry, nonprofit organizations, and higher education. Housed in the Keeran School of Bible and Ministry and governed by the KCU Graduate Council, the DATL emphasizes advanced leadership theory, pedagogy, ethics, and applied scholarship.
Unlike the PhD or EdD, the DATL focuses on disciplinary expertise, leadership practice, learning theory, and curriculum design, culminating in a dissertation that integrates faith, leadership, and research. Instruction is asynchronous with no residency requirement, allowing students to pursue doctoral study without relocating.
Tuition is $325 per credit hour for this doctoral program, offering a high-quality, faith-based terminal degree at an accessible price point. The DATL equips leaders to address adaptive challenges, guide organizational change, and influence systems for Kingdom purposes through research-informed leadership.
.High academic rigor is an essential component of all doctoral pursuits. As such, this DATL is no different. The DATL seeks to bridge the gap between Leadership Theory and Practical Application – equipping Christian Leaders with the skills to apply their expert-level knowledge and expertise in real-world settings. The advanced research skills developed in the DATL can be used in markets that analyze problems, identify solutions, and implement effective leadership strategies. With these skills in place, doctoral recipients can assess and implement change and development initiatives, as well as reform existing organizational, institutional, and social efforts.
Applicants must have:
Examples of qualifying master’s degrees include:
Some applicants may be required to complete leveling courses after transcript review.
Applicants must submit:
Students transferring from another doctoral program may transfer up to 9 doctoral credit hours after transcript evaluation.
If you have additional Questions Please Reach Out to:
Dr. Rob Shoaff, Dean of The Keeran School of Bible and Ministry
rshoaff@kcu.edu
606-474-3244
“KCU was more than a University, it was also a home for me. Professors didn’t just worry about my grades, but they knew about my life, provided counsel, encouraged me, and pushed me to grow. I felt that my education for ministry was amazing and really helped prepare me for ministry. A lot of my spiritual mentors have come out of KCU and also some lifelong friendships with fellow students. KCU might not be the biggest school, but it has one of the biggest hearts.”
Cady Wurtz, Class of 2017 Graduate School