Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership

Our Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership will prepare you to be a groundbreaking scholar/practitioner capable of conducting and publishing original research. Your work will help develop new theory and practice in the leadership arts. The degree is the ideal preparation for an academic career, or any other calling requiring high order analytical thinking, problem solving, and insightful research.

The Ph.D. requires a total of 72 credits. As a full-time student, a working professional can finish the coursework and dissertation process in four years. Successful completion of the program involves:

Core courses (36 credits)
Concentration courses (18 credits)
Research seminars (6 credits)
Dissertation courses (12 credits)
Comprehensive examination
Dissertation completion

Program Quick Facts

Next start: January 11, 2021
72 credits
$827 per credit
4 years to complete
2-3 residencies a year
Cohort-based classes

Would you like to get started right away?

Begin the admission process now by completing our online application form.

How to Apply

Integrated Course Format by Year

Every Session includes Core, Concentration, and Dissertation coursework.

Note: Course schedule is subject to change.

Year One

Core Courses: Advanced Leadership Theory, Critical Inquiry, Organizational Theory, Organizational Change
Concentration Courses: Strategic Thinking & Planning, History of Higher Education, Historical Models of Ministry Leadership, Financial Management, Higher Education Leadership, A Theology of Christian Organizations, Visionary Leadership for School Improvement, Educational Law & Ethics, Transforming School Culture
Dissertation Courses: Quantitative Research and Statistics, Qualitative Research

Year Two

Core Courses: Leadership and Diversity, Organizational Communication, Organizational Culture, Leadership and Ethics
Concentration Courses: Data-Driven Decision-making, Higher Education Law, Current Issues in Missiology, Community Care & Engagement, Teacher Empowerment & Evaluation, Resource Management for School Improvement
Dissertation Courses: Advanced Research Methods, Research Seminars

Year Three

Core Courses: Conference class, Contemporary Issues in Organizational Research
Concentration Courses: Managing Innovation, Performance Evaluation in Ministry Organizations, Conflict Management, Higher Education Finance, Transforming Ministry Organizations, Organizational Consulting, Self-Leadership in Organizational Life, Principal Internship (if applicable)
Dissertation Courses: Research Seminar, Guided Reading, Dissertation Proposal

Year Four

Dissertation Research and Writing

View Course Descriptions

You can explore program details and course descriptions for this program in our academic catalog.

Go to the Catalog