Quick Highlights:
- University of the Cumberlands and Tiffin University are two top online organizational leadership doctorate degree programs.
- In an Online Organizational Leadership Doctorate program, you learn advanced leadership theories, strategic decision-making, and how to drive organizational change effectively.
- Graduates can pursue careers as executives, consultants, or academic leaders, leading teams and organizations to achieve long-term success.
Are you thinking about taking your leadership skills to the highest level? An online doctorate in organizational leadership might be just what you’re looking for. In this article, we’ll show you the top 10 online programs that can help you become an expert in leading organizations. We’ll tell you what makes each program special, how long they take, and what kind of jobs you might get after graduating. Whether you’re already a leader or want to become one, these programs can help you reach your goals while studying from home. Get ready to explore some great options that could take your career to new heights!
This online doctorate in organizational leadership ranking was created in August 2024 and the data was accurate at time of publication.
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What is an Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership?
An online doctorate in organizational leadership is the highest level of education you can get in this field, and you can earn it from home. This program teaches you how to be an expert leader in any kind of organization. You’ll learn advanced ways to solve problems, make big decisions, and help businesses or groups work better. The courses cover topics like how to lead during tough times, how to make smart plans for the future, and how to help teams work well together. You’ll also do your own research project to add new ideas to the field of leadership. This degree can take about 3 to 5 years to finish, and it’s designed for people who want to become top leaders, teach at universities, or be experts that other leaders turn to for advice. The best part is, you can do all this studying online, which means you can keep working while you earn your degree.
What are the Best Schools for an Online Organizational Leadership Doctorate Degree?
At CollegeRank, we start with data and evaluation informed by experience. Our trusted team of professional researchers, writers, and editors develop each ranking and resource with future learners in mind. We are invested in highlighting degree programs and options that are known for quality, affordability, accessibility, and return on investment. Our rankings and resources are continually updated with the most recent available data and information on trends in higher education.
In ranking the top online organizational leadership doctorate programs, we faced a challenge since our data sources don’t track the same metrics for doctoral programs. To ensure a fair comparison, we highlighted programs based on their professional accreditation, quality curriculum, opportunities for students to tailor the program to meet their professional goals, and support services available to help students advance in their careers. All the programs we selected meet our criteria and would be a great choice to consider for your organizational leadership journey.
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Per Credit Hour Tuition Disclaimer: The tuition amounts given are estimates and subject to change.
University of the Cumberlands
The University of the Cumberlands offers an online Ph.D. in Leadership Studies, designed to help students become effective leaders in various settings, such as education, business, and nonprofits. This program focuses on teaching strategic leadership skills. Students will learn the skills they need to guide organizations and make a lasting impact. The program requires 66 credit hours and offers flexible online learning, allowing students to balance their studies with full-time work.
Program Highlights:
- Total Credit Hours: 66
- Format: Online
- Key Focus Areas:
- Strategic organizational leadership
- Program planning and assessment
- Global leadership trends
- Ethical decision-making in leadership
The program offers an opportunity for educators to obtain Kentucky Rank 1 certification by transferring credits from an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) program. Graduates are equipped to pursue careers as university administrators, top executives, and management analysts, with salaries ranging from $95,290 to $189,520 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This program is a great choice for those seeking to enhance their leadership skills and contribute to their field through research and practice.
Tiffin University
Tiffin University offers a Ph.D. in Global Leadership and Change. This online program prepares students for leadership roles in today’s complex and multicultural environments. This program focuses on global leadership, helping students develop the skills needed to lead and manage in diverse settings. The program is particularly suited for working professionals who want to advance their careers while continuing their jobs.
Program Highlights:
- Program Length: Typically 3.5 to 4.5 years, with up to 6 years allowed to complete the dissertation.
- Format: Online with limited residency requirements.
- Key Courses:
- Leadership and Change Theory and Practice
- Academic Writing
- Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods
- Change, Innovation, and Entrepreneurial Motivation
The Ph.D. program emphasizes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Students will focus on learning skills like:
- leadership in cross-cultural environments
- ethical decision-making
- strategic innovation
Students have access to robust support services, including academic advising, library resources, and research webinars. The program prepares graduates for a wide range of careers, such as business consultants, university administrators, nonprofit directors, and more. Admission to the program requires a relevant master’s degree, and students can transfer up to 12 credit hours from previous graduate work.
Johnson University
Johnson University offers an online Ph.D. in Leadership Studies. This 60-credit hour program is designed for working adults who want to deepen their understanding of leadership across individual, organizational, and societal levels. The program is interdisciplinary, blending biblical, theological, and ethical perspectives with leadership theory. Students can choose from six concentrations, including:
- Educational Leadership
- Organizational Leadership
- Ministry Leadership
These concentrations allow students to tailor their studies to their career goals.
Program Overview:
- Total Credit Hours: 60
- Delivery Format: Online
- Key Focus Areas:
- Leadership in higher education
- Christian ethics in leadership
- Global leadership and cultural contexts
- High-quality research and original contributions to leadership
Graduates will be equipped to lead effectively in various settings, such as higher education, ministry, and nonprofit organizations. Students are also expected to complete a dissertation that contributes new knowledge to the field. Application deadlines are July 15 for the fall semester and November 15 for the spring semester, with a scholarship deadline of July 1.
Concordia University Chicago
Concordia University Chicago offers a Ph.D. program with a specialization in Organizational Leadership. This program is designed for students who want to make significant contributions to their organizations by becoming focused and innovative leaders. The curriculum is both modern and practical, aligning contemporary leadership theories with the best practices in the field today.
Program Overview:
- Format: Online
- Specialization: Organizational Leadership
- Key Learning Areas:
- Leadership theory and best practices
- Ethical decision-making and strategic forecasting
- Organizational change and development
- Analyzing social and political contexts in organizations
Students will gain the knowledge and skills needed to lead high-performing organizations. They’ll learn to:
- apply leadership theories
- conduct strategic research
- implement organizational reforms
The program also emphasizes the importance of creating adaptable learning organizations that promote creativity and effective performance. This degree is ideal for individuals who aspire to take on leadership roles that require advanced strategic planning and ethical decision-making. Graduates will be prepared to lead initiatives that foster organizational growth, manage change, and drive innovation.
Anderson University
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Leadership: Business program at Anderson University is designed for individuals aiming to become leaders in both for-profit and nonprofit sectors. This online program equips students with the skills needed to develop and implement leadership models that enhance organizational culture. The program consists of 48 credit hours and can be completed in 2 to 4 years, depending on the student’s pace.
Program Highlights:
- Total Credit Hours: 48
- Location: Online
- Duration: 2-4 years
- Start Dates: Fall (August), Spring (January), Summer (May)
- Core Areas of Study:
- Leadership strategies
- Organizational culture analysis
- Workplace and team culture development
- Leading organizational change
Graduates of this program are prepared for high-level roles such as:
- corporate strategists
- leadership consultants
- executive coaches
- executive leaders
Admission requires a master’s degree and official graduate transcripts. Students should also submit three letters of reference. Anderson University is recognized as an Apple Distinguished School, highlighting its commitment to integrating technology into education. The program emphasizes both professional and personal development, preparing students to be impactful leaders in their fields.
Southeastern University
Southeastern University offers an online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, designed to develop leaders who can make a significant impact in various organizations. The program combines online coursework with short, in-person residencies. This provides a flexible learning experience for working professionals. It covers 60 credit hours, focusing on key areas that equip students with the knowledge and skills to become influential thought leaders in the field.
Program Details:
- Credit Hours: 60
- Format: Online with in-person residencies
- Core Topics:
- Organizational systems and management
- Leadership models and teamwork dynamics
- Cultural intelligence in leadership
- Research methods (quantitative and qualitative)
Students will engage in advanced research and contribute to the field through a major doctoral dissertation. The program is also affiliated with the International Leadership Association, allowing students to present their research at academic conferences and contribute to scholarly journals. Graduates are prepared for careers as:
- university professors
- researchers
- consultants in business, education, and government
The program’s flexible format and comprehensive curriculum make it a great choice for students who want to build their leadership capabilities and make a meaningful impact in their organizations.
Indiana Wesleyan University
Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) offers an online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership designed for individuals who want to lead change and improve performance in their organizations. The program is fully online, making it flexible and accessible to working professionals. It takes about 48 months to complete, with courses focused on leadership theories, organizational design, and global perspectives.
Key Features:
- Total Credit Hours: 60
- Duration: 48+ months
- Format: Fully online
- Focus Areas:
- Advanced leadership theory
- Organizational design
- Global leadership perspectives
- Faith-based leadership integration
Graduates are prepared for careers in:
- executive leadership
- consulting
- research
- higher education
IWU’s program emphasizes a faith-integrated curriculum, encouraging students to apply Christian principles to their leadership practices. Tuition is set at $890 per credit hour, with financial aid options available. Students benefit from strong support services, including counseling and tutoring, through the Center for Student Success.
National University
National University (NU) offers an online PhD in Organizational Leadership designed for working professionals. This degree is a great choice for students who want to deepen their understanding of leadership and advance their careers. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), ensuring a high standard of education. It is entirely online, allowing students to balance their studies with other responsibilities.
Program Overview:
- Total Credit Hours: 60
- Format: Fully online
- Key Learning Areas:
- Ethical leadership practices
- Organizational development and capacity building
- Research methods (both qualitative and quantitative)
- Strategic decision-making in leadership
Students in this program will engage in rigorous coursework that prepares them for leadership roles in various industries including healthcare, finance, and technology. The program includes a dissertation that allows students to explore a leadership topic in depth and contribute original research to the field. Graduates are equipped to pursue careers as human resources managers, business consultants, and more. With flexible scheduling and weekly course starts, the program is designed to fit into the busy lives of adult learners.
Eastern University
Eastern University offers a PhD in Organizational Leadership designed for individuals looking to become transformative leaders in business, education, and nonprofit sectors. The program blends online coursework with three in-person residencies each year at the St. Davids campus. These experiences provide a flexible yet engaging learning experience.
Program Overview:
- Total Credit Hours: 60
- Format: Online with in-person residencies
- Key Focus Areas:
- Business management and leadership
- Educational administration
- Nonprofit and public administration
- Christian faith-based leadership
Students progress through the program in small cohorts. The cohort structure fosters a strong sense of community and support. The curriculum is interdisciplinary, integrating various leadership domains and emphasizing Christian values. Students can typically complete their degree in about five years, followed by a dissertation phase where students contribute original research to the field.
Eastern University’s PhD program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and has earned recognition as one of Forbes’ top online doctorates in Organizational Leadership. The program is known for its affordability, offering financial aid and alumni discounts. Graduates are prepared to lead and transform organizations effectively, making a meaningful impact in their communities.
Liberty University
Liberty University offers an online PhD in Organization and Management with a specialization in Leadership. This program is designed for individuals who want to advance in leadership roles or pursue careers in academia. The program emphasizes advanced leadership principles and research. Students will leave with the skills needed to tackle complex organizational challenges and lead effectively.
Program Overview:
- Total Credit Hours: 60
- Format: Fully online
- Key Learning Areas:
- Organizational Theory
- Strategic Leadership
- Leadership Theory
- Research Methods and Dissertation
Students will engage in rigorous coursework that prepares them to contribute original research to the field of leadership. The program includes a comprehensive research component, culminating in a dissertation. This piece of work allows students to explore and present new ideas. Graduates of this program are well-prepared for leadership positions in various sectors, including business, education, and nonprofit organizations.
Liberty University’s PhD program is accredited, ensuring that it meets high academic standards. The flexible online format allows students to balance their studies with full-time jobs and other commitments. It’s a great choice for working professionals who want to further their education and make a significant impact in their organizations and communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
A PhD in Organizational Leadership can be worth it if you’re passionate about leading and improving organizations, want to advance to top leadership roles, or aim to teach at the university level. However, it requires a lot of time, effort, and money, so it’s important to weigh these factors against your career goals. If you’re aiming for practical leadership roles, a master’s degree might be enough, but a PhD is great if you’re interested in research or academic work.
With a PhD in Organizational Leadership, you can become a top leader in businesses, non-profits, or government agencies. You might also teach at universities, conduct research on leadership topics, or work as a consultant helping organizations improve their strategies and operations.
The job outlook with a PhD in Organizational Leadership is generally positive, especially in education, business, and consulting. You can pursue high-level roles like university professor, corporate executive, or leadership consultant. These positions are competitive, but the demand for skilled leaders and educators is steady, and with a PhD, you’ll have advanced expertise that can help you stand out.