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Online doctorate in organizational leadership programs 2025.
Organizational leadership is the key to success for any business or organization. Careers in this potentially make up to $239,200 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Do you see yourself as an influential leader in the workplace? As someone who can recognize a problem, find a solution, and communicate the plan to fix it?
All you need are the qualifications, and you could be a CEO someday. If that’s what you want for your future, then an online doctorate in organizational leadership might be the best fit.
Here’s how to get started:
- Explore this page to determine whether this path is the right choice for you.
- Check out the top-ranked online doctorate in organizational leadership programs, as well as our sponsored programs.
- Request more information from schools you’re interested in to find the best fit for your schedule, pocketbook, and career goals.
Featured Online Doctorate Degrees in Organizational Leadership
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership Programs
Concordia university-chicago.
River Forest, IL 4 year Campus + Online
Concordia University-Wisconsin
Mequon, WI 4 year Campus + Online
Franklin University
Columbus, OH 4 year Online
Holy Family University
Philadelphia, PA 4 year Campus + Online
Johnson University
Knoxville, TN 4 year Campus + Online
Louisiana State University-Shreveport
Shreveport, LA 2 year Campus + Online
National University
San Diego, CA 4 year Campus + Online
Tiffin University
Tiffin, OH 4 year Campus + Online
University of Arizona Global Campus
Chandler, AZ 4 year Online
University of Southern Maine
Portland, ME 4 year Campus + Online
Why Should You Get an Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership?
Whether you want to be a better leader, systematically transform your workplace, or take on executive roles, a doctorate in organizational leadership can improve your career.
Benefits of a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership
- Advance to senior leadership roles.
- Increase your earning potential.
- Improve your leadership skills.
- Become an expert in your field.
Reasons to Get Your Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Online
- Balance work and school.
- You are a strong self-motivator.
- Save time on commuting.
- Learn from convenient locations, such as home.
Is an Online Doctorate Degree in Organizational Leadership Worth It?
Yes. A doctorate in organizational leadership leads to executive-level roles that increase your earning potential. You’ll gain high-level knowledge of assessing and solving organizational challenges in many professional settings. Examples include businesses, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and higher education institutions.
What Can You Do With a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership?
A doctorate in organizational leadership hones your skills for becoming an influential leader at any business or organization. You can apply these skills — such as assessing organizational challenges or setting large-scale goals — to nearly any setting, from nonprofits to government agencies.
Careers in Organizational Leadership
The potential roles vary in scope, depending on your experience, strengths, or preferences. For example, you could become the chief executive officer of a cutting-edge tech research company . Or you could become a strategic organizational consultant for a nonprofit organization.
- C-Level executive
- Director of leadership development
- Nonprofit director
- Organizational development specialist
- Senior human resources manager
- Organizational developmental director
- Succession planning manager
- University administrator
How Much Does an Online PhD in Organizational Leadership Degree Cost?
The average total cost of an online Ph.D. is $23,293 per year, according to BestColleges research . It’s cheaper than the average cost of Ph.D. programs , which is $58,656 per year.
But the final cost might range from $131,000-$263,000, depending on when you complete the Ph.D. Some students finish in four years, while others take up to eight.
Average Cost Per Year for Ph.D. Program
Tuition $34,910
Non-Tuition Related Expenses $23,746
Total Cost $58,656
Total Cost of a Ph.D.
(4-8 Years) $131,000-$263,000
How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Doctorate Degree in Organizational Leadership?
It takes between 4-5 years to complete most online doctorates in organizational leadership programs, depending on whether you enroll full time or part time . If you enroll part time, it may take up to seven years to graduate. Most programs consist of 50-65 credits.
Required Course Credits 50-65*
Field Study Requirements (Y/N) Yes*
Common Concentrations for a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership
Many doctoral programs also feature concentration opportunities , allowing you to focus on an area of the field that interests you. These can include:
Educational Leadership
Missional leadership, healthcare leadership, entrepreneurial leadership, global consulting, still looking for the right fit you might also like:, how much money can i make with a doctorate in organizational leadership.
Pay will vary based on your experience level, role, field, and industry. For example, a professor in postsecondary education made a median annual salary of $84,380 in May 2023, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Meanwhile, the median salary for a chief executive officer was $103,840 in 2023, according to the BLS .
Salaries for Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership
Average base salary $84,380
Highest-paying wage $103,840
Everything Else You Need to Know About Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degrees
What is organizational leadership.
Organizational leadership is a management approach to leading, motivating, and unifying people within an organization. It involves setting goals, establishing milestones, and communicating the organization’s mission to employees.
A good organizational leader is someone who can combine business understanding and people skills to guide an organization to achieve its goals.
How do you get a Ph.D. in organizational leadership?
The admission requirements for a doctorate in organizational leadership vary. But you typically need:
- A master’s degree in a related field, such as a masters in psychology , a masters in behavioral science , or organizational discipline
- Three or more years of work experience
- A personal essay
- Official college or university transcripts
Doctoral programs take between 4-8 years to finish and include core coursework and elective courses. You’ll likely need to meet certain grade requirements, such as maintaining a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
At the doctoral level, you must often complete a dissertation , as well.
What’s the difference between a Ph.D. and an Ed.D. in organizational leadership?
There are two general differences between the doctoral degrees . A Ph.D. is an earned research degree, so you’ll need to develop hypotheses that expand the knowledge of organizational leadership. An Ed.D. uses research but focuses more on complex organizational problems and learning the skills to resolve them.
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Top 10 Online Phd/Doctorates in Organizational Leadership 2024
Find your perfect school.
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 compared to all other occupations.
Organizational leaders fall under this umbrella of occupations. Thanks to a constant demand for workplace training and education, job growth remains favorable. 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. School selection was then narrowed 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.
Tuition : $4,260
The most affordable accredited online PhD in organizational leadership can be found at the University of the Cumberlands. The program is flexible as well, 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
- 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.
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. A dissertation is required at the culmination of the program. 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.
- Top regional university
- High acceptance rate
- Small class sizes
- Less Diverse
#3—University of Arizona
Tucson, arizona, online phd in organizational development and leadership: organizational leadership.
Tuition : $12,718
The University of Arizona-Global’s low-cost leadership PhD online is a research-focused program with an emphasis on 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 created for working professionals, enabling students to take one accelerated course at a time. A dissertation is required on a topic of research interest.
The WASC Senior College and University Commission has fully accredited the University of Arizona to award online doctorates. Its online business programs have been ranked among some of the very best in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
- Top-ranked public school
- More Diverse
- Larger class sizes
- Three on-campus workshops required
#4—Eastern University
St. davids, pennsylvania, phd in organizational leadership.
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 are required to 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 among some of the best nationwide.
- Cohort-based
- Multiple required residencies
#5—Columbia Southern University
Orange beach, alabama, doctor of organizational leadership.
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
As a capstone requirement, online students must complete a dissertation and defend it virtually. 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.
- Fully online, including dissertation defense
- Highly affordable
- Less prestigious business school
#6—Indiana Institute of Technology
Fort wayne, indiana, phd in global studies: organizational leadership.
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 with a specialization in Organizational Leadership.
Though all coursework for the program is available online, doctoral students are required to 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
An 18-credit hour research core and dissertation are required for completion of this 66-credit hour program. 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.
- Required on-campus visits
- Somewhat selective
- Low graduation rate
#7—Indiana Wesleyan University
Marion, indiana.
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 curriculum for the program also includes opportunities for students to hone scholarly research skills. Four of the required courses for the program are dedicated to dissertation preparation. 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.
- Top-ranked regional university
- Less flexible
#8—Concordia University- Chicago
River forest, illinois, phd in leadership: organizational leadership.
Tuition : $10,458
Concordia University- Chicago offers an online leadership PhD with a specialization 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 also have the opportunity to research organizations from a strategic standpoint. Both a comprehensive exam and a doctoral dissertation are required for program completion.
The Higher Learning Commission has accredited Concordia University-Chicago to award online degrees at the doctorate level. The school has been ranked among the top regional universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report.
- Nationally ranked regional university
#9—Liberty University
Lynchburg, virginia, online phd in organization and management leadership.
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 in the field 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. The university has received recognition from U.S. News & World Report for its high-quality online graduate programs in business.
- Fully online program
- Limited tech support
#10—Regent University
Virginia beach, virginia.
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 the school’s executive mentorship program for expert assistance with coursework and other program requirements. Regent University is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
U.S. News & World Report has ranked its online graduate programs in business among some of the best in the nation.
- Mentorship program
- Dynamic curriculum
- 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 important roles in 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 $130,000. Individuals with an EdD in organizational leadership earn $103,000 on average per year.
Top organizational development managers, according to PayScale, 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 have a positive trend with experience. Individuals with less than five years of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of $80,000. 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 $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.
Employment of training and development managers is expected to grow by six percent through the year 2032, 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 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 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 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 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. These programs typically prepare candidates for less research-intensive careers, such as executives in education or school districts.
- National Center for Education Statistics
- PayScale.com
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics
Related Resources
- 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.