A Doctor of Organizational Leadership degree enables students to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to excel in management and leadership positions, using strategies that are designed to motivate others. As organizations set goals for production, sales, and industry growth, their motivated personnel become the backbone of the company.
Executives through organizational leadership have the ability to use their management skills and techniques to educate and lead others to success by implementing positive models for any and all industries.
Professionals who have a solid education and background in organizational leadership are those who make the most significant changes as Executive Directors and CEOs of the world’s biggest industries.
Methodology
Whether drawn to the field of education or business, these 20 Best Online Schools for Doctoral Degrees in Organizational Leadership give students the highest possible level of instruction to fulfill their various career goals! The following institutions, listed in random order, were chosen based on the following points:
- 100% Online and Hybrid format Availability; utilizing collaborative learning and support through asynchronous coursework, online resources and close communication with Student Support Services and exceptional faculty,
- Offers specializations in Organizational Leadership,
- Awarded as a Doctor of Business Administration with a major in Organizational Leadership,
- Financial Aid options; Scholarships, Grants, Military Discounts,
- Properly Accredited, with Ease of Credit Transfers,
- Designed to assist working adults in career advancement opportunities by becoming business leaders and managers within Organizational Leadership,
- Applies research techniques and theory to applicable problems faced in today’s leadership roles, therefore, creating solutions and cohesive work environments.
To learn more, please see our Methodology page.
Best Online Schools for Doctoral Degrees in Organizational Leadership
JOHNSON UNIVERSITY
Program Standouts:
The Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from Johnson University has a strong focus on four dimensions: individual and personal systems, organizational systems, global systems, and research. According to their website, “The Conceptual Framework of the Ph.D. program is rooted in a commitment to educating whole persons.”
Campus Location: Knoxville, TN
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Admission Requirements:
- a completed online application,
- the nonrefundable application fee,
- official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher,
- three letters of recommendation,
- an admissions essay,
- an academic writing sample,
- a government-issued photo ID,
- and a completed admissions test.
Applicants must also interview with an academic professional.
Program Options:
- Educational Leadership
- Organizational Leadership
- Philosophy and Theology of Leadership
- Missional Leadership
Degree Outcomes:
Each concentration area offers students unique opportunities to advance their education through focused study. Some of these areas include issues, policy, and practices in educational settings; for-profit and non-profit organizations; and theoretical implications.
LEARN MORE ABOUT JOHNSON UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAM: PH.D. IN LEADERSHIP STUDIES.
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
Program Standouts:
Colorado State University is an online school that is regularly recognized as one of the finest purveyors of distance education in the country and offers an online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership.
Taught by renowned faculty members known for their reach and industry practice, the curriculum is focused on a combination of sociological, systems, psychological, and economic approaches to leadership.
Campus Location: Fort Collins, CO
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
Admission Requirements:
- a completed online application,
- the nonrefundable application fee,
- official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher,
- a statement of purpose,
- three letters of recommendation,
- a current résumé or CV,
- and GRE and/or GMAT scores.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Organizational Learning, Performance, Change
- Scenario Planning in Organizations
- Social, Cultural, and Political Foundations of the Workplace
Degree Outcomes:
It is of crucial importance to CSU that students bolster their professional network through the Ph.D. program by engaging them with classmates and other professionals in real-world projects.
Graduates enhance their understanding of scenario planning, systems leadership, socialization and onboarding, workplace learning, and constructivist inquiry.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING, PERFORMANCE and CHANGES PHD DEGREE PROGRAM.
REGENT UNIVERSITY
Program Standouts:
Regent University is one of the foremost online Christian schools in the country. This outstanding Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership is a research-based terminal degree that prepares students to impact and rejuvenate institutions around the globe as teachers, scholars, or business leaders.
Campus Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Admission Requirements:
- a completed online application,
- the nonrefundable application fee,
- official transcripts from accredited graduate institutions representing an exemplary GPA,
- a writing sample,
- a current résumé,
- and an admissions survey.
All applicants must complete an admissions interview.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Exegetical Analysis Methods
- Quantitative Research Methods
- Contemporary Perspectives in Organizational Leadership Theory
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates from this fine program have gone on to teach organizational leadership at the college level or pursue studies and research in association with think tanks, government, and corporations. These professionals examine “followership” in leader-follower relationships and emerging trends in this area.
LEARN MORE ABOUT REGENT UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE PH.D. in ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP DEGREE PROGRAM.
NORTHWEST NAZARENE UNIVERSITY
Program Standouts:
Students in Northwest Nazarene University’s online program have the opportunity to major in either a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, which provides a unique and exciting take on the field. This Ph.D. focuses on the research of national international trends.
Campus Location: Nampa, ID
Accreditation:
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Admission Requirements:
- a completed online application,
- the nonrefundable application fee,
- official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing an exemplary GPA,
- GRE scores,
- departmental essays,
- a writing sample,
- and at least 3 letters of recommendation.
TOEFL scores are required from students who use English as a second language.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Qualitative and Quantitative Methods for Educational Research
- Effective Leadership for Change Management
- Policy Influence and Development
These graduates have the skills, knowledge, and practical experience to lead entire organizations and businesses to new levels of success. Through the employment of all of the most modern and best practices, NNU grads make a difference in the world.
LEARN MORE ABOUT NORTHWEST NAZARENE UNIVERSITY’S PH.D. IN EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP DEGREE PROGRAM.
UNIVERSITY OF CUMBERLANDS
Program Standouts:
At the University of the Cumberlands, online Ph.D. in Leadership students participate in a comprehensive study of effective leadership, teaching, and administrative methods. The curriculum takes an in-depth look at the politics involved in the educational decision-making process.
Campus Location: Williamsburg, KY
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Admission Requirements:
- a completed online application,
- the nonrefundable application fee,
- official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher,
- GRE scores,
- three letters of recommendation,
- a successfully completed background check,
- and TOEFL scores from students who use English as a second language.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Information Security Systems
- Student Personnel
- Criminal Justice
Degree Outcomes:
This program gives students complete control over their coursework in that it allows them to become advanced practitioners with community organizations, higher education institutions, and K-12 schools. There is a specific emphasis around leadership in the college levels of business and other specific areas.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF THE CUMBERLAND’S ONLINE DOCTORAL DEGREE IN LEADERSHIP PROGRAM.
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
Program Standouts:
Liberty University is perhaps the most well-known and popular online school in the country. Offering curricula that are founded in the mores and tenets of Christianity, this Doctor of Business Administration—Leadership program provides advanced training in professional management, human resource development, and quality management.
Campus Location: Lynchburg, VA
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education
Admission Requirements:
- a completed online application,
- official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing an exemplary GPA,
- federal student aid documentation,
- a statement of purpose,
- and TOEFL scores from students who use English as a second language.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Strategic Supply Chain Management
- Organizational Design and Structure
- Qualitative and Case Study Methods for Business Research
Degree Outcomes:
Liberty’s online DBA is specifically designed to give students the ability to specialize in an area of study that best suits their personal career goals.
Some of the career paths that graduates have gone into include: company executive, management analyst, management consultant, and non-profit organization director.
LEARN MORE ABOUT LIBERTY UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION IN LEADERSHIP DEGREE PROGRAM.
NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
Program Standouts:
Nova Southeastern University is another well-reputed online school that offers an innovative online Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership that meets day-to-day workplace reality for current leaders striving to navigate diverse cultural shifts, changing economies, growing globalism, and rapid technological evolution.
Campus Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Admission Requirements:
- a completed online application,
- the nonrefundable application fee,
- and official transcripts from all accredited colleges and universities institution representing an exemplary GPA.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Leadership, Communication, and Technology
- Virtual and Global Leadership
- Organizational Behavior and Human Development
Degree Outcomes:
Nova Southeastern graduates have taken on positions at the executive level or as training and development managers and management analysts, earning between $80,000-100,000 per year. Glowing recommendations from past students outline the extensive opportunities and outstanding education from NSU.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ED.D. IN ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP DEGREE PROGRAM.
SAINT THOMAS UNIVERSITY
Program Standouts:
Saint Thomas University’s online Ed.D. in Leadership and Innovation instructs students in consulting practices, principles of ethical leadership that span crisis and change management, and various approaches to developing and managing public policy. Students examine quantitative and qualitative research and gain skills to effectively manage.
Campus Location: Miami Gardens, FL
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Admission Requirements:
- a completed online application,
- the nonrefundable application fee,
- and official transcripts from all accredited colleges and universities attended representing cumulative GPAs of 2.6 or higher.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Strategic Leadership and Global Change
- Ethics and Governance
- Human Resources Development
Degree Outcomes:
Some positions that graduates have gone on to fill include: administrators in state, federal, and international agencies; business leaders and managers; public education supervisors; professors in higher education; and supervisors of education services in nonprofit agencies.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ST. THOMAS UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ED.D. IN LEADERSHIP AND INNOVATION DOCTORAL DEGREE PROGRAM.
CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO
Program Standouts:
The Concordia University Chicago’s online Ph.D. in Leadership curricula is both strategically focused and innovative, aligning contemporary leadership theory with the most modern leadership methods. Program objectives include knowledge of leadership theory and the ability to analyze trends, as well as others.
Campus Location: River Forest, IL
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
Admission Requirements:
- a completed online application,
- official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher,
- a rationale statement,
- GRE or GMAT scores,
- a current résumé with two years of relevant work experience,
- and a writing sample.
Program Options:
- The Leader as Trainer, Mentor, and Coach
- Leader Development: Cultivating, Sustaining, and Renewing the Organization
- Leadership Communication and Decision-Making
Degree Outcomes:
Concordia Chicago grads enhance their ability to apply social and political contexts of organizational culture and decision-making to enhance high-performing organizations, as well as to conduct strategic research and evaluation.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO’S ONLINE PH.D. IN LEADERSHIP DEGREE PROGRAM.
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Program Standouts:
The University of Southern California is yet another of America’s most reputable and outstanding online schools offering a Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership. The coursework is designed for current and emerging leaders who are looking to drive systematic change in their organizations.
Campus Location: Los Angeles, CA
Accreditation:
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the Senior College
and University Commission
Admission Requirements:
- a completed online application,
- the nonrefundable application fee,
- official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher,
- and GRE or GMAT scores.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Human Lifespan Development
- Power, Equity, And Inclusion
- Research Design and Data Analysis
Degree Outcomes:
SC graduates have amassed and sharpened a vast number of applicable skills, including the expertise to drive innovation through technology-enabled and blended-learning formats, and use principles and practices of learning and motivation to supervise others.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S ONLINE DOCTORAL/ED.D. DEGREE PROGRAM.
UNIVERSIT OF NEW ENGLAND
Program Standouts:
The University of New England’s online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership is structured for people who want to strengthen their leadership in different settings. There is a huge range of students, including K-12 teacher leaders and administrators, superintendents, and central office workers.
Campus Location: Biddeford, ME
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
Admission Requirements:
- a completed online application,
- the nonrefundable application fee,
- official transcripts from all accredited colleges and universities attended,
- a current résumé or CV,
- and an application essay.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Preparation for Transformative Leadership
- Qualitative Research Methods
- Interpreting Empirical Data
Degree Outcomes:
The goal of UNE’s doctoral program is to prepare leaders who are future-focused and capable of fostering innovation and change. Graduates go on to transform organizations and communities, working in areas such as education, healthcare, nonprofit and for-profit organizations, and public agencies.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND’S ONLINE DOCTOR OF EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM.
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
Program Standouts:
UMass Global is a well-known online school that offers an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership program that develops leaders who transfigure their organizations through positive influence, innovation, strategic thinking, collaboration, and a sincere commitment to long-term learning.
Campus Location: Irvine, CA
Accreditation:
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the Senior College
and University Commission
Admission Requirements:
- a completed online application,
- the nonrefundable application fee,
- official transcripts from all accredited colleges and universities attended representing cumulative GPAs of 3.0 or higher,
- a letter of intent,
- two letters of reference,
- and a current résumé.
Sampling of Coursework:
- The Ethics and Politics of Decision Making
- Diversity and Intercultural Aspects of Leadership
- Innovation in Resource Management
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates from UMass Global have gone on to become educational administrators for preschool and childcare programs, postsecondary education administrators, compensation and benefits managers, management analysts, and emergency management directors.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UMASS GLOBAL’S ONLINE ED.D. IN ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP DEGREE PROGRAM.
SAYBROOK UNIVERSITY
Program Standouts:
Saybrook University’s online Ph.D. in Managing Organizational Systems program is designed for advanced students who have a master’s degree and who want to develop further skills to contribute to innovative organizational and social systems change. Coursework combines research and practice and provides numerous specialization options.
Campus Location: Oakland, CA
Accreditation:
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the Senior College and University Commission
Admission Requirements:
- a completed online application,
- the nonrefundable application fee,
- official transcripts from all accredited colleges and universities attended,
- a current résumé or CV,
- a personal statement,
- and one letter of recommendation.
Applicants are required to complete an interview with a faculty member.
Program Options:
- Humane Education
- Leadership of Sustainable Systems
- Educational Leadership
- Collaborative Strategic Management Specialization
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates are prepared for roles in business, education, public service, or social services, and have developed the skills to manage organizations, work with complexity, and lead in a time of the transaction.
The curriculum is particularly well-suited for positions in management, consulting, human resources, or nonprofit leadership.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SAYBROOK UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE PH.D. IN ORGANIZATIONAL SYSTEMS DEGREE PROGRAM.
GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY
Program Standouts:
Grand Canyon University produces some of the finest and most popular online degree programs in the country, including the Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership. This curriculum has a concentration in Organizational Development that enhances students’ abilities to transform organizations for optimal success and growth.
Campus Location: Phoenix, AZ
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
Admission Requirements:
- a completed online application,
- official transcripts from accredited graduate institutions representing an exemplary GPA,
- and financial aid documentation.
- Applicants must also contact an admission professional.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Ethical Dilemmas and Stewardship
- Stakeholders: Roles in Organizations
- Strategic Planning and Change
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates of GCU’s Ed.D. learn about corporate social responsibility from the perspective of ethical decision-making and the evolution of leadership theories, giving them the research and practical knowledge to make a difference in any business or industry.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ED.D. ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.
ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
Program Standouts:
This online program is concentrated around five key areas: personal development, resource development, collaboration and communication, organizational assessment, and organizational culture. The coursework equips students with the ability to make a noticeable difference in workplaces everywhere!
Campus Location: Abilene, TX
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Admission Requirements:
- a completed online application,
- the nonrefundable application fee,
- official transcript from all accredited colleges and universities attended representing cumulative GPAs of 3.0 or higher,
- a personal statement of interest,
- an academic writing sample,
- a professional CV or résumé,
- and two letters of recommendation.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Higher Education
- Conflict Resolution
- Learning with Emerging Technologies
Degree Outcomes:
Some outcomes that ACU grads can expect upon completing this program include the ability to integrate insight about their own goals with their ability to influence organizations in a purposeful and positive manner. These individuals create, interpret, and administer practices with regard to source management in organizational contexts.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DOCTOR OF EDUCATION IN ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP DEGREE PROGRAM.
SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
Program Standouts:
Southeastern University’s online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership curriculum involves the study of topics such as leadership models, organizational systems and management, teamwork dynamics, cultural intelligence, quantitative and qualitative research methods, and many other topics that are considered crucial to the discipline.
Campus Location: Lakeland, FL
Accreditation:
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Admission Requirements:
- a completed online application,
- the nonrefundable application fee,
- official transcripts from all accredited colleges and universities attended with a master’s degree representing a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher,
- a current professional résumé or CV,
- two letters of recommendation,
- a letter of intent,
- and a doctoral writing sample.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Organizational Systems and Management
- Situational and Transformational Leadership
- Servant and Authentic Leadership
Degree Outcomes:
SEU graduates have gone on to become college/university professors; business, nonprofit, educational, and government researchers; and think tank consultants. These students are prepared to become influential thought leaders in the field, helping organizations of all kinds achieve success.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE PH.D. IN ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP DEGREE PROGRAM.
THE CHICAGO SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
Program Standouts:
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers an esteemed online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership that focuses on human diversity, ethics, research strategies, strategic change management, team-building, organizational interventions, interpersonal dynamics, and other crucial areas of the industry.
Campus Location: Chicago, IL
Accreditation:
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges,
the Senior College and University Commission
Admission Requirements:
- a completed online application,
- the nonrefundable application fee,
- official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution,
- a statement of research,
- a personal essay,
- and a current résumé or CV.
Program Options:
- Management Philosophy and Practice
- Emerging Theories of Leadership
- Envisioning the New Health and Human Service Organizations
Degree Outcomes:
This online program is perfectly suited for managers or supervisors interested in becoming better leaders and prepares them to take on executive roles in for-profit and nonprofit businesses. These professionals are prepared to assume high-level consulting positions in today’s global, multicultural business environments.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CHICAGO SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY’S ONLINE PH.D. IN ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP DEGREE PROGRAM.
CITY UNIVERSITY OF SEATTLE
Program Standouts:
The City University of Seattle supplies numerous effective online programs to distance education students, including this Ed.D. in Leadership that equips professionals with the skills necessary to address the leadership challenges of today! These students choose from one of three concentration areas to further specialize their education and experience.
Campus Location: Seattle, WA
Accreditation:
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Admission Requirements:
- a completed online application,
- official transcripts from all accredited colleges and universities attended,
- responses to Admissions Statement Questions,
- a current résumé or CV representing two or more years of experience in a leadership capacity,
- and three references.
Program Options:
- Organizational Leadership
- Higher Educational Leadership
- Specialized Study
Degree Outcomes:
Some of the job titles taken on by CUS grads include Dean, President, CEO, Executive Director, and Superintendent. 92% of students say that they were satisfied with this degree program, as it prepares them to take on their career goals with support and education.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CITY UNIVERSITY OF SEATTLE’S ONLINE DOCTOR OF EDUCATION LEADERSHIP DEGREE PROGRAM.
INDIANA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY
Program Standouts:
Indiana Wesleyan University is a highly prestigious online school that offers a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership that operates under a mission of Christ-centered, innovative, and challenging coursework focused around current knowledge, best practices, research, self-directed learning, and teaching.
Campus Location: Marion, IN
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
Admission Requirements:
- applicants must create an account on the IWU website and then submit a completed application,
- official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing an exemplary GPA,
- as well as the Transfer Information Form.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Leadership and Personal Development
- Organization Theory and Design
- Critical Inquiry
Degree Outcomes:
This online curriculum is designed to contribute to the student’s development as a servant leader who has mastered all of the elements represented in the conceptional leadership model.
Coursework includes seven key domains that give students the global understanding of leadership on many levels, which can be found on the program website below.
LEARN MORE ABOUT INDIANA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE PH.D. IN ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM.
The Importance of Organizational Leadership in Industries
Organizational leadership refers both to a personal ability and a management approach wherein its practitioners lead individuals in an organization toward the fulfillment of its mission, goals and objectives. While it’s closely associated with business management, its applications are wide-ranging, from nonprofit to community organizations.
As a personal ability, organizational leadership encompasses a wide range of skills including:
- Understanding the mission, goals and objectives of an organization and their impact on day-to-day activities
- Adopting strategic leadership principles and practices in the achievement of organizational goals
- Implementing the strategic plan and establishing accountability among the individuals responsible for its goals
- Adopting innovations in meeting goals as the need arises
- Motivating individuals in meeting their these apply to the organization
- Addressing the concerns of employees, managers and stakeholders
- Ensuring integrity, inclusivity and authenticity of plans and their implementation
These leadership skills are predicated on your education and training, your growth mindset and emotional intelligence, and learned workplace skills. Many human resource development managers possess these skills since their occupation requires them to align organizational goals with employee development.
Training and development managers also benefit from training in organizational leadership, mainly through the identification of high-potential individuals and their possible roles in the achievement of organizational goals.
By practicing organizational leadership, you can motivate individuals in aligning their personal goals with organizational goals resulting in a concerted effort. You also enable individuals to adopt a growth mindset where the decision-making and problem-solving approach becomes the norm and, thus, replacing a blame culture.
You’re also able to encourage individuals to be more assertive and innovative resulting in new ideas seeing the light of day, as well as promoting better communication and inclusion. Your ability to see the bigger picture also means moving the mission in the right direction.
Building these skills demands a holistic approach including a love for lifetime learning! Formal education, particularly a doctorate in organizational leadership, is valuable but it’s also useful to take advantage of workplace training opportunities and engage in self-study. You should also build a reputation for being an effective leader, creating positive relationships, and sharing resources with others.
Your doctorate in organizational leadership degree can only carry your career and reputation so far – the rest is up to your actions and decisions.
What Are the Realistic Expectations in an Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Program?
Not all organizational leadership degrees are created equal! Every organizational leadership program has its specific program of study, curriculum and graduation requirements, thus, their uniqueness. Across all these programs, however, students develop their knowledge and skills that will enable them to pursue the career path of their choice.
Online doctorate in organizational leadership programs typically have the following components:
- Didactic coursework consisting of core, required and elective courses
- Seminars
- Qualifying examination as formal admission into the doctorate degree program
- Internships/externships and/or assistantships
- Comprehensive examination
- Dissertation, from submission of proposal to oral defense
Many doctorate in organizational leadership online programs require their students to possess at least five years of relevant work experience in higher education leadership. But said work experience doesn’t count toward the internship/externship component.
Note that earning a doctoral degree demands intensive study, meaning effective time management skills are a must. Since online doctorate in organizational leadership programs have the same curriculum as their on-campus counterparts, timely submission of assignments and attendance in classes are also required.
Many doctorate in organizational leadership programs also offer concentrations that allow students to gain specialist skills based on their professional goals. Students in the Missional Leadership concentration prepare for faith-based roles, such as senior pastors or CEOs of nonprofit organizations, with their training focused on community affairs and spirituality. Educational Leadership is a popular concentration for individuals interested in higher education leadership positions, such as principals, provosts and academic deans.
The Healthcare Leadership concentration appeals to current and aspiring leaders in healthcare settings, and their training includes identifying and meeting the unique challenges of the healthcare industry.
Students in the Entrepreneurial Leadership concentration look at business administration and mindset with an international perspective and, thus, develop their entrepreneurial mindset. Global Consulting concentration students build their skills in international organizational leadership and consulting.
The courses in an online doctorate in organizational leadership programs widely vary, too, depending on their respective mission, concentration and target population. There are common courses, however, that are designed to ensure students become effective practitioners of organizational leadership in their own right. These include:
- Organizational Design,
- Educational Finance and Law,
- Strategic Leadership and Management,
- and Collaborative Partnership.
Students are also graded for their academic and dissertation performance, thus, emphasizing the need for effective study habits and compliance with academic requirements. The didactic courses usually have specific minimum grade requirements, such as a “B” or a “C”, aside from students being required to achieve a specific cumulative GPA at the end of their studies to be awarded the doctoral degree.
How Can You Choose the Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Program for You?
You must determine what you want to achieve by earning a graduate degree in organizational leadership – is it for career advancement or for career change, for example. Then, understand the mission of the organizational leadership degree programs you’re considering and compare them with your own personal goal. Keep in mind that your personal goal must be your ultimate criterion for choosing the best online doctorate in organizational leadership program – not what others expect or say.
There are two types of doctorate degrees in organizational leadership. First, the online PhD in Organizational Leadership programs provide intensive training in quantitative and qualitative research, emphasize one-on-one faculty-student collaboration, and usually require full-time enrollment.
Second, the EdD in Organizational Leadership programs encourage students to focus on real-world solutions to current issues, and the doctoral degree can be earned while you work (part-time enrollment). Both types, however, expect students to develop their critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills in their didactic coursework, internship, and research. The level of research skills differ with the PhD degree being more research-intensive while the EdD degree being more focused on practical organizational management.
Ask about the admission requirements, too. You may not have a current GRE or GMAT score, for example, which the program may require. You must also modify your current resume, statement of purpose and letter of intent according to the unique criteria of the online programs you’re applying into.
Be sure to consider affordable online PhD programs if you’re concerned about student loans. But even with affordable programs, you should check out the financial assistance options available since the less you have to pay out of your pocket, the less you will be saddled with student debt.
Student support services are also crucial to student success even in online doctorate programs! You should look into the availability and quality of tech support, career services, and writing guidance, even assistance in finding financial assistance, graduate assistantships, and internships.
Frequently Asked Questions
How will earning a doctorate degree in organizational leadership help my career?
As always, completing a graduate program, such as a Doctor of Organizational Leadership degree allows for great personal satisfaction and prestige. Besides the self-improvement aspect, there are many other benefits.
Doctorate degrees often accentuate the skills you already have, whether by conducting research or other professional relatable skills. In organizational leadership, you will learn many excellent and innovative ways to manage others and boost employee morale.
You can also be an inspiring catalyst or agent of organizational change in your workplace by pushing for leadership development programs, promoting effective strategic planning, and taking the lead in entrepreneurial leadership! Indeed, by leading organizational change, your doctorate in organizational leadership degree bears fruit in the real world!
You can also expect a salary increase as your newfound knowledge is put to good use, so the job promotion you’ve been hoping for should come as you advance into a senior role.
What can I do with a Doctor of Organizational Leadership degree?
Many leadership roles can be accomplished with a doctoral degree in organizational leadership in your back pocket. In fact, management roles often require it.
Some of the most organizational leadership careers are in:
- finance,
- recruitment,
- human resources,
- sales and marketing,
- training and development,
- business consulting,
- healthcare administration,
- technology,
- law enforcement,
- and governmental areas, to name a few.
You may also choose to teach at the university level, thanks to your competency in higher education administration.
How long will it take to earn my online doctorate in organizational management degree?
Students complete 45-60 credits in a typical doctorate in organizational leadership program. Depending on your course load as well as your progress in your applied doctoral research project, you can earn your doctorate in organizational leadership degree in 4 to 7 years.
Check the maximum time-to-completion of the online online organizational leadership programs you’re considering and compare it with your planned time-to-completion.
Internships and assistantships may be part of the online doctoral program you’re planning to enroll in, and these can affect your actual time-to-completion. A fully online PhD in Leadership may still have an internship component aside from the applied doctoral research project, although students are usually allowed to choose local organizations for their internship.
Doctoral students may also be allowed to conduct research in their current workplace on topics like leadership studies, business leadership, and organizational behavior.
What are the average salaries for organizational leadership careers?
Since earning your degree will offer many job opportunities, stating an average salary for all leadership opportunities would be impossible; however, the following will give you a range of annual pay for several positions in leadership, according to the BLS:
- Training and Development: $120,000 – $210,470
- Top Executives: $189,520 – $239,200
- Management Occupations: $107,360 varying
- Marketing Managers: $127,830 – $239,200
- Health Services Manager: $104,830 – $209,990
How does Organizational Leadership differ from other types of management roles?
Leadership comes in many shapes, forms, and fashions, so to speak! Most management positions focus on their part of overseeing a group of employees within their department. Organizational leadership often involves the “bigger picture” and comes with more responsibility as they focus on employees, as well as the overall growth of the company they represent.
Is there a job demand for those who have a Doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership?
Yes! Labor statistics show that leadership roles are expected to grow between 6% over the next decade; however, the healthcare field is expecting an explosion of job opportunities as they report a growth of 28% over the next ten years, according to the BLS. Well-qualified leaders are always in demand!
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