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Online Ph.D. in Leadership Studies

Lead change across higher education, business, and community settings.

Man leading lecture in front of classroom
Man leading lecture in front of classroom

Types

Doctoral

Location

Online

Credits

66

Cost

$415/credit hour

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

With a PhD in Leadership Studies, you’ll be prepared to guide educational organizations, solve challenges facing today’s schools and learners, and make a lasting impact in your community. Our online PhD leadership program offers the flexibility you need to pursue your goals—study at your own pace and earn your online doctoral degree in leadership even while working full time. As part of one of the most accessible leadership PhD programs online, you’ll also have the opportunity to discuss your professional goals in leadership studies and higher education with our team while exploring financial aid options to help reduce the cost of your degree.

An online doctorate in leadership studies focuses on the theory and practice of organizational leadership. You’ll explore how strategic leadership can help you effectively guide, manage, and improve educational settings—from companies to higher education institutions to nonprofits.

Anchor: Stats

By the Numbers

$10.4K

Average Financial Aid

100%

Online Program
Anchor: Programs & Requirements
Programs & Requirements

Programs & Requirements

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Leadership Studies

The PhD in Leadership Studies Online at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ is designed to help you guide educational organizations into the future. As part of one of the top leadership PhD programs online, you’ll develop the skills needed to lead with empathy and insight, inspire staff and students, and contribute meaningful research to the field of leadership studies. With flexible scheduling and fully online PhD leadership courses, this program makes it possible to earn your online doctoral degree in leadership while continuing to work full time. Whether you’re advancing in higher education or another professional setting, this program equips you to set your sights on new goals and achieve them with confidence.

With our online PhD in Leadership Studies 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 round out the online Ph.D. leadership curriculum.

If you are a current educator wishing to obtain a rank change, certification, or licensure, you may complete an approved Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) program or Principal MAED degree as a second master’s degree through the School of Education and transfer up to thirty (30) hours of the program toward the Doctor of Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) or the Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership Studies (Ph.D.).  An Ed.D. or Ph.D. alone will not lead to a rank change, certification, or license in a teaching or administrative field without first completing an Ed.S. or Principal MAED as a second master’s degree through the School of Education then completing the Ed.D. or Ph.D. Our knowledgeable advisors are here to help you enroll in the classes you need to complete a rank change, certification, or licensure program and then the Doctor of Educational Leadership (Ed.D.) or the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Leadership Studies.

Course Requirements

The EdD to PhD Bridge Program at the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ is designed for students who have earned a Doctor of Education (EdD) with a minimum of 60 credit hours and seek to advance their academic credentials by pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Leadership. This bridge program provides an individualized pathway, allowing students to expand their research competencies, engage in advanced theoretical inquiry, and contribute meaningfully to the field of leadership studies.

Objectives

  1. Provide a seamless transition for Ed.D. graduates to achieve a Ph.D.
  2. Ensure academic rigor while building on prior educational and work experiences.
  3. Expand research capacity by encouraging students to explore different methodologies or extend their previous research.
  4. Contribute to the field by producing graduates equipped for advanced scholarly and practical contributions.

The EdD to PhD Bridge Program represents an innovative approach to supporting lifelong learning and advancing scholarly contributions. By leveraging students’ prior coursework and experience, this program will meet the needs of both students and the broader educational community.

Admission Criteria

  • Completion of an accredited Ed.D. program with a minimum of 60 credit hours.
  • Cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

Major Requirements (66 hours)

* Accepted transfer credit of up to 42 credit hours from the existing Ed.D. 
Bridge courses include a minimum of 24 credit hours.

The Leadership Certificate (Tier II) is a 12-credit-hour doctoral-level educational leadership certificate program designed to help you build advanced leadership skills for communication, strategic planning, team management, and problem-solving you can bring to the workplace immediately. You’ll have the tools and understand you need to lead with professionalism and apply ethical decision-making throughout your career. 

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Anchor: Mission & Goals

Mission & Goals

This mission of the PhD in Leadership Studies degree program at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ is to prepare you for ethical and effective leadership in your company, community, or country.

Develop critical and reflective thinking to facilitate institutional problem-solving
Nurture effective and ethical professional leadership
Strengthen research, analytical and communication skills for professional decision-making
Strengthen content knowledge in a specialty area
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

Top Executive: $100,090

Top Executive: $100,090

Top executives plan strategies and policies to ensure that an organization meets its goals.

Chief Executive: $189,520

Chief Executive: $189,520

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

University Administrator: $99,940

University Administrator: $99,940

Postsecondary education administrators oversee student services, academics, and faculty research at colleges and universities.

Administrative Services Manager: $101,870

Administrative Services Manager: $101,870

Administrative services and facilities managers plan, direct, and coordinate activities that help an organization run efficiently.

Marketing Manager: $138,730

Marketing Manager: $138,730

Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers plan programs to generate interest in products or services.

Management Analyst: $95,290

Management Analyst: $95,290

Management analysts recommend ways to improve an organization’s efficiency.

Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions

I would give my highest recommendation of this program. My perspectives and understanding about leadership has reached a level beyond my imagination. The faculty at UC always go the extra mile to create a phenomenal learning environment with the highest professionalism and the most compassionate personal cultivation and care. My PhD journey at UC has been the most uplifting and enlightening one for me. Way to go, UC!
Dr. Amy West
Graduate, PhD in Leadership Studies
Anchor: Faculty

Faculty Experts

Find out more about the caring and experienced faculty at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ.

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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