PhD Organizational Leadership Online

Online PhD in organizational leadership programs show you how to create, develop, and achieve an organization’s strategic goals through effective communication and problem solving. This includes how to use data to formulate long-term, successful strategies and to lead change in the modern, global economy.

Plus, choosing to pursue your degree online has many benefits. These include, enhancing knowledge retention through the use of multimedia such as infographics and webinars, and improving your online communication skills that are becoming more important in the workplace.

Continue reading to learn about general admissions requirements, common courses, and careers you may pursue with a PhD in Organizational Leadership. Then, click on any of the sponsored listings on this page to learn more about individual programs. When you're ready, you can even contact schools directly to request more information.

Online PhD in Organizational Leadership - PhD Organizational Leadership Online

Did You Know?

Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” —Jack Welch

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What Is Organizational Leadership?

Organizational leadership is the human psychology of motivating teams and subordinates to achieve an organization’s vision through motivation, strategy, and objectives. This includes using data to prioritize goals and provide guidance through effective communication, conflict resolution, and problem solving techniques.

Earning an Online PhD in Organizational Leadership: What to Expect

Most online PhD in organizational leadership programs require that you’ve earned a masters degree from an accredited university. You also need to have done so while maintaining a 3.0 GPA or higher. Other admissions requirements may include a transcript from previously attended schools and letters of recommendation. However, every program has different requirements, so check with individual programs before applying to make sure that you are a perfect fit for the school.

Most doctorate degree programs are designed for part-time students who already have full-time positions, though some PhD programs are designed for full-time students. Many students earn their degree in three to four years, but that varies from program to program. Click on any of the sponsored listings on this page to learn more about individual programs, including how long it may take to earn your degree.

Different PhD Organizational Leadership Degree Types

Normally, online phd in organizational leadership programs come in one of three different degree types. All of these degrees are academically equivalent and are the terminal degrees in the field, which means they are the highest degree you earn in organizational leadership.

The three types of doctorate degrees area are as follows.

  1. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
  2. Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
  3. Doctor of Management (DM)

While there are a number of similarities between the types of degrees, the main difference are the roles they may prepare you to pursue. For instance, most online PhD programs in organizational leadership focus on preparing you for a career in research or as a postsecondary teacher. On the other hand, a DM is more focused on the application of theories to solve real world problems, which may better prepare you for a leadership position. A DBA degree is typically more focused on solving the problems of organizational leadership and how they fit into business applications.

However, all programs vary. Click on any of the sponsored listings on this page to research individual schools to find a perfect match for your specific goals.

PHD in Organizational Leadership Online Courses

Common courses offered while you pursue an online PhD in organizational leadership focus on developing critical and creative decision making capabilities and how to analyze alternative solutions. Most courses are research and writing intensive and may require more critical analysis than other degree options.

Some courses you may take while pursuing your online doctorate degree in organizational leadership include these subject areas.

  • Leadership Theory and Practice in a Global Environment
  • Advancing Leadership Theory
  • Leading Dynamic Systems with Multi-Dimensional Thinking
  • Leading the Organizational System
  • Management Philosophies
  • Statistical Research Methods and Design
  • The Impact of Technology on Organizations
  • Organizational Theory an Design
  • Building Organizational Capacity
  • Ethical Leadership

Typically, upon completing all required coursework, most online PhD degree programs require that you propose, write, present, and defend a dissertation in front of a board of faculty. However, courses and graduation requirements vary from program to program. Click on any of the sponsored listings on this page to learn more about individual programs and their specific requirements.

Possible Required Business Courses in a PhD in Organizational Leadership

Organizational leadership doctorate programs focus on providing you the skills and knowledge to lead successful businesses or organizations through the challenges of the modern, global economy. Therefore, many programs require that you take a number of business courses in addition to your organizational leadership requirements.

Some of these business courses may include some of the following examples.

  • Economics in Global Environments
  • Marketing Principles and Practices
  • Strategic Management and Practice
  • Descriptive and Comparative Data Analysis
  • Research Methods

Every program is different and course requirements vary. Therefore, it’s important to research individual schools to find one that matches your goals.

Potential Organizational Leadership Specialties or Concentrations

Some online PhD in organizational leadership degree programs provide an opportunity for you to earn your degree with a specialty or concentration. This may help provide more in-depth analysis of one particular area, which may prepare you to pursue employment opportunities in that specialty.

Some specialties or concentrations include these subject areas.

  • Entrepreneurial Leadership
  • Human Resource Development
  • Ecclesial Leadership

If pursuing specialties such as these is important to you, research individual programs to find a perfect match as some schools offer concentrations, while others don’t. Check with specific schools to see their offerings and program structure.

Online PhD in Organizational Leadership Professional Insight: 

"Because of my Online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership and perseverance, I had the tools to establish and become the CEO of my own operations and leadership development firm, Horizon Group Consulting. My degree in Organizational Leadership has also allowed me to hold the position of vice president for one of the largest financial institutions in the country." 

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-Marlon Walters, Founder & CEO, Horizon Group Consulting

Possible Careers in Organizational Leadership

Upon earning your doctorate degree in organizational leadership, you may be prepared to pursue a number of different career opportunities. Some of these, and their 2015 median annual salaries, are these jobs.

  • Top Executives: $102,690 i
  • Chief Executives: $175,110 ii
  • Postsecondary Teachers: $72,470 iii

Top executives consist of a number of different roles. In the public sector, most positions require a masters degree and a number of years of experience. However, roles as college presidents and school superintendents, also covered under top executives, typically have a doctoral degree.iv

Take the Next Step

Online PhD in organizational leadership programs can prepare you for a number of different roles by developing a complete understanding of leadership principles and theories, their application to achieve an organization’s strategic objectives, and how to apply data to formulate successful strategies. Plus, choosing to pursue your degree online may provide you the freedom and flexibility to perform coursework at your convenience.

Take the next step to earn your online PhD in organizational leadership by clicking on any of the sponsored listings on this page. There, you’ll find program descriptions, specific courses, and graduation requirements. You can even contact schools directly to request more information.


[i] bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm#tab-5 [ii] bls.gov/oes/current/oes111011.htm [iii] bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/postsecondary-teachers.htm#tab-5 [iv] bls.gov/ooh/management/top-executives.htm#tab-4