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In this fast-paced and rapidly changing economy, organizations have to be more nimble and adaptable than ever. They need leaders equipped to navigate complex problems and guide teams through unprecedented challenges.
If you're passionate about becoming the kind of leader everyone looks to, an online doctorate in organizational leadership will be key. This degree is geared toward mid-career professionals seeking to enhance their expertise, compete for high-level executive positions, and make a real impact in their organizations.
Folks with a doctorate in organizational leadership go on to become corporate directors, management consultants, CEOs, and other high-powered leaders. According to Payscale, the average base salary for a CEO in 2022 was over $160,000 a year, with many CEOs making over $300,000 — not too shabby.
If you're ready for a career that really matters (and pulls in the big bucks), check out these top online programs to get started.
Why You Should Choose A Doctorate in Organizational Leadership
Earning a doctorate in any field demands a serious investment of both time and money. As such, one must weigh both personal and professional considerations carefully before committing to a program. Consider pursuing an online doctorate in organizational leadership if the following points appeal to you.
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You want to effectively guide an organization at the highest levels of leadership. An online doctoral program in organizational leadership guides students through a deep exploration of the most demanding aspects of helping organizations anticipate and adapt to change. -
You prefer to distinguish yourself as a first-rate consultant with an unparalleled level of aptitude for helping organizations in a variety of industries. -
You thrive on conducting original research in order to improve the profession as a whole. -
You desire to boost your income. Earning a doctorate in the fields of leadership and management can open doors to some of the more lucrative positions within an organization.
Those who have worked successfully for a number of years in the field of organizational leadership can continue to build a strong career. Earning a doctorate can raise the earnings ceiling in many industries. Furthermore, the credential can help graduates build a career in theoretical research to advance the discipline.
Featured Online Organizational Leadership Doctorate Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Top Colleges With an Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Programs
We have compiled a list of nonprofit and for-profit four-year institutions that offer this degree program. Use the table below to compare schools' average net price and graduation rates.
| School | Location | Average Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | $96,492-$134,640 | 92% |
| University of Massachusetts Global | Irvine, CA | $59,907 | 57% |
| Concordia University, Chicago | River Forest, IL | $44,835-$49,245 | 46% |
| Gardner-Webb University | Boiling Springs, NC | $37,800 | 59% |
| Southeastern University | Lakeland, FL | $47,700 | 49% |
| Vanderbilt University | Nashville, TN | $121,230 | 93% |
3 Top Schools for an Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership
University of Southern California
USC's doctor of education (Ed.D.) in organizational change and leadership program is designed for leaders who want to make an impact in higher ed and at nonprofits, private firms, and government organizations.
There are two program tracks available. The 43-unit track is for those who already have a master's degree; it takes less than three years to complete. The 60-unit track requires 17 units of graduate work in addition to doctoral coursework. It takes less than four years to complete.
- Delivery format: Online
- Tuition cost: $2,244 per unit
Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt offers an Ed.D. in leadership and learning in organizations. This program is intended for mid-career professionals who want to increase their leadership impact and drive positive change within their organizations.
The Ed.D in leadership and learning in organizations involves 54 credit hours of coursework covering three major learning areas: leadership and organizational development, learning and design, and data and analytics.
- Delivery format: Online, plus three in-person convenings
- Tuition cost: $2,245 per credit hour
University of Massachusetts Global
The University of Massachusetts Global offers an Ed.D. in organizational leadership program designed specifically for adult learners. The program prepares students for high-level and executive positions across education, nonprofit, and corporate institutions.
UMass Global's Ed.D. in organizational leadership includes 57 credits and only takes three years to complete — including the dissertation — and uses a real-world approach to curriculum created by experts in the field.
- Delivery format: Online
- Tuition cost: $1,051 per credit
What You Can Do With an Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership
Earning an online doctorate in organizational leadership demonstrates an intent to lead at the highest level of an organization. A doctorate also indicates a deep commitment to improving organizational leadership as a professional discipline. The degree can open doors to establishing yourself as a leader in the profession, whether in academia or the business world.
Of the five occupations listed below, only two, school superintendent and college professor, require candidates to possess doctorates. The salaries for these professions account for the doctoral-level requirement. The other three roles do not always require a doctorate. However, a doctoral degree can give candidates a competitive edge and result in higher pay.
The salaries below were pulled from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Payscale.
Top Executives
Serving at the highest ranks of an organization's leadership, top executives direct the major divisions of a business. They include chief financial officers, chief executive officers, and other C-suite employees. In addition to overall organizational management, these executives bear the responsibility for facilitating a strong corporate culture.
Median Annual Salary (May 2022): $100,090
School District Superintendent
School district superintendents serve as the chief executive officers for entire school districts. Reporting to a board of trustees elected by the community, a superintendent also advocates for improved state and federal policy and funding.
Average Annual Salary (November 2023): $142,880
College Professor
College professors pursue their passion for organizational leadership through conducting research and graduate-level instruction to grow the field.
Average Annual Salary (November 2023): $90,300
Government Affairs Director
Large corporations employ government affairs directors to ensure that they successfully anticipate and navigate shifting legal currents. The director works with senior management, department directors, and key political leaders.
Average Annual Salary (November 2023): $109,020
Senior Management Consultant
Senior management consultants capitalize on their professional backgrounds and advanced education by consulting for top-level leaders in both private and public sector organizations.
Average Annual Salary (November 2023): $111,820
Organizational Leadership Doctoral Program Overview
The field of organizational leadership continuously changes and evolves to meet new challenges. Postsecondary institutions offer several types of doctoral programs with unique emphases to meet these needs. Even within the same degree type, different universities structure programs to meet their institutional goals. The sections below describe the degree types along with sample curricula and program outcomes. Note that dissertation requirements vary by degree type and institution, as do admission requirements.
Types of Doctoral Degrees in Organizational Leadership
Those interested in pursuing a doctorate in organizational leadership can choose between several degree types to suit their professional interests. All degrees typically include a research component, but the type and purpose of the research differ in most cases.
The doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in organizational leadership focuses more on theoretical research in the field than other options. The degree fits those who prefer to make their impact on the field of organizational leadership as scholars. Key activities include researching and publishing theoretical gaps in the field.
Students pursuing an Ed.D. in organizational leadership also conduct considerable research to address practical problems in the field. While the degree can offer a focus on the education industry, most Ed.D. programs address organizational leadership across a variety of organization types.
The doctor of business administration (DBA) in organizational leadership is the practitioner's doctorate for those focused on business administration. Students usually identify practical problems from their own professional experience to research for their dissertations. The practical emphasis of the program lends itself well to part-time study.
Application Requirements and Admission Criteria
Application procedures and admission criteria vary by degree type and university. Typically, all programs require applicants to have earned both an undergraduate and a master's degree from an accredited college or university with at least a 3.0 GPA at the master's level.
Applicants must usually submit 2-3 letters of recommendation and at least one essay outlining professional interests in pursuing the degree. The essay and all other written materials should demonstrate your ability to communicate. Application review committees place a heavy emphasis on an applicant's ability to communicate well in both written and oral contexts. A few schools require little to no experience in the field; however, some universities require as many as 10-12 years of professional experience.
Curriculum
Each online doctorate in organizational leadership offers a distinctive approach to the field. Specific features vary by degree type and by university, so review the options while considering long-term professional goals. Despite the differences, most programs share some common courses. Most programs consist of a 60-68 credit curriculum, including the dissertation. Programs usually require students to complete two or more courses related to research design and statistical analysis prior to starting their dissertation.
Dissertation length varies by degree, with the Ph.D. option having the most rigorous demands. Students typically focus almost exclusively on dissertation work during the latter half of their program. Some programs also require a reflective and experience-based capstone project or comprehensive exam in addition to the dissertation. Students usually spend at least four years completing the curriculum, although this can sometimes take less time.
Accreditation for Online Organizational Leadership Doctoral Programs
An online doctorate in organizational leadership is a large investment of time and money. When evaluating different schools, make sure the university holds institutional accreditation and the program holds programmatic accreditation. Such accreditation ensures that a course of study meets certain academic standards, that your credits will be transferable, and that employers will take your degree seriously.
Start by checking the Council for Higher Education Accreditation for the schools you're interested in. Programs in organizational leadership may also hold programmatic accreditation from organizations like the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs or the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education.
Common Questions About Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Programs
Are online doctoral degrees respected?
Yes — an online doctoral degree is just as legit as a traditional, in-person degree program. But it's crucial that you select a program that is accredited, has a good reputation, offers a rigorous curriculum, and is recognized by the relevant professional associations and organizations.
How long does it take to get a Ph.D. in organizational leadership?
On average, it takes between 3-5 years to complete a Ph.D. in organizational leadership, including coursework, exams, dissertation writing, and dissertation defense.
Is a doctorate in organizational leadership worth it?
A doctorate in organizational leadership can certainly pay off if you're interested in an academic career or if you aspire to specialized leadership, consulting, or management roles. However, it's important to weigh the time and cost of a doctoral degree relative to your career goals.
What is the fastest doctorate in leadership?
Some schools — like the University of Dayton, for example — offer accelerated programs that can get you through the required curriculum in as little as 36 months.