Reviewed by: Melissa Anderson, MS.Ed. / Reading Level: Grade 10 / First covered: December 2018 / Updates: 3
Key Takeaways:
- Our #1 ranking college for an online Ph.D in organizational leadership is the University of the Cumberlands, followed by Johnson University.
- The demand for organizational leaders is rising, with a projected 6% job growth through 2032 due to the need for enhanced workplace training and education.
- Selection criteria for the top programs were based on affordability and accreditation, with tuition caps set at $25,000 annually to ensure value.
In this article, we profile the top 10 PhD or doctorate in organizational leadership online programs.
Featured Programs
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a six percent employment growth for all training and development managers through 2032, a faster-than-average growth than all other occupations.
Organizational leaders fall under this umbrella of occupations. Job growth remains favorable due to a constant demand for workplace training and education. However, the highest leadership positions require education.
Thankfully, online PhD organizational leadership and an online doctorate in leadership programs are now available from reputable institutions.
Top 10 Online PhD or Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Online Programs Methodology
We looked at approximately 22 accredited colleges and universities offering at least one online doctorate in organizational leadership. We then narrowed school selection by tuition, filtering out those with tuition costs exceeding $25,000 per year.
Finally, we applied our site-wide graduate methodology. Below is our list of the top 10 PhD or doctorate in organizational leadership online programs.
#1—University of the Cumberlands
Williamsburg, Kentucky
PhD in Leadership Studies
Points: 8
Tuition: $4,260
The most affordable accredited online PhD in organizational leadership can be found at the University of the Cumberlands. The program is also flexible, enabling students to complete the program fully online. Core courses include:
- Current Trends and Issues in Leadership
- The Politics of Organizational Decision-Making
- Leadership in Theory and Practice
- Leadership in Historical Context
Students are also required to complete one of more than a dozen available specialties, including:
- Health Science
- Instructional Technology
- Education
- Public Administration
Twenty-four credit hours of required coursework are also devoted to professional research courses. The University of the Cumberlands is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
#2—Johnson University
Johnson, Tennessee
Online PhD in Leadership Studies: Organizational Leadership
Points: 8
Tuition: $9,990
The affordable online doctorate in leadership studies from Johnson University features a concentration in Organizational Leadership. The interdisciplinary curriculum for the program features core courses such as:
- Ways of Knowing and Leadership Development
- Leadership and Personal Ethics
- Intercultural Behavior, Worldview, and Communications
- Global Leadership, Systems, and Policy
The remaining courses will be related to advanced topics in organizational leadership. At the program’s culmination, a dissertation is required. Prospective students are encouraged to apply for program-specific scholarships.
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has accredited Johnson University at the institutional level. U.S. News & World Report has named it one of the top regional universities in the South.
Pros:
- Top regional university
- High acceptance rate
- Small class sizes
Cons:
- Less Diverse
#3—University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
Online PhD in Organizational Development and Leadership: Organizational Leadership
Points: 8
Tuition: $12,718
The University of Arizona-Global’s low-cost leadership PhD online is a research-focused program emphasizing Organizational Leadership. Once enrolled, doctoral students will take courses specific to the emphasis, including:
- Leadership and Organizational Cultures
- Advanced Seminar: The Leader As Coach
- Theories and Models of Instructional Systems Design
- Strategic Talent Development
This four-year program is designed for working professionals. It enables students to take one accelerated course at a time. A dissertation on a topic of research interest is required.
The WASC Senior College and University Commission has fully accredited the University of Arizona to award online doctorates. U.S. News & World Report has ranked its online business programs among some of the best in the country.
Pros:
- Top-ranked public school
- More Diverse
Cons:
- Larger class sizes
- Three on-campus workshops required
#4—Eastern University
St. Davids, Pennsylvania
PhD in Organizational Leadership
Points: 8
Tuition: $14,418
The low-cost doctoral degree program from Eastern University is one of the more diverse online PhD programs in organizational leadership in our ranking. The cohort-based program features three distinct concentrations:
- Educational Administration
- Business Management
- Nonprofit and Public Administration
Despite their chosen concentration, online students will take foundational courses such as:
- Models of Organizational Behavior
- Historical and Cultural Perspectives of Organizational Leadership
- Leadership in Global Contexts
- Leadership, Justice, and Servanthood
In addition to online coursework, students must attend three mandatory residencies per year. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has accredited Eastern University to award PhDs.
U.S. News & World Report has identified the school’s undergraduate and graduate-level online business programs as among the best nationwide.
Pros:
- Cohort-based
- Small class sizes
- More Diverse
Cons:
- Multiple required residencies
#5—Columbia Southern University
Orange Beach, Alabama
Doctor of Organizational Leadership
Points: 7
Tuition: $3,640
In terms of the best online doctoral programs in leadership, the DOL in organizational leadership is a contender due in part to its low cost. The 61-credit hour curriculum for the program is comprehensive, featuring major course titles such as:
- Leadership and Organizational Communication
- Strategic Management and Planning
- Designing Organizations for Competitive Advantage
- Advanced Global Leadership
Online students must complete a dissertation and defend it virtually as a capstone requirement. This is an opportunity to showcase primary and secondary research skills learned through the curriculum.
Columbia Southern University is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Pros:
- Fully online, including dissertation defense
- Highly affordable
Cons:
- Less prestigious business school
#6—Indiana Institute of Technology
Fort Wayne, Indiana
PhD in Global Studies: Organizational Leadership
Points: 7
Tuition: $10,026
Indiana Tech is home to one of the best value online PhD programs in organizational leadership. This terminal degree is technically a PhD in Global Studies specializing in Organizational Leadership.
Though all coursework for the program is available online, doctoral students must visit campus annually for mandatory immersion experiences. Courses specific to the Organizational Leadership concentration include:
- Multinational Management
- International Strategy and Decision Making
- Strategic Branding and Public Relations
- Managing Financial Performance and Accountability
This 66-credit-hour program requires completion of an 18-credit-hour research core and dissertation. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited Indiana Tech to award this and other online degrees. U.S. News & World Report has lauded the university for its top online graduate business programs.
Pros:
- Small class sizes
Cons:
- Required on-campus visits
- Somewhat selective
- Low graduation rate
- Less Diverse
#7—Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, Indiana
PhD in Organizational Leadership
Points: 7
Tuition: $9,731
Indiana Wesleyan University offers an inexpensive distance-learning PhD in organizational leadership. Designed to be completed within 48 months of online study, the program features 24 online classes. Sample course titles include:
- Global Perspectives on Leadership
- Change, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship
- Leadership and Personal Development
- Organization Theory and Design
The program’s curriculum also includes opportunities for students to hone scholarly research skills. Four of the required courses are dedicated to dissertation preparation. However, the curriculum is less flexible than some other online PhD in organizational leadership programs, as some synchronous courses may be required.
Students must also attend a mandatory summer session on campus. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited Indiana Wesleyan University at the institutional level. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the top 15 regional universities in the Midwest.
Pros:
- Top-ranked regional university
- Small class sizes
Cons:
- Less flexible
- Less Diverse
#8—Concordia University- Chicago
River Forest, Illinois
PhD in Leadership: Organizational Leadership
Points: 7
Tuition: $10,458
Concordia University-Chicago offers an online leadership PhD specializing in organizational leadership. The curriculum for the program focuses on contemporary organizations and features core doctoral courses like:
- Organizational Change
- Philosophical and Theoretical Foundations of Leadership
- Policy Analysis
- Applied Ethics and Organizational Leadership
Students enrolled in the organizational leadership specialization will take additional classes, including:
- Change Innovation and Transformative Leadership
- Leading the Knowledge Enterprise
- Follower-Leader Relationship
In addition to coursework, students will have the opportunity to research organizations from a strategic standpoint. For program completion, both a comprehensive exam and a doctoral dissertation are required.
The Higher Learning Commission has accredited Concordia University-Chicago to award doctorate-level online degrees. The school has been ranked among the top regional universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report.
Pros:
- Nationally ranked regional university
- More Diverse
Cons:
- Low graduation rate
- Larger class sizes
#9—Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Online PhD in Organization and Management Leadership
Points: 6
Tuition: $7,740
The online PhD in leadership and management from Liberty University is a fully online, transfer-friendly program that emphasizes organizational leadership. The comprehensive 60-credit hour curriculum for the program features core courses such as:
- Understanding the Organization
- Risk Management Process and Practice
- Leading Organizational Change
- Managing the Contemporary Organization
A dissertation is also required as a culminating element of the program. Through the dissertation process, students will review the current theoretical research and contribute their findings to the existing body of knowledge in organizational leadership.
Liberty University is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. U.S. News & World Report has recognized the university for its high-quality online graduate programs in business.
Pros:
- Fully online program
- High acceptance rate
Cons:
- Limited tech support
- Larger class sizes
#10—Regent University
Virginia Beach, Virginia
PhD in Organizational Leadership
Points: 6
Tuition: $16,128
Regent University offers one of the more flexible doctoral degrees in organizational leadership online programs. This affordable PhD features five available concentrations:
- Ecclesial Leadership
- Entrepreneurial Leadership
- Individualized Studies
- Human Resource Development
- Organizational Leadership
Courses required for the degree include:
- Group Behavior
- Contemporary Perspectives in Organizational Leadership Theory
- Qualitative Research Methods
- Organizational Behavior
Students may enroll in Regent University’s executive mentorship program for expert assistance with coursework and other program requirements. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges fully accredited Regent University.
U.S. News & World Report has ranked its online graduate programs in business among some of the best in the nation.
Pros:
- Mentorship program
- Dynamic curriculum
Cons:
- Competitive admissions
- Large class sizes
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with a PhD or Doctorate in organizational leadership online degree?
With a PhD or doctorate in organizational leadership online degree, you’ll have many career prospects. Doctor of Education degrees, or an Ed.D., will open doors to jobs in education, while the Ph.D. will offer a development, training, or business platform.
Depending on your career focus, you should expect a favorable employment outlook.
Some career opportunities include:
Business professor: Postsecondary professors at four-year institutions hold a Ph.D. or doctorate in the field they teach. A Ph.D. with a concentration in organizational leadership will make you eligible for this role.
Education administrator: Educational administrators hold many titles. Deans, presidents, provosts, and vice presidents in education play essential roles in secondary institutions.
Management analyst: Management analysts can be found in any organization or business. Their job details include finding problems and addressing issues that negatively impact the organization’s efficiency. The more education you have in business and organizational leadership, the greater the responsibility and leadership capability you can offer. This position is also commonly referred to as a management consultant.
Operations research analyst: This position may suit you well if you enjoy collecting data and researching methods. By analyzing issues and efficiency, this position helps to improve an organization’s infrastructure and design.
Training and development manager: Training and development managers look for ways to improve employees’ skills and knowledge. This is usually a hands-on role with direct interaction among the organization’s staff.
How much money will I earn with a doctorate in organizational leadership online degree?
PayScale, a global compensation research company, reports that individuals with a doctorate or PhD in organizational leadership earn an average salary of $130,000. Individuals with an EdD in organizational leadership earn an average of $103,000 per year.
According to PayScale, the top organizational development managers earned $127k per year, while the lowest ten percent earned $61k.
Experience seems to impact earnings the most, as the more experience an individual has, the greater the compensation package. Overall, earnings trend positively with expertise. Individuals with less than five years of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of $80,000, which includes salary, bonuses, and profit sharing.
Mid-career organizational development managers with five to ten years of experience can expect to earn a total compensation of $94,000. Experienced organizational development managers with ten to twenty years of experience can expect to earn $99,000 per year.
Mid-career and experienced managers generally oversee small to large teams and are responsible for employees. Those with more than twenty years of job experience can expect to earn a total compensation of $107,000 per year.
What is the job outlook for those with a doctorate in organizational leadership online degree?
Generally, the more educated an individual is in a particular field, the more likely they are to find a job. Training and development managers and organizational development managers are responsible for enhancing the knowledge of their employees. They are required to be educated so that they can train their organizational teams.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of training and development managers is expected to grow by six percent through the year 2032. This growth is slightly faster than the average for all occupations. Given the constant need for workplace training and development, job prospects should be favorable over the next several years.
Most job openings will stem from the need to replace organizational and development managers who leave the occupation. Individuals who retire will need to be replaced.
New technologies and industry innovations will promote the need for training and development managers. These managers will have attained the skills necessary to educate teams to carry out newly evolved industry practices.
Learning technology is expected to become increasingly important to organizations with remote workers. As companies become more reliant on social media and mobile learning, experts will be needed to train employees.
Individuals with a PhD or doctorate in organizational leadership online degree will offer a special set of skills needed to lead in various organizations.
How long does earning a PhD or doctorate in organizational leadership online degree take?
The time it takes to complete a PhD or doctorate in organizational leadership online degree depends on the program. The average time is between three and five years. Accelerated online programs may take less time, approximately three years, while part-time programs require additional time.
When considering an online PhD program, it is essential to assess the number of years it takes to complete the degree requirements. Full-time enrollment and accelerated options are available if you want to earn a PhD in as little time as possible.
However, part-time options are available if you cannot take on a full load of study due to outside obligations such as work or family responsibilities. Most part-time programs take three to five years to complete.
It is possible to find programs that take three years, though shorter options are not typically seen. If you hold a master’s degree in organizational leadership, some programs may be willing to accept transfer credits, thus reducing the time it takes to complete the degree.
The three-year average completion time consists of two years of study and one year of research and dissertation preparation. This is the typical format for most PhD or doctorate in online degree programs in organizational leadership.
What is the difference between an Ed.D. and a Ph.D. in organizational leadership online degree?
An Ed.D., or Doctorate in Education, is a terminal degree that emphasizes the application of research and knowledge to real-world organizational or educational issues.
Unlike the Ph.D. or Doctorate of Philosophy, Ed.D. candidates use existing research to inform decision-making and practices that lead to improvement in the area of study. The Ph.D. focuses on the development of new research rather than existing research.
Another difference between the Ed.D. and Ph.D. in organizational leadership online degrees is coursework or program requirements. The Ed.D. offers coursework on topics such as applying theory to educational problem solving or training and leadership from different perspectives.
Most Ed.D. programs require the completion of 45-60 credits and are designed for students who have already earned a master’s degree in education.
Ph.D. coursework varies among programs, but most organizational leadership specializations cover topics that will enhance research acumen and techniques. Ph.D. candidates work with data and statistics as they conduct their own research projects and complete a dissertation.
Most Ph.D. programs take four to six years to complete and require a dissertation or thesis.
Individuals who want to work in a research-based career should consider an online Ed.D. These programs typically prepare candidates for less research-intensive careers, such as executives in education or school districts.
Sources
- National Center for Education Statistics
- PayScale.com
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics
- What Is A Master’s in Organizational Leadership?
- 10 Best Value Online Doctorate Programs
- Top 10 Online Doctorate in Accounting Programs
- Top 50 Online MBA Programs
This concludes our list of the top 10 online PhD/Doctorate in organizational leadership programs.