May 03, 2026  
2026-2027 Academic Catalog 
    
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2026-2027 Academic Catalog

Doctor of Global Leadership, DGL

Overview

The Doctor of Global Leadership is a professional doctorate intended to serve practitioners in mission, church, and denominational leadership. Building upon Columbia International University’s core value of World Evangelization and a commitment to the study and practice of Christian mission, students are trained in Bible, theology, culture, practice, and mission leadership. Delivered fully online, the program consists of six online seminars, a research methods course, and a final written project (25,000-30,000 words) that addresses a practical matter in mission leadership.

Purpose

The Doctor of Global Leadership strives to produce reflective practitioners among missionaries, mission leaders, pastors, non-governmental (NGO) workers, and Bible college educators, among others.

Objectives

Upon successfully completing the Doctor of Global Leadership, students will:

  • Articulate a biblical framework for global mission and leadership
  • Examine challenges for the mission of God in the current globalized world
  • Construct a plan to address contemporary challenges in global mission leadership

These competencies will be evaluated through online seminars and the final written project.

Admission Requirements

  • Online application
  • Application fee
  • Affirm to be a Christian and agree with CIU’s Statement of Faith
  • Official transcript for highest earned degree and any master’s level credits earned
  • A minimum 3.00 GPA for the most recent degree obtained
  • A Master’s degree from an accredited university or seminary
  • 1 Church or Mission Leader Reference
  • 1 Academic Reference
  • Essay (800 words total)
  • 3 years of cross-cultural ministry experience preferred

Course of Study (30)

Foundation

Capstone Project