Ph.D. in Leadership Studies
Ph.D. in Leadership Studies Program Design
The Ph.D. in Leadership Studies is designed to provide a comprehensive and integrative learning experience where core competencies in research, theory, ethics, and leadership application are embedded throughout the curriculum. Each program learning outcome is intentionally interwoven across multiple courses and assignments, ensuring students develop a deep understanding of leadership principles while applying them in real-world contexts. Students will refine their research skills, theoretical knowledge, ethical decision-making, and global perspectives through rigorous coursework, collaborative research projects, and interdisciplinary engagement. The program emphasizes the ability to generate original scholarship and communicate complex ideas effectively, collaborate across disciplines, and lead transformational change. Additionally, teaching and mentorship opportunities prepare graduates for academia, consulting, and executive leadership roles, equipping them to shape the future of leadership studies and practice.
o Research Competency: Graduates will be able to conceptualize, design, and implement
rigorous research studies that contribute new knowledge to the field of leadership. This includes
proficiency in both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
o Theoretical Application: Graduates will apply leadership theories to solve complex problems
in various organizational contexts.
o Ethical Leadership: Graduates will exhibit ethical decision-making and social responsibility in their
leadership practices, promoting ethical standards and social justice within their organizations and
communities.
o Global Perspective: Graduates will analyze and address global leadership challenges, incorporating
cross-cultural perspectives and evaluating the impact of international policies on leadership practices.
o Communication Skills: Graduates will effectively communicate complex ideas, research findings,
and leadership strategies to specialist and non-specialist audiences through written, oral, and digital
formats.
o Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Graduates will contribute to interdisciplinary research and practice,
fostering collaboration across various fields to enhance leadership effectiveness and innovation.
o Practical Application: Graduates will integrate theoretical knowledge with practical skills to lead
transformational change within organizations, demonstrating the ability to coach, consult, and
develop high-performing teams.
o Teaching and Mentorship: Graduates will experience, assess, and implement best practices in
andragogy to prepare for academic roles, including teaching, mentoring, consulting, and contributing
to the academic community.
Dissertation
The dissertation is the cornerstone of the Ph.D. in Leadership Studies, representing a rigorous,
research-driven endeavor that contributes new knowledge to the field of leadership. The dissertation
process requires students to identify a significant research problem, develop a structured research
design, collect and analyze data using appropriate methodologies, and defend their findings before a
faculty committee. This research-intensive experience prepares students to engage in empirical inquiry,
advancing theoretical frameworks and practical applications in leadership studies.
The dissertation journey begins in the first semester of the doctoral program, with students progressively
refining their research focus through dissertation seminar courses. The process culminates in a final
dissertation defense, where students present their findings to their dissertation committee and submit a
polished dissertation to the program leadership.