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Center for Leadership Studies

Next Gen Doctoral Programs for Working Professionals

My name is Li Lowry. I am the Director for International Education at Northwest University. I came back to live in the States in 2009 when I was asked to, invited to establish the International Student Services Office at NU. At the time, I had been looking and searching for a doctoral program in the area. After learning about the doctoral program, I was attracted by the way this program is set up, the hybrid way, allows me to have family life. In addition to that, my work life as well. I've learned so much from this. You don't have to wait until you finish the degree to be able to use what you've learned.

For anyone who's thinking about doing a PhD and I would say don't just think about it, do your homework, list your pros and cons. And if you're on the verge or on the edge, just do it, because once you jump into it, you'll realize it's such a rewarding experience. You won't regret it.

The Center for Leadership Studies (CFLS) is home to Northwest’s Ph.D. and Ed.D. programs in Organizational Leadership. These degrees prepare students to lead the leaders of our day.

Our doctoral students study in a diverse, interactive cohort format with an inter-disciplinary approach to learning. Cohorts come together about three times a year on our Kirkland campus for a week of residency class, followed by online learning experiences. Designed for working professionals, the Center’s programs make it possible for Ph.D. students to graduate in four years and Ed.D. students in three years.

Hear From a Student in the Program

Hi, I'm Charlee Magruder from Jacksonville, Florida, and I'm very excited about being in the Ph.D. Program the first time here at the Center for Leadership Studies in Northwest University, I've been in leadership positions all my life. I've started from when I went to the Naval Academy and my first ship, I was in charge of some 20 young men that we had to get the mission done. And that was my, kind of my, introduction to leadership. I was looking for a college or university that has a Ph.D. program in leadership. But Northwest really stood out, it was really unique, but I thought, what is Northwest? And so I started researching what Northwest was not even know where they were and found out that they had this amazing program.

I like the fact that they integrate faith into the program where it's not forcing you to talk a lot about your faith or evangelizing. It's an integration. I can explore my own faith while I'm doing this program to help me better understand me as I'm going forward and trying to work with others. So I think that's a really good fit.

This doctoral program is that foundational piece that's going to help me figure out more about myself and about leadership and how to step into this next role that I hope to play. If someone is considering the Northwest Ph.D. Program, I'd say, come do it, jump in, be a part of this because it's changing lives. The whole intent of this program is, is to move someone forward, to launch them into a position where they can be a leader out in the rest of the world. To take a leadership role, to be a part of the solution of some of the problems that we're facing in the world today. And that's what this program is designed to do.

Why Choose Our Doctoral Programs?

Financial Support

The CFLS offers five types of financial assistance, including a first-year grant, a matching discount for non-profit employees, two research grants, and a new student referral tuition credit. View CFLS Scholarships

Two Degree Options

The Ph.D. focuses on scholarship, original research, and the generation of new theory. Our Ed.D. is shorter and more practical, helping students apply existing research to problems in the field.

Four Concentrations

Students have access to four Concentrations: Leading Ministry Organizations, Higher Education Leadership, Business Leadership and Consulting, and District and School Leadership.

Cohort-based

Our programs offer small, diverse cohorts. Students learn alongside peers who encourage and challenge each other to grow.

Hybrid Delivery

Our program is low-residency, and delivered mostly online. Students study in a mix of formats including three residencies a year, online, and “on the road” at major professional conferences.

Distinguished Faculty

Our professors draw from both academic expertise and real-world professional experience to offer a holistic learning environment.

Integrated Faith and Learning

The degrees integrate a Christian perspective drawing simultaneously from scholarship and faith.

Interdisciplinary Instruction

Bringing together diverse students with outstanding professors from a variety of disciplines produces a rich transformative learning experience.

Dissertation Completion

Each term includes Core, Concentration, and Dissertation classes so students are working on their dissertation from day one.

Unique Learning Environment

Northwest is located among many of the most influential business and non-profit organizations of our time, such as Microsoft, Google, Amazon, World Vision, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Lead the Leaders

In my whole life, I've never heard anyone say if only I hadn't earned that doctorate, imagine what I could have been. So the key question for you at this point is, are our Ph.D. and Ed.D. in organizational leadership the right fit for you at this point in your life and in your career?

Well, if you prefer a program that has depth of relationship in which you can actually know your professors and the other people in your cohort, we may be a good fit for you. If you prefer a program with faith integration that combines a Christian perspective with academic excellence, we may be a good fit for you. Four years from now, will you be just four years older or four years better? A doctorate in organizational leadership can be the difference. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Center for Leadership Studies


Graduate Programs

  • Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership

Online Programs

  • Online Master of Arts in Leadership Studies
  • Online Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership

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