Ph.D. Academic Program
The Ph.D. in Leadership Studies is a research-intensive doctoral program that emphasizes advanced scholarship, interdisciplinary inquiry, and the generation of new knowledge in leadership. The program follows a rigorous, theory-into-research approach, integrating leadership theory, empirical research, and ethical decision-making into a structured curriculum.
The curriculum is designed around three key pillars:
- Leadership Studies (theoretical foundations, leadership dynamics, and global leadership challenges)
- Research & Analysis (quantitative and qualitative research, advanced statistical analysis, and dissertation research)
- Interdisciplinary Application (collaborative research, policy analysis, and leadership practice across diverse organizational contexts)
This program prepares graduates for careers in academia, policy-making, high-level consulting, and executive leadership, equipping them with the ability to critically analyze complex leadership issues, conduct rigorous research, and contribute to the evolving field of leadership studies.
Program of Study - Ph.D. Leadership Studies
The Program of Study is a list of required courses offered. The 66-semester hour program requires a minimum of 36 months for completion. The University is not obligated to any student who becomes disenrolled for any reason. Failure to follow the course sequence will result in a delayed graduation date and a significant financial penalty. The program must be completed in a maximum of six years. The Ph.D. courses are taught in online delivery formats with some face-to-face aspects that are used when applicable (interviews, orientation, proposal, and final defense).
Academic Focus
During the first semester of the PhD program, each student will work with the research faculty to identify an area of interest relating to the topic chosen for the dissertation. Examples include: administrative leadership, professoriate, business administration, corporate development, curriculum and instruction, higher education, mental health, non-profit organizations, nursing education, religious leadership, teacher leadership, technology, teaching and learning, or another area submitted and approved by the PhD Directors.
| Leadership Studies Focus | |
| EDD 8054 | Intrapersonal Leadership | 4 |
| EDD 8055 | Leadership 2: Collaborative Teamwork and Team Development | 4 |
| EDD 8057 | Leading Transformational Change | 4 |
| EDD 8351 | Introduction to AI and its Implications for Leadership | 4 |
| LDS 9001 | Leadership and Followership: Understanding the Dynamic | 4 |
| LDS 9002 | Organizational Coaching and Consulting | 4 |
| LDS 9003 | Global Issues and Policy Analysis | 4 |
| LDS 9004 | Ethical Leadership and Social Responsibility | 4 |
| LDS 9005 | Leadership Teaching Assistant | 4 |
| Research Design and Analysis Focus | |
| EDD 8603 | Research-Based Technology | 4 |
| LDS 9101 | Quantitative Research and Analysis I | 4 |
| LDS 9102 | Quantitative Research and Analysis II | 4 |
| LDS 9103 | Theoretical Foundations of Leadership Seminar I | 2 |
| LDS 9104 | Qualitative Research and Analysis | 4 |
| LDS 9105 | Theoretical Foundations of Leadership Seminar II | 2 |
| Dissertation Research Focus | |
| LDS 9106 | Dissertation Research Seminar I | 3 |
| LDS 9107 | Dissertation Research Seminar II | 3 |
| LDS 9108 | Dissertation Research Seminar III | 4 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 66 |