What is an Online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership?
Professionals with experience managing a private or public organization can pursue an online Ph.D. in organizational leadership. Top programs in the field hold accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Typical admission requirements include a master's degree and at least three years of relevant professional experience.
While earning an organizational leadership Ph.D. degree, learners often take classes in cultural perspectives of organizational leadership, leadership theory and practice, and strategic leadership and organizational change. Some programs offer concentrations in areas such as public administration. Graduates can become tenure-track postsecondary teachers.
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Why Get a Degree in Organizational Leadership?
Professionals with an online Ph.D. in organizational leadership help their company or organization make long-term growth decisions. Graduates can also use the degree to enter careers in academia. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for postsecondary teachers to increase 12% from 2020-2030, faster than the projected growth rate for all occupations.
Students earning a Ph.D. in organizational leadership online often benefit from asynchronous curricula. This flexible learning style appeals to working students and those with families. However, some online programs require on-campus components, such as seminars.
Featured Online PhD in Organizational Leadership
Questions About Ph.D. Organizational Leadership
What kinds of jobs can I get with an organizational leadership degree?
Organizational leadership roles include program director, college dean, CEO, and entrepreneur. Career advisors help degree-seekers choose a concentration aligning with their career goals.
How long does it take to get a Ph.D. in organizational leadership?
Some students earn their Ph.D. in organizational leadership online in three years. Part-time learners and those making dissertation revisions may need longer.
Is a Ph.D. in organizational leadership worth it?
Individuals may choose to pursue an online Ph.D. in organizational leadership for various reasons. Graduates can use the degree to qualify for more jobs. Others use their doctoral training to conduct original research.
Best Online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership
#1 Best Online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership
Concordia University Chicago
- River Forest, IL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The online Ph.D. in organizational leadership program at Concordia University Chicago ranks among the best in the field. Thanks to a flexible format, the private institution makes it easier to complete a doctorate. Doctoral students receive research support, library access, and career advising.
Learners complete doctoral coursework in the online organizational leadership program. Doctoral candidates move through the program by passing exams and researching a dissertation project. As the highest degree in organizational leadership, the doctorate meets requirements for research, academic, and leadership roles.
The accredited institution meets federal requirements for financial aid support. Reach out to the program to learn more about financial aid opportunities, admission requirements, and start dates.
Concordia University Chicago at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 4,222
Online Master's Programs: 48
Online Doctoral Programs: 9
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $8,910
Percent Online Enrollment
68%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Best Online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership
Gardner-Webb University
- Boiling Springs, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Gardner-Webb University offers an online organizational leadership program for doctoral students. Thanks to a flexible format, the private institution makes it easier to complete a doctorate. Doctoral students strengthen their research skills and present in academic conferences.
The online organizational leadership program incorporates doctoral coursework. The program also requires passing scores on a comprehensive examination and the successful defense of an original dissertation project. Graduates with a doctorate in organizational leadership can work in academic, research, and industry positions.
At the accredited institution, doctoral students can use fellowships, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid to pay for their degree. Reach out to the program to learn more about financial aid opportunities, admission requirements, and start dates.
Gardner-Webb University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 1,830
Online Master's Programs: 8
Online Doctoral Programs: 1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $9,000
Percent Online Enrollment
52%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#3 Best Online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership
Indiana Institute of Technology
- Fort Wayne, IN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The Ph.D. in global leadership program at Indiana Institute of Technology offers an online option for doctoral students. The private university provides flexible enrollment options to meet the needs of diverse degree-seekers. Doctoral students also benefit from research support, career advising, and library access.
The online organizational leadership program requires doctoral coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates begin working on an original dissertation project. An organizational leadership doctorate can lead to job opportunities in research, academia, and leadership.
Doctoral students attending the accredited institution online qualify for several forms of financial aid. Contact the institution to learn more about doctoral admission requirements.
Indiana Institute of Technology at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 796
Online Master's Programs: 5
Online Doctoral Programs: 1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $10,026
Percent Online Enrollment
36%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Best Online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership
Johnson University
- Knoxville, TN
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The Ph.D. in leadership studies program at Johnson University offers an online option for organizational leadership doctoral students. At the private university, degree-seekers engage in online classes to earn a doctorate. Doctoral students participate in career advising and gain research skills.
In the online organizational leadership program, learners take doctoral-level coursework. Doctoral candidates pass comprehensive examinations and conduct research for their dissertation. With a doctorate in organizational leadership, professionals can work in academia, research, and leadership roles.
At the accredited institution, doctoral students can qualify for several forms of financial aid. Contact the leadership studies program to learn more about the enrollment process and start dates.
Johnson University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 496
Online Master's Programs: 4
Online Doctoral Programs: 1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $10,350
Percent Online Enrollment
48%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Best Online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership
Northcentral University
- La Jolla, CA
- 4 years
- Online
Northcentral University offers an online Ph.D. in organizational leadership program for doctoral students. At the private university, degree-seekers engage in online classes to earn a doctorate. Doctoral students receive support services like career advising and research assistance.
In the online organizational leadership program, learners take advanced doctoral coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates propose a dissertation topic and conduct research in their specialty area. Graduates with a Ph.D. in organizational leadership can pursue roles in research, academia, and leadership.
Doctoral students can qualify for several forms of financial aid at the accredited institution. Contact the organizational leadership program for more information about financial aid and the admission process.
Northcentral University at a Glance:
Online Master's Programs: 26
Online Doctoral Programs: 15
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 3-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $16,983
Accepts Transfer Credits: Accepted
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
How Much Does an Organizational Leadership Degree Cost?
According to data from the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of a Ph.D. was $98,800 in 2021, including tuition, fees, and expenses. For the same year, the average costs of Ed.D. and Psy.D. programs were less than that of Ph.D. programs. The average student debt for doctoral degree-seekers exceeded $108,000. Learners may need loans to cover living expenses, especially if they pause their career while in school.
Learners in online Ph.D. in organizational leadership programs can reduce student debt by attending in-state public universities. Public schools typically charge state residents the most affordable tuition rates. However, many out-of-state schools charge all online learners in-state tuition rates.
Additional Online Student Fees
When budgeting for online Ph.D. in organizational leadership programs, prospective students should consider additional online student fees. Schools often charge these fees to cover the cost of online learning software and specialized resources. Many institutions also charge a one-time graduation fee. Other typical expenses for distance learners include a new computer, high-speed internet, and textbooks.
Some graduates pursue professional certification or state licensure, which require fees. Degree-seekers work with career advisors to identify necessary credentials. Many organizations offer certification discounts for members. Other membership benefits may include access to exclusive job boards.
How Much Do Organizational Leadership Majors Make?
Salary potential varies by career. Top executives earn a median annual salary of $98,980, according to the BLS. These professionals need extensive experience and an undergraduate or graduate degree. Top executives in the manufacturing and professional services industries earn median salaries more than double the overall median for the profession.
Postsecondary teachers earn a median salary of $79,640 per year, according to BLS data. However, each teacher's field and location significantly impacts their earning potential. For example, postsecondary education teachers in Alaska, New York, and Utah earn average salaries of more than $100,000 per year.
Courses in Organizational Leadership
Organizational leadership Ph.D. degree-seekers take core and research classes. Coursework prepares learners for the lengthy dissertation process. Students work with a dissertation advisor to select a topic before performing in-depth research. Learners write a dissertation, which they defend in front of a panel of professors. Candidates may need to revise their dissertation before receiving the degree.
The sample curriculum below features core and research requirements. Prospective students should compare prospective programs' course requirements and elective options. Curricula can significantly impact career outcomes. Program websites and admissions advisors can help applicants select the right program.
Advanced Special Topics in Performance Management
Students in this first-year class analyze how leaders apply performance management fundamentals in the workplace. Class topics include best practices, employee engagement strategies, and compensation models. Degree-seekers also consider how changing demographics impact leaders' roles in their company or organization. Learners examine the latest research in organizational effectiveness.Leadership and Organizational Cultures
Improving an organization requires changing its culture. This process involves creating new business strategies. Students in this class consider how leaders develop and maintain positive change strategies. Coursework emphasizes how effective leaders delegate tasks. Degree-seekers learn to create long-term growth plans.Scholarly Arguments
Degree-seekers need strong research and argumentative skills to write a dissertation. Students in this course research primary and secondary sources related to their concentration. This research resembles the work learners perform while completing their dissertation. Course participants may write a lengthy bibliography and create a dissertation proposal.
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