Earning a PhD in Organizational Leadership is a strategic move for professionals who are eager to advance their leadership skills, create inclusive environments, and collaborate with diverse teams.
Graduates with their doctorate in organizational leadership often go on to have a lasting impact on the structure and function of an organization. They use their interpersonal communication and teamwork skills to develop strong and professional relationships with employees and colleagues.
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If you are a goal-oriented individual with a passion for leadership and change, you might consider earning a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership.
Online PhD in Organizational Leadership Programs
Organizational leaders manage and bring together employees to help an organization reach its goals.
An organizational leadership doctorate program can teach you the necessary skills for effective leadership in public, private, and nonprofit environments. Typically, PhD programs in organizational leadership cater to working professionals who have managerial or supervisory experience under their belts.
While all PhD programs in organizational leadership offer unique coursework and experiences, most place a heavy emphasis on conducting and analyzing research. Students often select a specific topic around which to focus their research projects or dissertations.
An organizational leadership PhD program’s curriculum may cover course topics such as:
- Theories of leadership
- Foundations of research methodology
- Qualitative research methodology
- Organizational behavior
- Leadership in global contexts
- Advocacy and public policy
- Collaborative leadership and partnership
- Dissertation proposal
Most organizational leadership programs take an interdisciplinary approach to the subject, incorporating key concepts from the fields of education, business, and nonprofit management.
In addition to your core courses, you may also have the opportunity to specialize in a specific area. Choosing a concentration allows you to better prepare for the specific industry in which you currently work or would like to work.
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Earning a doctorate degree in organizational leadership can help you advance your expertise in business leadership. It can also help you improve upon the skills you may already have, such as:
- Communication
- Motivational speaking
- Mentorship
- Conflict resolution
- Critical thinking
Many organizational leaders go on to become strong managers or directors in a range of settings, depending on their field of expertise.
Some common career paths for those with an organizational leadership PhD include:
- Human resources manager
- Professor
- Business consultant
- Training and development manager
- Chief executive
- Management analyst
Many of these positions require a strong foundation in business and a working understanding of organizational interventions. Additionally, individuals with strong leadership capabilities often prioritize team building, diversity, and communication.
Common Online Organizational Leadership Doctorate Concentrations
Much like with online masters in organizational leadership programs, many online doctoral programs in organizational leadership offer the option to tailor your degree to fit your academic and professional goals by allowing you to select a concentration.
Specific concentrations vary between schools, but common ones include:
- Educational Leadership. This concentration focuses on common organizational theories and ideas in education, preparing students for work as administrators in schools. Typical coursework may include educational law and finance, equity in educational leadership, and a leadership practicum.
- Healthcare Leadership. In this concentration, you can explore the organizational structure of healthcare environments as well as the dynamic between leadership and staff. You can develop a strong foundation in healthcare theory, and you may cover topics such as healthcare engagement and strategic management.
- Global Leadership. Focused on understanding the effect of global issues on a business or organization, this concentration teaches you how to work and collaborate with diverse cultural teams. Courses may cover topics like conflict resolution, global citizenship, and community development.
- Business Management. Geared toward individuals with an academic background in business, this concentration focuses on the role of business leaders and their responsibilities in a modern workplace. You might take classes on consulting, training and development, and organizational design.
- Nonprofit and Public Administration. In this concentration, you can explore the tools and practices that are essential for a successful nonprofit administrator. Coursework may include collaborative leadership, advocacy and public policy, and fundraising.
You may choose a concentration that provides further knowledge and information in your current field. This could help you develop your managerial skills and become a more empathetic and effective leader. If you are interested in pursuing a leadership role outside of your current industry, specializing in that new area may help you qualify for advancement opportunities.
Organizational Leadership and Development Careers & Salaries
Many individuals with a doctorate in the field are equipped with the communication, analysis, and interpersonal skills needed to be an effective and thoughtful leader.
The industry in which you may qualify to work will largely depend on your previous professional experience and your selected area of study. Graduates might pursue leadership roles in healthcare, education, or human resources, as just a few examples.
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, these are some common career paths in the field of organizational leadership and development.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Chief Executives | $179,520 |
| Human Resources Managers | $126,230 |
| Training and Development Managers | $120,130 |
| Public Relations and Fundraising Managers | $119,860 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $101,340 |
| General and Operations Managers | $97,970 |
| Postsecondary Education Administrators | $96,910 |
| Management Analysts | $93,000 |
| Postsecondary Teachers | $79,640 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $74,000 |
While earning a doctorate degree can help prepare you for management roles in a variety of industries and organizations, it does not guarantee a specific title or salary.
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The positions and pay you may qualify for can be influenced by many factors, such as your geographic location, previous professional experience, personal network, and interviewing abilities.
Organizational Leadership Doctorate Curriculum & Courses
The curriculum in a doctoral program focuses on foundational courses as well as courses that align with your selected concentration.
Every institution offers a unique course list, but common classes include:
- Leadership Theory and Practice: This course introduces foundational theories in leadership, encouraging you to reflect on your own management styles and practices.
- Models of Organizational Behavior: In this course, you’ll study human behavior in the workplace by examining organizational behavior theories. You may study topics like positive psychology and transformational interactions.
- Leadership In Global Contexts: This course explores issues related to global leadership, working through topics like moral leadership, the influence of culture on leadership, and cross-cultural ethics.
- Organizational Change: In this course, you’ll explore key concepts in strategic management, learning to analyze and resolve management problems.
- Human Resources: This course is an introduction to human resource management and covers topics such as recruitment and selection, performance analysis, and compensation and benefits.
- Leadership and Justice: This course uses a variety of justice theories to explore the role of leadership in promoting just systems, exploring topics like harm and oppression, responsibility, and human conflict.
- Organizational Design: In this course, you’ll examine organizational design and structure, covering areas such as functional and matrix organizations, internal resource markets, and decision-making.
- Academic Inquiry and Writing: You’ll learn the necessary tools to engage in high-level academic inquiry, strengthening your writing and literature analysis skills.
- Qualitative Research Methodology: In this course, you’ll study different qualitative research methodologies, like ethnography, narrative inquiry, and grounded theory.
- Dissertation Proposal Seminar: This course focuses on developing strong research questions and creating the first draft of a dissertation proposal.
Courses in this program should prepare you with research, analytical, and communication tools necessary for effective leadership.
How to Choose an Online Doctoral Program in Organizational Leadership
The process of selecting an online doctorate program is a personal one, but there are several factors to consider that can help you make an informed decision:
- Cost. Developing a budget can help you apply only to the schools and graduate programs that align with your financial needs. Many schools offer quality programs at a wide range of prices.
- Learning format. Many online programs offer classes in either asynchronous or synchronous formats, meaning that they are prerecorded or conducted live. Determining your preferred learning style can help you look for schools that offer classes that fit your preferences.
- Accreditation. Attending an accredited institution ensures that you earn a high quality education and that your degree is considered valid by future employers.
- Geographic location. While most online programs conduct the majority of their classes virtually, there is the possibility that some will require you to be on campus a few times throughout the year. If this is not possible for you, it’s helpful to research the attendance requirements for online courses before applying.
Researching all of these areas can help you avoid any surprises throughout the application process. It could also help you make a confident and informed decision.
Admissions Requirements
In addition to a small application fee, schools also require you to submit a specified list of materials to apply for their PhD programs.
These materials may include:
- GRE or GMAT scores (only some schools require them)
- Personal statement
- Resume or CV
- Graduate transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
The intention behind application requirements is to learn more about you as a student and as a person. Admissions teams are often looking for academically qualified individuals who have a demonstrated passion for their field and a commitment to learning and collaboration.
Organizational Leadership Doctoral Programs Accreditation
Attending a regionally accredited school ensures that you receive a high quality education and a valid doctoral degree. Accreditation is a process of review that includes multiple assessments of different parts of an educational program, ensuring that they meet predetermined standards for excellence.
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Before you apply to a school, it’s beneficial to make sure it has received regional accreditation. You can verify your school’s status by checking the database of accredited schools on the US Department of Education’s website. In addition to improving your own educational experience, attending an accredited school also helps you qualify for jobs in the workforce or academia.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financial aid is offered in many different formats and can be accessed by students from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, and academic backgrounds.
To see how much need-based aid you qualify for, you can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This online form uses personal information to calculate how much aid the government can provide for you. Federal aid often comes in the forms of work-study programs, student loans, and grants. Grants are less common, though, for graduate students.
You might also consider researching scholarship opportunities offered by your school and outside organizations. Scholarship programs have unique criteria for application and are offered for all sorts of accomplishments and backgrounds. Some schools also offer fellowships or assistantships to PhD students who qualify. If you’re currently working, you can see if your employer offers tuition benefits.
What Is a PhD in Organizational Leadership?
An Organizational Leadership PhD is a terminal degree that can help you qualify for professional management opportunities in a range of industries.
In an organizational leadership doctorate program, students learn how to be empathetic and inspirational leaders, gaining an in-depth knowledge of theories and practices. Organizational leadership students can also develop a strong foundation in research strategies, organizational interventions, and strategic change management.
A PhD in the field also prepares students for culturally diverse workplaces and encourages them to remain learners after they graduate.
What Can You Do with a PhD in Organizational Leadership?
Professionals with an advanced degree in organizational leadership often hold management jobs in businesses or nonprofit organizations. Many graduates go on to work in human resources management. Others choose to pursue careers in training and development or management analysis.
Many leadership professionals also choose to work as managers or directors in a range of industries, including education, health and medical services, and social and community service. A PhD can also help you qualify to teach in higher education as a postsecondary professor.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online PhD in Organizational Leadership?
Earning a PhD typically takes anywhere from 3 to 5 years to complete with full-time study, depending on the number of credit hours required and how long it takes you to complete your dissertation.
Some doctorate programs do not require you to complete a dissertation. If no dissertation is required, an online doctoral program can generally be completed in 3 years with full-time study. The specific length of time it takes you to complete a doctoral program can also be influenced by program design, your selected concentration, and your personal schedule and commitments.
How Much Does a Doctoral Degree in Organizational Leadership Cost?
There is a wide range in cost when it comes to doctoral programs. Although tuition does vary, you can expect to pay between $350 to $2,000 per credit hour when pursuing a doctoral degree in organizational leadership.
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If you have a tight budget, you can conduct a search for accredited schools that offer lower costs. You can also apply for financial aid or scholarship opportunities. While it can be tempting to associate higher costs with educational value, there are plenty of affordable graduate programs that offer reputable educational opportunities.
What Jobs Can I Get with an Online Doctorate Degree in Organizational Leadership?
After earning a doctoral degree in organizational leadership online, many people find themselves working in leadership roles across a range of industries and fields. Common career paths for graduates include HR managers, training and development managers, chief executives, management analysts, and postsecondary education administrators.
A PhD in the field can also help you qualify for positions in academia. Some graduates pursue research or teaching positions at colleges or universities. While earning a PhD can help you advance your professional qualifications, it does not promise a certain title or salary.
How Much Money Can You Make with an Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership?
The amount of money you earn after obtaining a terminal degree in organizational leadership depends on many factors, such as your job title, prior experience, and location.
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, human resources managers have a median annual salary of $126,230, which is similar to the median for training and development managers. The median salary for chief executives is $179,520.
If you are interested in working in higher education, the Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the median salary for postsecondary teachers is of $79,640. Postsecondary education administrators, though, have a median annual salary of $96,910.
What’s the Difference Between a DBA vs. PhD in Organizational Leadership Online Program?
The main differences between a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program is the curriculum and educational focus of each.
| DBA in Organizational Leadership | PhD in Organizational Leadership |
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Students in PhD programs focus on addressing any gaps in theoretical knowledge in the field of organizational leadership. Meanwhile, DBA students work on solving real-world issues using existing knowledge.
What’s the Difference Between an EdD vs. PhD in Organizational Leadership Program?
The curriculum and focus of a Doctor of Education (EdD) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
| EdD in Organizational Leadership | PhD in Organizational Leadership |
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If you are eager to use your knowledge to create organizational change, you might pursue an on-campus or online EdD in Organizational Leadership program. If you would like to conduct original research, you may prefer a PhD program in organizational leadership.
Is a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Online Worth It?
Yes, a doctorate in organizational leadership online is worth it for many professionals. Many individuals with a doctorate degree in organizational leadership go on to work in management roles that are experiencing high employment growth rates.
Training and development managers, for instance, are expected to see 11% job growth over the next ten years, which is higher than the national average for all occupations (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Employment for management occupations overall is projected to grow by 9%.
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Many organizational leadership students also find themselves in a position to create positive, lasting change in an organization or community.
Universities Offering Online PhD in Organizational Leadership Degree Program
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.
Adler University offers an online PhD program leading to a Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership. It aims to equip students with leadership skills that will help them navigate complex challenges and make socially conscious decisions. Most students can complete the program’s 90 required credits in 3 years. Courses for organizational leadership students cover topics like leading innovation, research analysis, organizational culture and climate, and group dynamics.
Adler University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Anderson University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership. There are additional concentrations available in Business and Christian Ministry. This fully online PhD program program covers concepts like organizational culture and change, leadership strategies, employee engagement, and research methodology. Students attending part-time can typically complete their studies in 4 years, while full-time students usually finish in 2 years.
Anderson University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Antioch University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership and Change. This program aims to instill leadership skills that are applicable across disciplines. The program utilizes an online learning model, allowing students to attend from anywhere with an internet connection while maintaining their work schedules. Students are only required to attend in-person residencies 3 times each year.
Antioch University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Columbia International University offers an online program for a Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership. Graduates often pursue leadership roles at universities, hospitals, schools, corporations, non-profits, and church organizations. This program requires the completion of 48 credit hours. Typically, students attending full-time can complete their studies in just 27 months.
CIU is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
At Colorado Technical University, students in the Doctor of Management program can select a concentration in Executive Leadership. This specialty may be an excellent fit for students pursuing advanced leadership roles at corporate, non-profit, or academic institutions. Courses cover topics such as leadership strategies, leadership theory, ethics, research methods, and organization innovation. All classes are available as online courses.
Colorado Technical University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Concordia University—Chicago offers an online program for a Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership. Students can choose from several specialties, including organizational leadership. This concentration requires the completion of 67 credit hours of leadership core, research, dissertation, and specialization courses. Students can choose to attend their classes either fully online or in-person.
Concordia University Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Eastern University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership. The program is intended for students pursuing leadership roles in private or public settings. The flexibility of online classes is complemented by the program’s three residencies each year, which provide hands-on experience and valuable networking time. Students can typically complete their studies in 4 years.
Eastern University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Gonzaga University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership Studies. The curriculum centers on understanding leadership as a function of individual, organization, and global systems. While classes are held primarily online, students are also required to complete in-person intensives on campus throughout the program. To graduate, students must complete 60 credit hours.
Gonzaga University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Indiana Wesleyan University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership. Graduates often pursue careers as researchers, consultants, executive-level leaders, or professors. The program is housed online, but an on-campus residency is required during the summer. On average, students can complete their classwork, research, and dissertation work in just 4 years of full-time study.
Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Johnson University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership Studies. The program emphasizes research and teaches leadership skills from the perspective of personal, organizational, and global systems. Students can choose between concentrations in Educational, Ministry, Missional, Organizational, Theological, or Philosophical Leadership. All concentrations require 60 credit hours and can be completed online.
Johnson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
At Liberty University, the Doctor of Philosophy in Education program offers a specialization in Organizational Leadership. This concentration may be an ideal fit for individuals interested in pursuing roles within academic administration. Potential courses include Strategic Risk Management, Leading Effective Teams, and Organizational Analysis and Problem Solving for Educators. All classes can be attended 100% online.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
North Caroline A&T State University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership Studies. This interdisciplinary program combines fundamental concepts from fields such as business, psychology, political science, and education. The program requires the completion of 48 credit hours. Graduates often pursue careers as researchers, consultants, or leaders in secondary or post-secondary education settings.
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Regent University offers a fully online program for a Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership. It aims to equip students with skills to lead as scholars, teachers, or business leaders. Most students can complete the 60 required credits within 7 years of full-time study. Classes cover fundamental concepts, such as research methods, organizational theory, and group behavior.
Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Saybrook University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Managing Organizational Systems. This program is designed to prepare students to effectively manage systems across a variety of sectors. Students can select concentrations in Human Education, Leadership of Sustainable Systems, Educational Leadership, or Collaborative Strategic Management. Those attending full-time can typically complete the program in 5 years.
Saybrook University is accredited by the Senior Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Southeastern University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership. The program may be an excellent next step for individuals seeking leadership advancement in diverse fields. This curriculum combines online classes and periodic 1 week intensives on campus. Courses cover topics like leadership models, organizational management, teamwork dynamics, research methods, and cultural intelligence.
Southeastern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Texas Woman’s University offers a 100% online program for a Doctor of Philosophy in Education, Leadership, and Education. Students can choose concentrations in Superintendency, Higher Education, or Interdisciplinary Nonprofit. The program requires the completion of 75 credit hours. Students attending full-time may be able to complete their requirements in just 3 years.
Texas Woman’s University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership. The curriculum puts special emphasis on human diversity, research strategies, interpersonal dynamics, and psychological theories of leadership.
The program is housed primarily online. To graduate, students must complete 60 credit hours of coursework, two in-person residencies, a dissertation, and competency examinations.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.
Trident University International offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership. This program boasts a flexible online format, expert faculty, and innovative research methods.
Students can choose to specialize in Educational Technology, Health Education, Higher Educational Leadership, or Teaching, Learning, and Development. Classes cover core concepts, such as leadership roles, program evaluation, and research methods.
Trident University International is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Troy University offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Global Leadership. The program seeks to educate leaders who will utilize innovation to promote economic and social growth on the global scale. Students can select a concentration in either Higher Education or Organizational Leadership. The program requires the completion of 63 credits of core, concentration, research, and dissertation courses.
Troy University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of the Cumberlands offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership Studies. The program offers numerous concentration options, such as Education, Information Systems, and Instructional Technology, so students can tailor their education to their professional goals. To graduate, students must complete 66 credits of leadership core, professional research, and specialty area content. All classes can be attended online.
The University of the Cumberlands is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Getting Your Organizational Leadership PhD Online
There are numerous benefits to pursuing an organizational leadership doctoral degree online. Not only can you develop a deeper understanding of what it means to be an effective leader, but you can also advance your expertise in organizational structure and design.
If you enjoy conducting research, collaborating with others, and analyzing management styles, earning a doctoral degree in this field may be a strategic path for you. There are many professional opportunities spanning a range of fields and industries for graduates with a doctoral degree in organizational leadership.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your educational journey, you can start by researching online organizational leadership degree PhD programs from accredited schools.
