organizational leadership degree phd

Online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership Programs 2024

Amy Boyington

Contributing Writer

Learn about our editorial process .

Updated April 4, 2024

Danika Miller

Contributing Editor

TheBestSchools.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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An online Ph.D. in organizational leadership develops mentorship, change management, and cultural leadership skills through rigorous academic research and coursework. While a master's in organizational leadership prepares students for leadership roles by teaching career-specific skills, a Ph.D. is more research-oriented and theory-focused, often best for executives, policymakers, or academic professionals.

Students typically pursue organizational leadership doctoral degrees to move beyond traditional leadership roles into changemaker positions, like management consultants, human resources (HR) directors, or program administrators. The degree can also lead to professional opportunities across sectors, such as federal and state governments and financial services.

Continue exploring this page to learn more about an online Ph.D. in organizational leadership, its potential outcomes, and some degree options. Our methodology found all available options for online organizational leadership doctorates, but we ultimately highlighted those with a graduation rate of over 40%.

Featured Organizational Leadership Doctorate Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Programs

We use datasets from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. TheBestSchools.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such. All data is current as of the date this article was published. Program-specific information may vary.

Anderson University

• Anderson, SC
• Online + Campus

Cost per Credit: In-State | $760 Out-of-State | $760

Credits to Graduate: 48

Anderson's online Ph.D. in leadership with a business concentration prepares graduates for high-level positions in both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. This program focuses on developing leadership models that can improve and expand organizational cultures of leadership.

AU's program focuses include organizational structures, leadership strategies and workplace culture development. Graduates go on to become corporate strategists, leadership consultants, executive coaches, talent leaders and executive leaders. Applicants need a master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Concordia University-Chicago

• River Forest, IL

Cost per Credit: In-State | $753 Out-of-State | $753

Credits to Graduate: 61-67

Concordia-Chicago's online Ph.D. and Ed.D. in organizational leadership programs focus on producing ethical leaders with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the modern business world. Both programs provide expertise in contemporary leadership theory, strategic planning, and implementing change initiatives.

The scope and length of the P.h.D. and Ed.D. programs differ. The Ph.D. program is theoretical and abstract, research-focused and takes a "big picture" approach throughout 67 credit hours. In comparison, the Ed.D program is practical and applicable, action-based and focused over 61 credit hours.

Johnson University

• Knoxville, TN

Cost per Credit: In-State | $715 Out-of-State | $715

Credits to Graduate: 60

Johnson's online Ph.D. in leadership studies is for working adults interested in exploring leadership through various lenses. The program follows an interdisciplinary design with a focus on four dimensions of leadership studies: individual and personal systems, organizational systems, global systems and research. 

Students focus on articulating biblical, ethical, and philosophical foundations for leadership, demonstrating Christian character through leadership, and making original contributions to the field. Six elective tracks are available, including educational leadership, organizational leadership, and missional leadership.

National University

• San Diego, CA

Programmatic Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs

Cost per Credit: In-State | $328 Out-of-State | $328

NU's online Ph.D. in organizational leadership program offers flexible and individualized education, treating each student as if they were the only person in the class. Entrance exams are not a requirement, saving applicants time and money.

Graduates will be able to evaluate major theories and provide new knowledge to the field of organizational leadership. Major learning focuses include assessing theories related to leading organizations and addressing present-day organizational challenges.

Southeastern University

• Lakeland, FL

Cost per Credit: In-State | $795 Out-of-State | $795

SEU's online Ph.D. in organizational leadership prepares students to become influential thought leaders in the field. The program covers various topics such as organizational systems, leadership models, and research methods.

The program offers opportunities for students to contribute to scholarly journals and give presentations at academic conferences. It combines online coursework with periodic in-person residencies and intensive week-long classes.

Tiffin University

Cost per Credit: In-State | $800 Out-of-State | $800

TU Online's Ph.D. in global leadership and change focuses on building a global perspective and understanding of cultural uniqueness. It also covers skills in leadership, critical thinking, and research methods.

The program caters to working professionals, especially those who may need more time to complete the degree requirements. Students can take up to six years to finish the program and may request an additional course during any term based on their academic ability.

University of the Cumberlands

• Williamsburg, KY

Cost per Credit: In-State | $415 Out-of-State | $415

Cumberlands' online Ph.D. in leadership studies focuses on theories and practices of organizational leadership. The curriculum includes courses on effective leadership, administrative methods, political factors in decision-making and global trends in leadership, applicable in settings like companies and nonprofits.

Cumberlands' programs help current educators obtain a Kentucky Rank 1 certification. Students can transfer up to 30 hours from an approved educational specialist (Ed.S.) program towards the university's leadership studies program. Students must complete the Ed.S. program first to be eligible for the certification.

Vanderbilt University

• Nashville, TN

Cost per Credit: In-State | $2,245 Out-of-State | $2,245

Credits to Graduate: 54

Vanderbilt's online Ed.D. in leadership and learning in organizations program caters to mid-career professionals with at least three years of leadership experience and focuses on developing leaders who can drive positive systemic change in organizations across industries.

Students in the program will learn to use data analytics tools to create organizational growth. They will also develop skills in leadership and organizational development and learning and design. The program includes both online classes and on-campus gatherings.

Why Get a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership Online?

• An online doctorate program allows for more flexibility to balance coursework with other priorities.
• Online programs often allow you to save money on tuition, housing, and transportation.
• For working professionals, an online program expands access to top programs and faculty that are not locally available.
• A Ph.D. in organizational leadership can bolster career options, advance your career, and increase earning potential.
• Most programs feature concentrations that align with your academic and career goals.

Organizational Leadership Doctorate Degree Courses

The courses offered in an organizational leadership doctorate program can vary, but classes traditionally cover topics such as leadership theory, strategic leadership, and organizational behavior.

• Leadership and Organizational Cultures: In this course, students explore the complex relationship between leadership and organizational culture. In addition to examining how leaders affect culture, you can also learn to create and sustain productive, ethical cultures that support organizational goals.
• Human Resources Business Strategy: You'll examine the role of HR in driving business planning and performance. Grad students explore ways to evaluate workforce trends and align business goals with HR best practices. You'll also create strategies for talent management, organizational development, and staff engagement.
• Global Issues and Leadership: This course explores how culture and history affect international leadership. Enrollees develop skills and knowledge essential to navigating business challenges in a globalized world. Students examine key world issues, cultural differences in business, and strategies for international collaboration.
• Business Ethics in Leadership: This class covers workplace ethics while evaluating how organizational leaders foster ethical behavior. Students encounter various ethical theories, analyze case studies, and develop ways to create a culture that aligns with organizational values and business interests.
• Dissertation and Capstone Planning: This course prepares doctoral students for their degree-culminating research projects. Degree-seekers develop research questions, review relevant academic studies, design studies, and craft proposals that mirror academic and professional standards. Upon completion, this research project should contribute to the organizational leadership field.

Organizational Leadership Concentrations

Most doctoral programs in organizational leadership allow students to choose an academic concentration that mirrors their academic and career goals. Concentrations can vary among programs, so be sure to prioritize programs that match your interests.

Human Resources

Educational administration, nonprofit and public administration, global consulting, what can you do with a ph.d. in organizational leadership.

With a Ph.D. in organizational leadership, you can pursue various career paths in academia, consulting, and executive leadership. The academic concentration you choose can have a significant impact on career options.

Those interested in academia often secure roles as professors or researchers in colleges and universities. Organizational leadership students pursuing roles in the private sector often work in corporate and nonprofit settings.

Earning a Ph.D. is a solid way to expand your career options and enhance your earning potential. Executives in corporate settings tend to make the most. According to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from May 2022, chief executive officers (CEOs) earn a median annual salary of $246,440.

Graduates working for nonprofits teaching at a college or university tend to earn less. BLS data indicates that college professors earned a median salary of $80,840 as of May 2022.

Frequently Asked Questions About Organizational Leadership Degrees

• Collapse All

What can you do with a Ph.D. in organizational behavior?

A Ph.D. in organizational leadership or behavior can lead to careers in human resources management, business consulting, and business analysis. This degree is an excellent option for professionals looking to improve organizational outcomes using their high-level research, policymaking, and leadership skills.

Is a Ph.D. in organizational leadership worth it?

Determining whether a Ph.D. in organizational leadership is right for you depends on personal factors. This degree has the potential to advance your career, increase your salary, and grow your expertise in the field of organizational leadership.

What is the difference between a Ph.D. and an Ed.D. in organizational leadership?

The primary difference between a Ph.D. and an Ed.D. in organizational leadership is their academic and professional focus. A Ph.D. program traditionally focuses on research and has an expansive list of professional applications. An Ed.D. degree prioritizes practical application in an educational environment.

How long does it take to get an online Ph.D. in organizational leadership?

The length of an online Ph.D. in organizational leadership can vary depending on the program and whether you're a part-time or full-time student. Generally, online organizational leadership Ph.D. students can graduate in 3-7 years. Additionally, some programs offer accelerated pathways that allow enrollees to graduate more quickly.

Are online Ph.D. programs respected?

So long as the school is accredited, online Ph.D. programs -- including those in organizational leadership -- are equivalent to campus-based programs and deliver the same diplomas. Still, not all online programs are created equally. Be sure to look for programs at accredited institutions and review our guide for the best online Ph.D. in organizational leadership programs.

Do you need a Ph.D. to be a CEO?

You do not need a Ph.D. to be a CEO, but they often come to the table with ample experience and specialized skill sets. Earning a Ph.D. in organizational leadership is one way to establish a set of leadership skills while enhancing your resume and expanding your professional network.

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Online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership

Overview of the doctor of philosophy - organizational leadership.

Do you aspire to truly make a significant difference in the world? The Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership is a rigorous and award-winning program designed to equip students not only to receive doctoral degrees, but to experience personal transformation and become a more effective leader. This program emphasizes leadership through a global and multicultural lens, specifically valuing inclusion, integrity, and international perspectives. If you aspire to executive leadership, consulting, publishing, research, and/or teaching, this Ph.D. program will help you develop a wide array of skills in scholarly research, writing, presentation, and bridging leadership theory into expert leadership practice.  The Ph.D. is considered the highest academic degree that can be awarded by a university.

• C omplete the Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership online program in as few as four (4) years.
• Online program with an in-person residency during the July session.
• A mixture of required and optional synchronous sessions throughout the program.

Start Your Journey

SOME OF OUR PH.D. AWARDS AND RANKINGS

#2 Top Leadership Ph.D.

#4 Best Leadership Doctorate

#14 Top Leadership Doctorate

#4 Online Leadership Ph.D. Program

You’ll learn to….

• Build skills for future opportunities in teaching, research, publication, and leadership
• Work effectively with colleagues, establish an organizational mission, inspire others, and collaborate to achieve goals
• Synthesize research and theory for practical application
• Integrate your faith and multicultural perspectives into the theoretical and practical understanding of organizational leadership

Career Options

• Professor in Higher Education
• Executive-Level Organizational Leadership

Here is the list of courses required to complete the program. Full course descriptions may be viewed by clicking on the course titles. For further information, feel free to contact us.

24 Core Courses

These courses contain the program-specific content. If needed, additional terms to complete the dissertation will be done in DOL 922: Dissertation Continuation, at 1 credit hour per each term.

DOL-715,DOL-720,DOL-735,DOL-740,DOL-750,DOL-760A,DOL-760B,DOL-760C,DOL-800,DOL-810,DOL-820,DOL-830,DOL-840,DOL-855,DOL-860A,DOL-860B,DOL-860C,DOL-875,DOL-880,DOL-885,DOL-915,DOL-920,DOL-920,DOL-920

The total cost of the Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership online program, including tuition and any fees, will be determined prior to your enrollment. Payment for each course is due three weeks before the course begins. Course textbooks are not included in the costs listed above. Additionally, students will accrue other costs related to a required scholarship presentation, comprehensive exam, dissertation, and some Summer Residency expenses that are not included in the costs listed above. The total credit hours and per-credit-hour costs listed above are effective for the core program. For prerequisite or other required courses if applicable, students will need to pay for appropriate tuition, books, and any additional fees. Costs may change if you withdraw from the program and restart in a future program at a later date.

FINANCIAL AID

Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, veterans benefits, and employer reimbursement.

Joanne Barnes

Professor [email protected] View Profile

Mark Rennaker

Division Chair [email protected] View Profile

Mike Linville

Professor [email protected] View Profile

Patricia Johnson

Associate Professor [email protected] View Profile

Timothy Beuthin

Professor [email protected] View Profile

Tiffany Ann Johns

Assistant Professor [email protected] View Profile

REQUIREMENTS

Click on each section to expand the different requirements for the online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership degree program. If you have any questions about the admissions process, feel free to contact one of our admissions representatives at 1-866-498-4968. An admissions representative can also arrange a phone call for you with one of our doctoral faculty members or a current student to further discuss the program.

Admission Requirements

• A master's degree from a college or university that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) verified on original transcripts sent by the institution directly to Indiana Wesleyan University.
• A graduate grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher from the master's degree granting institution at which at least a minimum of 24 hours was completed.
• A minimum of five years of leadership experience in the workplace, volunteer organizations, or the classroom.
• Submission of all documents required by the Admissions Selection Committee and approval by the committee for admission into the program.

Application Process

The goal is to admit highly qualified students, with clear career objectives, who choose to enter the doctoral program after obtaining a master's degree. To apply for admission to the doctoral program, the applicant must complete the following steps:

• Submit a formal application. Send a current resume that includes a career objective, previous undergraduate and graduate work, work experience, and special recognition or awards. The resume should make clear the number of employees the applicant has supervised in all leadership positions.
• Send at least three recommendation forms including one from the applicant’s current manager (this may be the chairman of the board of directors or a peer at another organization for CEOs), one from an academic in higher education, and one from someone that can speak to the spiritual character of the applicant.
• Title page -typed, double-spaced, and numbered with a minimum of five pages and a maximum of six pages.
• Clear and convincing responses to the questions. 4.A.3.a Packet Pg. 27 Attachment: MPO PhD 8-10-2023 (11147 : DBTL_MPO_PhD) Revised: EE-5/3/23 o Organization and presentation (i.e., readability and formatting).
• Evidence of critical thinking that supports the point and perspectives of the essay.
• Use of appropriate vocabulary and grammar.
• Evidence of scholarly (academic) writing skills that demonstrates an ability to analyze and integrate literature from the leadership field.
• Arrange to have official graduate transcript sent from the accredited institution granting the degree. Transcripts should be supplied from all institutions the applicant has attended subsequent to the completion of the bachelor’s degree.

Prospective students with disabilities are not required to identify themselvesto Admissions or Disability Services. However, those interested in receiving academic accommodations are encouraged to connect with Disability Services at 765-677-2257 or [email protected] as early as possible to allow for a review of documentation and the formulation of an accommodation plan.

Admission Status

Consistent with the College of Adult and Professional Studies (CAPS) categories for admitted students, Ph.D. students may be accepted in one of the following designations:

Regular – candidate satisfactorily meet all requirements. Student may be granted regular admission with no restrictions.

Probation – candidate has GPA, graduate program, leadership experience, or application essay-based items that fall below minimum requirements. Student may be granted probationary status that can be removed by achieving the minimum GPA (3.25) after taking the two sessions in the program (typically three or four courses). The Dean/Chair my extend the probation and determine the number of courses to be completed in order to change status. Any student failing to remove the probationary status will be academically suspended from the program.

Provisional – candidate has incomplete application file (e.g., in process of completing master’s degree). Student may be granted provisional acceptance pending completion of file prior to the end of first course. Failure to meet deadline will result in the dismissal from the program.

Unclassified – candidate not pursuing university degree. In special circumstances, a candidate may be accepted as an unclassified student and able to take up to 12 hours of doctoral work with approval of the division chair. Financial Aid restrictions may apply. Students receiving unclassified status must reapply for regular admission it they desire later to pursue a degree program.

Deferral and Alternative Start

A student accepted into the Ph.D. program may request a one-time deferral to the next cohort start. For example, a student accepted for January start may defer start to the following July cohort. A student accepted for July start may defer to the following January cohort. After one deferral, the student must re-apply for admission to the program. The Admissions Selection Committee retains the right to waive the one-deferral restriction for special circumstances.

Upon acceptance into the program and completion of academic and financial clearance, a student may start the program, after conferring with the Division Chair, by taking the one-credit hour DOL 760A by itself when offered or by taking courses in different combinations, subject to pre-requisite conditions, creating a starting sequence of courses that builds to a full load. An alternative start sequence will lengthen the amount of time spent in coursework and the degree program to completion.

Graduation Requirements

• Minimum grade of "B-" in each course.
• Cumulative GPA of 3.25.
• Successful completion of all required coursework and the comprehensive exam.
• Successful defense of dissertation, including post-defense updates, academic integrity review, and professional editing.
• Completion of dissertation publication process with OCLS is required to have the degree conferred.
• Student may be allowed to participate in commencement after successful defense of dissertation and completion of post-defense updates but prior to completion of full dissertation publication process with OCLS.
• Payment of tuition and fees is required to receive a diploma.

*Note: With approval of the Division Chair, students who complete all current 700 and 800-level courses (48 credit hours) in the program may be conferred the Master of Arts in Advanced Leadership Studies (MAALS) degree. Students who receive the MAALS are not eligible to receive the IWU Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership.

Additional Requirements

Attendance Policy

All doctoral courses are a blend of live and interactive online discussions. Students are expected to attend all required live sessions and substantively engage in all interactive online discussions, tests, quizzes, and prescribed learning activities.

• Synchronous Class Sessions – Required synchronous classes are held on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and meet on the second, fourth, and eighth Saturdays of the September, January, and April sessions. Students are expected to be in attendance when class begins and remain the entire session. A student may be allowed one absence per course. An allowed absence is to be used only when absolutely necessary and requires approval from the faculty member teaching the course. Students need to contact the faculty member regarding make-up work, if allowed by the faculty member. The criteria for full participation attendance points will be determined by the faculty member. Due to a holiday or university activities, synchronous sessions may be scheduled on alternative weeks.
• Online Attendance – Course attendance also is determined by participating in weekly discussions. Failure to participate in the weekly discussion forum(s) will constitute an absence for that week. Participating in discussion does not guarantee full participation attendance points. The criteria for full, substantive participation points will be determined by the course professor. A student may be allowed one participation absence per course. Students need to contact the faculty member regarding make-up work, if allowed.
• Excessive Absences - A student is allowed only one absence per course, whether it is a synchronous Saturday or online participation absence (not one of each). If a student exceeds the allowed absences without instructor approval and does not contact the Division Office or Student and Faculty Support Office to officially withdraw before the last class session, the professor is directed to issue the grade of "F." A student accruing excessive absences in the final week of the course will be issued the grade of “F.”
• Course Sequence - Students are expected to take courses in the predetermined sequence. Students needing to withdraw while in a course may do so with permission of the Division Chair and by arrangement with the Student and Faculty Support Office prior to the end of the course, but the regular refund and academic withdrawal policies apply. Students who are unable to participate in a course due to unavoidable circumstances may arrange for a temporary Leave of Absence (LOA) with the Student and Faculty Support Office, subject to LOA requirements. Students may follow a revised schedule of courses in the program with the permission of the Division Chair.

Ph.D. students must complete a minimum of three residencies during their doctoral program as demonstrated by inperson attendance and successful completion of courses in the July term-session in which the student is enrolled. These Summer Residencies normally are attended during consecutive years corresponding to the coursework phase of the degree program, but attendance at Summer Residency is required for any courses taken during the July term session each year.

• Residencies may be for 7 - 8 days, often beginning on a Friday or Saturday and lasting through the following Friday. The duration of a residency may be shorter depending upon the design of a specific residency. Students will be provided the designated date ranges for three years of residencies upon enrollment at the beginning of their program to assist in planning. However, dates may be changed due to extenuating circumstances.
• Residencies may occur on the main Indiana Wesleyan University campus, at one of the regional education centers, or in a hotel or other conference venue. Students are expected to be in attendance every day of each residency and are not allowed an absence from required workshops, events, or class sessions that are scheduled during the residency.
• Failure to attend a residency or residency component may qualify as an unexcused absence, resulting in failure of the course(s) for the session.
• Students are required to utilize housing options (e.g., blocked hotel rooms) reserved by the program for residency due to contractual obligations that often occur with the hotel or venue hosting the residency.
• In unusual circumstances, a student may be given permission by the Division Chair to skip a year and attend the residency another year by taking an available course(s) for the July session.
• Students are expected to follow the community lifestyle statement of the university while attending the residency.

Withdrawal from a Course

A student that withdraws from a course will need to get permission from the Division Chair to continue in the program and will need to follow the plan of study prescribed by the Division Chair.

Students needing to withdraw officially from a course will be required to contact the Division Office or the Office of Online & Student Success. Tuition will be reimbursed according to the following schedule:

• 100% of the tuition fee if withdrawing within the first seven days of the course,
• 90% of the tuition fee if withdrawing between the 8th and by the 14th day of the course,
• 50% of the tuition fee if withdrawing between the 15th and by the 21st day of the course, and
• No refund after the 21st day from the start date of the course.

A student withdrawing from a course less than one week from the end of the course will be assigned the letter grade earned in the course. Students may only withdraw from a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership course twice during their program. Following the second instance of withdrawal in a specific course, the letter grade earned will be applied for the successive attempt in the course.

A student withdrawing from the Summer Residency less than 10 days prior to the start of the summer term, withdrawing after Summer Residency reservation deadline dates imposed by host venues, or failing to utilize the housing options (e.g., blocked hotel rooms) reserved by the program for residency will be assessed all or part of residency fees and subsequent housing fees to cover the costs of room, meals, or other expenses accrued by the program on behalf of the student in planning the residency. Residency fees are non-refundable.

Academic Standing

Students enrolled in the Ph.D. program are regarded as members of the academic community of Indiana Wesleyan University and are held responsible for conducting themselves in conformity with the standards of conduct for adult learners. Continued enrollment in the program is at all times subject to a review of the student’s academic record and of the student’s actions with regard to observance of university rules and regulations and professional conduct. Students failing to maintain professional conduct may be dismissed from the program.

• Academic Probation - Students enrolled in the Ph.D. program will be placed on probation if their cumulative GPA at any time falls below the required 3.25 GPA for graduation Students are given six months (two sessions of courses) to satisfactorily raise their GPA. The GPA is reviewed after the six-month probationary period, and if it has been successfully raised, the probationary status is removed. Academic suspension will result if the student’s GPA is not successfully raised.
• A student fails to clear the academic probationary status within the six-month probationary period.
• A student has taken a course twice and failed to achieve a satisfactory grade.

In all cases, the suspension will occur once the grades have been recorded in the Registrar’s Office. Students will be notified of the academic suspension in writing. A student will be eligible to reapply for admission on a provisional basis after six months, but only upon the recommendation of the Dean of the DeVoe School of Business, Technology, & Leadership.

• Academic Dismissal - Upon a second academic suspension in the Ph.D. program, a student is dismissed from the program. A student dismissed from the program for any reason is not eligible to reapply to the Ph.D. program.

Re-enrollment

A student who has not attended courses for three years or less and who wishes to re-enroll in the Ph.D. program must first contact the Division Chair to complete a re-enrollment request. The Division Chair may confer with the Admissions Committee to determine eligibility for re-enrollment. If re-enrollment is approved, the student may reenroll in the program after going through the university re-entry protocols. Students who have not attended courses for three years or more are not eligible for re-entry to the program unless the program version has changed such that they would be able to earn 60 new, unique credits when compared to their previous program of study.

Students sitting out of the program for more than 90 days are subject to current tuition rates upon returning. Students re-entering after six months are subject to any changes made in the curriculum in the intervening time as well as current catalog policy. Re-enrollment is limited to those in the coursework phase.

Academic Load

Students may enroll in no more than 6 credit hours per term. Overload requests must be submitted in writing to the Division of Leadership and Followership Studies and reviewed, as needed, through the academic petition process.

Comprehensive Examination

After the completion of all coursework (DOL courses numbered DOL-915 and lower), a comprehensive examination will be administered to each student in the Ph.D. program. This exam will be designed to:

• Determine the student’s grasp of leadership understanding across the curriculum;
• Assess the student’s ability to adapt and integrate leadership theory and current best practices across the curriculum, including the integration of faith and practice;
• Give the student the opportunity to demonstrate higher-order thinking with reference to Organizational Leadership theory and practice.

The exam will be constructed to cover the major domains of the program and will be administered by a committee of full-time faculty in the Division of Leadership and Followership Studies or other qualified faculty as determined by the division. The Comprehensive Examination Manual is published annually. Students are required to follow all policies, procedures, and guidelines contained in the most recent guide. Students must successfully pass the Comprehensive Exam to become dissertation students in the program.

The Dissertation

The dissertation will be a research-based, practice-centered inquiry that attests to the student's understanding of the field and ability to conduct scholarly inquiry about an issue related to leadership practices and performance in organizations from which other leaders can benefit. In addition, the research must provide a unique contribution to the understanding of organizational leadership.

Students must conduct primary research using qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods, or any other type of research that meets the approval of their Dissertation Committee. The dissertation is expected to meet the highest standards of scholarship and inquiry and should demonstrate doctoral-level composition and format. The student should identify the problem and its significance, outline the background and literature that informs the problem, and collect and analyze data. The process should result in a written document detailing findings, implications, and recommendations for future policy, governance, and/or practice.

Dissertation Requirements

For the Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership major, coursework comprises 48 credit hours. Then, the dissertation includes a minimum of an additional 12 hours. Three credit hours of a Dissertation Seminar (DOL-915) and nine credit hours of dissertation credit after DOL-915 are required to reach the 12 credit-hour dissertation threshold. The coursework (48 hours) and dissertation (12 hours) combine to make the Organizational Leadership major a 60-credit hour program.

Every Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership student will be required to write and defend a dissertation. The Organizational Leadership course of study emphasizes the development of theory-in-use research and skills with a practitioner focus. A doctoral research study addresses a problem of practice, where the focus is upon the integration of knowledge or its application. A dissertation generates or confirms knowledge and expanded capacity while linking theory-in-use to current best practice. The process of scholarship, research, and leadership utilizes a variety of research methods, including empirical, interpretive, or critical. All doctoral research studies and dissertations will result in a substantial written document.

A Dissertation Manual will be released annually by the Division of Leadership and Followership Studies. Students are required to follow all policies, procedures, and guidelines contained in the most recent manual. Students should consult their Dissertation Chair regarding specific questions related to the requirements of the Dissertation Manual.

Dissertation Continuation

Doctoral students not completing the dissertation by the end of the 12 hours of dissertation courses (DOL 915 and DOL 920) will be required to maintain continuous enrollment. They will be required to enroll in a one-hour Dissertation Continuation course (DOL-922) with the university each successive term until the dissertation is successfully defended or the maximum time for degree completion is reached. Students will pay the one-hour tuition fee per term to maintain continuous enrollment. Failure to remain enrolled during the dissertation continuation phase will result in dismissal from the program with no opportunity to re-enroll in the program.

START DATES

The Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership at Indiana Wesleyan University has many convenient starts throughout the year. Listed below are the next available starts. If you don’t see a start that fits your schedule, connect with our enrollment team to see more future starts.

Accreditation

Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org, 312-263-0456. Other accreditations and associations of Indiana Wesleyan University are available at www.indwes.edu/about/iwu-profile/accreditation.

*Effective 07-01-2023 through 06-30-2024

Indiana Wesleyan University is a Christ-centered academic community committed to changing the world by developing students in character, scholarship, and leadership.

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Top 10 Online Phd/Doctorates in Organizational Leadership 2024

Find your perfect school.

Reviewed by: Melissa Anderson , MS.Ed . / Reading level: Grade 10 / First covered: December 2018 / Updates : 2

In this article, we profile the top 10 PhD or doctorate in organizational leadership online programs.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a six percent employment growth for all training and development managers through 2032, a faster than average growth compared to all other occupations. Organizational leaders fall under this umbrella of occupations. Thanks to a constant demand for workplace training and education, the job growth remains favorable. But the highest leadership positions require education. Thankfully, online PhD organizational leadership and online doctorate in leadership programs are now available from reputable institutions.

Featured Programs

Top 10 Online PhD or Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Online Programs Methodology

We looked at approximately 135 colleges listed by the (NCES) College Navigator. Each school offered at least one online doctorate in organizational leadership or a related degree. We narrowed our school selection by applying the following criteria:

• Accreditation
• National or regional rankings
• Graduate tuition/fees of less than $49,200 per year

We then listed the schools according to raw affordability.

Below is our list of the top 10 PhD or doctorate in organizational leadership online programs.

#10 – Colorado State University

Online phd in organizational development, fort collins, colorado.

Website Graduate Tuition : $10,834

Colorado State University’s online PhD leadership degree consists of the online PhD in organizational development. The program consists of 60 total credits, which includes 48 credit hours of coursework and a dissertation. Courses cover topics in:

• Evaluation and assessment in organizational learning
• Foundations of educational research
• Qualitative data analysis
• Qualitative research
• Quantitative data collection methods and analysis
• Scenario planning in organizations
• Systems leadership

CSU is fully accredited and ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, current rankings include #151 in best national universities, #199 in best value schools, and #80 in top public schools.

• Nationally ranked online business programs
• Lower graduation rate
• Less diverse

#9 – UMass Global

Online edd in organizational leadership, irvine, california.

Website Graduate Tuition : $12,510

A top online doctorate in leadership program that is both affordable and accredited is the online EdD in organizational leadership at UMass Global. The EdD is a fully online doctorate open to emerging and existing leaders seeking skills in organizational development and leadership. Admission to the EdD requires transcripts documenting a master’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.00. The program takes approximately two years to complete coursework – three years with a dissertation. Courses cover topics in:

• Diversity and intercultural aspects of leadership
• Organizational communication and conflict management
• Organizational theory and development
• Ethics and politics of decision-making
• Nationally ranked online education programs
• Larger class sizes
• Limited tech support

#8 – Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, arizona.

Website Graduate Tuition : $10,655

Grand Canyon University offers an affordable online EdD in organizational leadership program that consists of 60 credits and eight-week classes that move at a rigorous pace. Courses are taught entirely online and cover topics like:

• Ethical dilemmas and stewardship
• Introduction to research
• Leading across cultures
• Strategic decision-making
• Strategic planning and change

The program accepts up to nine doctoral credits for those seeking transfer eligibility. GCU is fully accredited and offers quality programs taught by experienced professors. Also, the school ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, GCU ranks #298-#389 in best national universities and #39 in top performers on social mobility.

• High acceptance rate
• More diverse

#7 – Anderson University

Online phd in leadership, anderson, south carolina.

Website Graduate Tuition : $10,395

The online PhD leadership program at Anderson University is designed to equip students for scholarship and performance in a wide range of professions. The program is one of the fastest to complete on our list. Students may earn their degree in just 24 months. The fully online program consists of 48 credits and offers two concentration areas that allow students to tailor their degrees. These concentrations include business and Christian ministry. Courses cover topics like:

• Analyzing organizational culture
• Leadership strategies
• Leading organizational change
• Team and workplace culture development

According to U.S. News and World Report, Anderson ranks #42 in the best regional universities in the South.

• 24/7 tech support

#6 – Concordia University

River forest, illinois.

Website Graduate Tuition : $9,399

One of the top online PhD in leadership programs on our list comes from Concordia University. The EdD/PhD program can be completed entirely online and consists of 61-67 credits. Depending on which track you choose, students earn concentrations in different areas of leadership. For example, the online PhD or EdD in leadership gives students a chance to take additional courses and earn a specialization in organizational leadership. The PhD in organizational leadership requires 67 credits, while the EdD requires 61 credits. At a glance, the two programs differ by more than their credit requirements. The EdD is a more action-based program, while the PhD is research-focused, theoretical, and abstract.

• Higher acceptance rate
• Small class sizes

#5 – Touro University Worldwide

Online psyd in organizational leadership, los alamitos, california.

Website Graduate Tuition : $9,000

Touro University’s online PhD in leadership programs include the PsyD in organizational leadership. The 100% online program requires no residency and is one of the most affordable degrees on our list. Admission requirements do not include the GRE, though a master’s from an accredited institution and a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or better must be provided. What makes this program unique is that the instructors are scholar-practitioners who are actively involved in their own professional work. Along with online course completion, students must conduct research and prepare and present a dissertation to meet degree requirements. Touro is fully accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUS), offering reputable graduate-level degrees.

• Faculty expertise

#4 – Wilmington University

Online edd in organizational leadership, learning, and innovation, new castle, delaware.

Website Graduate Tuition : $9,216

If you’re seeking affordable online PhD in leadership programs, Wilmington University has options. This fully online EdD in organizational leadership program is designed to prepare students to lead learning initiatives at various organizational levels. The doctorate is customizable and offers three concentrations that can be tailored to meet professional goals. Concentrations include:

• Strategic leadership
• Talent development
• Workplace learning

Courses are delivered online and cover topics like:

• Culture and practice
• Personal mastery and communities of practice
• Talent development and workplace learning
• Technology and organizational learning

In addition to being fully accredited, Wilmington ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 298th-389th best national university in the country.

• Diverse student body
• Low graduation rate

#3 – Liberty University

Online phd in education and organizational leadership, lynchburg, virginia.

Website Graduate Tuition : $7,893

Liberty University’s online PhD leadership program emphasizes education and organizational leadership. The online PhD consists of 60 credits that can be completed in three years. Courses are delivered entirely online, running eight weeks in length. Courses cover topics like:

• Organizational analysis and problem-solving
• Strategic organizational change
• Strategic risk management process and practice
• Theories of educational leadership

To qualify for admission to the program, applicants must have a regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with a GPA of at least 3.00. Official college transcripts, statement of purpose, and proof of English proficiency are also required. Liberty’s consistent rankings with U.S. News and World Report make it stand out from other Christian universities.

• 99% acceptance rate

#2 – Carolina University

Winston-salem, north carolina.

Website Graduate Tuition : $12,600

Carolina University’s online PhD leadership program is ranked among the most affordable on our list. The program requires the completion of online courses that take approximately four years. However, some students have earned their degree in just three years. In addition to completing online courses, students must attend a one-week on-campus residency the first time it is offered following acceptance to the program. A $795 fee is required for the residency, which includes room and board, as well as other university costs. Carolina University ranks #2 in affordability for its online PhD in organizational leadership programs.

• Affordability
• Accelerated track
• Residency required

#1 – Valdosta State University

Online edd in leadership, valdosta, georgia.

Website Graduate Tuition : $4,572

The most affordable online doctorate in leadership program on our list is offered by Valdosta State University. This uniquely designed EdD program consists of 55 credits that can be completed entirely online. Courses are taught by university professors and cover a wide range of leadership topics like:

• Curriculum design , implementation, and evaluation
• Leadership problems
• Planning for dissertation
• Qualitative research methods

Admission requirements include a master’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum graduate GPA of 3.5. GRE or GMAT scores are also required. Valdosta State ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 298th-389th best national university and 154th-209th top public school.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can i do with a phd or doctorate in organizational leadership online degree.

With a PhD or doctorate in organizational leadership online degree, you’ll have many career prospects. Doctor of Education degrees, or an Ed.D., will open doors to jobs in education, while the Ph.D. will offer a development, training, or business platform. Depending on your career focus, you should expect a favorable employment outlook.

Some career opportunities include:

Business professor: Postsecondary professors at four-year institutions hold a Ph.D. or doctorate in the field they teach. A Ph.D. with a concentration in organizational leadership will make you eligible for this role.

Education administrator: Educational administrators hold many titles. Deans, presidents, provosts, and vice presidents in education are important roles of secondary institutions.

Management analyst: Management analysts are found in any organization or business. Job details include finding problems and addressing issues that negatively impact efficiency in the organization. The more education you have in business and organizational leadership, the greater the responsibility and leadership capability you will be able to offer. This position is also commonly referred to as a management consultant.

Operations research analyst: If you enjoy collecting data and researching methods, the operations research analyst position may suit you well. This position helps to improve an organization’s infrastructure and design by analyzing issues and efficiency.

Training and development manager: Training and development managers look for ways to improve the skills and knowledge of employees. This is usually a hands-on role with direct interaction among the organization’s staff.

How much money will I earn with a doctorate in organizational leadership online degree?

PayScale, a global compensation research company, reports that individuals with a doctorate or PhD in organizational leadership earn an average salary of $85,000. Individuals with an EdD in organizational leadership earn $88,000 on average per year.

Top organizational development managers, according to PayScale, earned $122,848 per year, while the lowest ten percent earned $59,740. The average additional compensation for this job title, which includes bonuses and profit sharing, consisted of $3,000 to $8,000 per year.

Experience seems to impact earnings the most, as the more experience an individual has, the greater the compensation package. Overall, earnings have a positive trend with experience. Individuals with less than five years of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of $76,000. The total compensation includes salary, bonuses, and profit sharing.

Mid-career organizational development managers with five to ten years of experience can expect to earn a total compensation of $87,000. Experienced organizational development managers with ten to twenty years of experience can expect to earn $97,000 per year. Mid-career and experienced managers generally oversee small to large teams and are responsible for employees. Those with more than twenty years of job experience can expect to earn a total compensation of $100,000 per year.

What is the job outlook for those with a doctorate in organizational leadership online degree?

Generally, the more educated an individual is in a particular field, the more likely they are to find a job. Training and development managers and organizational development managers are responsible for enhancing the knowledge of their employees. They are required to be educated so that they can train their organizational teams.

Employment of training and development managers is expected to grow by six percent through the year 2032, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This growth is slightly faster than the average for all occupations. With the constant need for workplace training and development, job prospects should be favorable over the next several years.

Most job openings will stem from the need to replace organizational and development managers that leave the occupation. Individuals who retire will need to be replaced.

New technologies and industry innovations will promote the need for training and development managers. These managers will have attained the skills necessary to educate teams to carry out newly evolved industry practices. Learning technology is expected to be increasingly important to organizations with remote workers. Also, as companies become more reliant on social media and mobile learning, experts will be needed to train employees.

Individuals with a PhD or doctorate in organizational leadership online degree will offer a special set of skills needed to lead in a variety of organizations.

How long does it take to earn a PhD or doctorate in organizational leadership online degree?

The length of time it takes to complete a PhD or doctorate in organizational leadership online degree depends on the program. The average time is between three and five years. Accelerated online programs may take less time, approximately three years, while part-time programs require additional time.

When considering an online PhD program, it is important to assess the number of years it takes to complete the degree requirements. If you want to earn a PhD in as little time as possible, full-time enrollment and accelerated options are available. However, if you are unable to take on a full load of study due to outside obligations such as work or family responsibilities, part-time options are available. Most part-time programs take three to five years to complete.

It is possible to find programs that take three years, though shorter options are not typically found. If you hold a master’s degree in organizational leadership, some programs may be willing to accept transfer credits, thus reducing the time it takes to complete the degree. The three-year average completion time consists of two years of study followed by one year of research and dissertation preparation. This is the typical format of most PhD or doctorate in organizational leadership online degree programs.

What is the difference between an Ed.D. and Ph.D. in organizational leadership online degree?

An Ed.D. or Doctorate in Education is a terminal degree that emphasizes the application of research and knowledge to real world organizational or educational issues. Unlike the Ph.D. or Doctorate of Philosophy, Ed.D. candidates use existing research to inform decision-making and practices that lead to improvement in the area of study. The Ph.D. focuses on the development of new research as opposed to existing research.

Another difference between the Ed.D. and Ph.D. in organizational leadership online degree is coursework or program requirements. The Ed.D. offers coursework such as the application of theory to educational problem solving or training and leadership from different perspectives. Most Ed.D. programs require the completion of 45-60 credits and are designed for students who have already earned a master’s degree in education.

Ph.D. coursework varies among programs, but most organizational leadership specializations cover topics that will enhance research acumen and techniques. Ph.D. candidates work with data and statistics as they conduct their own research projects and complete a dissertation. Most Ph.D. programs take four to six years to complete and require a dissertation or thesis.

Individuals who want to be involved in a research-based career should consider the online Ed.D. programs typically prepare candidates for less research-intensive careers, such as executives in education or school districts.

• National Center for Education Statistics
• PayScale.com
• US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Related Resources

• What Is A Master’s in Organizational Leadership?
• 10 Best Value Online Doctorate Programs
• Top 10 Online Doctorate in Accounting Programs
• Top 50 Online MBA Programs

This concludes our list of the top 10 online PhD/Doctorate in organizational leadership programs.

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Phd in organizational leadership.

48 credit hours

Program Length

as few as 27 months

Accreditation

Regionally Accredited by SACSCOC

Empower Change with Your PhD in Organizational Leadership  

Columbia International University’s PhD in Organizational Leadership will foster your growth and development as an exceptional leader by honing your knowledge, skills and vision to drive meaningful change in today’s dynamic organizational landscape. CIU’s 27 month program is designed to equip you with a deep understanding of leadership theories, research methodologies and practical applications. By immersing yourself in this rigorous academic journey, you will gain the expertise needed to tackle the complex challenges faced by organizations across various industries. 

As a student in CIU’s program, you will have the opportunity to learn from distinguished faculty members who are both accomplished scholars and experienced practitioners in the field of organizational leadership. Their mentorship and guidance will enable you to develop a comprehensive skill set and a nuanced understanding of effective leadership strategies. We believe in the power of research to transform organizations and shape the future of leadership. In CIU’s PhD program, you will have the flexibility to explore your research interests and contribute to the advancement of the field. Whether your passion lies in leadership development, diversity and inclusion, organizational culture or other areas of study, you will have the resources and support necessary to pursue groundbreaking research that makes a tangible impact. 

At Columbia International University, we value diversity and foster a multicultural learning environment. You will join a vibrant community of scholars and fellow students who bring unique perspectives and experiences to the table. Through engaging discussions, collaborative projects and cross-cultural interactions, you will broaden your horizons and enhance your ability to lead effectively in diverse settings. Our program also emphasizes the importance of networking and professional connections with fellow students. These connections will not only enrich your academic experience but also open doors to potential career opportunities and collaborations. 

By pursuing a PhD in Organizational Leadership at Columbia International University, you are embarking on a transformative journey that will empower you to make a significant impact in the realm of leadership. We invite you to join our community of scholars and practitioners, where you will gain the skills, knowledge and connections necessary to excel as a leader in today’s fast-paced and evolving organizations. 

Are you ready to unlock your full leadership potential? Discover the endless possibilities that await you in Columbia International University’s PhD in Organizational Leadership program.   

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• Undergraduate

Alumnus Darryl Wilkerson

Why Choose Columbia International University

Ethical Perspective : In pursuing a PhD in Organizational Leadership at CIU, you will benefit from a learning environment that integrates faith, ethics and values into the study of leadership. Our faculty and curriculum will guide you in exploring how eternal principles inform and enhance your understanding of leadership, enabling you to approach organizational challenges with integrity, compassion and a servant-leadership mindset. 

Expert Faculty : Our faculty members are not only accomplished scholars but also experienced practitioners in the field of organizational leadership. With a wealth of real-world experience, they bring a unique blend of academic rigor and practical insights to the classroom. Their mentorship, guidance and commitment to your success will help you develop the essential leadership competencies and critical thinking skills required to excel in today’s complex organizational environments. 

Rigorous Curriculum : CIU’s PhD program in Organizational Leadership features a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum that prepares you to tackle the multifaceted challenges of leadership in the 21st century. Through a blend of foundational courses and research-focused modules, you will gain a deep understanding of leadership theories, research methodologies and practical applications. Our curriculum is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to the scholarly body of organizational leadership literature and make a significant impact in your chosen field. 

Research Opportunities : As a student, you will have access to state-of-the-art resources, research centers and academic networks that facilitate in-depth exploration and scholarly inquiry. Our faculty members will provide guidance and support as you develop your own research agenda. Whether you aim to contribute to theoretical advancements or address practical challenges within organizations, CIU’s program will empower you to conduct meaningful research and generate insights that can drive positive change. 

Collaborative Learning Environment : At Columbia International University, we foster a collaborative and supportive learning environment. As a PhD student in Organizational Leadership, you will have the opportunity to engage with a diverse community of scholars and practitioners who share your passion for leadership. Through discussions and peer feedback, you will refine your ideas, broaden your perspectives and benefit from the collective wisdom of your peers. These interactions will not only enrich your academic experience but also forge lifelong connections with fellow leaders and potential research collaborators. 

Flexibility and Personalization : We understand that every student has unique interests and career aspirations. Our program offers flexibility and customization, allowing you to tailor your studies to align with your specific research interests and professional goals within the field of organizational leadership. Whether you wish to specialize in areas such as leadership development, organizational culture, change management or other domains, our faculty will work closely with you to create a program of study that suits your individual needs. 

Global Perspective : In an increasingly interconnected world, leaders must possess a global mindset. Columbia International University celebrates diversity and promotes a global perspective within the PhD program in Organizational Leadership. You will have the opportunity to engage with a diverse student body, representing various cultural backgrounds and perspectives. This exposure to different worldviews and cross-cultural interactions will enhance your intercultural competency, broaden your understanding of leadership in a global context and prepare you to navigate the complexities of leading diverse teams and organizations. 

By choosing Columbia International University for your PhD in Organizational Leadership, you will join an academic community dedicated to nurturing exceptional leaders who are grounded in faith, equipped with expertise and prepared to make a positive impact in the world of organizations. With our distinctive Christian perspective, expert faculty, rigorous curriculum, research opportunities, collaborative learning environment, flexibility and global perspective, CIU provides an ideal platform for your academic and professional growth in the field of organizational leadership.   

Overall Benefits of this Degree

Earning a PhD in Organizational Leadership from Columbia International University offers a multitude of benefits and opens diverse career opportunities. 

Advanced Leadership Expertise : The program equips you with an advanced understanding of leadership theories, research methodologies and practical applications. You will gain a deep knowledge of effective leadership strategies, organizational dynamics and change management techniques. This expertise will enhance your ability to lead with confidence, make informed decisions and drive positive change within organizations. 

Research and Consulting Opportunities : A PhD in Organizational Leadership paves the way for research and consulting careers. You can pursue academic positions as a professor, researcher or scholar, conducting cutting-edge research and contributing to the field’s knowledge base. Additionally, you can offer consulting services to organizations seeking expertise in leadership development, organizational culture or change management. These opportunities allow you to have a direct impact on organizations, contribute to the advancement of knowledge, and shape the future of leadership practice. 

Thought Leadership and Publication : With a PhD in Organizational Leadership, you have the platform and credibility to become a thought leader in the field. You can contribute to the scholarly community through publications in academic journals, books and conference presentations. Your research findings, theories and practical insights can influence the discourse surrounding leadership and make a lasting impact on the field’s development. 

Personal Growth and Fulfillment : Pursuing a PhD in Organizational Leadership is not only a professional endeavor but also a personal journey of growth and self-discovery. The program challenges you to think critically, expand your intellectual horizons and refine your leadership philosophy. It provides a platform for personal development, enhancing your communication skills, critical thinking abilities and capacity for empathy. This personal growth enriches all aspects of your life, equipping you to be a more effective leader in both professional and personal contexts. 

CIU’s PhD in Organizational Leadership offers advanced leadership expertise, diverse career opportunities, research and consulting prospects, thought leadership potential and the ability to drive organizational transformation. It is a transformative journey that prepares you to make a significant impact on organizations and society.   

What Will I Study?

Our journey into the realm of effective organizational leadership begins with an analysis of the biblical, historical, and contemporary leadership model of Steward Leadership. Steward leaders understand how to transform themselves, others and the organizations they lead. This course will provide a framework for leaders to utilize as they lead their organizations with excellence.

This course explores theories informing effective leadership including motivation, decision-making, organizational change, and organizational systems. Further, this course examines the relationship dynamics which occur in organizations between leaders and followers.

This course examines practical principles guiding effective organizational team-building. Principles for building a leadership team, evaluating team performance, avoiding common problems many teams experience, and managing group dynamics, including promoting necessary conflict are discussed.

This course examines the principles of effective board governance. These principles include discussion about the fiduciary, strategic and generative leadership roles of board members. This course will serve as a guide for organizational leaders who work with boards as well as those serving as board members. Specifically, this course will explain in detail what works and why.

This course is designed to introduce students to descriptive and inferential statistics and how these statistics are employed in conducting research studies. Emphasis in this course will be placed upon helping students gain an understanding of the basic principles of statistics and how these principles apply to real life settings.

This course equips students with the research tools required to design the study of a doctoral dissertation. It prepares students to select a topic, review literature, design a study, and collect data, analyze and interpret data, and report and evaluate research.

This course is designed to equip students to analyze and interpret data, report and evaluate research. Simply put, students will learn how to organize data and then interpret that data in order to make sense from the findings via an understanding of what dissertation results actually mean.

In this course, students will create a problem statement. This problem statement will guide their research as they collect data and complete a dissertation. The problem statement will be clear, concise and practical.

In this course, students will build on the work done in LDR 9940 to complete the first draft of the dissertation proposal. Students will work with their advisors to produce their papers.

In this course, the students will revise and edit the proposals to become dissertation documents.

In this course, students will complete and successfully defend doctoral dissertation proposals.

In this course, candidates will initiate, conduct and complete their research. Students will then complete a draft of the final two chapters of their dissertations.

In this course, candidates will complete the writing of their doctoral dissertations.

In this course, candidates will defend and post for public access doctoral dissertations.

This course serves as a guide for leading organizational change from ideation to implementation. A model for strategic planning will be introduced. Practical tools and techniques for leading specific steps in the strategic planning process will be explained, and leaders will be equipped to effectively guide the entire deliberative and collaborative strategic planning process.

This course examines best practices of exemplary leaders when they are functioning at their best. The focus of the course will be on actions and behaviors of effective leaders. The fundamentals of outstanding leadership will be explored in detail. This course will provide a field guide for leaders committed to becoming the best that they can be.

This course explores the importance of institutional advancement for all organizations. Principles of finance will be discussed in detail, and students will gain a practical understanding of the fundamentals of each of the primary reports essential to providing effective fiduciary leadership for organizations.

This course examines best practice in creating and leading effective organizations. Most workers do not work alone. Most work for organizations. These organizations must be led, and this course prepares these leaders to achieve results.

Admission Requirements

• Completed application
• Official transcripts for highest earned graduate degree
• Academic writing sample (Master’s thesis or graduate research paper)
• CV or Resume that demonstrates 3–5 years of leadership experience
• Minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA

Accreditation and Accolades

Career Path Opportunities 

• Chief Executive Officer (CEO) 
• Chief Organizational Officer (COO) 
• Organizational Development Consultant 
• Leadership Development Specialist 
• Change Management Consultant 
• Human Resources Director 
• Director of Organizational Effectiveness 
• Nonprofit Executive Director 
• Leadership Coach or Mentor 
• Higher Education Administrator 
• Researcher or Professor in Organizational Leadership 
• Talent Management Consultant 
• Diversity and Inclusion Specialist 
• Strategic Planning Consultant 
• Executive Leadership Trainer   

A PhD in Organizational Leadership is highly regarded in various professional settings. This degree is extremely versatile and applicable to every type of organizational setting. Alumni work in all sectors as organizational leaders, including business (both for-profit and non-profit), healthcare, ministry, government, military, and education (public, private, and higher education). Many of our alumni hold high positions of leadership in their organizations, including CEO, President, and other C Suite positions. 

This degree has content course assignments that can meet a person at their individual organization setting, and each student's dissertation topic is catered to the individual's area of interest and expertise.

The program is designed to be completed in 27 months. In extenuating circumstances, a student may petition for additional time to complete the program of study.

Yes, our program is designed to accommodate the needs of working professionals, making it feasible to pursue the PhD program while continuing to work full-time. This flexibility enables you to apply your newly acquired knowledge and skills directly to your professional context, creating a synergistic learning experience.

Please check the Tuition and Fees page for the most up-to-date information. There are certain discounts and benefits given for military status and to employees and family members of our partner organizations. Our financial aid counselors will help you determine the best way to finance this important investment in your future career earnings. For more detailed information, check our Financial Aid page and select the option for online students here.

Students should plan around 15-20 hours of study per week. A typical week would be completing an initial content discussion post by Wednesday night. 2 content response posts are due on Saturday night.

Most courses end with a capstone project. While taking courses, we have woven the writing of the dissertation step by step into the program of study to ensure that students graduate early and on time. 

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Program overview.

Businesses large and small increasingly recognize the critical distinction between a manager and a leader-between someone who merely assigns tasks, and someone who paints a vision and then inspires employees to work effectively toward achieving it. Organizational leadership professionals work in both for-profit and nonprofit settings, helping to clearly define and communicate organizational objectives and strategy. They ensure that business processes are as effective and efficient as possible, build trust, bolster morale, and help each employee grow professionally and contribute meaningfully to advancing an organization’s mission. Curriculum includes coursework in leadership, research, ethics, interpersonal dynamics, and a range of electives to support each student’s unique career goals-preparing graduates to apply the principles of psychology and leadership theory in a broad range of settings, to more effectively lead individuals and organizations to success.  Graduates are able to select, implement, and manage appropriate leadership methodologies to meet individual, group and organizational needs in non-profit and for-profit settings. 

Program Philosophy 

The Chicago School offers a PhD degree in Organizational Leadership. This program examines field of psychology from an organizational leadership perspective.  It is intended to develop professionals who can apply knowledge about principles of psychology and leadership to work more effectively with specific populations.  The program includes coursework in leadership, research, ethics, interpersonal dynamics, and a range of electives to support each student’s unique career goals preparing graduates to apply the principles of psychology and leadership theory in a broad range of settings, to more effectively lead individuals and organizations to success.  Graduates are able to select, implement, and manage appropriate leadership methodologies to meet individual, group and organizational needs in non-profit and for-profit settings.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program students will be able to:

Professional Practice

• Produce written documents that are well researched, cited, and organized for easy reading and understanding. Students will be able to deliver presentations targeted to business and academic audiences.
• Describe and apply effective practices within the field of Business Psychology or Organizational Leadership. 
• Explain and build upon the role that individual and group differences play in the workplace (e.g., race, gender, age, national culture, cognitive style, socio-economic status, job title/power and etc.). Students will be able to demonstrate cross-cultural competence and operate within a framework of global diversity.

Professional Behavior

• Demonstrate personal integrity and ethical behavior in professional practice.
• Form effective professional relationships based on attitudes and communication skills that foster trust, open dialogue, and collaboration, regardless of differences in background, education, position in the organization, points of view or other personal characteristics

Scholarship

• Cite the theoretical knowledge and research integral to their fields of study. Students will be able to describe the philosophies of science underpinning their field’s theoretical knowledge and research. Students will be able to apply published research to the development of new areas for scholarly study. Students will be able to design and conduct research studies. Students will be able to analyze and interpret the data produced by research.
• Analyze and evaluate the work of others, including probing for more information, searching for logic flaws, and creating alternative solutions to problems.

Admission Requirements

For information on where The Chicago School is currently authorized, licensed, registered, exempt or not subject to approval, please visit   https://www.thechicagoschool.edu/why-us/state-authorization/

Application to The Chicago School’s Organizational Leadership doctoral program is open to any person who has earned a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution within the behavioral sciences, organizational discipline or other related field, and who meets other entrance requirements. Applicants will be judged on their overall ability to do graduate work. 

Factors and materials to be considered for admission will include: 

• Completed application and $50 application fee.  
• Generally, a graduate GPA 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale. 
• Official Transcripts  
• Students must submit official transcripts from all schools where a degree was earned.  
• It is recommended that transcripts are submitted from all schools where credit was received to enhance their applications. 
• Resume/CV or Work History (e.g. employer letter, LinkedIn profile, or other document that reflects your work history)  
• Two Letters of Recommendation  
• Essay (between 500-750 words) 
• Please write a personal statement of your desire to become an organizational leadership consultant or practitioner at the doctoral level, what experiences or insights have led you to pursue a doctoral degree in this program, and how this program will support your efforts in working with richly diverse colleagues and clients. 
• Statement of Research Interests (up to 500 words) 
• Please share your research interests (regarding business psychology/organizational leadership), and why you believe this is worth studying?   
• Preferred 3 or more years of work experience prior to admission. 
• Completion of two courses below with C or better (contingent) 
• Undergraduate level Statistics course 
• Upper level undergraduate or master’s level organizational behavior or psychology 

PhD Organizational Leadership Progression Requirements

This program requires applicants to have successfully completed at least one (1) foundational course in statistics, and one (1) foundational course in psychology or organizational behavior with a grade earned of ‘C’ or better by the end of their first semester (second online term) of study.  Students who have not done so through previous coursework must successfully meet this progression requirement through one of the following options:

• A grade of “C” or higher in TCS 390 Introduction to Statistics and TCS 380 Introduction to Psychology
• A grade of “C” or higher in a comparable course at The Chicago School
• A grade of “C” or higher in a comparable course at another regionally accredited institution

Applicants accepted who have not successfully completed one (1) foundational course in statistics and one (1) course in psychology or organizational behavior will be required to register for applicable TCS courses in their first ground semester or online term. All students must meet this progression requirement by the end of their first semester (second online term) of study. Students who do not successfully fulfill this requirement will not be allowed to register in any future coursework in the program of study until this requirement is met. Extensions can be granted by the Program Chair or designee when extenuating circumstances prevent completion of the requirement in the specified timeframe.  Requests for an extension must be submitted in writing to the Program Chair for consideration.

Applicant Notification

The Chicago School reviews applications on a rolling basis. Once review begins, complete applications will be considered by the Admission Committee and applicants will be notified regarding the admission decision. The Chicago School does not share information or provide any feedback regarding admission decisions.

If a student is offered admission and in order to secure a place in the incoming class, a non-refundable tuition deposit of $250 will be required by the deposit deadline indicated in the offer of admission. The non-refundable deposit will be applied in full toward the student’s tuition upon enrollment.

Articulation Agreements

The Chicago School has established agreements between The MA Psychology and the PhD Organizational Leadership program to allow qualified students to enroll in doctoral level courses while completing thier master’s degree that will then count toward the doctoral degree.  Click on this link    for details.

Degree Completion Requirements

• Successful completion of 60 credit hours of coursework
• Successful completion of dissertation
• Successful completion of Competency Examination
• Attendance at two residences that are three and a half day each (online students only)

The following policies are located under  Academic Policies and Procedures   : Academic Calendar, Admissions Requirements, Attendance, Satisfactory Academic Progress, Service Learning, and Transfer Credit/Course Waiver. Click the link above for detailed information.

Residency Requirements (Online Students Only)

Online students are engaged in two brief residencies (roughly three and a half days each) at one of our campuses-providing an opportunity for face-to-face interaction and networking with fellow students from around the globe who bring a wealth of diverse leadership experiences and perspectives.  At the first residency, students meet with their cohorts and faculty members and engage in focused seminars.  At the second residency, students participate in their competency exam.

Field Experience Requirements 

Students must have access to an organizational environment that will be available for use in research and reference for course work. 

Ethical Guidelines

Students are expected to engage in all graduate work, including but not limited to course work, research, and scholarship, with a high degree of integrity and professionalism. It is essential that students approach professional working relationships, collegial relationships, and client/partner-contact with respect. Further, students are expected to adhere to the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct as well as the “evolving universal code of ethics” (Gauthier, 2005).  Students who choose to seek employment in the field of psychology shall not work beyond their level of competence and shall not use titles governed by credentialing statutes and/or regulations unless authorized by the relevant jurisdictional authority. Students who fail to comply with ethical and professional behavior guidelines are subject to department remediation and/or referral to Student Community Standards for disciplinary action and possible dismissal.

Competency Examination

Every student is required to pass a Competency Examination (CE). The aim of this assessment exercise is to evaluate the student’s knowledge of theory, research, and practice. This is also an opportunity to assess the student’s ability to demonstrate this knowledge and skill in simulations in order to judge his or her abilities as a future organizational leader. The Comprehensive Examination is taken at the end of the student’s second year in the doctoral program

Dissertation

Completion of the dissertation is an essential aspect of a students’ academic experience and professional education. It provides the school the opportunity to evaluate the student’s ability to apply Organizational Leadership theory and research and to think critically and creatively about an issue in the field.

The dissertation should clearly and concisely demonstrate the student’s command of the research in a specific area of Organizational Leadership. In the dissertation, the student will critically evaluate and synthesize relevant research and theory in the topic chosen for study. The student’s dissertation Committee is responsible for determining the appropriateness and acceptability of the dissertation proposal and for final approval of the dissertation.

The Curriculum

Intensive course work that balances theory and practice culminates in completion of the competency exam and the dissertation. Students entering post-master’s must complete 60 graduate semester hours of study:

Required Core: 54 credit hours

Electives: 6 credit hours

Program Total

Ph.D. Organizational Leadership: 60 credit hours

Required Core

• IO 519 - Statistics and Lab (4 credit hours)
• PB 400 - Professional Development Seminar (3 credit hours)
• PB 455 - Research Methods (3 credit hours)
• OL 539 - Personality and Life Span in the Workplace (3 credit hours)
• OL 549 - Systems Theory (3 credit hours)
• OL 551 - Group and Team Leadership (3 credit hours)
• OL 554 - Management Philosophy and Practice (3 credit hours)
• OL 556 - Emerging Theories of Leadership (3 credit hours)
• OL 560 - Ethical and Cultural Considerations (3 credit hours)
• OL 573 - Organizational Diagnosis and Cultural Dynamics (3 credit hours)
• OL 576 - Strategic Change Management (3 credit hours)
• OL 580 - Residency I (auto half time) (0 credit hours)
• OL 620 - Competency Examination (3 credit hours)(course fee $12)
• OL 621 - Qualitative Research Methods (3 credit hours)
• OL 631 - Dissertation Maintenance I (3 credit hours)(auto full time)
• OL 632 - Dissertation Maintenance II (3 credit hours)(auto full time)
• OL 633 - Dissertation Maintenance III (3 credit hours)(auto full time)
• OL 705 - Leadership Self-Development (2 credit hours)(course fee $177)

Students choose one of the following:

• OL 623 - Advanced Qualitative Research Methods (3 credit hours)
• PB 528 - Advanced Statistics (3 credit hours)

Choose six hours of elective courses:

• OL 634 - Virtual and Global Leadership (3 credit hours)
• OL 637 - Team Interventions (3 credit hours)
• OL 640 - Governance in Non-profit (3 credit hours)
• OL 641 - Supervising and Coaching Employees (3 credit hours)
• OL 642 - Strategic Human Resources Effectiveness (3 credit hours)
• OL 643 - Social Entrepreneurship (3 credit hours)
• OL 644 - Leadership Ethics (3 credit hours)
• OL 645 - Diversity (3 credit hours)
• OL 646 - The Role of Technology in Organizations (3 credit hours)
• OL 647 - Public Policy Leadership (3 credit hours)
• OL 650 - Envisioning the New Health and Human Service Organization (3 credit hours)
• OL 651 - Community Building and Social Transformation in Health and Human Service Organization (3 credit hours)
• OL 652 - Ethical, Practical, and Economic Challenges in Health and Human Service Organization (3 credit hours)
• OL 653 - Advanced Consulting Skills (3 credit hours)
• OL 654 - Business Development for Consulting Psychologists (3 credit hours)
• OL 655 - Large Group Methods (3 credit hours)
• OL 657 - Professional Coaching (3 credit hours)
• OL 658 - Group Facilitation (3 credit hours)
• OL 670 - Special Topics I (1 credit hour)
• OL 671 - Special Topics II (2 credit hours)
• OL 672 - Special Topics III (3 credit hours)(course fee)
• OL 675 - Independent Study I (1 credit hour)
• OL 676 - Independent Study II (2 credit hours)
• OL 677 - Independent Study III (3 credit hours)

Students may also select elective courses from the Ph.D. Business Psychology    elective pool.

Extension Courses

• OL 953 - Manuscript Preparation (MP) Extension (0 credit hours) - auto full-time
• OL 954 - Manuscript Preparation (MP) Extension (0 credit hours) - auto half-time
• OL 958A - Manuscript Preparation (MP) Extension (0 credit hours) - auto half-time
• OL 958B - Manuscript Preparation (MP) Extension (0 credit hours) - auto half-time
• OL 959A - Manuscript Preparation (MP) Extension (0 credit hours) - auto full-time
• OL 959B - Manuscript Preparation (MP) Extension (0 credit hours) - auto full-time

Research Project Extension Courses - Semester Based Program Versions (Doctoral Level)

These courses are used in accordance with the Research Project Courses policy.  Students in Semester Based doctoral programs may use only these courses as extensions for dissertations, theses, advanced applied projects, advanced research projects, and applied research projects. RPX courses may not be repeated, substituted, or combined with term-based research project extension courses.

• RPX 501 - Research Project Extension 1 (3 credit hours) (Auto full-time)
• RPX 502 - Research Project Extension 2 (3 credit hours) (Auto full-time)
• RPX 5031 - Research Project Extension 3 (Summer 1) (1.5 credit hours) (auto full-time)
• RPX 5032 - Research Project Extension 3 (Summer 2) (1.5 credit hours) (auto full-time)
• RPX 504 - Research Project Extension 4 (3 credit hours) (Auto full-time)
• RPX 505 - Research Project Extension 5 (3 credit hours) (Auto full-time)
• RPX 5061 - Research Project Extension 6 (Summer 1) (1.5 credit hours) (auto full-time)
• RPX 5062 - Research Project Extension 6 (Summer 2) (1.5 credit hours) (auto full-time)

Research Project Extension 7, 8, 9, and External IRB require the written approval of the department prior to enrollment.

• RPX 507 - Research Project Extension 7 (3 credit hours) (Auto full-time)
• RPX 508 - Research Project Extension 8 (3 credit hours) (Auto full-time)
• RPX 5091 - Research Project Extension 9 (Summer 1) (1.5 credit hours) (auto full-time)
• RPX 5092 - Research Project Extension 9 (Summer 2) (1.5 credit hours) (auto full-time)
• RPX 510 - Research Project Extension External IRB (1 credit hour) (auto full-time)

Research Project Extension Courses - Term Based Program Versions (Doctoral Level)

These courses are used in accordance with the Research Project Courses policy.  Students in Term Based doctoral programs may use only these courses as extensions for dissertations, theses, advanced applied projects, advanced research projects, and applied research projects. RPX courses may not be repeated, substituted, or combined with semester based research project extension courses.

• RPX 551 - Research Project Extension 1 (1.5 credit hours) (auto full-time)
• RPX 552 - Research Project Extension 2 (1.5 credit hours) (auto full-time)
• RPX 553 - Research Project Extension 3 (1.5 credit hours) (auto full-time)
• RPX 554 - Research Project Extension 4 (1.5 credit hours) (auto full-time)
• RPX 555 - Research Project Extension 5 (1.5 credit hours) (auto full-time)
• RPX 556 - Research Project Extension 6 (1.5 credit hours) (auto full-time)
• RPX 557 - Research Project Extension 7 (1.5 credit hours) (auto full-time)
• RPX 558 - Research Project Extension 8 (1.5 credit hours) (auto full-time)
• RPX 559 - Research Project Extension 9 (1.5 credit hours) (auto full-time)
• RPX 560 - Research Project Extension 10 (1.5 credit hours) (auto full-time)
• RPX 561 - Research Project Extension 11 (1.5 credit hours) (auto full-time)
• RPX 562 - Research Project Extension 12 (1.5 credit hours) (auto full-time)

Research Project Extension 13 through 18, and External IRB A and B require the written approval of the department prior to enrollment.

• RPX 563 - Research Project Extension 13 (1.5 credit hours) (auto full-time)
• RPX 564 - Research Project Extension 14 (1.5 credit hours) (auto full-time)
• RPX 565 - Research Project Extension 15 (1.5 credit hours) (auto full-time)
• RPX 566 - Research Project Extension 16 (1.5 credit hours) (auto full-time)
• RPX 567 - Research Project Extension 17 (1.5 credit hours) (auto full-time)
• RPX 568 - Research Project Extension 18 (1.5 credit hours) (auto full-time)
• RPX 569 - Research Project Extension External IRB A (0.5 credit hour) (auto full-time)
• RPX 570 - Research Project Extension External IRB B (0.5 credit hour) (auto full-time)

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Transformative. Flexible. Accredited.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership program equips organizational leaders from various public and private contexts to effectively engage in the transformation of their organizations, communities, and society through interdisciplinary scholarship and relevant research, grounded in the integration of faith, reason, and justice. Learn more about  Our Mission.

Program Details

• Delivery/Location : Online with In-Person Residencies at Eastern's St. Davids Campus
• Enrolling New Students :  Now accepting applications for August 2024
• Length:  Can be completed in 5 years. Includes 60 credits of coursework, with additional credits required until the completion of the dissertation
• Cost :   View our affordable tuition rates . Plus, if you already have a degree from EU, check out our  Alumni Discount!
• Financial Aid :  Learn more about our Financial Aid and Grants

ACBSP Accredited Leadership Program

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EU Ranked #3 Among Forbes’ Best Online Doctorates in Organizational Leadership

Rooted in christian faith. rich in community..

• Multiple Academic Perspectives - With specialization in the areas of business, non profit, and education, we provide an interdisciplinary approach to leadership studies.
• Community - Students belong to cohorts of about 20 peers and progress through the program together, often creating life-long learning communities.
• Online with Residencies - Our students access coursework online and attend three residencies per year at Eastern University.
• Course Work and Dissertation - The program mandates three years of course work, plus a dissertation phase. The  60 credits (additional credits required until the completion of the dissertation), can be completed in 5 years. 
• Ranked among the Best Online Doctorates in Organizational Leadership:  Top 3 by Forbes and  Top 16 by Intelligent!

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UNC Online / Online Doctoral Programs / The Online Ed.D. in Organizational Learning and Leadership

The Online Ed.D. in Organizational Learning and Leadership

From the university of north carolina at chapel hill, achieve organizational goals through human-centered leadership.

The online Ed.D. in Organizational Learning and Leadership program from the UNC School of Education empowers working professionals with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to achieve organizational goals through a human-centered approach to leadership. 

Through flexible and collaborative online classes, aspiring leaders learn to implement and foster high-quality practices and cultures to achieve organizational goals and exceed expectations for professional growth.

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The online unc ed.d. at a glance.

No master’s or GRE required

54 credit hours

36 months to complete

Ed.D. in Organizational Learning and Leadership Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to equip students with the tools they need to empower the people around them to deliver on their organization’s goals and mission.

The 54-credit hour program consists of 17 courses, including a capstone project that asks students to explore a relevant organizational challenge based on their experiences.

An optional in-person immersion experience is available each spring semester to enrich the academic journey for students.

Learning Outcomes

The online Ed.D. in Organizational Learning and Leadership prepares students to create organizational cultures that welcome diverse perspectives, lead organizations toward equitable practice, and empower people within their organization to succeed. Students will learn to:

• Apply a wide array of styles, strategies, and theories to effectively lead organizations to learn, improve, and change.
• Create an organizational culture where diverse voices and perspectives are invited, considered, and empowered to contribute to learning and improvement. 
• Recognize and attend to organizational context through its stakeholder groups and organizational networks to effectively manage organizations within complex systems and improve those systems for the better.
• Assess organizational structure and context including key organizational resources, internal and external stakeholders and the relationships among them, and the sources of organizational power to change systems for the better.
• Collect, analyze, and use data and evidence to evaluate and reflect on the process of organizational learning and make ethical and effective choices for organizational advancement.

Admissions — Online Ed.D. in Organizational Learning and Leadership

The online Ed.D. in Organizational Learning and Leadership program offers three start dates per year: January, May, and August. The UNC School of Education seeks applicants with a genuine interest in leadership and who are passionate about empowering people in their organization. A master’s degree and GRE/GMAT scores are not required.

Admissions Requirements: 

• Minimum of three years of management or leadership experience in a professional work setting
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0; less than 3.0 will require an explanation to accompany your application

See admissions criteria and application requirements.

The Online Experience

A complex world calls for flexible learning designed to meet the needs of a global workplace. In the online Ed.D. in Organizational Learning and Leadership program, students will find an intuitive platform, comprehensive support, and top-notch education designed for real people with real lives.

• Attend weekly face-to-face classes , held on Zoom, that allow for rich discussion and debate with peers and faculty.
• Complete interactive assignments , using a customizable platform that follows best practices for online learning. 
• Meet faculty and peers at optional in-person immersions , where you’ll network and apply what you’ve learned. 
• Access full-spectrum career services , including interview prep, one-on-one coaching, self-assessments, and salary resources.
• Connect with a student success advisor , who will serve as your dedicated partner throughout the program.

UNC School of Education Faculty

UNC School of Education faculty members in the Ed.D. in Organizational Learning and Leadership program are committed to empowering the next generation of responsible and passionate organizational leaders. Our exceptional faculty members have expertise in organizational change and implementation science, evaluation, and leadership, making the Ed.D. in Organizational Learning and Leadership a unique program where faculty provide students with the tools needed to be successful in the pursuit of a doctorate degree and in accessing professional opportunities. This program was designed and launched to help students acquire the skills needed in leadership within organizations and directly apply them in the field, making a difference across multiple industries in organizations.

Optional In-Person Immersion 

Each spring, an optional in-person immersion in the Ed.D. in Organizational Learning and Leadership program provides a dynamic learning opportunity that fosters community building, connects students with program faculty, and offers a platform for exploration, exposure to real-world leadership practices, and networking with peers from other programs within the UNC School of Education. 

Key aspects of the immersion experience include:

Community building

Development of a strong and supportive community among students through team-building exercises, group discussions, and campus events — enhancing academic and professional networks for lifelong benefit.

Familiarity with program faculty

Build rapport with program faculty in an informal setting, gaining insights into teaching philosophies and research expertise, fostering a supportive learning environment and encouraging open communication.

Exploration of opportunities

Explore various academic and professional opportunities within the program, UNC School of Education, and the University, aiding in the alignment of the academic journey with professional goals.

Mentoring connections with leaders in practice

Connect with industry leaders in organizational learning and leadership through guest speakers, interactive discussions, and insights-sharing sessions, enriching understanding and networking in the field.

Capstone Project

The capstone experience in the Ed.D. in Organizational Learning and Leadership program is the culmination of the academic rigor and practical learning acquired throughout the program. The capstone is designed to showcase the student’s ability to apply theoretical knowledge, empirical research, and innovative thinking to address complex challenges within organizational learning and leadership. While the capstone project comes later in the program, the curriculum has been designed carefully to scaffold student work toward the capstone throughout the program. It provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their expertise to make lasting improvements and impact in an organization. The capstone includes a three-semester course sequence in which students identify a problem of practice — a complex and/or pervasive problem within the organization in which they work or within another organization’s practice — and, using lessons from past coursework, explore ways to solve it. Their research results in a written capstone report that details the organizational challenge, their process and findings, and their decision-making — all of which their capstone committee will review. During capstone seminars, students explore best practices for working on large analytic projects, receive personalized guidance and feedback on their efforts from instructors, and learn from their peers as they both give and receive feedback on projects.

Key aspects of the capstone experience include:

Problem identification

The journey begins with the identification of a significant problem or challenge within an organizational context. This problem should be real and impactful, reflecting the complexities and nuances that leaders often face.

Literature review

Students will conduct an in-depth review of relevant literature and theoretical frameworks. This phase helps them establish a solid theoretical foundation for addressing the identified problem and provides insight into existing research and best practices.

Research methodology

Choosing appropriate research methods and data collection techniques is a crucial component of the program and is offered through a series of research methods courses. Whether the capstone involves qualitative or quantitative research, surveys, interviews, case studies, or a combination of methods, the methodology should align with the challenge being studied.

Data collection and analysis

Students will gather and analyze data to gain insights into the problem. This phase involves rigorously analyzing data to draw meaningful conclusions and patterns that will inform potential solutions.

Human-centered approach

One of the distinguishing features of this capstone is the emphasis on a human-centered approach. Students will focus on understanding the needs, perspectives, and experiences of individuals within the organization, recognizing that the success of any intervention or solution depends on the engagement and well-being of its members.

Solution generation

Based on research findings, students will generate innovative solutions and strategies that address the identified problem. These solutions are designed to be practical, actionable, and tailored to the specific organizational context.

Implementation Plan

A well-thought-out implementation plan is crucial for translating ideas into action. Students will develop a detailed roadmap for executing their proposed solutions, considering factors such as change management, resource allocation, and timelines.

Evaluation and impact

After implementing the solutions, students will evaluate the effectiveness and measure the impact on the organization. This stage often involves revisiting the research data to assess whether the problem has been successfully mitigated and whether new challenges have arisen.

As a final step, students will reflect on their journey, lessons learned, and the combination of their academic and practical experiences. The reflection process contributes to the development of critical self-awareness and a deeper understanding of their role as organizational leaders.

Organizational Leadership Careers

This program prepares graduates to pursue a variety of organizational roles across multiple industries. Whether working alongside HR to develop talent and support employees in healthcare settings, working directly with members of leadership in higher education to drive positive change, or implementing new systems and practices to achieve greater efficiency in a nonprofit, graduates will be expert leaders, ready to achieve goals to fulfill their organization’s mission and make a difference. Examples of roles this program prepares graduates for include, but are not limited to, high-level leadership as a: 

• Business and management consultant
• Human resources manager
• Project manager or coordinator
• Medical and health service manager
• Sales and marketing manager
• Leadership coaching or development
• Business or organization executive
• Nonprofit administrator

Become a Changemaker in Your Organization

Gain the skills to positively change lives with the online Ed.D. in Organizational Learning and Leadership from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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PhD in Organization and Management – Leadership

Transfer credits, next start date, be the catalyst for organizational change with a phd in organization and management – leadership.

Change is constant. In the business world, a successful leader is one who can take new technologies and trends and guide their company through change to come out on top. Are you a business professional who wants to teach the next generation how to effectively lead their companies? Through Liberty University’s PhD in Organization and Management – Leadership online degree, you can develop effective methods for research and contribute to the body of knowledge in the field of organization and management. You can learn to evaluate current theoretical research and contribute your findings through your dissertation.

The 2020 median annual salary for management analysts was $87,660.*

World-class learning for anyone, anywhere

The job outlook over 10 years is much faster than average for all occupations.*

The leadership specialization focuses on how to be the catalyst for organizational change and how to use various leadership theories to create high-functioning teams that can excel in the modern workforce. Your organizational leadership education will be integrated with a Christian worldview that focuses on sound, ethical business practices.

Partner with us and see how far your experience and a PhD in management and leadership from Liberty University can take you in your professional and personal life!

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook , Management Analysts, 2020 (viewed online July 7, 2021). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

Why Choose Liberty’s Online PhD in Organizational Leadership and Management?

At Liberty, we’ve designed our online doctorate in organizational leadership with your success in mind. Our professors seek to equip qualified professionals with the knowledge, skills, and values essential for impacting the world and contributing to the greater good of society.

Here are some of the benefits of choosing Liberty’s organizational leadership program:

• Flexibility | Our PhD in Organization and Management – Leadership program is offered 100% online, and the classes have no set login times. You can earn your degree from the comfort of home and easily access your course materials whenever you need them. Most importantly, you can stay invested in the things that matter most — like your family, job, and community — while pursuing your academic goals.
• Integrity | At Liberty, our mission is to Train Champions for Christ . That’s why our online leadership PhD is designed to integrate biblical principles with professional knowledge. In addition to honing your research skills and enhancing your business acumen, you can prepare to stand out as an ethical, value-driven professional.
• Career Preparation | Our PhD in management and leadership program can help you use theory and research methods to address practical business challenges. You can build upon your previous knowledge and experience while preparing future generations of business professionals to excel. Whether you are looking for a future as an educator or top-level executive, the skills and knowledge you gain from this degree can help you succeed.

Military Tuition Discount We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want — at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour . Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work towards your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession — for less.

What Will You Learn in Our Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership?

This PhD in organizational leadership and management offers a blend of business classes focused on organizational change with additional courses covering successful leadership theories and styles. Utilizing your own experience in the business world, you can contribute to the current body of knowledge in organization and management through your dissertation.

Your core courses will explore a variety of pertinent topics, including risk management, managing the contemporary organization, strategy formulation, and human resource management. You can also develop your own leadership skills as you gain an overview of leading organizational change that blends theory and research with practical application.

Our organizational PhD degree also provides an in-depth look at research methods as well as a course that will help you develop the concept for your PhD dissertation. Completing your dissertation will help you contribute to the current body of knowledge in your field and may even set the foundation for future business leaders through your research.

The leadership specialization further explores the concept of leading organizations and covers 3 key areas. First, your courses will cover current and past leadership theories and methods for choosing the best course of action with influence and synergy. Second, you can learn how to lead and manage highly effective teams in today’s organizations. The modern organization has increased reliance on teams and understanding how to develop them and keep them running at optimal performance is crucial to success. Finally, you will explore ethics, reasoning, and methods for guiding organizations using sound morals from a Christian worldview.

Featured Courses 

• BMAL 702 – Leading Theory
• BMAL 704 – Leading Organizational Change
• BMAL 727 – Leading Effective Teams
• BMAL 770 – Ethical Leadership

Degree Information

Highlights of Our PhD in Organizational Management Program

• We are  recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility . Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America . Earning your online degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
• Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years — and counting.
• As an online student, you can access a wide variety of resources through Liberty’s library portal while completing your doctorate in organization and management — leadership.
• Most of the courses in this program are only 8 weeks long with 8 different start dates offered each year and no set login times!

Online PhD in Organization and Management – Leadership Degree Information

• The PhD in Organization and Management program falls under our School of Business .
• Download and review the Degree Completion Plan .
• View the Graduate Business Course Guides (login required) .
• View the PhD in Organization and Management Handbook for additional program information. 

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Career Opportunities for Graduates of Our Online Organizational Leadership and Management Doctoral Program

• Chief executive officer
• Human resources manager
• Management analyst
• Training and development manager
• University professor/postsecondary teacher

Admission Requirements for  Liberty’s PhD in Organization and Management Program

A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with a 3.0 or above GPA is required for admission in good standing. Please visit our admission requirements page for more detailed admissions-related information.

All applicants must submit the following:

• Admission application
• Application fee*
• Official college transcripts
• Proof of English proficiency (for applicants whose native language is other than English)

If you have further questions about admission requirements for this program, please contact [email protected]

*There is no upfront application fee; however, a deferred $50 application fee will be assessed during Financial Check-In. This fee is waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required.

*Some restrictions may occur for this promotion to apply. This promotion also excludes active faculty and staff, military, Non-Degree Seeking, DGIA, Continuing Education, WSB, and Certificates.

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Other programs you may be interested in

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Doctor of Business Administration: Leadership

Next Start Date: May 13, 2024

Doctor of Business Administration: Human Resources

Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL)

Doctor of Strategic Leadership

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20 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Programs [PhD & DBA Guide]

If you’re interested in positions of authority within high-level careers, you might benefit from an online doctorate in organizational leadership.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Not only can a PhD program give you the education and experience that you’ll need to succeed, but since it’s delivered online, you won’t be bound to a traditional college campus. You can learn at home from the first class until the last.

Universities Offering Online Doctorate Degrees in Organizational Leadership

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

1. Colorado Technical University

Opening in 1965 as a private institution, Colorado Technical University is a world-class school that provides thousands of students each year a means to earn undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Colorado Technical University incorporates research and innovation into each program major. Students enrolled at CTU can take advantage of its distance learning program or attend campus-based classes.

Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

2. Concordia University – Irvine

Located in the state of California, Concordia University – Irvine started providing private education in 1976. This faith-based school offers five academic colleges that allow students to earn a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in an array of educational fields. Popular programs at CUI include organization leadership, business, and seminary.

Concordia University – Irvine is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

3. Cornerstone University

Cornerstone University believes in helping every student grow educationally, mentally, and spiritually since 1941. this private Christian School offers undergraduate and graduate degrees to students in a variety of academic fields. Programs offered at cornerstone University are based in liberal arts And hands-on learning experiences.

Organization leadership, education, and journalism are some examples of majors offered at CU.

Cornerstone University  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

4. East Tennessee State University

Opening its doors in 1911, East Tennessee State University is among the ranks of large public schools in Tennessee. This world-class University Graduates thousands each year who have achieved an undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree. There are many academic areas to choose from at East Tennessee State University.

East Tennessee State University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

5. Eastern University

With more than 160 undergraduate and graduate degrees to choose from, Eastern University opened for operation in 1925. This faith-based private college encourages students to take part in community service projects and volunteerism while enrolled.

Offering a dynamic distance learning program, students at Eastern University have access to accelerated learning programs that can let them graduate in less time.

Eastern University  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

6. Franklin University

Founded in 1902, Franklin University is a private postsecondary school that helps students around the world achieve their personal and professional goals. Offering various academic disciplines leading to bachelor’s, master’s, and professional degrees, Franklin University adds practical learning and rigorous content to every program offered.

Online and traditional courses are available at Franklin University.

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

7. Gonzaga University

Established in 1887, Gonzaga University brings spirituality and hands-on learning into the classroom. This private university has more than one hundred undergraduate and graduate degree options to help students reach their full potential.

Some degree options include law, organization leadership, and nursing. Each program has a liberal arts foundation to give a well-rounded education.

Gonzaga University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

8. Governors State University

Located on a beautiful campus in the heart of Illinois, Governors State University was opened in 1969. This public educational facility allows students to obtain a bachelor’s, master’s, or professional degree in more than fifty academic areas.

Offering both online and on-campus formats, Governors State University has a variety of options to help students be successful.

Governors State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

9. Grand Canyon University

Students around the world are turning to Grand Canyon University for all of their educational needs. Grand Canyon University opened in 1949 and provides a private, faith-based education in more than 200 academic disciplines.

Students attending Grand Canyon University have the ability to obtain an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degree.

Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

10. Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University was created in 1920 and has continued to grow ever since. Today Indiana Wesleyan University is a leader in private educational services. Offering a variety of Christian based programs, IWU has a path for students to earn a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree.

Study abroad programs and distance learning allows IWU to reach students internationally.

Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

11. Johnson University

Opening in 1893, Johnson University is one of the most affordable private colleges in the nation. It offers over 70 academic degree programs that help students achieve undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees.

Based in liberal arts with a Christian foundation, students who graduate from Johnson University obtain a well-rounded education.

Johnson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

12. Liberty University

Founded in 1971, Liberty University’s campus is wide-reaching, as the campus can be found in Virginia or on the internet. It has more than 100,000 students enrolled in virtual and traditional learning programs.

This private school offers associate, bachelor’s, and graduate degrees in more than 600 disciplines. Liberty University is a Christian school with a diverse global population.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

13. Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University has been helping students invest in their future since 1964. This private postsecondary school Offers more than 150 academic disciplines in small class sizes to students seeking undergraduate or graduate degrees.

Research in technology is built into every course offered at Nova Southeastern University in order to help students become global competitors in their field.

Nova Southeastern University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

14. Pepperdine University

Helping students achieve their academic goals since 1937, Pepperdine University is well known for its academic excellence and rigorous course content. This private Religious- based University offers an assortment of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees.

It has over seventy academic areas of study that include organizational leadership, business, and law.

Pepperdine is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges—Senior College and University Commission.

15. Regent University

Regent University was founded in 1977 as a private theological postsecondary school. Offering both online and in-class curriculums, Regent University has a path for students to earn a two-year, four-year, or graduate degree in a plethora of academic fields.

Students around the globe turn to Regent University for their excellence in educational and spiritual guidance.

Regent University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

16. Southeastern University

With more than sixty-five-degree options leading to a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, Southeastern University has been serving the community since 1935.

Located in Lakeland, Florida, Southeastern University helps more than 7,000 students pursue private education each year through traditional courses and distance learning options. Popular programs include business, organizational leadership, and health care.

SEU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

17. University of Massachusetts – Global

Opened in 1958, the University of Massachusetts Global is a private postsecondary school that provides education to a diverse student population. Students attending UMass Global have the option to attend courses online or through campus-based learning programs.

UMass Global offers numerous academic programs that lead to undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degrees to help students become leaders in their field.

The University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WSCUC Senior College and University Commission.

18. University of Southern California

The University of Southern California first started offering educational services to the public in 1880. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, his public school enrolls more than 50,000 students every year in undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs.

The University of Southern California encompasses is a global population through distance learning in study abroad programs.

The University of Southern California is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

19. University of the Cumberlands

The University of the Cumberlands open its doors in 1888 and has been working to help students gain higher education ever since. This private school offers a means of achieving an undergraduate or graduate degree. Still, it also allows students to turn community service into college credit when related to the academic subject.

The University of the Cumberlands  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

20. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Commenced in 1979, the Chicago School of Professional Psychology is a private educational entity that provides a diverse, inclusive atmosphere for all learners. CSPP helps students to earn their undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree in over twenty academic areas.

Serving students throughout the world, CSPP brings fieldwork, practical learning, and critical thinking to all educational disciplines.

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.

Online Doctorates in Organizational Leadership

You’ll have several options when it comes to an online PhD in leadership. You could even look outside of the “organizational leadership” label since there are plenty of business-related degrees that offer specializations and concentrations in leadership theory.

Select the program that most interests you to jump to that section of the guide:

PhD in Organizational Leadership

Edd in organizational leadership.

There are two main types of organizational leadership degrees, and while they’re quite similar, they have some notable differences as well.

The most straightforward path, however, is a doctorate in organizational leadership. This degree can help prepare you for senior-level positions in a wide variety of agencies and organizations. It has a multidisciplinary focus that brings together subjects like business, finance, economics, education, technology, policy and more.

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Organizational Leadership has a strong emphasis on research. You can expect to have to find, track, pull, analyze and systematize data from various sources, and you’ll probably generate a fair bit of your own, especially for your dissertation.

After you graduate, your PhD can help qualify you for everything from professorships to pastorships. With this degree, you can pursue work in many different fields, including education, healthcare, human resources, international business and more. You may also stay in academia as a researcher or industry scholar.

A Doctor of Education (EdD) in Organizational Leadership is designed for students who want to go into research, education or a mixture of both. From a business perspective, it could mean managing organizations from the top down or even teaching or training others to do the same.

Practically speaking, an EdD has a bit more of a “real-world” reputation to it. It’s commonly attained by working professionals rather than full-time students, and once you graduate, it can be applied to many different types of careers that involve supervising or instructing others. Every industry needs people to train fresh recruits.

Organizational Leadership Careers & Salaries

What can you do with a doctorate in organizational leadership? The short answer is “a lot.” Depending on your specialization, you could potentially become everything from a university professor to the head honcho of a private business.

Good leadership is a critical component in any industry, so whether you’re interested in business, education, finance, technology, retail or dozens of other fields, an online degree in organizational leadership can open a lot of doors.

The payoff for your education may be quite impressive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a PhD holder is $110,200 per year. High earners in the organizational leadership field can top $100,000 and $150,000 per year.

Some careers that may await you after grad school include:

It’s important to note that these numbers only represent median salaries. Full pay ranges will be much broader. For example, management analysts can earn anywhere from $50,990 – $156,840 per year, but their median pay is $87,660. Additionally, having an online PhD in leadership will bump the median pay to $110,200.

Keep all of this in mind as you browse wage information. You’ll want to make smart and accurate assessments of your future earning potential before you enroll in a degree program.

Organizational Leadership Specializations & Concentrations

If you already have a specific field of interest, you might want to consider a concentration or emphasis for your organizational leadership degree. It can qualify you for a higher, more specialized tier of jobs, and it can teach you the skills that you’ll need to succeed once you’re there.

• Business Leadership: Designed for future business leaders, this is a concentration that can draw on everything from communication and delegation to organizational design and infrastructure.
• Ecclesial Leadership: This is a track offered by faith-based schools that can prepare students for work in religious institutions or missionary groups.
• Educational Leadership: Educational leadership is a wide-ranging specialization that can cover everything from primary school principals to college deans and school board directors.
• Entrepreneurial Leadership: This specialty is focused on the creation and development of businesses just as much as the management of them. It can be ideal for future consultants, liaisons and problem solvers.
• Global Consulting: With an international focus, this specialization is designed for globetrotting business or government leaders who expect to work a lot with different countries and cultures.
• Healthcare Leadership: Healthcare leadership is focused on running the industry from the non-medical side, so expect classes in administration, ethics, technology and policy.
• Higher Education Administration: Another administrative-based specialty, this one is devoted to education professionals on the postsecondary level.
• Human Resource Development: Human resources is a common career track for organizational leadership students, and this specialization covers the basics, including payroll, talent acquisition, employee conflicts and more.
• Primary Education Leadership: This concentration is for the unique challenges faced by primary-level educators, administrators and directors.

You can also look into professional certifications in your field of choice. Some universities even offer degree credits for them.

Choosing a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree

What makes a good doctorate program? While everyone has their own criteria, there are certain standards and benchmarks that you can use to narrow down your options.

The first thing to consider is the quality of the college. Is it accredited? Does it have professors who are highly accomplished in their fields? Where does it rank with sources like the US News and World Report?

Since you’ll be earning your degree online, you’ll also want to consider how classes and fellowships are handled for long-distance learners. You might need to put in some facetime for practicums, dissertations or research opportunities, so what arrangements will you be expected to make with the school?

Finally, consider the degree that you want. Think about the specializations that are available to you and the classes and internships that you can experience. Which schools offer the most bang for your buck in terms of what you’re excited about in a PhD program?

Organizational Leadership Curriculum & Courses

When it comes to PhDs, no two programs are alike. This is especially true for organizational leadership PhDs that can draw from a wide range of academic disciplines depending on its areas of focus.

If you’re concentrating on business leadership, for example, your days might be filled with finance and economics. If you’re studying educational leadership, you might attend a lot of seminars on K-12 infrastructure.

Here’s a small list of courses that you might take for doctorate-level organizational leadership. It’s by no means an exhaustive list, but it should give you a general idea of what your experience might be like as a PhD candidate.

• Organizational Design: One of the most common courses for organizational leadership students, Organizational Design focuses on the different ways that companies structure themselves.
• Research Methods: Since research is a critical component of earning a PhD, you might be expected to take classes in everything from textual analysis to technical writing.
• Data Analytics: These classes have many different names, but they’re all related to the gathering, tracking, analyzing and organizing of data for the purpose of things like organizational efficiency and risk management.
• Leadership Theory and Practice: These courses cover the basics of leadership, including communication, personnel management and strategic decision making. They frequently have an in-person element for real-world practice as an authority figure.
• Policy: Policy is the meter that moves many factions of business, including specialties like healthcare and nonprofit management. These classes cover policy from creation to implementation.
• Business Administration: While you might have covered this topic on the bachelor’s or master’s level, a doctorate program in organizational leadership can help prepare you for administrative challenges as a high-level professional.
• Strategic Foresight: Another area of study that can go by different names, Strategic Foresight revolves around the assessment of markets, economies and sociopolitical trends to predict future business prospects.
• Diversity and Inclusion: It’s become increasingly common for business-related degree programs to offer classes in cultural sensitivity. Some are optional electives while others are required credits for graduation.
• Fieldwork: Many PhD programs have an unavoidable “fieldwork” component that can take the form of residencies, internships, fellowships, practice seminars and more. If you’ll be earning an online degree, you’ll need to figure out how these requirements are handled for distance learners.
• Dissertation: A dissertation is required of almost all PhD programs, so expect to spend one or more semesters on proposals, drafts, reviews and other necessary elements of completing it.

For a closer look at organizational leadership courses on the PhD level, contact the university that you’re interested in and ask about their specific programs.

Admissions Requirements

You’ve probably heard about the difficulty of getting into a good PhD program. While it’s true that competition can be fierce, you can increase your odds of success by understanding the school’s admissions requirements and knocking it out of the park with the entire application process.

• Transcripts: Most PhD programs will ask for your full academic record, including your bachelor’s and master’s degree transcripts.
• GMAT/GRE Scores: While “test-optional” universities are becoming increasingly common, it’s still the norm for doctorate programs to require either the GMAT or the GRE.
• Letters of Recommendation: You’ll need several letters of recommendation from professors and industry professionals. If you know any alumni of the school that you’re applying to, that can be a big bonus.
• GPA: A low GPA isn’t an automatic disqualification for a PhD program, but your admission might come with restrictions.
• Statement of Purpose: This is your chance to personalize your application as well as include any other important accomplishments related to work, research or volunteerism.

You’ll also want to pay attention to deadlines. It’s common for PhD programs to require several months of preparation, so don’t wait until the last minute to start gathering your transcripts and getting your letters of recommendation.

Accreditation

As someone who’s already been through several years of college, you’re probably familiar with the importance of accreditation, but it’s just as relevant to your doctorate program as your bachelor’s and master’s programs.

It can impact things like credits, transfers and financial aid opportunities, and it can play a big role in how future employers determine the legitimacy of your degree.

If you need a refresher, here are the three types of accreditation:

• Regional accreditation
• National accreditation
• Programmatic accreditation

Regional and national accreditation is also called “institutional accreditation” since it’s applied to entire universities. Programmatic accreditation, on the other hand, is applied to specific schools, departments and degree programs within universities.

For additional information about accreditation, check out accrediting organizations like the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). They even have a searchable database on their website where you can look for specific schools and their accreditation statuses.

Organizational Leadership Professional Organizations

As a future leader of your field, you could benefit tremendously from the resources and networks of professional organizations. Not only do they offer things like scholarships, job boards, certification programs and discounts on industry-specific products and services, but they can put you in contact with people that you’ll need to know for the future.

Here are just a few groups that might interest you as a student of organizational leadership:

• American Leadership Development Association: The ALDA is for leaders who want to train other leaders. It offers a variety of resources for both free and paid members, including articles, awards and networking groups.
• National Management Association: With more than 22,000 members, the NMA is a fast-growing nonprofit organization that hosts everything from speech contests to annual conferences and expos.
• Organization Development Network: Dedicated to organizational development specialists, the OD Network is an international group for managers, directors and leaders of all types.

You can also look for other professional organizations that are dedicated to business leaders and educators. For example, the Association for Talent Development (ATD) might boost your career in human resources. The Academy of International Business (AIB) might be relevant to your interests as a student of global affairs.

What Can You Do With a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership?

A doctorate in organizational leadership can prepare you for high-level careers in a variety of fields.

As befitting the leadership label, many jobs will have “manager,” “director” or “chief officer” in the title. Your coursework should prepare you for the challenges of things like supervising teams and analyzing business structures.

If you choose to concentrate your studies in something specific, you can also find niche or specialized jobs in your chosen field.

For example, if you want to go into human resources, you might become a recruitment officer, benefits administrator, department director or employee relations manager. Even though they’re all senior-level positions in HR, there are different degrees and certificates available for their different focus areas.

What is an Organizational Leadership Degree?

A degree in organizational leadership can help prepare you for the realities of creating, managing and restructuring businesses. It can teach everything from workflow operations to human psychology, and it can lead to jobs in finance, education, healthcare, government, information technology and more.

For those who have already obtained a bachelor’s or master’s degree, a PhD or EdD can represent the very top of their educational summit. It might be the last thing that they need to qualify for a high-level job in a position of professional authority.

Are Online PhD Programs Credible?

While you should definitely be on alert for fraudulent colleges that promise fake degrees, there are plenty of real, trustworthy programs for online PhDs and EdDs. Here are a few signs of legitimacy:

• Accreditation. They have regional or national accreditation through their university, or they’ve been programmatically accredited by an industry-recognized organization.
• Reputable origins. Some online degree programs are just extensions or alternatives to the degree programs that are offered on a college’s physical campus. They’ll still come from the same school, have the same professors and require the same academic rigor.
• High standards. Be wary of an online program that makes too many promises or offers too many shortcuts. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Always do your research when it comes to online degrees, especially when they’re as important as a PhD.

What is a Doctorate of Strategic Leadership?

A Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL) is a degree that’s quite similar to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Organizational Leadership. They’re all focused on smart, effective leadership in professional settings, and in many cases, employers will view them interchangeably.

They differ in some of the subjects that they teach and some of the specializations that they can have.

Is a PhD in Organizational Leadership Worth it?

While everyone has their own opinion about what constitutes a good, worthwhile degree, a doctorate in organizational leadership can offer a lot of benefits to prospective students.

For starters, it’s a very flexible degree. You can earn either a PhD or EdD in it, and you can choose whether to study leadership as a general subject or with a specialized focus in a particular field.

An organizational leadership degree can also open doors in many different industries. Whether you’re interested in business, retail, healthcare, government or even religion, every industry needs leaders.

Last but not least, a doctorate in organizational leadership can be rewarding. It isn’t uncommon for the top earners of the field to reach six figures or more. It’s definitely a degree that has the potential to pay for itself down the line.

How Long Does it Take to Get a PhD in Organizational Leadership?

It typically takes anywhere from 3 – 5 years to get an online PhD in organizational leadership. Full-time students usually graduate faster than part-time students.

Your timetable can also depend on the coursework and fieldwork requirements of your particular university: If you’re enrolled in a program that has a lot of practicums, you might take longer to finish than someone with a more self-paced, research-based degree.

What is the Difference Between an Organizational Leadership EdD and PhD?

There’s a lot of overlap between a PhD and an EdD. These programs also bear striking similarities to online MBA in organizational leadership programs, DSLs and other doctorate degrees.

Their difference lies in their educational experiences:

• A PhD tends to be more research-based than other degrees and typically requires a dissertation with original research and analysis before you can graduate.
• EdDs and DSLs tend to have more of a real-world focus. They may or may not require a dissertation, and if they do, the research usually involves real-world problems and solutions rather than purely theoretical research.

You might also see EdDs and DSLs referred to as “professional doctoral degrees” since they can be considered specialty degrees that are offshoots of a “regular” doctoral degree.

Are There Any Affordable Doctoral Programs in Organizational Leadership?

The cost of PhD programs vary drastically from school to school. It’s hard to even talk about ballpark figures since your bill can depend on multiple factors:

• Are you receiving any financial aid in the form of grants, loans or scholarships?
• Are you enrolled in any fellowships or assistanceships that will lower your tuition costs?
• Are you eligible for a stipend?

Some students are able to get fully-funded PhDs where all costs are covered by their university. As you might imagine, however, these free rides are both limited and highly competitive, and you might not be eligible for them as an online student. Talk to your school to figure out your options when it comes to affording your PhD.

How Much Can You Make With a PhD in Organizational Leadership?

Doctorate degrees can be highly lucrative, especially those related to organizational leadership. If you’re able to secure a senior staff position at a successful company, you could earn as much as six figures per year.

Just keep in mind that the average salaries that you see online aren’t always a true representation of earning potential.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, for example, training and development managers make an average of $115,640 per year. However, their full salary range is $66,270 – $200,210 per year.

You could wind up making less than half or twice as much as the average.

Getting Your Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Online

Maybe you’re planning for the future as a bachelor’s or master’s student. Maybe you’re already working in your chosen industry, but you want to go back to school to further your career prospects or increase your earning potential.

Whatever your reasons for looking at online PhD programs in organizational leadership, you’re making a wise choice. It’s a degree that can offer a lot of flexibility and opportunity to graduates. The salaries can top six figures per year, and the job options can range from business and finance to academia and religious leadership.

Reach out to universities and ask about their organizational leadership degrees. Competition can be fierce for admission to PhD programs, so it never hurts to inquire early.

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Online Doctoral Degree Doctor of Organizational Leadership

The Doctor of Organizational Leadership (DOL) program at Columbia Southern University empowers students to become adept researchers and influential organizational leaders. Designed to prepare graduates with the knowledge and skills for roles in academia, executive positions, and consulting, the curriculum hones their business, management, and strategic planning skills while elevating their theoretical knowledge in any number of fields. Upon completion, students emerge prepared to apply theoretical frameworks to contemporary leadership issues, analyze research results to inform organizational decisions, and ethically conduct primary or secondary research relevant to organizational leadership. Successful graduates emerge ready to make a meaningful impact in diverse professional settings, positioning them as influential leaders and scholars in their field.

Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography and degree field, affect career outcomes. CSU does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position, or other career growth.

Degree at a Glance

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Program Summary

Program description, learning outcomes.

Upon completion of the program, students should be able to do the following:

Concentration

Concentration outcomes, ready to get started.

For more information regarding courses outside the recommended course of study, view the full course listing . ( * Indicates recommended course of study. )

Major Requirements

credit hours

12 credit hours

To fulfill the General Concentration for this degree, student may choose any 5000-6000 level course not used to satisfy program requirements. Student can review all available courses at our full course listing. Students are strongly encouraged to speak to their academic advisor prior to choosing general concentration course options.

General Education

The following courses indicated by * are recommended to satisfy General Education Requirements .

To fulfill open electives, students may choose any course not used to satisfy program requirements, taking into consideration the degree program upper-level requirements. Students can review all available courses at our  full course listing. Students are strongly encouraged to speak to their academic advisor prior to choosing open elective options.

Program Electives

Dissertation requirements.

Doctoral students are required to complete a dissertation and defend their research before a committee and University representatives, which may take place at a distance through audio/visual means. No degree shall be awarded without majority of committee approval. Information regarding this capstone doctoral requirement is published in the Dissertation Handbook.

Graduates will successfully complete a minimum of 61 credit hours and dissertation research courses as outlined above.

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Our goal is to provide the strongest online academic programs at an affordable rate. On average, our tuition is less than half the cost of our competitors.

* Rates are per credit hour. Most courses are three (3) credit hours. Tuition and fees are payable in U.S. funds. Tuition rates are subject to change. CSU’s tuition rate for associate, bachelor’s and master’s courses is $250 per credit hour for all active-duty military members using tuition assistance except those who are using a Learning Partner discount. The lower rate is offered to keep the tuition rate at the DoD cap of $250. † CSU Learning Partners receive a tuition discount that is applied to the full tuition rate.

Tuition reports include tuition and required fees per academic year for full time beginning students. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Affordability and Transparency Center, National Center for Education Statistics, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), Winter 2021-2022, Student Financial Aid component.

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PhD in Organizational Leadership

Innovation, resilience, and ethical leadership converge in the PhD in Organizational Leadership Program at Walsh College

The field of leadership is complex and ever evolving. New ideas, new technologies, and emergent generations continually change the way we need to lead our teams in the 21st century. But how can we make sense of the leadership landscape in a way that keeps us on track without being pulled off course by fads, societal changes, and stereotypes?

The PhD in Organizational Leadership from Walsh College is a transformative experience, designed for visionary leaders seeking to influence organizations at a deep level. In it, you explore the depths of organizational dynamics, from navigating conflicts to fostering sustainability and innovation. Through research, you will develop a discerning eye around which strategies will work and which ones you are better off letting your competition try and fail at.

The program features a blend of online coursework and Zoom-enabled remote delivery. Our goal is to provide a program which caters to the schedules of working professionals while fostering seamless integration between theory and practice.

As a PhD graduate in Organizational Leadership, you will emerge as a thought leader, equipped to lead with integrity, drive positive change, and shape the future of global organizations.

Faculty With Real-World Experience

There’s no substitute for experience. 95% of Walsh faculty bring their real-world industry experience into the classroom . You will learn from proven business minds who have worked or are working in the roles you may see yourself in one day.

Flexible Learning Options

Recognizing the diverse needs of our students, Walsh College offers a range of flexible learning options. Whether you prefer traditional on-campus classes, online learning, or a hybrid approach, we have a solution that fits your lifestyle.

Career Services & Networking Events

Your success extends beyond the classroom, and we are committed to supporting your career aspirations. Walsh provides comprehensive career services, including resume workshops, networking events, and job placement assistance to help you launch your professional journey.

Streamlined Dissertation Process

Our dissertation process is designed to provide candidates with support from start to finish. Faculty responsiveness, clear expectations, established milestones, and adequate mentoring all play a vital role in helping successfully guide students through their dissertations.

A Network of Support

Our knowledgeable, professional staff will be there to help from your first contact to the day you graduate. With free tutoring, professional mentoring, and networking opportunities throughout the year, you’ll have the resources you need for academic and professional success.

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There are a lot of reasons students love attending Walsh. Listen to some of our alumni share what made Walsh the right fit for them.

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FastTrack  is an accelerated degree program that lets you earn credits for both a master’s and doctoral degree at the same time. Meet with a Walsh Enrollment Specialist to learn more.

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So many possibilities are unleashed when you enroll in the right Walsh program.

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Make the Investment that Pays Off Long Into Your Career

1. Apply to Walsh

Applying is easy through our online portal. Have a few questions first? Our Enrollment Specialists are ready to help!

2. Choose Your Path

Choose online, remote synchronous, or on-ground classes at the pace that fits your goals. We’ll provide the training and skills you need to start your career and/or head into your certification exam with confidence.

3. Reach New Heights

With a Walsh degree on your resume and your certification in hand, you’ll be ready to advance your career and influence your company for decades.

How to Choose a Doctoral Program That’s Right for You

Transform Your Doctoral Aspirations Into RealityApply Now!Take the first step toward the rest of your life. Apply online or speak with an Enrollment Specialist today. Schedule an Appointment How to Choose a Doctoral Program That’s Right for You There are many reasons a person may choose to earn a doctorate…

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Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership

Description of program.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership (PhD-OL) program is a research-based program designed to prepare leaders for positions in the private and public sectors by enhancing knowledge and competencies appropriate to a wide variety of leadership roles. A Ph.D. requires original ideas about a specialized topic, as well as a high degree of methodological/scientific rigor (Nelson, & Coorough, 1994). As is traditional in higher education, a Ph.D. is only awarded for a piece of work that will actually make a difference to the theoretical context of the field – the Ph.D. dissertation is a new contribution to the body of knowledge .

Program Learning Outcomes

The program learning outcomes of the Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership degree are:

• Evaluate theories of organizational leadership for their academic and practical value.
• Assess an organization’s potential for positive change.
• Integrate organizational leadership theories into practical usage
• Contribute to the body of knowledge in the field of organizational leadership.

Basis for Admissions Requirements

Admission to the Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership program requires a conferred post-baccalaureate master’s degree and/or doctoral degree from a regionally or nationally accredited academic institution.

Degree Requirements

The University may accept a maximum of 12 semester credit hours in transfer toward the doctoral degree for graduate coursework completed at an accredited college or university with a grade of “B” or better.

The PhD-OL degree programs have the following graduation requirements:

• A minimum of 48 credit hours of graduate instruction must be completed through Northcentral
• Grade Point Average of 3.0 (letter grade of “B”) or higher
• Satisfactory completion of a Comprehensive Exam
• University Approval of Dissertation Manuscript and Oral Defense completed
• Submission of the approved final dissertation manuscript to the University Registrar, including the original unbound dissertation manuscript and an electronic copy
• Official documents on file for basis of admission: a conferred master’s degree from an accredited academic institution
• Official transcripts on file for all transfer credit hours accepted by the University
• All financial obligations to the University paid in full

Fundamental Competencies

All PhD-OL students are required to demonstrate competency in these areas:

• Graduate-Level Research Methods Competency – PhD-OL students are required to complete BTM 7303   , BTM 8103-8   , BTM 8104-8   , BTM 8106-8    or BTM 8108-8   , BTM 8107-8    at Northcentral.
• Graduate-Level Statistics Competency – PhD-OL students are required to complete BTM8107-8 - Statistics II    at Northcentral.
• Computer Competency - Doctoral students are required to have computer skills necessary for completing a dissertation. Students must be able to prepare documents using advanced word processing skills (e.g., creation of tables and figures, headers and footers, page breaks, tables of contents, hanging indents). Students must use computer programs for the statistical analysis of data (e.g., SAS). Students must produce a computer-based presentation (e.g., PowerPoint) for their dissertation oral examination.

Time to Completion

Northcentral University allows 7 years to complete all doctoral programs of 60 credits or less.

Normal time to completion for a program like this is 50 months.

Time to completion varies depending upon the pace in which a student completes courses and the number of transfer credits accepted. As most Northcentral students are working adults balancing educational, professional, and personal commitments, our academic advisors will work with you to develop a program schedule that works best for your needs.

The normal time disclosed above reflects the experience of students who may have entered under different program requirements. In the quest for continuous improvement, academic leadership has revised the program to optimize curriculum and pace, facilitate student learning, and improve chances for success. Therefore, the program is now designed for students enrolling today to take advantage of these revised course structures, lengths, and schedules. New students following the preferred schedule designed by the Dean for this program, and applying no transfer credits, can expect to finish in as little as 45 months.

Dissertation Process

Faculty assist each Northcentral University Doctoral student to reach this high goal through a systematic process leading to a high-quality completed dissertation. A PhD-OL dissertation is a scholarly documentation of research that makes an original contribution to the field of study. This process requires care in choosing a topic, documenting its importance, planning the methodology, and conducting the research. These activities lead smoothly into the writing and oral presentation of the dissertation.

A doctoral candidate must be continuously enrolled throughout the series of dissertation courses. If additional time is required to complete any of the dissertation courses, students must re-enroll and pay the tuition for that course. Continuous enrollment will only be permitted when students demonstrate progress toward completing dissertation requirements. The Dissertation Committee determines progress.

Course Sequence

Credit Hours - The PhD-OL program may be completed in 60 credits. Additional credit hours may be allowed as needed to complete the dissertation research. If granted, additional courses will be added to the student degree program in alignment with the SAP and Academic Maximum Time to Completion policies. Students who do not complete their program in accordance with these policies may be dismissed.

Basis of Admission - In order to enter the doctoral (PhD-OL) program, applicants must have earned a master’s degree from an accredited university.

The PhD-OL-s a 60 credit program comprised of 9 Foundations credits, 12 Research credits, 18 Core credits, 6 Elective credits, 3 Comprehensive exam credits, 12 Dissertation credits.

Required Foundational Courses must be taken first and in sequence

• BTM-7101 - Doctoral Studies in Business
• BTM-7300 - Scholarly Literature Review
• BTM-8104 - Statistics I
• OLB-7002 - Building Organizational Capacity
• BTM-7303 - Research Methods
• OLB-7004 - Theory and Practice of Organizational Leadership
• BTM-8103 - Research Design
• OLB-7005 - Ethical Leadership
• BTM-8106 - Quantitative Research Design
• BTM-8108 - Qualitative Research Design
• OLB-7006 - Leadership, Change, and Communication
• BTM-8107 - Statistics II
• OLB-7007 - Leader as Coach/Consultant
• OLB-7008 - Executive Leadership
• Elective Course 1 - 7000 and above level specialization course - must be approved by the dean
• Elective Course 2 - 7000 and above level specialization course - must be approved by the dean
• CMP9700L - PhD-OL Portfolio
• DIS9901A - Components of the Dissertation
• DIS9902A - The Dissertation Proposal
• DIS9903A - Institutional Review Board (IRB) and Data Collection
• DIS9904A - The Dissertation Manuscript and Defense

A Guide to Earning a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership – PhD, EdD, and More

Written by Scott Wilson

The mystery of effective and inspirational leadership is both ancient and compelling. You can’t look through history without wondering about it. What made George Washington the first president of the United States and not John Hancock? Why was it that Neville Chamberlain was seen unequal to the task of leading the United Kingdom when World War II broke out, and Winston Churchill elevated by popular acclaim as Prime Minister?

There is an eternal puzzle in trying to answer questions about what makes a great leader; combinations of perspectives, personality traits, and management techniques that somehow come together just right under a particular set of circumstances. It’s a puzzle that modern government and business are forever trying to solve. Because great leadership solves problems, creates breakthroughs, and accomplishes goals that are unattainable without it.

The importance of leadership is a timeless reality in both business and non-profit ventures. But while finding inspirational and visionary leaders was once a matter of chance and guesswork, the science of leadership has been distilled today into tools and traits that can be taught and absorbed by anyone with the interest and the desire.

Doctoral programs in organizational leadership are where the science of initiative and guidance is honed to a cutting edge.

What Does It Mean To Earn a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership?

It’s not easy to earn a degree at this level. There is stiff competition even to be accepted into a PhD program in organizational leadership. You’ll typically have to:

• Demonstrate three or more years of practical professional experience in leadership roles
• Hold a master’s degree
• Have completed coursework in graduate-level statistics and research design
• Have achieved a GPA of 3.0 or above in master’s studies

Once you are accepted, you can expect to spend four or more years of intensive study and research, working collaboratively with your professors and breaking new ground on theory and OL practices. You’ll be expected to come up with original ideas and help to design your own course of study.

To graduate, you will not only have to demonstrate an advanced understanding of the state of the art in organizational leadership concepts, but also build the body of knowledge and expertise in the field through your own dissertation efforts.

That will put you in an elite group of experts in organizational leadership and put you on a path to teach or consult at the highest levels.

Is a PhD in Organizational Leadership the Right Choice for Your Career?

But that doesn’t mean you can’t make us of your PhD studies in genuine leadership roles. And it doesn’t mean that all doctorates in organizational leadership are purely academic in nature.

Some organizational leadership doctoral programs are specifically aimed at professional education. The EdD, or Doctor of Education, in Organizational Leadership is designed, ironically, to prepare graduates for educational leadership roles rather than jobs in academic instruction. And the Doctor of Management in Organizational Leadership is aimed at enterprise executives who want to build out their leadership chops.

Of course, a regular PhD in Organizational Leadership also offers valuable information and instruction you can adapt to operational leadership roles. But many people may find a master’s in organizational leadership more appropriate, except in certain industries.

What Will It Cost To Earn a PhD in Organizational Leadership?

Doctoral programs aren’t just intense and time-consuming; they’re also expensive!

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost in fees and tuition for graduate-level programs at American universities in 2021 ran to:

• Public universities - $12,410
• Private universities - $26,597

A PhD in Organizational Leadership Allows You To Specialize in Your Area of Interest

You’ll also find that doctoral-level studies in organizational leadership aren’t restricted to only OL programs. Certain other fields of academic and executive study also offer advanced organizational leadership-oriented degrees, such as the EdD (Doctor of Education) or Executive EdD in Organizational Leadership, or the Doctor of Management in Organizational leadership.

Unlike the academically-focused PhD, these degrees are often aimed at providing actual operational executive leaders in those fields with advanced practical training in leadership. They apply the lessons of organizational leadership studies to specific fields like education or business to train executives at the highest levels how to meld strategic vision, inspirational management, and operational excellence in that field.

Every PhD in Organizational Leadership Involves a Defined Focus of Study

The kind of concentrations available at the PhD level are generally reflective of the kinds of fields where organizational leadership is often applied.

• Business Management
• Educational Administration
• Non-profit and Public Administration

But for most doctoral candidates in organizational leadership, their focus of study is essentially unique. More than any other kind of education, a PhD programs allows you to break new ground and encourages you to combine studies and pursue ideas that no one has defined yet. If you want to be the first to develop a specialization that hasn’t been invented yet, this is the path for you.

A PhD in Organizational Leadership Comes With a Curriculum You Create Yourself

But that can be anywhere within the broad areas that organizational leadership is built from. And it will certainly be at a highly advanced level. Classes are small and many are conducted in seminar style, involving discussion between you and the professor and other students as you pursue valuable lessons in the material.

Some of the advanced subjects available for study in doctoral organizational leadership programs include:

Leadership Theory

One course that almost all PhD studies have in common in OL is leadership theory. This takes you through all the research and analysis that have gone into the history of OL. You’ll explore case studies and distill the essence of leadership qualities and processes that form the foundation for all other OL studies.

Organizational Strategy and Innovation

The purpose of leadership is to accomplish goals. Great leaders can accomplish great things, but first they must establish the strategy to execute and come up with innovative, effective ways to do so. This coursework looks at the process behind innovating and developing organizational strategy, as well as how the key skills that lead to innovation are taught and developed.

Organizational Development Practices

Leaders don’t usually just show up and get handed the keys to a completely effective organization; instead, they are part of the process that leads to the creation of those organizations. These courses look at different organizational models and studies their suitability in different industries and circumstances. They also look at how leaders build those models by shaping management and culture.

Cultural Diversity and Inclusion

The cultural part of the organizational leadership puzzle is one of the toughest to master. This coursework will look at diversity and the importance of building an inclusive organization, valuing communication, innovation, and mutual respect up and down the ladder.

Leadership comes with great power, and as we all know by now, that comes with great responsibility. Ethics is the process by which leaders conduct their business in a way that is fair, open, and just. Understanding how ethics can be built into the organizational model and how to use it as a leadership tool is the subject of these courses.

Quantitative Research and Analytics

Any PhD program is built in large part on original research. Although you’ll need some background in statistics and analytics before you come into a doctoral organizational leadership program, you’ll probably receive additional training in how to conduct and assess research that will drive your theories.

These kinds of classes can be rounded out by a range of graduate-level electives ranging from executive finance to systems theory.

In doctoral OL programs with a focus on practical applications, you may also have the opportunity to take practicum courses that put you in a position to actually try out some of the concepts you’ve been learning.

For PhDs that have a more academic bent, you can also expect to spend some time teaching in lower division classes. Some programs come with formal instruction in pedagogy to help you prepare for work as an academic professional.

Your Doctoral Dissertation May Define Your Career in Organizational Leadership

Ranging from 120 to 200 pages, these papers can take two years or more to write. They represent your unique ideas in organizational leadership, contributing thought and analysis of genuine merit to the field. You’ll prove as much by defending yours in front of a panel of professionals and academic experts, going through questions and challenges that will sharpen your thinking and force you to support every aspect of the paper.

Professionally-focused organizational leadership doctorates sometimes offer completion options such as applied dissertations or capstone research projects as alternatives to a traditional dissertation.

In every case, you get to decide on the topic for your dissertation or project, with input from a faculty advisor. That makes it an especially personal kind of assignment. And as the centerpiece of your PhD, it’s also going to be the biggest example of the kind of work you can accomplish when future employers are looking you over.

How To Find the Right School for Your PhD in Organizational Leadership

So picking the right school at which to earn your PhD in organizational leadership is a big deal. You’ll want to consider important factors such as:

You’ll be working very closely and individually with the professors in your OL program, so it’s vital that you find the right fit. You’ll want a school that has instructors with not just strong academic and research credentials, but also important and relevant real-world leadership experience. And, more than in any other kind of OL degree, you’ll want to identify programs that have instructors you can personally connect and feel comfortable with, and whose own research and interests aligns with your goals.

Research Programs and Facilities

PhD candidates spend much of their time in research, so you will want a school that has the resources and opportunities to find what you need. Major business research centers and extensive libraries are always a good sign. While you will be engaging in original research in your pursuit of a PhD, it’s always a good idea to pick a school that has already broken ground in your area of interest. You’ll be building on a base of material and ideas that are broader and more stable than if you were starting from scratch.

Community Connections

It’s also a good idea to pick a school that has solid connections with the industry or community in which your interests lie. These relationships will have implications on what sort of research and observations you can easily conduct in your program, as well as what sort of expertise and professional connections you can make. It can have a huge impact on how easily you complete your studies and what your post-graduation career options look like.

History and Reputation

Organizational leadership is a relatively new field in the scheme of business studies, but some schools got on board earlier than others. The history and reputation of these universities in the overall field of OL research and scholarship reflects their quality and standing in the community. That, in turn, will reflect on your own reputation when you graduate with a PhD from one of them, so exploring how others view your training will be important.

In some cases, you’ll be able to use a school’s specialty accreditation status as a sign that it offers excellence in organizational leadership training. Not all organizational leadership doctorates are offered by business schools. For those that are, however, you can get a quick idea of the overall competence and quality by looking at whether that school holds a specialty accreditation from one of the three major business program accreditors in the United States:

• ACBSP (Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs)
• IACBE (International Accreditation Council for Business Education)
• AACSB (Association to Advanced Collegiate Schools of Business)

Is an Online Program the Right Choice for Your PhD in Organizational Leadership?

So it can be exceptionally difficult to find the time and to upend your personal and professional life to move to and attend a traditional, on-campus PhD program even when you find a good fit.

This is exactly the situation that online doctoral degrees are designed to address. By taking advantage of modern communication technology and ubiquitous internet, they shift your studies over to a format you can fit around your lifestyle, not the other way around.

With chat, e-mail, and video conferencing, you can stay just as connected and in tune with your professors and fellow students as you would in a traditional program. More important, you can shift around the times you are keeping up with your classes to whatever moments in your day you find most convenient. Whether it’s just after getting the kids fed and off to school, or on your lunch break, anywhere you can get an internet connection is an effective classroom.

Most online PhD in organizational leadership programs do come with the occasional campus visit, which allows you to build stronger relationships and more significant ties with classmates and instructors. But with only a handful of required on-campus visits, you still have the flexibility to keep up your career and maintain the kind of lifestyle balance your family will appreciate.

Doctoral Studies in Organizational Leadership Often Lead To Careers in Academia or Consulting

A doctorate in organizational leadership on your resume is a powerful qualification, but your career potential will depend on more than just your education at this level.

By itself, a PhD in organizational leadership gives you the academic and research skills to be successful as a professor teaching in the field.

But not everyone who pursues doctoral studies in OL intends to put them to use in teaching. Together with more domain specific experience or training, this level of understanding and expertise in what it takes to create a big-picture, visionary strategy is a skillset that many organizations will pay big bucks for.

That means jobs in senior leadership at major corporations or big non-profits or government agencies. You might also carve out a lucrative niche consulting with such organizations, as many academic experts in OL do.

What Kind of Salary Can You Expect With a PhD in Organizational Leadership?

On the path of active leadership, it’s unlikely that you’ll even consider pursuing a doctorate in organizational leadership unless you are already fairly high up on the management ladder. So there are few mountains left to climb in the salary world as chronicled by BLS. The median salary for many of the jobs you might hold before seeking a PhD in organizational leadership can be pretty impressive already:

• Chief Executives - $179,520
• Financial Managers - $131,710
• Human Resources Managers - $126,230
• Sales Managers - $127,490
• Public Relations and Fundraising Managers - $119,860
• Training and Development Managers - $120,130

Instead, doctoral studies may bring the biggest financial advantages in areas that BLS doesn’t specifically account for. All of the job titles listed above max out in BLS world with a salary level above $208,000 per year in the top ten percent. But clearly there are many executives who make much more than that, largely through generous benefit and stock options offered by their company.

That kind of compensation aligns what you make directly with the overall performance of the organization. And that’s exactly the kind of performance that advanced OL studies help you improve. So by becoming a better strategist and a more inspirational leader, you’re also generating more wealth for yourself.

And as a consultant or professor with a PhD, while salary itself may not vary much, you may find yourself landing bigger, more lucrative projects, or getting the opportunity to conduct research and studies at more prestigious schools or organizations. It doesn’t show up in the BLS numbers, but as a thought-leader and an expert, it has real value to your career.

Although doctoral studies in organizational leadership are a serious commitment in both time and money, they are also intensely personal. Earning a PhD isn’t just another box to check on your path to becoming an executive or business owner. It’s a formative experience that will allow you to engage with the community you help lead, and develop your skills and insights to become an effective leader.

Where you choose to go with that advanced learning will be entirely up to you.

2021 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for  Management Occupations and Business Teachers, Postsecondary reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed December 2022.

College of Education and Human Development

Department of Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development

Graduate degrees and programs

Join our world-class community of over 400 graduate students! We offer more than 25 graduate-level programs—certificates, licensure, graduate minors, masters degrees, and doctoral degrees—across six distinct program tracks. All of our graduate students have options to take elective courses within other OLPD program tracks, and degree may invite faculty to join advising and exam committees as well. Find your perfect fit below:

Eastern University’s Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Earns High Praise from Forbes

Forbes has ranked Eastern University’s  Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership  third on its list of the Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Programs for 2024 . The list ranked 60 accredited, nonprofit universities offering the degree program at a doctoral level.

Eastern University’s Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership equips students to serve as transformational change agents in business and beyond, offering three specialization tracks so that students can customize the curriculum to their interest and expertise. The program offers a unique, faith-centered, scholarly development experience through rigorous online coursework, in-person residencies, and individualized research coaching leading to professional presentations and publications.

Eastern’s program is flexible for working professionals. It helps students expand their professional network with global peers from diverse industries and develop advanced qualitative and quantitative research skills. The cohort model allows for individualized mentoring from dedicated faculty as students progress through the program together, often developing life-long relationships.   

Dr. Heewon Chang , Professor and Chair for the Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership program, emphasized the caring nature of this community.

“This program has created a community dedicated to shaping leaders to reach their full potential,” said Dr. Chang. “The faculty are deeply invested in the rich network of students and alumni who have also returned their support to the program since the beginning.”

Forbes’s methodology  examines 15 data points from reliable, third-party data sources in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes, and student experience. Data points such as graduation rate, median earnings 10 years after graduation, tuition, student-to-faculty ratio, and more inform the ranking. Among the top 10 schools, Eastern ranked No. 1 in graduation rate, showcasing a commitment to ensuring its students cross the finish line with value-added theoretical and practical education of excellence.

“We are honored to be recognized for the excellence of our online doctoral program,” said Dr. Christa Lee-Chuvala , Dean of The College of Business & Leadership. “We are committed to supporting working professional leaders for entry into the world of research and scholarly contribution, equipping them to develop research insights that advance leadership practices in their current workplace or future careers.”

Learn more about how Eastern University’s Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership prepares organizational leaders from various public and private contexts to effectively engage in the transformation of their organizations.

Empowering Others Drives Management Professor

Associate Professor and Management Chair Jeff Yergler believes that effective leadership starts with creating environments where employees feel engaged and esteemed.

When Jeff Yergler earned his master’s and doctorate degrees in theology, he might not have imagined that his career path would lead him to GGU where today he serves as associate professor and chair of the Management department for the School of Undergraduate Studies. But, in fact, the work he does at GGU perfectly aligns with what has always inspired him.

“I’ve always been driven to support and encourage people to develop and help others feel esteemed and valued. That was always important to me. As an undergraduate student, I wanted to craft a career where I would be responding to key existential questions. How can I help, support, and encourage others? That’s where I wanted to be.”

Sectarian Nonprofit Leadership

Before Jeff arrived at GGU, he spent 22 years working with religious organizations like Presbyterian churches as a leader, helping them expand parishes to become more effective at working with families, communities, and global entities. Working with these organizations that were trying to heal communities and promote inclusion and justice, he discovered that the organizations themselves were oftentimes dysfunctional and poorly managed.

“Everywhere I looked, I saw leadership that was broken,” said Jeff. “I realized that organizations can’t support the human beings they are trying to empower if the organizations are poorly managed.”

Organizational Leadership

Jeff earned a PhD in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University in effort to continue to serve the people and communities he wanted to support. Halfway through his PhD, he accepted a faculty position with Olympic College in their Organizational Leadership and Human Resources degree program, and in 2011 he transitioned to GGU.

“Academics allowed me to explore what is driving organizational dysfunction,” explained Jeff. “As I dove into those topics, I discovered that within organizations, people need to feel valued in order to perform at their highest level. I realized that academics and research are what I want to do. I explored questions like: What factors contribute to underperforming organizations? How do we train managers to promote employee engagement? How come employees feel demeaned and disengaged?”

Organizational Leadership and Human Skills Development

Today, Jeffrey is delighted to be a faculty member in the School of Undergraduate Studies at GGU. He designed the Organizational Leadership and Human Skills Development (OLHSD) degree and developed 9 core courses that address employers’ need for leaders who know how to manage teams, resolve conflict, and build employee engagement. Written publications from Forbes to the San Francisco Business Times and beyond speak to the need for employees who can lead high-performance teams, listen to peers, and solve problems creatively.

“Our organizational leadership courses help people lead effectively regardless of their position in their organization,” said Jeffrey. “These highly practical courses train students to influence organizations and build momentum. Our students are learning the importance of communicating value and dignity to employees, and how to ensure that team members’ work has purpose and makes a difference in terms of the overall organizational effort. This loops in perfectly with what I’ve always wanted to do.”

In line with GGU’s commitment to practical education, these organizational leadership courses provide some theory and groundwork, but place heavy emphasis on the application of new skills in a variety of business settings. This approach makes a difference to students like Atticus, a veteran student in the OLHS degree program.

“When I decided on GGU,” said Atticus, “I was primarily interested in the soft skills side of management. Having worked in corporate settings and been on the ground floor of a start-up, I realized that the side of business that’s lacking is interpersonal relationships, leadership, and teamwork. I like OLHS because it’s a fresh field in touch with trending deficiencies that’s dynamic in content but practical in approach.

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