Online PhD Programs in Organizational Leadership: Top Picks
An online PhD in organizational leadership can get you to your dream job faster. This PhDs.me student resource can help you to discover some of the best programs out there and learn more about tuition, career prospects and salary potential when you graduate.
Are you dreaming of that corner office and the ability to create organizational change? If so, you’re in good company. Top executive roles are coveted, with many craving the impact and high salaries — $103,840 annually on average— that come with these executive positions.
While these roles are competitive, an online PhD in organizational leadership can make your application stand out. These doctoral programs cover organizational leadership and administration for top-level executives looking to expand their credentials and move to the next level.
Similarly, anyone in a middle management position looking to further their career may also benefit from a doctorate in organizational leadership.
To help find the right program, we compiled a list of the best online PhD programs in organizational leadership and other essential information about this degree.
Spotlighting Top Organizational Leadership PhD Programs
Everyone’s definition of “best” is different, but these three online PhD programs in organizational leadership offer flexible study options, a top-tier curriculum, and reasonable costs.
Even if these programs aren’t the perfect fit for you, you can use them as benchmarks when researching other PhDs.
Adler University
Adler University offers a PhD in Organizational Studies that can be completed fully online or in a hybrid format with some coursework on its Chicago campus.
The curriculum covers core topics such as leadership, ethics, and organizational change. Students can also choose from nine credits of electives to explore specialized interests.
A distinguishing feature is the program’s social justice practicum. Students complete a community-based internship for approximately 8-10 hours per week over four semesters.
The program also offers:
- Student choice: Opportunities to select an internship site aligned with personal interests
- Flexible format: Fully online or hybrid study options
- Community engagement: Internship experience at a community outreach site
- Elective options: Courses in areas such as coaching and psychological resilience
Columbia International University
Columbia International University offers an online PhD in Organizational Leadership that can be completed in approximately 27 months. The program focuses on leadership theory, research methods, and the application of both across a variety of professional settings.
Students complete the program online through a collaborative learning environment that emphasizes discussion and engagement. Coursework also provides opportunities to explore individual interests and research topics.
The program includes a five-part dissertation and encourages students to present or publish their research. Students may also benefit from consulting opportunities and virtual networking experiences.
Program highlights include:
- Dissertation support: Encouragement to publish or present research findings
- Accelerated timeline: Completion in about 27 months
- Online format: No required campus visits
- Research focus: Leadership theory and research methodologies
- Professional development: Opportunities for consulting and networking
National University
National University offers an online PhD in Organizational Leadership designed for working professionals. Students can complete the program fully online, and many courses are available in an asynchronous format.
The curriculum emphasizes leadership in the private sector, making it a strong fit for students interested in corporate environments. No GRE is required for admission.
Students study topics such as organizational capacity, ethical leadership, executive leadership, and organizational change. The program also includes research preparation, statistics coursework, and a multi-semester dissertation.
Program highlights include:
- Completion timeline: Typically completed in about 38 months
- Flexible format: Fully online with many asynchronous courses
- No GRE requirement: GRE scores are not required for admission
- Corporate focus: Emphasis on leadership in private-sector organizations
- Research training: Coursework in statistics and doctoral-level research methods
Expert Insight
This degree is not only for executives. You’ll discover that organizational leadership helps you better understand systems, culture, and change management long before you reach senior leadership positions.
Reap the Benefits of Earning an Organizational Leadership PhD
An online PhD in Organizational Leadership combines leadership training with the flexibility of online learning. For many working professionals, these programs provide a practical way to advance their education without stepping away from their careers.
Easier to Balance an Online Program and a Full-time Job
Balancing a PhD and a full-time job is no easy feat, especially if that full-time role involves managing personnel, projects, or both. Fortunately, it’s easier to balance an online program with work and life responsibilities.
Virtual PhDs offer the same rigor but with the flexibility to learn where and when you want. Some programs even offer asynchronous courses where you watch pre-recorded lectures and complete coursework at your own pace.
Same Rigor from Home
Any accredited organizational leadership PhD will deliver the same rigor, whether it takes place in a classroom or online.
The difference is that online programs can be completed from your home, the office breakroom, or on-the-go. Plus, part-time online PhDs can make it easier to get the same quality of education at a slower pace.
Learn the Core Principles of Leadership
Organizational leadership is a field that touches almost every part of business and nonprofit operations. With a PhD, you learn the core principles of that field and have opportunities through a practicum or dissertation to apply those principles to your own field or industry.
While there are other types of leadership PhDs out there, organizational leadership focuses specifically on working within larger, multi-team settings, honing your ability to take on top leadership roles.
Understanding Online PhD Program Accreditation
Accreditation is essential when choosing an online PhD program. It confirms that a school meets established academic standards and helps ensure your degree will be recognized by employers and other institutions.
Most reputable programs hold institutional accreditation, which evaluates the quality of the university as a whole. Some programs may also have programmatic accreditation tied to a specific field of study.
Before applying, verify a school’s accreditation status on both the university’s website and the accreditor’s website. This extra step can help you avoid investing in a program that may not meet your academic or professional goals.
Some online schools are accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), an organization that specializes in evaluating distance-learning institutions.
Common Aspects of Organizational Leadership PhD Programs
Many organizational leadership PhDs have a few common components. Below, we’ve outlined the four most prevalent with examples of each.
Coursework
Classes are the crux of your degree. Typically, coursework is completed first and provides a theoretical understanding of leadership principles. Sometimes, students can also choose specialized concentration paths.
At Eastern University, for example, students specialize in business, educational administration, or nonprofit and public administration.
Dissertation/Research
A PhD or doctorate signifies someone is an expert in their field. To gain that expert status, PhD candidates often complete a dissertation or multi-year research project.
Students choose a topic of interest and one that is relevant to their careers and design a research project surrounding that theme.
The research usually culminates in a final paper, such as this one on leadership toxicity from an organizational leadership candidate at Regent University.
Internship
Depending on the program, students may have to complete an executive-level internship before they graduate.
Some programs, like the one at Liberty University, don’t require an internship if someone already has a full-time job relevant to the organizational leadership field.
Practicum
Some programs include a practicum instead of a traditional dissertation. These experiential projects allow students to apply leadership concepts in professional settings and often culminate in a scholarly article, presentation, business plan, or curriculum project.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore offers one example of how an organizational leadership practicum may be structured.
Expert Insight
Be sure you take advantage of opportunities to study organizations outside your own industry. Some of the most useful leadership insights come from seeing how different sectors approach culture, communication, and organizational change.
Courses Found in Organizational Leadership Grad Programs
It’s natural to wonder what topics your program will cover. While each PhD has a different curriculum, the five classes below were featured by multiple programs we researched.
Executive Leadership
Executive leadership courses examine leadership strategies used across business, nonprofit, government, and public service organizations. Students learn how leaders guide teams, make decisions, and navigate complex organizational challenges.
Programs such as National University incorporate executive leadership coursework into their organizational leadership curriculum.
Leadership Theory
Leadership theory courses introduce students to major frameworks for understanding leadership, decision-making, and organizational effectiveness. These courses help students evaluate different approaches and apply them to real-world challenges.
At Eastern University, leadership theory is a core requirement for all organizational leadership students, regardless of specialization.
Leading Organizational Change
Being a leader during times of change or transition often comes with additional obstacles and challenges. To help students overcome them, schools such as Liberty University, offer a course in leading organizational change.
This course often covers how to react to external change as a leadership as well as the most effective principles for creating change within an organization.
Organizational Behavior
At its heart, organizational leadership is an interdisciplinary field that includes principles from psychology, sociology, business, ethics, and more. To help students understand how psychology and sociology impact organizations and leaders, many schools offer a course in organizational behavior.
At Columbia International University, for example, this class covers organizational relationship dynamics, decision-making skills, and the psychology of motivation.
Leadership Ethics
Ethics is another key component of organizational leadership. Leaders must understand how to make ethical and legal decisions and create purposeful change within an organization.
To help students understand legal parameters and ethical concerns, many PhD curriculums cover these topics. At many universities, including Adler University, ethics, leadership, and professional theory are bundled together in one course.
Tuition and Financial Aid Options
Most doctoral students use some form of financial aid to help pay for their degree. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 54% of graduate students use student loans to finance their education.
Common funding options include:
- Student loans: Borrowed funds that must be repaid with interest
- Grants: Need- or merit-based awards that typically do not require repayment
- Scholarships: Financial awards based on academic achievement, leadership, or other criteria
- Fellowships: Funding that may include research, teaching, or professional development opportunities
Some schools also offer program-specific funding for organizational leadership students, including fellowships and doctoral scholarships.
How Much Will Your Online Organizational Leadership PhD Cost?
| School | Program | No. of Credits | Est. Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adler University | PhD in Organizational Leadership | 66 | $60,984 |
| Columbia International University | PhD in Organizational Leadership | 48 | $34,080 |
| Liberty University | PhD in Organizational Management – Leadership | 60 | $35,700 |
What Can You Earn with a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership?
A doctorate in organizational leadership prepares students to lead teams, departments, and organizations across a variety of sectors. Graduates may pursue leadership roles in business, government, education, healthcare, nonprofit organizations, and the military.
The degree combines leadership theory, organizational research, and applied problem-solving. Students learn how to navigate organizational change, improve performance, and make evidence-based decisions.
The salary table below highlights earnings for chief executives across the United States. Use it to explore potential compensation in executive leadership roles.
Chief Executives
| Area | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $213,990 | $356,200 | $507,730 |
| Alabama | $166,420 | $222,490 | $317,400 |
| Alaska | $166,710 | $262,750 | $428,990 |
| Arkansas | $119,990 | $196,800 | $330,480 |
| California | $218,600 | $351,090 | $486,830 |
| Colorado | $213,370 | $302,380 | $402,230 |
| Connecticut | $295,120 | $456,890 | $680,080 |
| Delaware | $199,990 | $360,810 | $523,940 |
| Georgia | $208,180 | $378,450 | $517,910 |
| Hawaii | $281,640 | $394,780 | $493,870 |
| Idaho | $177,210 | $296,580 | $403,230 |
| Illinois | $331,920 | $428,710 | $589,720 |
| Indiana | $254,180 | $377,760 | $494,080 |
| Iowa | $211,190 | $331,660 | $365,320 |
| Kansas | $158,100 | $283,880 | $453,350 |
| Kentucky | $179,530 | $298,750 | $466,660 |
| Maine | $138,770 | $233,540 | $401,950 |
| Maryland | $248,660 | $396,650 | $486,860 |
| Michigan | $255,560 | $405,120 | $547,090 |
| Minnesota | $195,670 | $313,510 | $449,270 |
| Mississippi | $139,250 | $185,680 | $304,040 |
| Missouri | $172,320 | $275,660 | $416,060 |
| Montana | $182,340 | $312,050 | $432,240 |
| Nebraska | $214,680 | $335,760 | $515,360 |
| Nevada | $149,770 | $279,600 | $517,310 |
| New Hampshire | $168,590 | $232,570 | $397,850 |
| New Jersey | $310,440 | $448,910 | $666,030 |
| New Mexico | $123,500 | $195,970 | $302,440 |
| New York | $257,980 | $419,730 | $657,630 |
| North Carolina | $314,290 | $442,080 | $624,990 |
| North Dakota | $164,560 | $240,090 | $464,030 |
| Ohio | $176,440 | $350,670 | $484,820 |
| Oklahoma | $163,790 | $240,480 | $387,310 |
| Oregon | $341,630 | $520,980 | $772,840 |
| Pennsylvania | $232,560 | $397,100 | $528,200 |
| Rhode Island | $235,360 | $414,180 | $561,080 |
| South Carolina | $168,840 | $258,950 | $393,490 |
| South Dakota | $280,900 | $428,840 | $546,760 |
| Tennessee | $198,830 | $307,390 | $474,740 |
| Texas | $257,850 | $399,880 | $558,550 |
| Utah | $171,880 | $299,040 | $424,690 |
| Vermont | $175,070 | $303,920 | $428,080 |
| Virginia | $310,740 | $434,580 | $604,090 |
| Washington | $339,810 | $442,180 | $607,100 |
| West Virginia | $151,950 | $253,870 | $403,020 |
| Wisconsin | $208,350 | $318,910 | $426,290 |
| Wyoming | $147,940 | $205,620 | $276,940 |
Source: https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes111011.htm
Showing 1 – 10 of 47 entries | Data does not reflect school-specific information.
FAQs About PhDs in Organizational Leadership
Are online organizational leadership PhDs more affordable than in-person programs?
Affordability is a top concern for many students, and it’s a good reason to choose an online program. Typically, the cost of an online doctorate is lower since students don’t have to pay commuting costs to get to and from campus and may be able to forgo certain student fees.
Not all online programs are equally affordable, so it’s important to explore upfront costs and financial aid opportunities before committing to a program.
How long does it take to earn a PhD in organizational leadership?
In general, a doctorate can take two to six years to complete. The time frame differs by program and part-time or full-time study.
The program at Columbia International University, for example, takes a little over two years to complete on average, while the PhD at Eastern University takes five years.
What are some common admission requirements for online organizational leadership PhD programs?
Online organizational leadership PhDs often have a mix of education- and work-based requirements. Often, these programs require students to have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field.
Many also require students to state their research interests when applying and take the GRE, though there are some no-GRE doctorates out there.
Along with educational requirements, admissions committees typically want to see relevant work experience. This translates to experience leading teams or projects within corporations, nonprofits, or government organizations.
What should I look for in an online organizational leadership program?
An online organizational leadership program should meet the three A’s: Academics, Accreditation, and Affordability. Accreditation is the most objective and easy to meet.
To meet this standard, an institution and the organizational leadership program should be accredited. Academics refers to the rigor of the curriculum and if class topics and research areas align with your interests.
Affordability is subjective, but typically refers to programs with low tuition costs and/or financial aid opportunities.
Are online leadership PhDs completely virtual?
Some online PhDs, such as the program at Adler University, can be completed 100% online. In these programs, students don’t attend on campus and can complete their degree from anywhere in the United States or the world.
Other programs, such as the one at Eastern University, have a hybrid component with some on-campus requirements. To make sure you have a program that suits your location and learning preferences, ask about any hybrid components before applying to a program.
Organizational Leadership PhD Student Resources
- Dissertation strategies
A dissertation plays a significant role in organizational leadership PhDs. Learn how to choose the right subject and set up your dissertation for success with this guide. - Postgrad opportunities
Curious what you can do with a PhD in organizational leadership? This guide outlines opportunities for graduates in academia, the private sector, and in public service. - What is organizational leadership?
If you’re still wondering what this field entails and how it differs from more general leadership degrees, this guide provides useful information and can help you discern if this is a good PhD path for you. - 20 things to do early in your PhD
The first year of your PhD sets the tone for the rest of your degree. Learn how to get off on the right foot in this video from a fellow PhD candidate. - More PhD student resources
Still looking for more PhD resources? Check out our list of over 35 resources for PhD candidates.
