If you are in search of an affordable online Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology, this list is for you. Below, you will find nationally and regionally accredited programs designed with the working student in mind. The doctoral degree in organizational leadership is a terminal degree, meaning it is the highest level of academic education in the field, and the program provides graduates with the skills to effect change and lead in their organizations.
Online programs give working students the flexibility they need to succeed while simultaneously providing them with hands-on experience that workers value. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in a range of industries, including government, finance, business, technology, and medical. Doctoral students may also benefit from belonging to organizations that will help them improve their craft, narrow down job opportunities, and connect with other leaders. If you are considering this career path, read on to learn more about the top 30 most affordable online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership degrees available.
Methodology
In order to narrow down our list of the 30 most affordable programs, we gathered data from the National Center for Education Statistics’ College Navigator database. After conducting a search for the term “Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership degree online,” we were given a group of 35 schools that matched our keywords. We then narrowed down this list into the top 30 most affordable schools based on the cost of tuition for in-state students for the entire program rather than per credit or per semester. The following list is our final result and ordered from most expensive to least expensive.
Ranking Low-Cost Online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership
30. William James College
Newton, Massachusetts
Online Leadership Psychology Doctorate
Tuition: $139,650
William James College confers a Doctor of Psychology in Leadership Psychology that examines those who advise leaders, those who are followers, and those who are leaders themselves in order to give students a strong foundation of understanding the elements of being a great leader. Students work on their studies at their convenience through online discussion boards, readings, and lectures. In addition to online course modules, students are required to come to campus three times per year in the summer, fall, and spring for a four-day residency in which they practice their skills through experiential learning, build stronger networking connections, and meet face to face with their faculty and peers. Students must also complete a 400-hour internship project and a 600-hour practicum at an organization. The leadership psychology doctorate consists of 98 credits and can be completed in six years of part-time study or four years of full-time study.
29. Vanderbilt University
Nashville, Tennessee
Online Doctor of Education in Leadership and Learning in Organizations
Tuition: $98,712
Vanderbilt University’s Department of Leadership, Policy, and Organizations offers a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Learning in Organizations. The program encourages students to synthesize practice and theory as they work through this program with support from leaders located across the U.S. The curriculum consists of the fundamentals that lead to organizational change and is comprised of three key competency areas: learning and design, data and analytics, and leadership and organizational development. Courses cover areas such as methods of organizational challenges, different methods of inquiry and analysis, data analytics skills, and organizational improvement, practice, and processes. It is structured in a cohort format, ensuring that students have opportunities to collaborate and benefit from peer support. In addition to completing online coursework, students are required to complete a capstone project, and candidates must attend three on-campus convenings throughout the program. Students may complete the 54-credit-hour program within three to four years.
28. Saybrook University
Oakland, California
Online Ph.D. in Managing Organizational Systems
Tuition: $95,550
Students may choose to pursue the online Ph.D. in Managing Organizational Systems from Saybrook University. Taught by faculty who are leaders in the field of human systems, this program offers students the flexibility to design an individualized course of study within areas such as leadership development, systems design and transformation, management, and organizational learning and development. Specifically, the online program specializations include Collaborative Strategic Management, Educational Leadership, Leadership of Sustainable Systems, and Humane Education. The course of study and requirements will vary depending on the concentration chosen, but the main Ph.D. in Managing Organizational Systems degree is designed for advanced students who are looking to further develop their skills with the goal of contributing to innovative social systems and organizational change. Graduates are prepared for roles in social services, public service, education, and business, and those who wish to combine practice and research may choose to advance their positions in nonprofit leadership, human resources, consulting, or management.
27. Antioch University
Yellow Springs, Ohio
Online Ph.D. in Leadership and Change
Tuition: $92,448
Students in search of an affordable online Ph.D. in Organizational Change may find the Ph.D. in Leadership and Change a good match. This program is designed for working professionals looking to provide leadership and change that makes workplace environments like business organizations and schools better. Required courses cover key topics such as reflective leadership, the nature of leadership, ethics in leadership and inquiry, cultural dimensions of leadership, and case studies of leading change. Students complete coursework throughout the first three years of the program, and the fourth year is reserved for the research, writing, and defense of a dissertation. The program also requires students to commit to three residencies per year for three years, where students experience peer discussions, advising sessions, guest lectures, graduate seminars, and student presentations.
26. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Chicago, Illinois
Online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership
Tuition: $84,940
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers a doctoral degree in organizational leadership that can be completed in three years of full-time study. Students pursue online courses designed to help them develop their leadership capabilities, including topics in management philosophy and practice, envisioning the new health and human service organizations, and emerging theories of leadership. Throughout the program, students learn how to apply a number of theories and practices to real-world situations. Students use Canvas, an online interactive interface, to accept and complete assignments. In addition to online coursework, distance learners are required to participate in three on-campus residencies in Chicago during the program’s first two years. Students must also research and write a dissertation to be judged by a committee at the end of the program. Students are admitted based on criteria such as their transcript, previous coursework, and the strength of their resume.
25. University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California
Online Ed.D. in Organizational Change and Leadership
Tuition: $80,109
The University of Southern California offers an online Ed.D. in Organizational Change and Leadership that consists of 60 credit hours of coursework which can be completed in three to four years. USC encourages online students working in the technological, business, and educational industries to apply. Although students with a bachelor’s degree may be admitted into the program, they are required to earn their doctoral degree within four years. Those with a master’s degree must complete 43 credit hours of study beyond the master’s. The curriculum focuses on four main areas: reflection, problem-solving, leadership, and organizational change. Students take two to four courses each term. In addition to course requirements, students must complete a capstone project that includes a self-assessment and a dissertation, and an annual immersion weekend is held on-campus each year.
24. Abilene Christian University
Abilene, Texas
Online Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership
Tuition: $79,560
The School of Educational Leadership at Abilene Christian University offers a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership program with concentration options in Learning with Emerging Technologies, Conflict Resolution, and Higher Education. The program gives students the opportunity to develop their leadership skills, preparing them to influence culture within educational institutions. The curriculum delivers courses across five core competencies: organizational culture, organizational assessment, communication and collaboration, resource development, and personal development. Students must complete 54 to 57 credit hours of study, depending on the concentration chosen, including a dissertation. Graduates are prepared for roles within the field of education and have the skills and knowledge to lead with purpose with Christian principles. Students may earn their degree with three to five years.
23. Capella University
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Online Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management, Leadership Specialization
Through its ABCSP-accredited School of Business and Technology, Capella University offers an online Ph.D. in Business Management with a concentration in leadership. The program is provided in a hybrid format, with students taking the majority of their classes online save for three virtual residencies. The program is comprised of 11 core courses, four specialization courses, a comprehensive exam, and a dissertation. Some of the courses students will take include Leading Dynamic Systems with Multi-Dimensional Thinking, Leading the Organizational System, Leadership as Personal Practice, Advancing Leadership Theory, and Leadership Theory and Practice in a Global Environment. The program is provided in a quarter system, and students can take one to three courses every 10-week quarter. In addition to the Ph.D. in Business Management with a concentration in leadership, Capella also offers a DBA in Organizational Leadership and Development program.
22. Northcentral University
San Diego, California
Online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership
Tuition: $72,430
Northcentral University’s Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership examines theories of leadership in community organizations, the government, corporate settings, and in education. Students concentrate on developing skills to build confidence, forge alliances, and inspire a shared vision with team members. Throughout the program, students explore resolutions and issues in contemporary organizations, and they have the opportunity to contribute new knowledge to the field via a dissertation. Students take 20 courses for a total program requirement of 60 credit hours. Graduates can earn their degree in 45 months, and they are prepared for careers focusing on research, teaching at the university level, or working for organizations with an interest in organizational leadership.
21. Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Online Doctor of Education With a Concentration in Organizational Leadership
Tuition: $71,820
The Fischler College of Education at Nova Southeastern University confers an online Doctor of Education with a concentration in organizational leadership degree. Designed for working professionals in leadership, the program builds upon the capacities of distance learners to meet both the future and current challenges facing their organizations. Students also learn the skills they need to lead in a diverse and changing economy, benefitting from a more hands-on approach rather than a research-based focus. Topics of study include virtual and global leadership, strategic planning, organizational behavior and human development, diversity dynamics, and change management. Students are required to complete a minimum of 54 credits of coursework as well as an applied dissertation, which was created to help students discuss what they’ve learned during the research component of the curriculum. Students can choose from synchronous and asynchronous program options.
20. Ashford University
San Diego, California
Online Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Development and Leadership
Tuition: $67,084
The Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Development and Leadership at Ashford University demonstrates students’ ability to assess organizations by relying on evidence and research. Throughout the program, students also learn how to anticipate and evaluate the impact of organizational change and strategic initiatives. Students must complete 62 credits of coursework, including 30 credits of core course requirements, three credits of a research course, 11 credits in a capstone project and dissertation, and 18 credits in a specialization. The courses are offered in six- and nine-week formats, and areas of study include ethics, executive coaching, employee motivation, organizational change, and performance management. Graduates are prepared for careers in leadership development, organization planning, operations management, organizational research, and management consulting practice.
19. Colorado Technical University
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Online Doctor of Management – Executive Leadership
Tuition: $59,800
For those interested in earning an online doctoral degree in organizational leadership or management, Colorado Technical University confers a Ph.D. in Management with a concentration in executive leadership. Students complete 100 credit hours of coursework, 20 of which are provided in the specialization. Some of the topics of study include principles of research methods and design, management theory, management and ethics, leadership theory and development, and the application of action research. Students are also required to complete doctoral research classes in dissertation findings, dissertation discussion and conclusion, and the dissertation research process to help them better prepare, research, and write their dissertation. Students must complete in-person residencies and participate in an in-person symposium. Graduates can earn their degree within three years.
18. Regent University
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership
Tuition: $59,700
Regent University’s School of Business & Leadership offers a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership that gives students the opportunity to analyze the impact of prevailing world political, religious, cultural, and social conditions and trends on leadership practice and theory. The program is a research-based terminal degree delivered in a Christian worldview. The curriculum explores kingdom business strategies, organizational culture, leadership dynamics, and global economics with an emphasis on practical research and applications. Students must complete 60 credit hours of coursework, and the program is available entirely online with the exception of a residency requirement. Students can choose from multiple concentrations in Organizational Leadership, Individualized Studies, Human Resource Development, Entrepreneurial Leadership, and Ecclesial Leadership. The program prepares graduates for careers as consultants, university faculty members, and executive leaders in educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and the ministry.
17. Eastern University
St. Davids, Pennsylvania
Online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership
Tuition: $59,100
Eastern University offers an online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership degree that combines theories of management with the competencies necessary for leading within a particular sector. The school offers concentrations in Education Administration, Nonprofit and Public Administration, and Business Management. The online doctorate in organizational leadership operates as a cohort-based, blended program that combines face-to-face residencies with online learning. The curriculum employs an interdisciplinary approach that provides unique, rich perspectives from educators in the sectors of nonprofit, education, and business. Students must complete 60 credit hours of coursework, a dissertation, and three residencies each year on Eastern’s campus in St. Davids. Graduates are prepared to serve as leaders in these industries through original research and studies. Applicants must have five years of experience in leadership, which Eastern evaluates with respect to professional credentials, entrepreneurial initiatives, supervisory responsibilities, and the level of management positions obtained.
16. Concordia University Chicago
River Forest, Illinois
Online Ed.D./Ph.D., Leadership: Organizational Leadership Specialization
Tuition: $58,752
Online students looking to pursue a doctorate in leadership should consider the Ed.D. or Ph.D. in Leadership with a specialization in organizational leadership from Concordia University Chicago. Composed of 61 and 67 credits, respectively, the programs are available on-campus or online and consist of surveys of topics such as leadership communication and research-based decision-making. Students have the opportunity to choose their electives in order to strengthen their current understanding of the field. This program is heavily focused on research and features courses that emphasize doctoral research, including quantitative research and methods of action research inquiry. Students must complete an instructor-supervised dissertation and a comprehensive exam. Although coursework is provided online, students are required to meet with their cohort groups in person.
15. Brandman University
Irvine, California
Online Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership
Tuition: $56,715
Brandman University offers a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership program designed to build leaders who have the skills and knowledge to transform organizations from the ground up. The 57-credit-hour curriculum is infused with coursework that centers on political intelligence, collaborative relationships, creativity and sustained innovation, strategic thinking, cultural differences and diversity, and transformational leadership. Courses are delivered in a hybrid format that allows the working professional to continue his or her work and family responsibilities while pursuing the degree. The cohort-based structure provides students with embedded collaboration and peer support. The program culminates in a dissertation and a transformational change project that integrates change theory into real-world settings, providing an opportunity for clinical practice.
14. Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado
Online Doctor of Philosophy in Education and Human Resource Studies – Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change Specialization
Tuition: $55,920
In addition to operating physical campuses across the state, Colorado State University also offers a comprehensive online Ph.D. in Education and Human Resource Studies with a specialization in organizational learning, performance, and change. Designed around the needs of working professionals, this program provides students with the schooling necessary to strengthen their psychological, political, economic, and social understanding of the field. Students complete 60 credit hours examining topics such as data collection methods, scenario-planning in organizations, foundations of educational research, systems leadership, and workforce development, and they are required to meet on-campus in Denver at least eight times each semester. Students take two courses each semester, and the program is both cohort-based and synchronous. The first three years of the program are devoted to coursework, while the fourth year is reserved for a research methodology seminar and a doctoral dissertation.
13. Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, Indiana
Online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership
Tuition: $50,340
Indiana Wesleyan University offers a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership that is comprised of both online coursework and on-site classes. The goal of the program is to provide a challenging, innovative, Christ-centered degree that enables students to become accomplished in teaching, self-directed learning, research, best practices, and current knowledge. The cohort-based program can be completed in as few as 40 months, and the curriculum is designed to contribute to the student’s development as a servant leader. Classes focus on seven main areas of knowledge, including governance and ethics, globalization and multiculturalism, personal authenticity, organizational theory and research, organizational learning, servant leaders as world-changers, and change, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Terms last approximately 12 weeks, and students meet three Saturdays every term. Summer residencies consist of eight days of on-campus studies in Marion.
12. Northeastern University
Boston, Massachusetts
Online Doctor of Education – Organizational Leadership Studies
Tuition: $49,740
Northeastern University offers a Doctor of Education degree with a concentration in organizational leadership studies. This specialization prepares working professionals and leaders to systematically transform nonprofit and corporate firms, the sports industry, government organizations, and formal educational settings. The curriculum addresses ways leaders make meaning, interact, and collaborate throughout their global and local networks as well as within their organizations. Students also develop diagnostic skills for assessing organizational systems, leadership, and learning. The program consists of 60 total quarter hours, including core foundation courses and core research courses as well as classes within the concentration. Areas of study for the organizational leadership path include contemporary models of leadership, global perspectives of organizational culture, organizational learning and systems thinking, and organizational theory and design. Students also take doctoral thesis courses that cover topics such as data analysis and presentation, thesis proposal and the internal review board, thesis findings and discussion, and thesis data collection, initial analysis, and management.
11. St. Thomas University
Miami Gardens, Florida
Online Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation
Website
Tuition: $49,000
The Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation at St. Thomas University is a fully online program designed to prepare students to become results-focused, ethical leaders in their industries in as few as 36 months. The degree is ideal for those looking to advance their professional capacities to formulate innovative solutions, whether they work in government, education, corporate, sales, or nonprofit environments. Students begin to work on the dissertation component of the program during the first year of study, and they are required to complete 60 credit hours of coursework. The curriculum teaches principles of ethical leadership that span crisis and change management, consulting practices, and different approaches to managing and developing public policy. Graduates are prepared for careers as administrators and professors, consultants, business managers and leaders, and directors.
10. University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, Kentucky
Online Executive Ph.D. in Leadership
Tuition: $46,200
The University of the Cumberlands offers an executive Ph.D. in Leadership that consists of courses that explore different aspects of organizational management and leadership. Throughout the program, students participate in comprehensive studies to develop their understanding of effective administrative methods, teaching, and leadership skills. Concentration options are available, so students have the option of further focusing their degree on a specific area of interest such as psychology, information security, education, criminal justice, or business. Students must complete 66 hours beyond the master’s degree as well as a dissertation. Candidates take two classes per semester, meet one time every month on the school’s campus, and participate in eight-week-long online courses.
9. Johnson University
Knoxville, Tennessee
Online Ph.D. Leadership Studies
Tuition: $44,407
Johnson University confers a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies program that follows an interdisciplinary design and consists of four concentrations in missional leadership, the philosophy and theology of leadership, organizational leadership, and educational leadership. The curriculum focuses on four dimensions of leadership studies: research, global systems, organizational systems, and both individual and personal systems. Students are required to complete 60 credits beyond the master’s degree, including leadership core courses, ethics core courses, research core courses, electives, and a candidacy course. Areas of study include organizational studies and theory, leadership development, personal ethics, global leadership, and intercultural behavior, worldview, and communication. Doctoral students also have the opportunity to participate in Research Summits, which provide networking experiences and face-to-face interactions with fellow students and faculty.
8. Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, Arizona
Online Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership With an Emphasis in Organizational Development
Tuition: $39,000
The College of Doctoral Studies at Grand Canyon University offers a 60-credit online Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership with an emphasis in organizational development. This program blends practical experience with theory as students seek to analyze various organizational structures and strengthen their foundation in leadership. The well-rounded curriculum explores strategy, diversity, communications, change, and culture, and it also includes a formative dissertation process that begins in the student’s first course. In addition, doctoral residencies give students the opportunity to interact with practitioners, faculty, and peers and gain support and feedback along the way. Graduates are prepared to act as agents of change in a variety of organizations.
7. Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Online Ph.D. in Education – Organizational Leadership
Tuition: $35,700
Liberty University provides an online Ph.D. in Education with a concentration in organizational leadership. This 100 percent online program consists of eight-week classes and can be completed in an average of three years. In addition to preparing students for leadership roles in educational administrations, businesses, and corporations, it also integrates specific assignments and course materials that require students to examine Scripture and a Christian worldview in light of current events and relevant topics. In addition to coursework, students may choose to meet their professors and peers during optional on-campus intensives while developing their research and writing for the final dissertation phase of the program.
6. Creighton University
Omaha, Nebraska
Online Doctorate of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership
Tuition: $33,600
Creighton University’s Doctor of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership is designed for aspiring leaders who are looking to create meaningful, lasting change in their workplaces, communities, and beyond. Rooted in Ignatian values, this cohort-based degree is shaped by the Jesuit ideals of academic excellence and is bookended by two on-campus residencies. Students take a series of eight-week courses, one class at a time, completing 60 credit hours in three to four years. Core courses examine key aspects of the field, including change theory and practice, administrative and policy leadership issues, organizational theory and behavior, and strategic planning and management. Graduates of the program have pursued careers as marketing and sales leaders, school administrators and educators, chief executives, and other paths that value strong, value-driven leadership skills.
5. Wilmington University
Wilmington, Delaware
Online Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership, Learning, and Innovation
Tuition: $32,232
Wilmington University’s College of Education confers an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership, Learning, and Innovation. This interdisciplinary program is available in-person or entirely online and prepares students to lead learning initiatives at the individual, team, or organizational level. Students have the opportunity to customize their doctorate through concentrations in Talent Development, Workplace Learning, or Strategic Leadership, and the cohort model fosters collaboration with fellow candidates. Students complete 14 courses in order to meet the total program requirements of 54 credits, and core areas of focus include technology and organizational learning, talent development and workplace learning, and organizational learning theory, culture, and practice. In addition to coursework, students will hone their skills and build their professional network through a 120-hour internship and an applied research capstone project/dissertation.
4. Aspen University
Denver, Colorado
Online Doctor of Education in Leadership and Learning – Organizational Leadership
Tuition: $29,900
Aspen University offers an Ed.D. in Leadership and Learning with a specialization in organizational leadership. This program highlights the curriculum and courses in the Ph.D. program while emphasizing leadership in education. Graduate students focus their studies on ethical and collaborative leadership, transformational leadership, and reflective scholarship. Courses cover topics such as adult learning theory, organizational theory, leadership theory, techniques and interpretation for statistical analysis, innovation and entrepreneurship, and ethical issues in leading organizations. Classes are available entirely online, and students must complete 60 total credits in order to graduate. The program also requires students to pass a comprehensive exam and research, write, defend, and publish a dissertation.
3. Piedmont University
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Online Ph.D. in Leadership
Tuition: $27,600
Piedmont University’s Ph.D. in Leadership program was developed for students pursuing an online doctoral degree in the field of organizational leadership. The program consists of three concentrations in ministry administration, organizational management, and educational administration. The curriculum will depend on the area of specialization chosen. Students must complete 60 credit hours of coursework, including one week-long residency at the start of the program. Candidates also take nine credit hours of coursework in the specialization of their choice as well as a research core before they can graduate. The program is offered in an asynchronous format, meaning it fits into working professionals’ lives. Students can complete the program in as few as three years.
2. Southeastern University
Lakeland, Florida
Online Doctor of Education
Tuition: $27,000
The Doctor of Education at Southeastern University combines two one-week intensives and online coursework designed to equip students with the skills they need to become leaders in a variety of organizations. Students may choose from a concentration in either organizational leadership or curriculum and instruction. The program requires students to complete 60 credits, and courses cover key areas in the field such as situational and transformational leadership, organizational systems and management, and leadership theory. Students are also required to complete a series of research methodology and design courses in areas like quantitative and qualitative research methods. A comprehensive exam and dissertation are also required, and graduates can finish the program in three to four years.
1. North Carolina A&T State University
Greensboro, North Carolina
Online Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership Studies
Tuition: $13,797
The Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership Studies from North Carolina A&T University offers online coursework that enables students to further their education while maintaining their work and family obligations. The curriculum requirement includes a minimum of 54 hours of study beyond the master’s degree, including 12 hours for dissertation research and 42 hours of coursework. Students are also expected to complete a 12-hour track in areas such as interdisciplinary leadership studies, leadership for K-20 diversity and educational justice, transformative leadership for civic and community engagement, African American leadership, or higher education and community colleges. The interdisciplinary program is designed for students with an interest in conducting research that relates to the social and behavioral sciences. Graduates are prepared for career paths in consulting, research, and education.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Career Options for an Online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership Degree?
A Doctorate in Organizational Leadership is ideal for students currently in or seeking positions in administration. This multidisciplinary degree attracts students from a number of fields, including military, educational, financial, and medical settings. The Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership teaches students basic principles that are crucial to successfully leading an organization such as mechanisms, techniques, and values that they can apply to almost any industry. The following are a few common careers pursued by graduates:
- Director of Project Management: Project management directors are responsible for the entire project from beginning to end. They manage both the employees and the budget as well as coordinate with other directors in the company to ensure everything is running as efficiently as possible.
- Intelligence Analyst: Intelligence analysts are usually employed by the government and are tasked with identifying and stopping cybersecurity threats. These professionals must be willing to travel to various sites as well as a strong understanding of computer technology.
- University President: University or college presidents oversee their institution’s entire operations. Some common duties include tracking the university’s budget, hiring staff, and coordinating with departmental heads.
- Nurse Practitioner: Nurse practitioners are masters of medical diagnoses and treatments. They work with the attending physician to treat patients and identify medical conditions. A Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership can easily provide a pathway to management-level positions in the nursing field.
- Program Development Executive Director: Executive program development directors are responsible for requesting financial assistance for nonprofit organizations. This is often accomplished through the planning and executing of fundraising ventures and events for their company.
How Much Can You Earn in This Field?
Obtaining a doctoral degree in organizational leadership help makes graduates attractive candidates to a broad range of employers. Although some positions can be obtained with a master’s degree, holding a terminal degree may allow applicants to earn a higher income throughout their careers. Due to the broad spectrum of careers one can possibly pursue with this degree, it is difficult to narrow down the salary range to one specific field. However, the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) indicates that the annual median salary for training and development managers was $108,250 per year in May 2017. The highest 10 percent earned more than $187,670, while the lowest 10 percent earned less than $59,170. In addition, the median annual wages for training and development managers in the top industries were as follows:
- Technical, scientific, and professional services: $118,140
- Management of enterprises and companies: $117,610
- Insurance and finance: $112,920
- Private, local, and state educational services: $99,960
- Social assistance and healthcare: $96,370
What is the Curriculum Like in an Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership?
Online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership programs are typically comprised of three key parts: dissertations, residencies, and courses. The dissertation and residency components of each program generally include some hands-on, in-person requirements such as campus visits. Coursework is determined by department leaders and instructors, and it will vary according to the school and specific program.
The courses in these online doctoral programs are designed to help students develop their analytical, research, and critical thinking skills. Each program includes a variety of electives as well as core courses that allow students to pursue a degree tailored to their career interests and professional goals. Although every school offers its own selection of unique courses, there are a few common classes available in all organizational leadership programs, including:
- Strategic Planning and Management: This course focuses on the development of the problem-solving and strategic thinking skills they developed in the master’s program in order to cultivate an organization’s mission and vision. Students explore effective ways to identify company objectives and goals as well as to measure performance outcomes. This course has a strong concentration on the analysis of a company’s delivery and core concepts.
- Legal and Financial Leadership Issues: Students in this course focus on the legal and financial issues surrounding the operations and structure of an institution. Students can expect to examine the field of economics as well as its impact on the development of organizations. Students also delve into the U.S. legal system and how it relates to different industries and fields.
- Reflective Practice and Leadership Styles: This course focuses on reflection and introspection. Students will study how leaders used certain techniques throughout history to guide civilizations, organizations, and countries. Students may then be expected to apply this knowledge to their own businesses as they aim to implement these strategies in real-world scenarios. Most programs encourage students to document their findings in order to track their progress.
How Long Will You Need to Devote to Your Doctoral Studies?
The amount of time it will take to earn an online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership will depend on a number of factors. As previously mentioned, these programs are organized into three components, including a dissertation, residencies, and coursework. Each school is responsible for determining how many credit hours students must complete in order to earn their degree, although most require 60 credit hours of study. Enrollment status will also determine program length as full-time students take more credit hours than part-time students, and so they earn their degree at an accelerated pace.
In addition, the course delivery method also influences the completion time. Synchronous courses require students to be online at certain times to complete projects and attend lectures with their colleagues. This delivery format typically consists of a cohort model that requires students to proceed through the program with the same group of peers. On the other hand, schools may employ an asynchronous format in which students are entitled to log in and complete their studies at their own pace and on their own time. This model may allow students to progress quickly through the program, particularly if they are already familiar with the coursework or have experience in a certain concentration area.
Finding an affordable, high-quality online doctoral degree in organizational leadership requires time, patience, and research. Not every program is accredited, and not all schools offer a rigorous curriculum or opportunities for research or individualized studies. However, this list will hopefully help you on your journey, identifying the most affordable online Ph.D. in Organizational psychology programs designed to fit the needs of graduate students who have a strong desire to delve into research, have a solid work ethic, and who are looking to pursue their education outside of the traditional classroom.
Are There Any Professional Organizations for Organizational Leadership Graduates?
If you are looking to connect with peers as well as experts in your field, membership in a professional organization might be the key. These organizations assist their members in becoming better leaders in the global, national, and local arenas. Members can take advantage of research and learning materials, attend conferences, and benefit from job boards and other types of career-related services. In some cases, membership requires an annual fee and an application. The top three professional organizations for graduates with a doctoral degree in organizational leadership are:
- Chesapeake Bay Organization Development Network
- Leadership Development Organization
- International Organization Development Association
AS Staff
This concludes our ranking of the Top 30 Most Affordable Online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership.
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