In this article, we profile the top 30 PhD or doctorate in organizational leadership online programs.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a seven percent employment growth for all training and development managers through 2029, a faster than average growth compared to all other occupations. Organizational leaders fall under this umbrella of occupations. Thanks to a constant demand for workplace training and education, the job growth remains favorable. But the highest leadership positions require education. Thankfully, online PhD organizational leadership and online doctorate in leadership programs are now available from reputable institutions.
Featured Programs
Top 30 Online PhD or Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Online Programs Methodology
We looked at approximately 135 colleges and universities listed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator that offered at least one doctorate in organizational leadership online program, or a closely related degree, such as an online PhD in leadership. We narrowed our school selection by applying the following criteria: accreditation, national or regional rankings with a major publication like U.S. News and World Report, and graduate tuition/fees of less than $49,200 per year. We then listed the schools according to raw affordability.
Below is our list of the top 30 PhD or doctorate in organizational leadership online programs.
#30 – Vanderbilt University
Online Doctorate in Leadership and Learning in Organizations
Nashville, Tennessee
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $49,124
Vanderbilt University offers a doctorate in organizational leadership online degree designed to accommodate working professionals seeking advanced study. By completing 54 credits over the course of three to four years, students earn the online doctorate. Yearly on-campus immersions are required, though the majority of the program may be completed online. Three competency areas are focused on throughout the program. These areas include data and analytics, leadership and organizational development, and learning and design. Admission to the online doctorate program requires an earned bachelor’s from an accredited institution, competitive GRE or GMAT scores with strong evidence of verbal and quantitative ability, and evidence of successful leadership experience. Vanderbilt, synonymous with academic prestige, ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 14th best national university in the country.
#29 – University of Southern California
Online Doctorate in Organizational Change and Leadership
Los Angeles, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $47,107
Earning a doctorate in organizational leadership online, such as USC’s doctorate, can lead to top leadership positions in a variety of settings. Delivered online, the curriculum hones in on three themes: leadership, problem-solving, and reflection. Classes blend real-world experience with theory, offering a comprehensive doctoral program. Coursework covers topics like creating communities of interest, human lifespan development, learning and motivation, media selection and evaluation, and research design and data analysis. The program takes approximately three to four years to complete through part-time enrollment. While classes are delivered online, physical components, such as workshops, are required. USC ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 24th best national university in the country.
#28 – Baylor University
Online EdD in Learning and Organizational Change
Waco, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $35,514
Baylor University’s doctorate in organizational leadership online program is open to experienced professionals and educators who seek to provide a positive change in school systems and educational organizations. The EdD online program requires the completion of 54 credits. The program takes approximately 36 months to complete, though students may work at their own pace and finish their degree requirements on a flexible schedule. Courses take practitioner-oriented approach to shaping leaders with experiential leadership skills. Curriculum covers topics in contextual learning and design, organizational change, and research methods. Baylor is a top-ranked institution. In fact, the school ranks with all major publications like U.S. News and World Report. Recently, Baylor ranked #76 in best national universities.
#27 – Abilene Christian University
Online EdD in Organizational Leadership
Abilene, Texas
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $22,356
Abilene Christian University (ACU) offers programs for individuals interested in online PhD organizational leadership degrees. The Doctor of Education (EdD) in organizational leadership is an online program that takes three to five years to complete. Doctoral students are required to complete 60 credits. There are four tracks of study that allow students to tailor their degree toward areas of interest. Tracks include conflict management, higher education, learning with emerging technologies, and positive leadership. ACU is a fully accredited Christian university that also ranks with U.S. News and World Report. These rankings include #15 in best regional universities in the West and #9 in best colleges for veterans.
#26 – The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Online PhD in Organizational Leadership
Chicago, Illinois
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $21,934
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers an online PhD in organizational leadership program designed for working professionals who want to become expert leaders. The program is full-time, fully online, and can be completed in three years, making it one of the fastest programs on our list. Admission requires three or more years of work experience (preferred), a statement of research, official transcripts, and a master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. All classes are delivered online and cover topics like emerging theories of leadership and management philosophy and practice. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is fully accredited and ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report.
#25 – Marian University
Online EdD in Organizational Leadership
Indianapolis, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $21,772
Marian University offers an accredited doctorate in organizational leadership online program that is both affordable and reputable. The online EdD in organizational leadership is designed for working adult professionals seeking growth in their leadership skill and practice. Courses cover a wide range of topics, including adaptive leadership, moral leadership in a conflicted world, organizational behavior and leadership theory, research methods, and statistics for research. To be eligible for admission, applicants must have a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a graduate GPA of 3.00 or better. In addition to being fully accredited, Marian is ranked with U.S. News and World Report as the 28th best regional university in the Midwest.
#24 – Nova Southeastern University
Online EdD in Organizational Leadership
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $21,206
One of the top online doctorate in leadership programs on our list is the online EdD in organizational leadership at Nova Southeastern University. Nova’s leadership program is open to practicing professionals with a background in education, though individuals with a master’s degree in any discipline are eligible for admission. A total of 55 credits are required for the degree. Courses are delivered online and cover topics like change management, critical thinking for decision making, emerging theories of organization leadership, organizational behavior and human development, and virtual and global leadership. Students must also complete 12 credits of research courses. Nova ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 227th best national university and 113th top performer on social mobility.
#23 – Northcentral University
Online PhD in Organizational Leadership
La Jolla, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,095
One of the top online PhD in leadership programs on our list is the PhD in organizational leadership at Northcentral University. The program consists of 60 credit hours, which may be completed in 38 months. Students take a total of 20 courses, all of which are taught online by experienced faculty. Courses cover topics like the evaluation of major theories in leadership and how they are applied to the field of organizational leadership within any organization. Students gain skills necessary to work in careers like business educators, general and operations managers, and management analysts. Northcentral’s business programs, including the online PhD, are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
#22 – University of Illinois
Online EdD in Learning Design and Leadership
Champaign, Illinois
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,083
University of Illinois offers an accredited online doctorate in organizational leadership online program for those seeking advanced skills and knowledge in learning design and leadership. Successful applicants must hold a previously earned master’s degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.00 to be considered for admission. Courses are delivered online and focus on honing skills and competency in various areas of leadership in learning environments. These courses cover topics like assessment for learning, learning ecologies, methods of educational inquiry, and technology and educational change. According to U.S. News and World Report, University of Illinois ranks #47 in best national universities and #144 in best value schools.
#21 – Fielding Graduate University
Online PhD in Organizational Development and Change
Santa Barbara, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $18,718
The Fielding Graduate University offers an online PhD in organizational leadership and development program designed for scholar-practitioners who want to expand their knowledge of organizational development and change. Through distance-learning, students take classes, complete projects, and conduct research alongside peers. Courses cover topics like evidence-based coaching, inclusive leadership for social justice, leadership of higher education systems, organization development, and sustainability leadership. Students may also elect to earn a concentration, which allows them to tailor their degree toward areas of interest. Concentrations include evidence-based coaching, inclusive leadership for social justice, media and innovation, organization development, and sustainability, to name a few.
#20 – University of Dayton
Online EdD in Leadership for Organizations
Dayton, Ohio
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,240
University of Dayton offers an online doctorate in leadership for organizations. The program consists of 60 credits and can be completed in 36 months. The doctorate is designed to prepare graduates to influence change in organizations and the larger community through service-based leadership. Students attend weekly, live-streaming classes taught by university professors. While entirely online, students do connect with faculty and colleagues using tools in the virtual campus. Upon completion of all requirements, students earn an EdD in leadership for organizations. University of Dayton ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 133rd best national university and 45th best value school.
#19 – Regent University
Online PhD in Organizational Leadership
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,952
At Regent University, students may earn an online PhD organizational leadership degree taught from a Christian worldview. The online doctorate consists of 60 credits of online courses and two four-day residencies. Courses cover topics like graduate foundations for business and leadership, group behavior, organizational behavior, organizational communication, and organization theory and design. Admission to the program requires an earned master’s and bachelor’s degrees, writing quality, documented leadership and work experience, and official transcripts. According to major publications like U.S. News and World Report, Regent ranks #298-#389 in best national universities and #113 in top performers on social mobility. Also, Regent is fully accredited.
#18 – Franklin University
Online EdD in Organizational Leadership
Columbus, Ohio
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,080
Franklin University’s online organizational leadership PhD programs include the EdD or Doctor of Education degree. The affordable online EdD prepares individuals for expert careers in education and leadership. Courses are delivered entirely online, making the program convenient for doctoral students with current jobs. Courses cover topics like applied statistics, change management and organizational development, innovative learning environment design, and strategic assessment and decision making. To qualify for admission, applicants must have earned a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA. Franklin is fully accredited and acknowledged by U.S. News and World Report among unranked business schools.
#17 – Cornerstone University
Online EdD in Organizational Leadership and Development
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,470
Cornerstone University, an accredited and affordable institution, offers programs for those seeking doctorate in organizational leadership online degrees. The online EdD program is designed for both emerging leaders and established professionals who want to exhibit effective leadership in an organization. The program takes approximately three to four years to complete, depending on student pace. Online courses cover topics like organizational culture and change management, organizational finance and resource management, and quantitative research design and data analysis. Admission to the online EdD program requires a master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university and a minimum of five years of professional experience. In addition to offering quality programs, Cornerstone ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 76th best regional university in the Midwest.
#16 – Colorado Technical University
Online Doctor of Management – Organizational Development and Change
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,321
One of the most affordable online doctorate in leadership programs on our list is offered by Colorado Technical University. The Doctor of Management degree offers a specialization in organizational development and change. The program consists of a three-year completion time and 100 credits, which may be earned entirely online. Courses cover topics like application of action research, current topics in organizational development, leading and managing large scale transformation, organizational strategy and design, and system thinking and decision making. In addition to being fully accredited, CTU ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. These rankings include #298-#389 in best national universities and #251 in top performers on social mobility.
#15 – California Baptist University
Online EdD in Organizational Change and Administration
Riverside, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,560
Seeking online PhD in leadership degree options? California Baptist University offers an online EdD in organizational change and administration. The affordable doctorate consists of 56 units/credits and takes an average of three years to complete, including dissertation time. Courses follow an eight-week format and are delivered entirely online. These courses cover topics like evidence-based decision making and innovation, leveraging culture and diversity, organizational communication, research design, and strategy planning and change. CBU ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 40th best regional university in the West and the 25th best value school. Also, CBU is fully accredited.
#14 – Indiana Wesleyan University
Online PhD in Organizational Leadership
Marion, Indiana
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,440
Indiana Wesleyan University’s online PhD programs in organizational leadership provide a Christ-centered, innovative, and challenging doctoral degree designed for working professionals. While classes and discussions are attended online, three one-week summer residencies must be also completed. Courses cover topics like advanced leadership theory, advanced research design, application of research methods, critical inquiry, leadership and personal development, organization theory and design, qualitative research methods and analysis, and statistical research design. Admission requires a master’s degree from an accredited institution and graduate GPA of 3.0 or better. In addition to being fully accredited, Indiana Wesleyan ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 15th best regional university in the Midwest and 63rd best value school.
#13 – Southeastern University
Online PhD in Organizational Leadership
Lakeland, FL
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,430
Southeastern University offers one of the most affordable online PhD programs in organizational leadership on our list. With graduate tuition less than $14,000 per year, the program provides a cheap degree with a solid return on investment. The program combines online courses with periodic one-week intensive classes. Courses cover topics like leadership theory, organizational change and strategies, organizational systems and management, and situational and transformational leadership. Admission requires a regionally accredited graduate degree with a minimum 3.00 GPA. In addition to Southeastern being fully accredited, the school ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. Southeastern ranks #103-#133 in best regional universities in the South and #74 in top performers on social mobility.
#12 – University of Arizona
Online PhD in Organizational Development and Leadership
Tucson, Arizona
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,271
The online PhD organizational leadership degree program at University of Arizona prepares students to make an impact in various organizations. The program consists of 62 credits and offers four concentration areas that allow students to tailor their degree. Specializations offered include innovation and entrepreneurship, organizational diversity, standard organizational development and leadership, and training and e-learning. Courses, delivered online, run six to nine weeks in length. Courses cover topics like advanced topics in performance management, assessment tools for organizational leadership, and professional and business ethics in organizational leadership. U of A ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 97th best national university in the country.
#11 – Eastern University
Online PhD in Organizational Leadership
Saint Davids, Pennsylvania
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,264
The online PhD programs in organizational leadership at Eastern University typically take four years to complete. The online PhD program offers three concentration tracks designed to allow students to tailor their degree toward interests and career goals. Concentration tracks include business management, educational administration, and nonprofit and public administration. Courses cover topics like academic inquiry, writing, and reflexivity; historical and cultural perspectives of organizational leadership; and leadership theory and practice. A dissertation, which consists of 12 credits, must also be completed. Eastern University ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 83rd best regional university in the North.
#10 – Colorado State University
Online PhD in Organizational Development
Fort Collins, Colorado
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,871
Colorado State University’s online PhD leadership degree consists of the online PhD in organizational development. The program consists of 60 total credits, which includes 48 credit hours of coursework and a dissertation. Courses cover topics in evaluation and assessment in organizational learning, foundations of educational research, qualitative data analysis, qualitative research, quantitative data collection methods and analysis, scenario planning in organizations, and systems leadership. CSU is fully accredited and ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, current rankings include #153 in best national universities, #168 in best value schools, and #71 in top public schools.
#9 – Brandman University
Online EdD in Organizational Leadership
Irvine, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $12,320
A top online doctorate in leadership program that is both affordable and accredited is the online EdD in organizational leadership at Brandman University. The EdD is a fully online doctorate open to emerging and existing leaders seeking skills in organizational development and leadership. Admission to the Brandman EdD requires transcripts documenting a master’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.00. The program takes approximately two years to complete coursework – three years with a dissertation. Courses cover topics in diversity and intercultural aspects of leadership, organizational communication and conflict management, organizational theory and development, the ethics and politics of decision making, and the leader as change ethics. Brandman ranks with U.S. News and World Report.
#8 – Grand Canyon University
Online EdD in Organizational Leadership
Phoenix, Arizona
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $11,074
Grand Canyon University offers an affordable online EdD in organizational leadership program that consists of 60 credits and eight-week classes that move at a rigorous pace. Courses are taught entirely online and cover topics like ethical dilemmas and stewardship, introduction to research, leading across cultures, strategic decision making, and strategic planning and change. The program accepts up to nine doctoral credits for those seeking transfer eligibility. GCU is fully accredited and offers quality programs taught by experienced professors. Also, the school ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, GCU ranks #298-#389 in best national universities and #39 in top performers on social mobility.
#7 – Anderson University
Online PhD in Leadership
Anderson, South Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $10,751
The online PhD leadership program at Anderson University is designed to equip students for scholarship and performance in a wide range of professions. The program is one of the fastest to complete on our list. Students may earn their degree in just 24 months. The fully online program consists of 48 credits and offers two concentration areas that allow students to tailor their degree. These concentrations include business and Christian ministry. Courses cover topics like analyzing organizational culture, leadership strategies, leading organizational change, and team and workplace culture development. According to U.S. News and World Report, Anderson ranks #42 in best regional universities in the South.
#6 – Concordia University
Online PhD in Leadership
River Forest, Illinois
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,180
One of the top online PhD in leadership programs on our list comes from Concordia University. The EdD/PhD program can be completed entirely online and consists of 61-67 credits. Depending on which track you choose, students earn concentrations in different areas of leadership. For example, the online PhD or EdD in leadership gives students an opportunity to take additional courses and earn a specialization in organizational leadership. The PhD in organizational leadership requires 67 credits while the EdD requires 61 credits. At a glance, the two programs differ by more than their credit requirements. The EdD is a more action-based program, while the PhD is research-focused, theoretical, and abstract.
#5 – Touro University Worldwide
Online PsyD in Organizational Leadership
Los Alamitos, California
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $9,000
Touro University’s online PhD in leadership programs include the PsyD in organizational leadership. The 100% online program requires no residency and is one of the most affordable degrees on our list. Admission requirements do not include the GRE, though a master’s from an accredited institution and cumulative GPA of 3.4 or better must be provided. What makes this program unique is that the instructors are scholar-practitioners who are actively involved in their own professional work. Along with online course completion, students must conduct research and prepare and present a dissertation in order to meet degree requirements. Touro is fully accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUS), offering reputable graduate-level degrees.
#4 – Wilmington University
Online EdD in Organizational Leadership, Learning, and Innovation
New Castle, Delaware
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,834
If you’re seeking affordable online PhD in leadership programs, Wilmington University has options. This fully online EdD in organizational leadership program is designed to prepare students to lead learning initiatives at various organizational levels. The doctorate is customizable and offers three concentrations that can be tailored to meet professional goals. Concentrations include strategic leadership, talent development, or workplace learning. Courses are delivered online and cover topics like culture and practice, personal mastery and communities of practice, talent development and workplace learning, and technology and organizational learning. In addition to being fully accredited, Wilmington ranks with U.S. News and World Report as the 298th-389th best national university in the country.
#3 – Liberty University
Online PhD in Education and Organizational Leadership
Lynchburg, Virginia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $8,400
Liberty University’s online PhD leadership program emphasizes education and organizational leadership. The online PhD consists of 60 credits that can be completed in three years. Courses are delivered entirely online, running eight weeks in length. Courses cover topics like organizational analysis and problem solving, strategic organizational change, strategic risk management process and practice, and theories of educational leadership. To qualify for admission to the program, applicants must have a regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with a GPA of at least 3.00. Official college transcripts, statement of purpose, and proof of English proficiency are also required. Liberty’s consistent rankings with U.S. News and World Report make it stand out from other Christian universities.
#2 – Carolina University
Online PhD in Leadership
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $7,110
Carolina University’s online PhD leadership program is ranked among the most affordable on our list. The program requires the completion of online courses that take approximately four years. However, some students have earned their degree in just three years. In addition to completing online courses, students must attend a one-week on-campus residency the first time it is offered following acceptance to the program. A $795 fee is required for the residency, which includes room and board, as well as other university costs. Carolina University ranks #2 in affordability for its online PhD in organizational leadership programs.
#1 – Valdosta State University
Online EdD in Leadership
Valdosta, Georgia
Graduate Tuition/Fees: $6,784
The most affordable online doctorate in leadership program on our list is offered by Valdosta State University. This uniquely designed EdD program consists of 55 credits that can be completed entirely online. Courses are taught by university professors and cover a wide range of leadership topics like curriculum design, implementation, and evaluation; leadership problems; planning for dissertation; and qualitative research methods. Admission requirements include a master’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum graduate GPA of 3.5. GRE or MAT scores are also required. Valdosta State ranks with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 298th-389th best national university and 154th-209th top public school.
Other Top PhD/Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Online Programs
Adler University
Amridge University
Aspen University
Barry University
California Coast University
City University of Seattle
Columbia International University
Drexel University
Gannon University
Gardner-Webb University
Oakland University
Pepperdine University
Trident University
University of La Verne
University of San Francisco
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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 are important roles of secondary institutions.
Management analyst: Management analysts are found in any organization or business. Job details include finding problems and addressing issues that negatively impact efficiency in the organization. The more education you have in business and organizational leadership, the greater the responsibility and leadership capability you will be able to offer. This position is also commonly referred to as a management consultant.
Operations research analyst: If you enjoy collecting data and researching methods, the operations research analyst position may suit you well. This position helps to improve an organization’s infrastructure and design by analyzing issues and efficiency.
Training and development manager: Training and development managers look for ways to improve the skills and knowledge of employees. 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 $85,000. Individuals with an EdD in organizational leadership earn $88,000 on average per year.
Top organizational development managers, according to PayScale, earned $122,848 per year, while the lowest ten percent earned $59,740. The average additional compensation for this job title, which includes bonuses and profit sharing, consisted of $3,000 to $8,000 per year.
Experience seems to impact earnings the most, as the more experience an individual has, the greater the compensation package. Overall, earnings have a positive trend with experience. Individuals with less than five years of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of $76,000. The total compensation 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 $87,000. Experienced organizational development managers with ten to twenty years of experience can expect to earn $97,000 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 $100,000 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.
Employment of training and development managers is expected to grow by ten percent through the year 2026, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This growth is slightly faster than the average for all occupations. With 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 that 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 be increasingly important to organizations with remote workers. Also, 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 a variety of organizations.
How long does it take to earn a PhD or doctorate in organizational leadership online degree?
The length of 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 important to assess the number of years it takes to complete the degree requirements. If you want to earn a PhD in as little time as possible, full-time enrollment and accelerated options are available. However, if you are unable to take on a full load of study due to outside obligations such as work or family responsibilities, part-time options are available. 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 found. 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 followed by one year of research and dissertation preparation. This is the typical format of most PhD or doctorate in organizational leadership online degree programs.
What is the difference between an Ed.D. and 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 as opposed to existing research.
Another difference between the Ed.D. and Ph.D. in organizational leadership online degree is coursework or program requirements. The Ed.D. offers coursework such as the application of 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 be involved in a research-based career should consider the online Ed.D. programs typically prepare candidates for less research-intensive careers, such as executives in education or school districts.
CVO Staff
February 2021
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