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Every company, community, and country needs inspiring and capable leaders.

Leaders have the power to guide organizations and communities into the future—and the Executive Ph.D. in Leadership program at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ is designed to help you do exactly that. This Executive Doctorate in Leadership equips experienced professionals with advanced leadership knowledge, research skills, and practical strategies to make a lasting impact in business, education, and community organizations.

Ideal for working professionals, this hybrid executive leadership Ph.D. program combines the flexibility of online learning with the valuable hands-on experience of required residency sessions. Unlike fully online programs, the residency component ensures you gain the practical training, collaboration, and applied leadership skills you need to thrive. With a curriculum focused on strategic leadership, organizational management, and innovation, the Ph.D. in Executive Leadership positions you for advancement in Kentucky, across the United States, and global leadership roles.

Anchor: Stats

By the Numbers

$0

Cost of Books

100%

Student-Focused
Anchor: Programs & Requirements
Programs & Requirements

Programs & Requirements

Executive Ph.D. in Leadership Studies

The Executive Doctorate in Leadership program at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ is a hybrid leadership doctorate designed to help you guide educational organizations into the future. You’ll learn the skills you need to lead with empathy and insight, inspire staff and students, and contribute insightful research to your field. Online coursework and flexible scheduling make it possible to earn your Executive Doctorate in Leadership and set your sights on new goals—even while working full time.

You will participate in a comprehensive study of effective leadership and administrative methods, while gaining an in-depth look at the political factors involved in organizational decision making. Program planning, assessment strategies, and global trends in leadership, along with a dissertation component round out the executive curriculum.

Additionally, if you are a current educator wishing to obtain Kentucky Rank 1 certification via our online leadership doctorate, you can achieve your goals by completing this doctor of executive leadership program and taking additional coursework within the School of Education. Keep in mind that a Ph.D. or Ed.D. alone will not lead to the Kentucky Rank 1 certification without an accompanying planned program from the School of Education that includes the courses required for Rank 1. Our knowledgeable advisors are here to help you enroll in the classes you will need for both your Executive Doctorate in Leadership studies and the Kentucky Rank 1 certification.

Course Requirements

Anchor: Executive Student Resources
Executive students walking toward graduation ceremony

Executive Student Resources

UC's Department of International Graduate Services enjoys providing support resources for our international students. Find tutorials and information regarding offices and policies for the International Graduate Students and programs.

Executive Program Format

Our Executive Programs include hybrid course days designed for international graduate students studying in the U.S., or domestic students seeking a hybrid-format program.  We strive to incorporate professional experience and real-world application of course curriculum into our programs to enhance the learning experience.  Practical Training is an integral part of program coursework and available to all students.  At the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ our degree programs focus on quality education at an affordable price.

Executive Program students take three (3) courses per semester.  The program semester is based on the existing UC semester calendar, with three (3) annual semesters: fall, spring, and summer.  Two of the courses each semester focus on the specific program content.  Additionally, students will be required to attend an intensive residency weekend as part of their course enrollment each term.  The third class includes an Applied Learning Practicum, in which students apply what they are learning in their other two courses to the real world via work or internship experiences.

Residency FAQs

Anchor: Mission & Goals

Mission & Goals

The mission of this Executive Doctorate in Leadership program is to prepare you to make valuable and innovative contributions in a variety of leadership roles and organizational settings.

Help you improve colleges and schools through better critical and reflective thinking
Assist you to become more effective at the college, school district or unit level
Strengthen your research, analytical and communication skills so you can become a better decision maker
Improve your content knowledge in a specialty area
Help you promote public service and ethical leadership in professional and community settings
Anchor: Career Outcomes

Leadership Careers & Outcomes

All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Management Analysis: $93,000

Management Analysis: $93,000

This career allows you to work with a corporate side of a company to work through ways to improve the efficiency of the organization. 

College Professor: $79,640

College Professor: $79,640

Teach at the college level and pass on your leadership knowledge to another generation. 

Development Manager: $120,130

Development Manager: $120,130

Development Managers organizes and directs programs for organization's staff to allow for enhancement amgonst the organization.  

University Administrators: $96,910

University Administrators: $96,910

Post Secondary Administrators oversee the academics, services for students, and faculty reaserch at colleges and universities. 

Top Executive: $98,980

Top Executive: $98,980

Help organizations meet their goals by planning effective policies and stragesties. 

Administrative Services and Facilities Manager: $99,290

Administrative Services and Facilities Manager: $99,290

Help organizations run more efficiently by organizing and directing activities.  

Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions

A group of Graduate students entering during the processional at Commencement.

Executive Program Admission Requirements

All students in our executive programs are required to meet a standard set of admissions requirements for graduate students.

Anchor: Faculty
Dr. Mark Phillips

Dr. Mark Phillips

Associate Professor
PhD Leadership

Dr. Mark Phillips

Contact Information

mark.phillips [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
Dr. Kona Jones

Dr. Kona Jones

Adjunct Professor
PhD Leadership

Dr. Kona Jones

Contact Information

kona.jones [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
Dr. Bryan Hedrick

Dr. Bryan Hedrick

Adjunct Professor
PhD Leadership

Dr. Bryan Hedrick

Contact Information

bryan.hedrick [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote

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