10 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Programs
Updated June 2, 2023
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A doctoral degree in organizational leadership will help you develop advanced knowledge in leadership theory and practice, hone valuable research skills, and enhance your competitiveness in the job market.
Completing your Ph.D. online can mean you'll have a more flexible schedule and accessible pathway toward professional growth. Online students can often choose a part-time schedule that allows time to continue working.
The best doctorate program for you will vary depending on your career goals, budget, and academic preferences. We considered academic metrics like acceptance rate, retention rate, graduation rate, and affordability when compiling the best online doctoral programs in organizational leadership.
Featured Organizational Leadership Doctorate Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership
The school and/or program descriptions below were drafted using natural language generation technology and have been edited for clarity and accuracy. The data is primarily sourced from government databases such as IPEDS – see sources section for more details.
These rankings include
#1 10 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Programs
Beulah Heights University
Atlanta, GA - 4 years
- Online
The Ph.D. in organizational leadership program at Beulah Heights University provides flexible enrollment options to meet the needs of diverse degree-seekers. Doctoral students at this private Christian university strengthen their research skills in a faith-based environment.
Available in fully online and hybrid formats, BHU's organizational leadership program incorporates 60 credits of doctoral coursework. Doctoral candidates advance in the program by passing comprehensive exams and writing an original dissertation. With a doctorate in organizational leadership, graduates can work in academia and in research and leadership roles.
Online doctoral students at this accredited institution can pay for their degrees with scholarships, fellowships, and loans. Contact the program for more information about research support and financial aid.
Beulah Heights University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 457
Online Master's Programs: 4
Online Doctoral Programs: 2
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,650
#2 10 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Programs
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN - 4 years
- Online
Capella University, a for-profit private institution, offers a fully online doctor of business administration (DBA) program in organizational leadership and development. Doctoral students benefit from support services and can choose a self-paced or guided format.
The organizational leadership and development program consists of 90 credits of doctoral coursework. After meeting classroom requirements, doctoral candidates complete an integrative capstone course. A DBA in organizational leadership and development prepares graduates to pursue careers in research, leadership, and business education.
At this accredited institution, doctoral students may qualify for several forms of financial aid. Reach out to Capella to learn more about transfer credit policies, research support, and admission requirements.
Capella University at a Glance:
Online Master's Programs: 78
Online Doctoral Programs: 60
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 32-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $14,767
Accepts Transfer Credits: Accepted
#3 10 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Programs
Concordia University Chicago
River Forest, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Doctoral students seeking an online program may benefit from the Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs in leadership with a specialization in organizational leadership at Concordia University Chicago (CUC). The private, Lutheran-affiliated university offers flexible enrollment options and supports doctoral students with services like career advising.
Both the 67-credit Ph.D. track and the 61-credit Ed.D. track feature advanced organizational leadership coursework. Ph.D. candidates focus on theory and research, while the Ed.D. students take a more applied approach. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates complete a dissertation that contributes original research to the field.
Online doctoral students at this accredited institution can qualify for several forms of financial aid. The admissions office at CUC can provide more information about transfer credit policies and admission requirements.
Concordia University Chicago at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 5,642
Online Master's Programs: 47
Online Doctoral Programs: 11
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $9,090
#4 10 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Programs
Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, IN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Learners can complete the online Ph.D. in organizational leadership at Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) in as little as four years. The private Christian university provides flexible scheduling along with research support, career advising, and library access.
IWU's organizational leadership program requires a minimum of 60 credits of doctoral coursework and includes on-campus residencies each July session. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates begin working on an original dissertation project. As the terminal organizational leadership degree, the program can lead to career opportunities in academia, research, and industry.
Doctoral students may qualify for federal financial aid and fellowships at IWU. Contact the organizational leadership program to learn more about financial aid, enrollment options, and start dates.
Indiana Wesleyan University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 10,121
Online Master's Programs: 27
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,083
#5 10 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Programs
Johnson University
Knoxville, TN - 4 years
- Online + Campus
A private Christian institution, Johnson University (JU) offers an online Ph.D. in leadership designed for working students. Ph.D candidates can choose from multiple elective tracks, including an organizational leadership option. Expert faculty help doctoral students strengthen their research skills and develop theological and ethical perspectives on leadership.
The organizational leadership curriculum consists of 60 credits of doctoral-level coursework. After passing comprehensive examinations, doctoral candidates spend 1-2 years researching and writing their dissertations. Graduates can work in academia, research positions, and leadership roles across diverse industries.
JU holds institutional accreditation, meaning that doctoral students may qualify for federal and state financial aid. Contact the leadership program for more information about doctoral admissions.
Johnson University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 520
Online Master's Programs: 4
Online Doctoral Programs: 1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 8-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $11,750
#6 10 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Programs
National University
San Diego, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
The online Ph.D. program in organizational leadership from National University (NU) holds accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. A private nonprofit university, NU provides customizable degree plans to meet the needs of diverse learners. Doctoral students can access services like career advising and research support.
In NU's organizational leadership program, degree-seekers complete doctoral coursework and strengthen advanced leadership skills. After meeting coursework requirements, doctoral candidates pass a comprehensive examination and conduct research for an original dissertation or project. Graduates can pursue academic careers, as well as research-oriented and director-level roles in diverse business, government, and nonprofit sectors.
Doctoral students at NU may qualify for several forms of financial aid. Prospective applicants can contact the program to learn more about research support, financial aid opportunities, and admission requirements.
National University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 7,959
Online Master's Programs: 45
Online Doctoral Programs: 2
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $15,480
#7 10 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Programs
Southeastern University
Lakeland, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Southeastern University (SEU) is a private Christian university based in Lakeland, Florida. SEU's organizational leadership Ph.D. program combines online coursework with periodic on-campus residencies. Students participate in career advising, contribute to scholarly journals, and gain research skills.
Doctoral candidates at SEU must sit for comprehensive examinations before completing a dissertation that contributes original research to the organizational leadership field. As the terminal degree in organizational leadership, the program can lead to influential career opportunities in research and academia.
Students in the organizational leadership program may qualify for fellowships, scholarships, and federal financial aid programs. Reach out to SEU to learn more about financial aid opportunities, admissions requirements, and start dates.
Southeastern University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 5,051
Online Master's Programs: 5
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 28-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $13,365
#8 10 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Programs
The University of Arizona Global Campus
Chandler, AZ - 4 years
- Online
The Ph.D. program in organizational development and leadership at The University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC) may benefit doctoral students seeking an online program with flexible enrollment options. Ph.D. candidates at UAGC also benefit from research support, career advising, and library access.
During the organizational leadership program, learners complete at least 18 courses, including a capstone seminar. Doctoral candidates advance in the program by passing comprehensive exams and writing an original dissertation. Graduates can teach business at the college level, conduct research, and pursue managerial and consultancy roles in many industries.
Since UAGC holds institutional accreditation, online doctoral students may qualify for scholarships, federal loans, and other forms of financial aid. Reach out to UAGC's business school to learn more about admission requirements.
The University of Arizona Global Campus at a Glance:
Online Master's Programs: 26
Online Doctoral Programs: 6
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $13,720
#9 10 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Programs
Wilmington University
New Castle, DE - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Wilmington University (WilmU), a private nonprofit institution, offers a flexible Ed.D in organizational leadership, learning, and innovation. Learners can pursue the program entirely online, in a hybrid format, or on campus. Doctoral students benefit from support services like career advising.
The organizational leadership program incorporates 54 credits of doctoral coursework and takes as little as three years to complete. Doctoral candidates advance in the cohort-based program by passing comprehensive exams and writing an original dissertation. An organizational leadership, learning, and innovation doctorate can open the door to job opportunities in research, academia, and business leadership.
Doctoral students attending WilmU online may qualify for several forms of financial aid. Contact the organizational leadership program to learn more about the enrollment process, start dates, and funding opportunities.
Wilmington University at a Glance:
Online Student Enrollment: 12,423
Online Master's Programs: 28
Online Doctoral Programs: 4
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12-to-1
Graduate Tuition Rate: $8,784
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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 allow you to tackle concentrations that mirror 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 impact culture, you also develop strategies for creating and sustaining productive, ethical cultures that support organizational goals.
Human Resources Business Strategy
In this class, you'll examine the role of human resources (HR) in driving business planning and performance. Grad students learn how to evaluate workforce trends and align business goals with HR practices and employee compensation and benefits. You'll also create strategies for talent management, organizational development, and staff engagement.
Global Issues and Leadership
This course explores how culture and history impact global leadership. It equips students with skills and knowledge essential to navigating business challenges in a globalized world. Students will examine key global issues, learn how cultural differences impact business, and develop 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 and sustain an ethical culture that aligns with both organizational values and business interests.
Dissertation and Capstone Planning
This course prepares doctoral students for their degree-culminating research projects. Degree-seekers will develop research questions, review relevant academic studies, design a study, and craft a proposal that mirrors 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.
These concentrations can vary among programs, so be sure to seek out programs that match your interests.
-
Human Resources
This concentration dives deep into how organizations can develop and train employees while enhancing productivity and performance. Students with an HR concentration can anticipate classes such as HR development, HR ethics, and autonomous learning and HR development. You may also learn about compensation guidance and business financial strategy. -
Educational Administration
Whether you're seeking administrative roles in higher education or K-12, an educational administration concentration focuses on the unique challenges of leading an academic institution. Some common courses include education law and finance, accountability in educational leadership and policy, and faculty development. -
Nonprofit and Public Administration
This concentration is ideal for students seeking leadership roles in nonprofit settings. You'll focus on the unique challenges linked to leading nonprofits, including developing community partnerships, fundraising, and community engagement. -
Global Consulting
This concentration prepares you for leadership roles in a global context. Students tackle the unique challenges of leading diverse teams across geographic and cultural borders. You'll also focus on honing the communication and analytical skills required to solve complex organizational challenges.
What Can You Do With a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership?
With a Ph.D. in organizational leadership, you can pursue a variety of 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 employ their skills 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 the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the top 10% of CEOs earned a median annual salary of $208,000 in 2021.
Graduates working for nonprofits teaching at a college or university tend to earn less. College professors earned a median salary of $79,640 in 2021.
| Job | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Chief Diversity Officer | $135,915 |
| Chief Executive Officer (CEO) | $213,020 |
| Executive Director | $98,980 |
| Human Resources Manager | $136,590 |
| Nonprofit Director | $61,460 |
| Organizational Development Consultant | $94,490 |
| Professor | $79,640 |
| University Administration | $96,910 |
Sources: BLS, Payscale
Frequently Asked Questions About Organizational Leadership Degrees
Is a Ph.D. in organizational leadership worth it?
Determining whether a Ph.D. in organizational leadership is right for you depends largely on personal factors. That said, 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 scholarships 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 your online Ph.D. in organizational leadership can vary depending on the program and whether you're a part- 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 you 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 the diploma you receive is the same.
Still, not all online programs are created equally. Be sure to look for programs at accredited institutions and review our rankings above for the best online Ph.D. in organizational leadership programs.
Do you need a Ph.D. to be a CEO?
You absolutely do not need a Ph.D. to be a CEO. That said, CEOs 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.
All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the TBS Rankings Team.
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