An online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership prepares students for successful careers as highly educated and experienced instructors in all levels of schooling, but it also allows individuals to enhance their careers in other organizations and businesses as competent leaders and educators. As managers, directors, consultants, and educators, individuals with a Ph.D. in this area of study have skills in critical thinking, communication, research, and analysis.
Advanced Careers and Annual Salary options available for those with Online Doctoral Degrees in Organizational Leadership:
Business Professor…$78,470
Management Analyst/Consultant… $83,610
Operations Research Analyst… $83,790
Human Resources Manager… $113,300
Training & Development Manager… $111,340
Chief Executive Officer… $189,600
Please be advised that the above salaries reflect entry-level leadership positions. With experience and job location in mind, above-average salaries can range from between $191,760 to upwards of $208,000 per year.
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- Best Online Schools for Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
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For other leadership options, see our choices for the 6 Best Online Schools for Doctor of Management, Best Online School for Doctor of Nonprofit Management Degree Programs, or 9 Best Online Schools for Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
Best Online Schools for Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
METHODOLOGY: Best Online Schools for Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership Degree Program Through any one of these exceptional programs, students will gain the education, connections, and support to drastically advance their careers. Listed in random order, we have listed these schools to attempt to provide you with the most up-to-date information needed for you to locate 9 of the Best Online Schools for Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs based on the following elements:
- 100% Online or Hybrid degree availability; offering synchronous and asynchronous classes,
- Some on-campus attendance and residencies may be required,
- Offers proper Accreditation, Online Student Help Center availability 24/7, and Financial Aid options through Scholarships, Grants, and Military Discounts,
- Further develops existing skills in Organizational Leadership through research and analytical thinking, theory, and practice,
- Ph.D. programs often designed to be completed within three years,
- Provides a dissertation opportunity and comprehensive exam to ensure an advanced quality of program curricula,
- Instructed by quality professors; experts in the field of Organizational Leadership with exceptional academic credentials,
- Provides opportunities for working adults to pursue additional advanced education, as well as, work-related promotions and pay raises,
- Promotes training in Research, Teamwork, Psychological studies in motivating employees and leadership, Human Diversity and Ethics, among many other relevant topics needed in Organizational Leadership,
- Offers electives designed to help you focus on your intended career goal,
- Prepares graduates for high-level business environments within consulting, leadership, management, and much more,
- May be offered through a Doctorate of Business Administration program with a concentration in Organizational Leadership.
If you would like to learn more about our school selection process, please see our Methodology page.
INDIANA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY
Online PHD in Organizational Leadership
Program Standouts:
Indiana Wesleyan University’s Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership offers Christ-centered online coursework with innovative and challenging experiences that instill knowledge of current practices, research, and teaching methods. Students have supremely beneficial relationships with peers and professors who open up a world of opportunity.
Campus Location: Marion, IN
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Acceptance Rate: 72%
Retention Rate: 78%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must create an account on the IWU website and then submit a completed application, official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing an exemplary GPA, as well as the Transfer Information Form.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Leadership and Personal Development
- Organization Theory and Design
- Critical Inquiry
Degree Outcomes:
This degree is perfectly suited for individuals who are seeking academic positions in research and teaching at leading universities, and for those seeking leadership opportunities in corporations, entrepreneurial businesses, health care, faith-based institutions, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.
LEARN MORE ABOUT INDIANA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE PH.D. IN ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP DEGREE PROGRAM
THE CHICAGO SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
online doctorate in organizational leadership
Program Standouts:
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology’s online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership is designed for managers or supervisors who are interested in becoming better leaders in the industry. The coursework heavily involves hands-on experiences that put theories and best practices to practical use.
Campus Location: Chicago, IL
Accreditation: Western Association of Colleges and Schools
Acceptance Rate: 36.2%
Retention Rate: Unavailable
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution, a statement of research, a personal essay, and a current résumé or CV.
Program Options:
- Management Philosophy and Practice
- Emerging Theories of Leadership
- Envisioning the New Health and Human Service Organizations
Degree Outcomes:
This arrangement of coursework and educational experience allows students to enter into impressive, demanding, and high-paying positions of employment as leaders of industries. Graduates have an understanding of developing human diversity and ethics, research strategies, strategic change management, team-building, and more!
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CHICAGO SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY’S ONLINE PHD IN ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP DEGREE PROGRAM
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
online dba with a concentration in organizational leadership
Program Standouts:
Liberty University is one of the most popular and well-decorated online schools in America and offers a highly impressive Doctor of Business Administration in Leadership. This program examines how to direct organizational change, develop servant leadership, and master executive leadership, management, and leadership theory.
Campus Location: Lynchburg, VA
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools; National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education
Acceptance Rate: 29.8%
Retention Rate: 84%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing an exemplary GPA, federal student aid documentation, a statement of purpose, and TOEFL scores from students who use English as a second language.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Strategic Supply Chain Management
- Organizational Design and Structure
- Qualitative and Case Study Methods for Business Research
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates of this doctoral degree program have gone on to fill positions of employment such as company executive, management analyst, management consultant, and the nonprofit organization director. Because of the wide-reaching skills of Liberty alumni, they have the talent and understanding to work in virtually any area of their choosing.
LEARN MORE ABOUT LIBERTY UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (DBA) LEADERSHIP DEGREE PROGRAM
REGENT UNIVERSITY
online doctoral degree in organizational leadership
Program Standouts:
Regent University is yet another of one of the finest online schools in the nation and offers a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership. This is a research-based terminal degree that prepares students to influence and invigorate organizations around the world. This unique program explores organizational spirituality and communication theories and research.
Campus Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Acceptance Rate: 78.3%
Retention Rate: 78%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing an exemplary GPA, a writing sample, a current résumé, and an admissions survey. All applicants must complete an admissions interview.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Exegetical Analysis Methods
- Quantitative Research Methods
- Contemporary Perspectives in Organizational Leadership Theory
Degree Outcomes:
Prestigious alumni go on to teach organizational leadership at the university level or conduct research in association with government, corporations, and think tanks. The faith-based curriculum includes a strong ethical base upon which students can rely on their decision-making in future positions of employment.
LEARN MORE ABOUT REGENT UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE PH.D. IN ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP DEGREE PROGRAM
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
ONLINE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PH.D.) IN EDUCATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES STUDIES – ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING, PERFORMANCE, AND CHANGE SPECIALIZATION
Program Standouts:
Colorado State University is an incredibly popular online school, which can be seen reflected in their magnificent acceptance and retention rates below. The Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership develops both research and practical experience, through which students learn to enhance human performance in workplaces and implement long-lasting solutions to complex problems.
Campus Location: Fort Collins, CO
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Acceptance Rate: 82.6%
Retention Rate: 82%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, a statement of purpose, three letters of recommendation, a current résumé or CV, and GRE and/or GMAT scores.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Organizational Learning, Performance, Change
- Scenario Planning in Organizations
- Social, Cultural, and Political Foundations of the Workplace
Degree Outcomes:
Through this challenging coursework, students develop the skills to improve organizational effectiveness, enhance decision-making, and develop analysis and research expertise. The program is designed for working executives, researchers, and academics to improve their professionals standing, knowledge, and reputation within the industry.
Recommended Schools
LEARN MORE ABOUT COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (PH.D.) IN EDUCATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES STUDIES – ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING, PERFORMANCE, AND CHANGE SPECIALIZATION
UNIVERSITY OF THE CUMBERLANDS
ONLINE doctorate IN organizational LEADERSHIP DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
Throughout this online Ph.D. in Leadership curriculum from the University of the Cumberlands, students participate in a comprehensive study of effective leadership, teaching, and administrative methods. The coursework spans a huge amount of areas of study that allow students to engage in business, criminal justice, education, health sciences, and many other concentrations!
Campus Location: Williamsburg, KY
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Acceptance Rate: 74.4%
Retention Rate: 69%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, a successfully completed background check, and TOEFL scores from students who use English as a second language.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Information Security Systems
- Student Personnel
- Criminal Justice
Degree Outcomes:
This degree program is focused more strongly on theory and research intensives, rather than a practitioner’s degree. Exiting the program, graduates have a firm understanding of applicable research theories that can be applied to whatever area they are involved in their academic and professional careers. The Leadership degree gives amazing benefits to every aspect of one’s job and allows them to climb higher in the industry.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF THE CUMBERLAND’S ONLINE Ph.D. IN LEADERSHIP DEGREE PROGRAM
SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
ONLINE doctoral IN ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
Southeastern University is becoming more and more well-known for their excellent distance education programs and provides a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership that includes exciting opportunities, such as participation in the National Leadership Forum. Students can minor in exciting areas such as business and journalism to further expand their scope within the industry.
Campus Location: Lakeland, FL
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Acceptance Rate: 53.3%
Retention Rate: 69%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, a current résumé or CV representing at least three years of relevant work experience, a Christian faith statement, two letters of recommendation, a background check, and TOEFL scores from students who use English as a second language.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Principled Leadership
- Organizational Behavior
- Leading Organizational Change
Degree Outcomes:
Students in this program broaden their horizons significantly. They make networking connections with some of the world’s greatest visionaries and go on to become doctors, teachers, business owners, and managers with the principles of leadership that allow them to achieve their highest goals.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE PH.D. IN ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP DEGREE PROGRAM
JOHNSON UNIVERSITY
ONLINE LEADERSHIP STUDIES (PhD) degree PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
The online Ph.D. in Leadership Studies focuses on four specific dimensions of the discipline: individual and personal systems, organizational systems, global systems, and research. The interdisciplinary curriculum is designed to develop scholarship and professional competencies while encouraging self-reflection and service to others.
Campus Location: Knoxville, TN
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Acceptance Rate: 98%
Retention Rate: 79%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, three letters of recommendation, an admissions essay, an academic writing sample, a government-issued photo ID, and a completed admissions test. Applicants must also interview with an academic professional.
Program Options:
- Educational Leadership
- Organizational Leadership
- Philosophy and Theology of Leadership
- Missional Leadership
Degree Outcomes:
Depending on the area in which a student has chosen to focus their education, they can end up in a wide variety of positions of employment. The Christian foundation upon which the school operates its coursework gives students the ability to articulate theological and ethical foundations, exercise effective and morally-driven leadership, and conduct high-quality research.
LEARN MORE ABOUT JOHNSON UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP STUDIES (PHD) PROGRAM
PIEDMONT INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
ONLINE PH.D. LEADERSHIP DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
According to their excellent website, Piedmont University is “recognized as one of the top online, organizational leadership programs available.” The Ph.D. in Leadership curriculum integrates real work experiences with research as students study effective leadership and change management.
Campus Location: Winston-Salem, NC
Accreditation: Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools; American Association of Christian Colleges and Seminaries
Acceptance Rate: 36.3%
Retention Rate: 65%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher as well as those from all other previously attended schools, two letters of recommendation, a research-oriented writing sample, an autobiographical essay, and a current résumé.
Program Options:
- Organizational Management
- Education Administration
- Ministry Administration
Degree Outcomes:
This degree program is well-suited for students seeking a multidisciplinary perspective into the career path and is designed for students seeking an advanced degree leading to organizational leadership positions. Integrating theory and practice, the coursework sharpens students’ abilities to fill multiple leadership roles with talents in critical thinking, scholarly research, and writing.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PIEDMONT UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE PH.D. LEADERSHIP DEGREE PROGRAM
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What can I expect to learn through an online Ph.D. degree program in Organizational Leadership?
As Organizational Leadership programs are designed to expand on your existing business skills, you can expect to be instructed on many relevant topics, such as developing your own leadership style, Organization Design and Structure, Leading Organizational Change, Philosophy of Organizations, Applied Statistics and Quantitative Research, Organizational Processes, Marketing and Risk Management, Historical & Cultural Perspectives of Organizational Leadership, among many others.
Each class program is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the leadership role; which is to promote an organizational vision including helping others to become productive team players, improving workplace attitudes, and moral, in addition to, professionally leading your company to success and increased profits.
Can I earn a Doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership entirely through an online format?
Perhaps you can find a 100% online doctorate program in Organizational Leadership, but most likely, you will find this impressive degree in a hybrid format due to the on-campus requirements needed to fulfill the degree program. Often residencies, on-campus lectures, collaborative projects, and a dissertation are required, as well. Before signing on to an online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership degree program, please be confident that you can fulfill the on-campus requirements, if necessary.
Should I earn a Doctor of Business Administration degree or an online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership? What’s the difference? Which one is best for me?
The real question here is, what are your end career goals? Do you prefer to lead from an academic viewpoint or from a professional point of view? Let’s explore the differences. Do you enjoy conducting research, evaluating theories, and data? If so, perhaps an online Ph.D. degree in Organizational Leadership is for you. Through this type of program, you will appreciate the evolution of the business process and how it relates to human behavior and social development and change. In addition, if you would like to pursue a career in academia at the university level, an online Ph.D. degree is often required.
If you prefer to concentrate on improving business practices, perhaps a professional Doctor of Business Administration degree is for you. In this type of program, you will focus on finding solutions to common and complex business problems through your research and data analysis. The budding entrepreneur often benefits from the valuable lessons learned through a DBA degree program.