Leaders emerge in every aspect of life, but especially in the workplace. However, not everyone is born a leader; sometimes, it requires education and persistence. Individuals who identify as a leader and wish to pursue a leadership role should consider obtaining a PhD in Organizational Leadership.
A PhD in Organizational Leadership trains students to become leaders in the office and specialists in change and talent management. Furthermore, graduates of organizational leadership programs can secure leadership roles and high-level executive positions in various industries.
For example, many graduates of these programs go on to become training and development managers. Additionally, individuals who pursue this higher education program can be compensated with a higher salary and more responsibilities than those who only hold a bachelor’s degree.
The cost of an organizational leadership PhD program and its duration are critical factors to consider when choosing a university. Additionally, choosing either an online program or hybrid program are other aspects to consider when pursuing this interdisciplinary degree. The amount of in-person time the degree requires will be significant to consider, especially for a working professional. Find a beneficial online PhD in Organizational Leadership guide below, including information on programs based upon curriculum, ranking, reputation, and quality.
What Is Organizational Leadership?
Organizational development is an approach that works toward what is best for both a group and for an individual at the same time. It also teaches individuals to lead from the top, middle, and bottom of a company. Five critical components of organizational leadership include worldview, strengths, ethics, communication, and leadership.
The world view component means working to understand the worldviews of others. The strength aspect comes from recognizing and developing an individual’s strengths, while the ethics element focuses on navigating right vs wrong by looking for a “hidden alternative” in uncertain situations.
VABE’s, or values, assumptions, beliefs, and expectations, are the basis of a practical communication approach component. Lastly, the leadership component is learning to apply the appropriate theory of leadership method in any situation.
What is an Organizational Leadership Degree?
Organizational leadership programs cover research methodologies and psychological and sociological theories used by individuals to identify the best strategies for a company to succeed. In leadership studies, students will explore their capabilities to delegate tasks and stimulate growth within an organization.
Those who wish to pursue this doctorate should already hold a Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and have some experience in the industry. Organizational leadership guides or other information on these programs show that a PhD typically takes three to five years to complete. Additionally, this degree can be tailored to a student’s interests with several different specializations.
What Courses Can I Expect in a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Program?
Students enrolled in online organizational development programs will be able to tailor their courses to fit their interests with several specializations. A few of these specializations can include diversity and ethics, interpersonal dynamics, and research strategies. The curriculum of these programs will vary depending on the university; however, overall, it is a degree based on psychology and sociology concepts. Here are a few courses that may be covered:
Leadership Theories: This course explores modern and historical leadership theories, as well as their applications in the public and private sectors. Topics covered in leadership theories may include behavioral approaches to leadership, leadership ethics, and motivation science. Students will also have the opportunity to examine different work environments through case studies.
Business Ethics: The main focus of this course is on how managers consider ethics and values while making crucial business decisions. In the business ethics course, students are taught how to apply appropriate ethical principles when it comes to business decisions and identify exemplary actions. Students will also be able to learn how to analyze moral problems in the business world.
Inquiry Methods: Students who are earning their PhD in Organizational Leadership typically take inquiry methods courses. Inquiry methods courses allow students to develop advanced strategies when it comes to data collection and analysis.
In this course, students also learn how to make connections between their research questions and analysis methods. Students learn how to design and implement their research projects and apply their methods of empirical data from documents.
Careers With an Online PhD in Organizational Leadership
Top Executives
Top executives develop company-wide strategies to assist companies in reaching their goals. Developing policies and procedures, managing activities that influence products, consulting with other managers or board members, negotiating contracts, and analyzing financial data are all duties that fall upon top executives.
The information published on the US Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the median pay for senior executives is $104,690. The prospective job outlook is to grow six percent from by 2028. Most applicants in these positions have an advanced degree and professional experience.
Training and Development Managers
A training and development manager works to plan, coordinate, and direct programs that will enhance employees. Assessing the needs for training, aligning the training with an organization’s goals, and managing training budgets are all a day in the life for a training and development manager.
A combination of work experience in managing or training and education is needed to succeed in this role. Additionally, many of these positions require a master’s degree. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual wage for a training and development manager is $113,350.
Administrative Services Managers
Another significant role offered under the organizational leadership umbrella is that of an administrative services manager. As an administrative services manager, you are responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing initiatives that lead a company to organizational efficiency.
Some other tasks that are completed by an administrative services manager are suggesting strategies for improving the company’s operations and monitoring facilities to ensure the company is compliant with organizational policies.
Most employers require a bachelor’s degree, along with professional experience related to the role. Like other positions, a candidate with an advanced degree has a better chance in the job market than one who does not. The median annual salary for this role is $96,940, with seven percent projected job growth by 2028.
Best Online PhD in Organizational Leadership Programs
Choosing the correct institution for an online leadership program will include a variety of decisions, including considering the program length, online and in-person requirements, cost, and much more.
The below list of best schools is for schools that offer the best online programs in organizational development. Additionally, the graduate programs listed below are based on several critical criteria, including curriculum, ranking, reputation, and quality, among many other higher education standards that influence our school rankings.
University of Southern California
Leaders looking to drive systemic change in their organizations can look no further than USC’s Rossier School of Education. The school of education at USC offers a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Organizational Change and Leadership online. The program is intended for individuals who currently hold or are seeking a leadership position in many different industries, including colleges and universities, private firms, and nonprofits.
The online curriculum is delivered through online learning, class sessions, and real-world industry experience. Students of the online leadership program will study how learning occurs in formal and informal work settings, look into practical strategies for organizational learning, and learn how to build systems that will generate a more efficient organization. This graduate degree will end with a final capstone project.
Concordia University-Chicago
Hosting more than 6,000 students annually, Concordia University-Chicago is affiliated with the Lutheran Church and offers a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership. The program offers both a 67 and 61 credit curriculum with 12 different concentration options.
Knowledge management, change management, and communication in leadership are all topics covered in the program. Applicants of the program must have a master’s degree, a minimum of 3.0 GPA, a written personal statement, two letters of recommendation, a writing sample, and GRE or MAT scores.
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East Tennessee State University
Any list of the best online PhD programs in organizational leadership will undoubtedly rank East Tennessee State University among the best universities for leadership programs. Hosting more than 14,500 students annually, ETSU offers an online Doctor of Education in Global Sports Leadership.
The curriculum focuses on qualitative and quantitative skills, including core, research, and capstone coursework. The program finishes with a digital portfolio capstone that focuses on personal leadership philosophy and planning for professional growth. Students must also complete an international sport practicum. Applicants must submit a resume, three letters of recommendation, a personal essay, and GRE scores.
Organizational Leadership Professional Organizations
Students and graduates of online PhD programs in organizational leadership can join professional organizations. They can take advantage of the organization’s development network, the national management association, or the American leadership development association, among many others.
These organizations offer many benefits. Some benefits of joining these organizations include professional development, professional networking, and the opportunity to continue educational opportunities through amenities such as digital journals.
The below list outlines each of the above organizations and their benefits to organizational leadership professionals.
Organization Development Network
The Organization Development Network was established in 1968 to offer a community of leaders the opportunity to share resources. The members of this network include corporate entrepreneurs, consultants, and professionals in academia. The members also receive conference discounts, specific job boards, volunteer opportunities, and digital journals in their field. This global community is an excellent resource for leaders in the industry and presents many opportunities throughout the year.
National Management Association
The National Management Association focuses on leadership excellence. Some of the core principles of the NMA are inspiring a company’s managerial responsibility, organizational integrity with a commitment to civic responsibility. National Management Association members comprise leaders from multiple industries, including manufacturing, communications, government, healthcare, and utilities.
American Leadership Development Association
The American Leadership Development Association concentrates on the improvement of leadership in professional environments and society. The ALDA works in developing innovative methodologies and solutions for modern challenges. ALDA members have direct access to the association’s magazine, digital resources, global network, and networking opportunities. This organization is an excellent way for leaders to connect and network throughout their fields.
Why You Should Choose an Online PhD in Organizational Leadership Program
An online PhD program in organizational development typically takes anywhere from three to five years to complete. Additionally, online education can cost anywhere from a mere $5,000 to a massive $40,000, depending on the institution and program.
With that considerable time and money commitment, you need to ensure you are enrolled in the very best program. Curriculum, ranking, reputation, and quality of a program are all factors to consider before enrolling in a university.
Organizational leadership networks will also be there every step of the way, from enrollment to graduation, providing excellent resources for emerging leaders. Upper-level management and leadership roles await those who graduate from these organizational leadership programs.
To pursue a PhD in Organizational Development and become a more efficient and productive leader, CareerKarma is another invaluable resource. CareerKarma is here to assist any student, leader, or professional in numerous fields in discovering their potential with higher education.
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