Serve in executive roles with leadership excellence in mental health and human services.

The Executive Educational Leadership in Mental Health and Human Services (EdD) is comparable to other doctor of behavioral health management programs and is designed for individuals who already hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution and have demonstrated strong leadership skills in a variety of Mental Health and Human Service settings. It is a selective program. The courses are offered online in a fixed sequence and are designed to accommodate the working professional.

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Overview of the Mental Health and Human Services Program

This Executive Leadership in Mental Health and Human Services program aims to produce graduates with the knowledge and skills to be hired and retained as high-quality administrators in mental health and human service agencies or to start business of their own. The program will provide learning experiences that will help to develop students’ professionalism (e.g., ethical knowledge, values based decision making, critical and systemic thinking, leadership) in addition to coursework that provides the foundational knowledge for success in their discipline.

Clinical, academic and spiritual considerations are all central in the strong mental health and human services program. With a Christian faith foundation, HCU enables learners to explore healing and wholeness outcomes from a whole-person perspective. Program professors and presenters are seasoned professionals who have both the practical and research experience to guide high-level students.

Degree Plan: EdD in Executive Leadership in Mental Health and Human Services

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Credit Requirements

The Doctorate in Executive Leadership in Mental Health and Human Services program consists of 63 credit hours with 26 hours in core leadership courses, 19 hours in core research courses, and 18 hours in executive mental health and human services leadership.

Special Requirements

  • The EdD program is designed as a three-year program for students.
  • Each EdD student is expected to enroll and successfully complete each course.
  • The student is expected to advance to candidacy and complete all courses and examinations within the period specified by the EdD doctoral unit.
  • The student is expected to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA with no grades below a B in any Doctoral courses.
  • The student must pass all required examinations within two attempts.
  • A student who fails to make satisfactory progress may be officially disqualified from the university upon recommendation of the program faculty and in accordance with the established university policies.

This program is 100% online.

What can I do with a Doctorate in Executive Leadership in Mental Health and Human Services

A Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Executive Leadership with a focus on Mental Health and Human Services from Houston  Christian University provides a distinctive preparation that integrates faith perspectives with professional excellence. This unique credential opens doors to leadership roles where your Christian worldview can meaningfully inform service delivery and organizational culture.

Mental Health Leadership

  • Executive Director of counseling centers or networks
  • Administrator for faith-integrated behavioral health programs
  • Clinical Director of church-affiliated counseling ministries
  • Program Director for recovery organizations
  • Mental Health Ministry Director for denominations or large churches

Christian University Administration

  • Dean of counseling or human services programs at higher education institutions
  • Director of student wellness and counseling services at universities
  • Vice President of student development focusing on holistic wellbeing
  • Program Director for education programs
  • Director of campus ministry counseling initiatives

Your degree’s unique combination of executive leadership training, mental health expertise, and Christian formation prepares you to bring a holistic, faith-informed perspective to leadership roles. Your preparation allows you to address not just practical organizational needs but also spiritual dimensions of mental health and human services leadership, particularly valuable in contexts where faith mission and professional excellence must work in harmony.

Admission Requirements

Students are required to submit transcripts showing they achieved a high school general or advanced diploma or a GED with passing scores. (Waived if student has 32 credit hours or more of transfer credit.)

Students must submit all college transcripts from any previously attended institutions. Official transcripts should be sent directly from the college or university that awarded your bachelor’s degree to be considered official. Transcripts from any additional coursework since that time should also be submitted including postbaccalaureate or graduate-level transcripts.

You may be accepted with unofficial transcripts by emailing copies to OnlineVerification@HC.edu; however, you must submit the official transcripts in a sealed envelope from the school or through an approved electronic service by your second semester.

Mailing Address

Houston Christian University
Attention: Online Admissions Verification
7502 Fondren Road
Houston, TX 77074-3298

Admissions and Aid

If you’re ready for a fulfilling journey in Education, Houston Christian University welcomes you to apply. Get started today:

Earn an Online EdD in Mental Health and Human Services at HCU

For more information about this programs, please contact your program coordinator.
Delesa Franklin, EdD
Delesa Franklin, EdD
Assistant Professor of Education
Department Chair of Education, College of Education and Behavioral Sciences Online
(281) 649-3520
Accreditation

Houston Christian University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, graduate and doctoral degrees.