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Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership

Home » Programs » Doctorate Degree Online » Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership
Overview
Career Opportunities
Admissions/Requirements
Curriculum

Be the leader our world needs

The online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership is highly sought after by individuals aiming for senior executive roles in organizations. This academically rigorous program prepares graduates to excel as leaders, researchers, and practitioners. Graduates are also well-positioned for higher education roles such as faculty members, Deans, Provosts, and University or College Presidents.

This program provides a deep understanding of knowledge creation in the leadership field through its research-based curriculum. It hones leadership skills, enabling graduates to apply their expertise across various industries, including higher education, the private sector, non-profits, and government organizations. The Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership at William Woods University stands out as one of the few regional programs offering an advanced curriculum that addresses the trends shaping modern organizations in the 21st century.


Financial Aid

Total Credit Hours

54

Cost Per Credit Hour

$780

Estimated Completion

Min 2 Years*

Average Effort

22-23 Hours per Week

Credit Transfer Considerations and Requirements

Credit for prior learning or experiential learning are not eligible for transfer credit into doctoral programs at William Woods University.

International students must have their foreign degrees evaluated for the US equivalency. Student’s transcripts must be evaluated by recognized agencies such as WES (World Education Services) or IERF (International Education and Research Foundation USA) to determine if their qualifications are equivalent in level, purpose, and depth to those from regionally accredited colleges and universities in the USA.

International candidates are expected to get their qualifications evaluated by a suitable agency and ask the agency to send the evaluation report to the WWU Registrar’s Office.

Woods Global: Your Education Partner

The Admissions team is dedicated to help you achieve your education dreams. They’ll work with you during every step of the application process. Contact Admissions today at [email protected] to learn more.

Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions

Employees of William Woods University’s partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions.

The Woods is proud to offer veterans and active military and their families a variety of exclusive benefits.

Learn More

All WWU alumni receive a 20% discount on all online advanced degree programs.

The Financial Aid Process

1

Transfer Credits

Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions.

2

Strategic Partners
Employees of William Woods University’s partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions.

3

Military Tuition Reduction

The Woods is proud to offer veterans and active military and their families a variety of exclusive benefits.

Learn More

4

Alumni Tuition Discount

All WWU alumni receive a 20% discount on all online advanced degree programs.

Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Services report, training and development managers earned a median $111,340 annual salary in 2018, with jobs in the field expected to grow 8% from 2018 to 2028.

The median annual wage for chief executives was $189,600. Overall employment of top executives is projected to grow 6 percent from 2018 to 2028.

Administrative service managers earned a $96,180 median annual wage in 2018, which is expected to grow 7 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations.

The average compensation range for business school faculty in the United States ranges between $70,000 and $215,993, with the median income being $125,440.

The overall employment outlook is expected to grow 12% between 2020 and 2030. Academic Deans, Provosts, and College/University President compensation ranges are $90,859, $148,783, and 150,143, respectively.

Credit Transfer Considerations and Requirements

Credit for prior learning or experiential learning are not eligible for transfer credit into doctoral programs at William Woods University.

International students must have their foreign degrees evaluated for the US equivalency. Student’s transcripts must be evaluated by recognized agencies such as WES (World Education Services) or IERF (International Education and Research Foundation USA) to determine if their qualifications are equivalent in level, purpose, and depth to those from regionally accredited colleges and universities in the USA.

International candidates are expected to get their qualifications evaluated by a suitable agency and ask the agency to send the evaluation report to the WWU Registrar’s Office.

Woods Global: Your Education Partner

The Admissions team is dedicated to help you achieve your education dreams. They’ll work with you during every step of the application process. Contact Admissions today at [email protected] to learn more.

Minimum 54 Credits

Whether it’s the public sector or private sector – for profit or not for profit organization – a manufacturing company or a technology solution provider or a college/university, all organizations need leaders who are capable and qualified to lead in today’s highly dynamic business environment. This program aims to build comprehensive knowledge in the discipline. No matter what industry students want to pursue, this program will help them to learn how to manage effectively and efficiently to move their organizations forward.

Major Requirements
Core Credits: 54.00 minimum

With an in-depth exploration into the dynamic and complex nature of leadership within organizational settings, this course is designed for students aiming to develop robust leadership skills, understand the theoretical underpinnings of leadership, and apply these concepts to real-world organizational challenges. Students will engage with a variety of leadership theories, including but not limited to, transformational leadership, servant leadership, and the history of leadership approaches.  

credits:
3

Catalog page for this course.

Organizational Leadership – Theory and Practice 3

This course analyzes leadership theory and practice through various cultural perspectives. Research in leadership from non-western cultures will be compared/contrasted with western perspectives.

credits:
3

Catalog page for this course.

Culture and Leading 3

This comprehensive course is for leaders who aspire to refine their communication skills to inspire, engage, and drive change within their organizations. Students will explore advanced communication theories and apply these concepts through practical, real-world assignments. The curriculum emphasizes the development of persuasive communication strategies and conflict resolution skills that are critical for effective leadership.

credits:
3

Catalog page for this course.

Communication for Impact 3

This course focuses on the role of normative ethics in leading. Students will explore the place of virtue, consequentialism, deontology, and justice theory in leadership.

credits:
3

Catalog page for this course.

Ethical Leading 3

In the dynamic realm of leadership, the interplay between strategy formulation and execution plays a pivotal role in organizational leadership. This course equips emerging leaders with the essential skills and insights needed to craft impactful strategies and ensure their effective implementation

credits:
3

Catalog page for this course.

Strategy and Execution 3

Students within this course will develop the capacity to maximize the performance of those that they work with in organizational settings. Students will learn applied processes grounded in transitional and developmental coaching to maximize individual and organizational performance. Students will also explore the major facets of talent management from developing core competencies to the design and implementation of performance management systems to recruit, assess, and develop talent to drive employee engagement and retention.

credits:
3

Catalog page for this course.

Coaching & Talent Management 3

Designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding and practical knowledge of essential management theories, principles, and practices from a leadership perspective. The course aims to bridge the gap between traditional management techniques and innovative leadership strategies necessary for to effectively lead in today’s dynamic and complex organizations. 

credits:
3

Catalog page for this course.

Management Concepts for Leaders 3

This course provides students with advanced analytical skills and decision-making strategies that are pivotal in various leadership roles. The course merges theoretical frameworks with practical applications, ensuring that students not only understand the concepts but can also implement them in real-world scenarios.

credits:
3

Catalog page for this course.

Decision Making and Analytics 3

Students will explore the nuanced aspects of interpersonal relationships that influence and drive effective leadership. Throughout this course, students will examine key concepts and theories related to emotional intelligence, communication styles and conflict resolution. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the psychological foundations of interpersonal behavior and the impact of individual differences on leadership effectiveness.

credits:
3

Catalog page for this course.

Interpersonal Dynamics 3
Research Methods 3

This course will provide doctoral students support and further training to the quantitative skills needed for applied research and data analyses. The course will include a review of basic statistical concepts as well as an introduction to the following statistical methodologies: Correlation, Regression, t-Test, ANOVA, Repeated Measures, Non-parametric test, Factor Analysis, and Categorical Data (Chi-Square).  

credits:
3

Catalog page for this course.

Quantitative Analysis 3

 This course will introduce doctoral students to the concepts and strategies in qualitative research in preparation for conducting independent research. Students will discuss future trends, issues, and problems in academic educational systems, industry, the service sector, and for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. Students will critically understand and develop a qualitative research design as it relates to an applied issue. Course topics will include the framing of research questions, identifying data and data sources, and using theory in the design process. 

credits:
3

Catalog page for this course.

Exploration of Qualitative Research 3

This course focuses on dissertation research and preparation for the dissertation defense. Prerequisite: All ”LDR and RSC” Courses

credits:
3

Catalog page for this course.

Dissertation I 3

This course focuses on dissertation research and preparation for the dissertation defense. Prerequisite: All ”LDR and RSC” Courses

credits:
3

Catalog page for this course.

Dissertation II 3

This course focuses on dissertation research and preparation for the dissertation defense. Prerequisite: All ”LDR and RSC” Courses

credits:
3

Catalog page for this course.

Dissertation III 3

A continuation of Dissertation III. As needed, this is a repeatable course focusing on dissertation research and preparation for the dissertation defense. Upon recommendation from the dissertation committee, the student may defend their dissertation during this course. Waived if the student has met the program requirements by the end of Dissertation III. Prerequisites: Completion of the Dissertation III course.

credits:
1

Catalog page for this course.

Dissertation Continuation 1

Courses below are not required for the degree but may be taken by students in the Organizational Leadership program. Courses are repeatable. 0

Dissertation Seminar is an elective course designed to help doctoral students navigate the complexities of dissertation research and writing. Offered annually in a virtual format, the seminar provides guidance through the entire dissertation process, from start to finish, adapting to individual needs and progress.

credits:
0

Catalog page for this course.

Ph.D. Resident Seminar 0

The Special Topics course allows doctoral students to explore areas of their interest that are relevant to their curriculum. The specific topic focus changes each time the course is offered. Students can repeat the course for credit, up to a maximum of nine credit hours, provided the topic changes with each enrollment. Under the guidance of their faculty, students will identify and investigate specific topics to be covered in the course.

credits:
3

Catalog page for this course.

Special Topics 3
COURSE COURSE TITLE SUBJECT

 This course will introduce doctoral students to the concepts and strategies in qualitative research in preparation for conducting independent research. Students will discuss future trends, issues, and problems in academic educational systems, industry, the service sector, and for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. Students will critically understand and develop a qualitative research design as it relates to an applied issue. Course topics will include the framing of research questions, identifying data and data sources, and using theory in the design process. 

Exploration of Qualitative Research Research

This course will provide doctoral students support and further training to the quantitative skills needed for applied research and data analyses. The course will include a review of basic statistical concepts as well as an introduction to the following statistical methodologies: Correlation, Regression, t-Test, ANOVA, Repeated Measures, Non-parametric test, Factor Analysis, and Categorical Data (Chi-Square).  

 Quantitative Analysis Research

The Special Topics course allows doctoral students to explore areas of their interest that are relevant to their curriculum. The specific topic focus changes each time the course is offered. Students can repeat the course for credit, up to a maximum of nine credit hours, provided the topic changes with each enrollment. Under the guidance of their faculty, students will identify and investigate specific topics to be covered in the course.

 Special Topics Leadership

Dissertation Seminar is an elective course designed to help doctoral students navigate the complexities of dissertation research and writing. Offered annually in a virtual format, the seminar provides guidance through the entire dissertation process, from start to finish, adapting to individual needs and progress.

 Ph.D. Resident Seminar Leadership

Students will explore the nuanced aspects of interpersonal relationships that influence and drive effective leadership. Throughout this course, students will examine key concepts and theories related to emotional intelligence, communication styles and conflict resolution. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the psychological foundations of interpersonal behavior and the impact of individual differences on leadership effectiveness.

 Interpersonal Dynamics Leadership

Designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding and practical knowledge of essential management theories, principles, and practices from a leadership perspective. The course aims to bridge the gap between traditional management techniques and innovative leadership strategies necessary for to effectively lead in today’s dynamic and complex organizations. 

 Management Concepts for Leaders Leadership

Students within this course will develop the capacity to maximize the performance of those that they work with in organizational settings. Students will learn applied processes grounded in transitional and developmental coaching to maximize individual and organizational performance. Students will also explore the major facets of talent management from developing core competencies to the design and implementation of performance management systems to recruit, assess, and develop talent to drive employee engagement and retention.

 Coaching & Talent Management Leadership

This comprehensive course is for leaders who aspire to refine their communication skills to inspire, engage, and drive change within their organizations. Students will explore advanced communication theories and apply these concepts through practical, real-world assignments. The curriculum emphasizes the development of persuasive communication strategies and conflict resolution skills that are critical for effective leadership.

 Communication for Impact Leadership

This course focuses on the role of normative ethics in leading. Students will explore the place of virtue, consequentialism, deontology, and justice theory in leadership.

 Ethical Leading Leadership

This course analyzes leadership theory and practice through various cultural perspectives. Research in leadership from non-western cultures will be compared/contrasted with western perspectives.

 Culture and Leading Leadership

With an in-depth exploration into the dynamic and complex nature of leadership within organizational settings, this course is designed for students aiming to develop robust leadership skills, understand the theoretical underpinnings of leadership, and apply these concepts to real-world organizational challenges. Students will engage with a variety of leadership theories, including but not limited to, transformational leadership, servant leadership, and the history of leadership approaches.  

 Organizational Leadership – Theory and Practice Leadership

A continuation of Dissertation III. As needed, this is a repeatable course focusing on dissertation research and preparation for the dissertation defense. Upon recommendation from the dissertation committee, the student may defend their dissertation during this course. Waived if the student has met the program requirements by the end of Dissertation III. Prerequisites: Completion of the Dissertation III course.

 Dissertation Continuation Dissertation

This course focuses on dissertation research and preparation for the dissertation defense. Prerequisite: All ”LDR and RSC” Courses

 Dissertation III Dissertation

This course focuses on dissertation research and preparation for the dissertation defense. Prerequisite: All ”LDR and RSC” Courses

 Dissertation II Dissertation

This course focuses on dissertation research and preparation for the dissertation defense. Prerequisite: All ”LDR and RSC” Courses

 Dissertation I Dissertation

This course provides students with advanced analytical skills and decision-making strategies that are pivotal in various leadership roles. The course merges theoretical frameworks with practical applications, ensuring that students not only understand the concepts but can also implement them in real-world scenarios.

 Decision Making and Analytics Business Administration

In the dynamic realm of leadership, the interplay between strategy formulation and execution plays a pivotal role in organizational leadership. This course equips emerging leaders with the essential skills and insights needed to craft impactful strategies and ensure their effective implementation

 Strategy and Execution Business Administration
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