Graduate: How to Apply

Students seeking an online Ph.D. in Leadership Studies must submit the following:

• A completed online application.

• Official transcripts demonstrating that the applicant holds a master’s degree from a regionally accredited or ABHE (Association for Biblical Higher Education) accredited institution of higher learning. (Degrees from other schools will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.)
o Successful applicants will typically hold a 3.0+ cumulative grade point average on a 4-point scale.
o Official transcripts must be provided from all previously attended colleges or universities. Applicants should contact the previous schools and request that transcripts be sent to Johnson University.
o If academic credits were earned from non-U.S. educational institutions, submit an electronic official course-by-course evaluation of all academic credit received. These evaluations will serve as the applicant’s official record of academic achievement and will be used to determine eligibility. Johnson will accept evaluations only from agencies that hold membership in the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES). Please use one of the following agencies:
 World Education Services, Inc.
 Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.
 AACRAO International Education Services

• Three letters of reference, including one from a pastor, one from an employer or supervisor, and one from a graduate professor or another person familiar with the applicant’s academic work.

• A 500-1200 word admissions essay describing:
o Their reasons for pursuing a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from Johnson.
o Their current Christian commitment, including church and ministry involvement.
o How prior teaching and/or work experience, including both ministry and professional activities, have shaped their decision and prepared them for doctoral studies.
o Any international and/or cross-cultural experience.
o Personal career goals and how the Ph.D. program will help in accomplishing those goals.
o Any additional information the faculty should know as they consider the application.

• An academic writing sample. The writing sample must be in the form of a published article authored by the applicant or a research paper written for a graduate class.

• Copy of government-issued ID

• Applicants must also interview with Johnson University academic staff.

Admissions Decisions: Completed files will be reviewed collectively following the application deadline. Faculty from the School of Business and Public Leadership will contact the applicant to schedule an interview. A final determination regarding admission will not be issued until after the interviews and all files have been reviewed by the Evaluation Committee.

Dates and Deadlines: Applications must be completed by July 15 to start the program in August. To begin the program in January, applications must be completed by November 15.

• An online graduate application.
• One letter of reference from either a pastor, church leader, or educator.
• Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions the applicant has attended.
• Copy of a government-issued ID.
• A one-page admissions essay that includes a personal introduction, the purpose for pursuing education from Johnson University, and a list of courses the applicant intends to enroll in along with any additional information that the applicant feels is important.

New students and students who are transferring from other institutions who are seeking an online certificate must submit the following:
• An online graduate application.
• One letter of reference from either a pastor, church leader, or educator.
• Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions the applicant has attended.
• Copy of a government-issued ID.
• A one-page admissions essay that includes a personal introduction, the purpose for pursuing education from Johnson University, and a list of courses the applicant intends to enroll in along with any additional information that the applicant feels is important.

Advanced Grad Certificate in Leadership Studies and Graduate Certificates

Fall Term 2022: August 22 – December 11

• Fall 1: August 22
• Fall 2: October 17

Spring Term 2023:

• Spring 1: January 9
• Spring 2: March 6

* M.A. New Testament and Ph.D. Leadership Studies begin Fall 1 and Spring 1 only

* MBA begin every term

Johnson certifies military personnel through the GI Bill in many areas and also certifies tuition assistance programs through the Department of Defense.

On April 27, 2012, President Obama signed Executive Order 13607 which established Principles of Excellence for educational institutions serving service members, veterans, spouses, and their dependents. Johnson University is in compliance with the Principles of Excellence and will be listed as a campus committed to these Principles of Excellence and our nation’s veterans, service members, and dependents.

These programs are administered and certified through the Registrar’s Office. Johnson is honored to offer quality Christian education to our veterans, active military, and their dependents.

If you believe you are eligible for educational benefits through your GI Bill or Tuition Assistance, please coordinate with your military education adviser or ESOs on receiving approval from installation commanders before applying to the institution.

Service Members Point of Contact

The University’s VA Certifying Official serves as the point of contact for service members relating to academic and financial advising. The VA Certifying Official works in the Financial Aid Office. The certifying official is familiar with many of the university services that provide academic counseling, financial aid counseling, job search support, and other student support services. Service members may contact the VA Certifying Official with any of their questions regarding their education or financial assistance at Johnson University.

The following admissions documents are required for those who desire to complete select graduate courses for credit as non-degree-seeking students.

• A completed application.
• Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions the applicant has attended.
• Letter of reference from a minister, church leader, educator, or employer.

Click here to check out this year’s catalog!

Johnson is a Christian university affiliated with Christian churches and churches of Christ. Its mission is to educate students for Christian ministries and other strategic vocations framed by the Great Commission in order to extend the kingdom of God among all nations. Accordingly, Johnson seeks to hire and educate individuals who share its vision and core values to carry out that mission. Johnson University does not unlawfully discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment practices.

Johnson University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, age, handicap, veteran status, genetic information, or political affiliation in provision of educational opportunities, programs and activities, or employment opportunities and benefits, pursuant to the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and subsequent amendments to that act, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and subsequent re-authorization of that act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and subsequent amendments to that act.