Aug 15, 2024 · 11. Stanford University Graduate School of Business Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior Stanford's Ph.D. program in organizational behavior offers a broad interdisciplinary program to help students learn the many facets of organizational behavior. Students interact with scholars from various industries. ... Mar 26, 2024 · Based out of Chicago with additional campuses in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and online, the Chicago School offers an online Ph.D. in business psychology with an industrial and organizational ... ... The top affordable online PhD in organizational psychology from Capella University is a relevant, real-world program with online courses and face-to-face residencies. Students will learn the latest theories and best practices that will help them advance team performance within their organization. ... Walden is the second-largest conferrer of doctoral degrees in I/O psychology. Do you want to become a catalyst for change in the workplace? Explore the intricate relationships between human behavior and organizational success in Walden’s PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology online program. ... In the field of Organizational Behavior, researchers draw on the methods and concepts of psychology and sociology to examine complex organizations and the ways that people behave within them. Scholars in the doctoral program in Organizational Behavior at Harvard Business School are prepared to ... ... Sep 17, 2024 · 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. Website. Points: 8. Tuition: $4,260. The most affordable accredited online PhD in organizational leadership can be found at the University of the Cumberlands. ... ">

Organizational Psychology Degrees

Top 9 Online PhD in organizational Psychology

online phd organizational behavior

Industrial organizational psychology is an area of psychology focused on human behavior in the workplace. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage for Industrial and organizational psychologists to be $105,310. I/O psychology is a lucrative career for professionals with the right training and experience. Earning an online PhD in industrial and organizational psychology gives students the knowledge and skills needed to understand problems based on the scientific understanding of human behavior in the workplace and then solve them.

Featured Schools

For current I/O psychology practitioners, earning an online PhD in industrial organizational psychology allows them to continue their education while holding their current jobs. Students don’t need to relocate or take time away from their obligations to attend class. Working students and those with family or professional obligations benefit from the flexibility that an online program can offer. Whether the PhD student decides to ultimately work within an organization, conduct research, or teach at the collegiate level, earning an organizational psychology PhD  can open doors to career advancement.

Methodology

To create our ranking of the top online PhD industrial organizational psychology programs, we used information gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator. We identified accredited colleges that offer doctoral degrees in industrial organizational psychology. We narrowed our focus to regionally accredited institutions offering the degree in either an online or hybrid format. Information regarding student to faculty ratios, and courses/specializations were noted, and colleges were ranked by average in-state graduate student tuition.

Ranking the Top 9 Online PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology

Average Graduate Tuition Rates

  • Less than $10,000 per year= 5 Points
  • $10,000 to $15,000 per year= 4 Points
  • $15,001 to $20,000 per year= 3 Points
  • $20,001 to $25,000 per year= 2 Points
  • Greater than $25,001 per year= 1 Point

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

  • 15:1 or less= 5 Points
  • 16:1 to 20:1= 3 Points
  • Greater than 20:1= 1 Point

#9 – Adler University – Chicago, Illinois

Online doctorate in industrial/organizational psychology.

adler-university Ph.D. in Industrial & Organizational Psychology /Online

School Profile Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1 Average Graduate Student Tuition: $40,530 Points: 4 Adler University offers a top affordable PhD in organizational psychology online that prepares students to be forward-thinking organizational experts. Required courses include:

  • Advanced Organizational Development and Change
  • Job and Task Analysis
  • Advanced Human Factors

Students complete a unique 200-hour civic-minded internship that spans four courses. Applicants should have a cumulative 3.0 GPA in their master’s degree and submit a writing sample to be considered for the program. Graduates are successful in diverse fields such as:

  • corporate enterprise

#8 – Keiser University – Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Industrial and organizational psychology, phd.

keiser-university Industrial and Organizational Psychology, PhD

School Profile Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1 Average Graduate Student Tuition: $29,632/year Points: 4 Keiser University offers a cost-effective online PhD in I/O psychology that follows a cohort model. Cohort students complete two residencies during the program, attending workshops and presentations and engaging with faculty face-to-face. Courses include:

  • Personnel Psychology
  • Interventions in Social Systems
  • Organizational Applications

Graduates will be able to contribute to the field through scholarship, research, and independent learning.8

#7 – Capella University – Minneapolis, Minnesota

Doctor of philosophy in psychology-industrial/organizational psychology online.

Capella University Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology-Industrial/Organizational Psychology Specialization

School Profile Student to Faculty Ratio: 32:1 Average Graduate Student Tuition: $14,784/year Points: 5 The top affordable online PhD in organizational psychology from Capella University is a relevant, real-world program with online courses and face-to-face residencies. Students will learn the latest theories and best practices that will help them advance team performance within their organization.

Capella offers several ways to save on the cost of tuition. The Capella Progress Reward is a $20K scholarship students can apply for to offset expenses. Capella also offers discounts to specific employers and organizations. Graduates of this top PhD industrial organizational psychology online program can apply their skills to a variety of settings including:

  • research organizations
  • the military.

#6 – William James College – Newton, Massachusetts

Leadership psychology doctorate online.

William James College Leadership Psychology Doctorate (PsyD)

School Profile Student to Faculty Ratio: 7:1 Average Graduate Student Tuition: $34,800 Points: 6 William James College features a high-value online leadership psychology doctorate degree with concentration areas in:

  • educational leadership
  • leading non-profits and NGOs
  • neuroscience of leadership psychology

This 98-credit hour program can be completed in four to six years. Courses are conducted online except during residencies. Residencies are four-day intensives that allow students to work together on theory and practice in I/O psychology. Students will attend three residencies and complete a 600-clock hour practicum and a 300-hour internship.

#5 – The Chicago School of Professional Psychology – Chicago, Illinois

Online phd in business psychology-i/o psychology track.

chicago-school-of-professional-psychology Ph.D. in Business Psychology-Industrial/Organizational Track

School Profile Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1 Average Graduate Student Tuition: $22,554/year Points: 7 The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers a high-quality online PhD in industrial/organizational psychology through their business psychology program. Students with their master’s degree can complete their degree in three years. Students with a bachelor’s can expect to finish in five years. Hands-on experience is key and students who enter the program post-baccalaureate will complete two internship experiences to develop professional skills. Course offerings include:

  • Adult Development and Work
  • Systems Theory
  • Virtual and Global Leadership

The Chicago School is committed to keeping school affordable and has a variety of financial aid opportunities available.

#4 – Grand Canyon University – Phoenix, Arizona

Phd in psychology – industrial and organizational psychology – qualitative research.

grand-canyon-university Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology: Industrial and Organizational Psychology

  • social and organizational principles to business and industry
  • probability, descriptive and inferential analyses of data and statistical testing

Courses are offered in eight-week sessions and students can access course content at any time. Students can complete two or three hands-on doctoral residencies to support their dissertations. Independent research opportunities are available to better understand how memory, reasoning, and motivation play a role in the workplace.

#3 – Northcentral University – San Diego, California

Industrial-organizational psychology specialization phd.

NCU PhD-PSY in Industrial Organizational Psychology

School Profile

Student to Faculty Ratio: 1:1 Average Graduate Student Tuition: $16,881/year Points: 8 Northcentral University offers a cost-effective PhD in industrial-organizational psychology that aligns with the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology’s (SIOP) guidelines for education and training. Northcentral offers unmatched flexibility, allowing students to complete their degree around personal and professional obligations. There are no scheduled lecture hours and no group assignments. Courses include:

  • Work Motivation and Attitudes
  • Recruitment, Selection, and Training
  • Organizational Development

Students interact one-on-one with their professors and receive personalized mentoring. This 60-credit hour program can be completed in about 48 months.

#2 – Liberty University – Lynchburg, Virginia

Ph.d. in psychology – industrial/organizational.

Liberty University Ph.D. in Psychology – Industrial/Organizational

Website Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1 Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,847/year Points: 8 Liberty University is a non-profit Christian university offering a high value online PhD in I/O psychology. Students gain research and professional skills to make a significant impact in their organization. Classes are completed online, and students can save money by transferring in up to 50% of the degree total. Courses include:

  • Organizational Behavior and Development
  • Theories and Research in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
  • Psychological Research and Biblical Worldview

Various start times throughout the year allow students to begin the program when it is most convenient. An online I/O psychology PhD degree from Liberty is affordable. Unlike many other schools, Liberty has not raised tuition rates in six years.

#1 – Touro University Worldwide – Los Alamitos, California

Online doctor of psychology in human and organizational psychology.

Touro University Worldwide Online Doctor of Psychology in Human and Organizational Psychology

School Profile Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1 Average Graduate Student Tuition: $9,000/year Points: 10 Our top online PhD in organizational psychology is at Touro University Worldwide. Touro offers a 66-credit hour program that takes about three years to complete. Courses are offered in eight-week sessions and there are no on-campus residency requirements. Students will study organizational psychology, leadership psychology, and industrial psychology. Courses include:

  • Applied Social Psychology
  • Applied Media Psychology
  • Applied I/O Psychology

Graduates have the knowledge and skills needed to design effective evidence-based solutions to touch challenges in the workplace.

Related Resources:

  • 30 Great Scholarships, Grants & Awards for Industrial-Organizational Psychology
  • What are the Prerequisites for Master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
  • Top 10 Bachelor’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology 
  • Top 25 Campus Based Industrial-Organizational Psychology Master’s Degree Programs
  • Top 15 Industrial/Organizational Certificate Programs
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Organizational Behavior

  • Technology & Operations Management
  • Program Requirements

Scholars in the doctoral program in Organizational Behavior at Harvard Business School are prepared to pursue an interdisciplinary inquiry into issues that are broadly related to the functioning of individuals within groups, at either the micro or macro level. Graduates of our program go on to become the leading researchers and thinkers in organizational behavior, shaping the field and advancing theoretical understanding in posts at schools of management or in disciplinary departments.

The Organizational Behavior program is jointly administered by the faculty of Harvard Business School and the Department of Sociology in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and students have the opportunity to work with faculty from both the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and Harvard Business School.

Curriculum & Coursework

Our program offers two distinct tracks, with research focused either on the micro or macro level. Students who choose to focus on micro organizational behavior take a psychological approach to the study of interpersonal relationships within organizations and groups, and the effects that groups have on individuals. In macro organizational behavior, scholars use sociological methods to examine the organizations, groups, and markets themselves, including topics such as the influence of individuals on organizational change, or the relationship between social missions and financial objectives.

Your core disciplinary training will take place in either the psychology or sociology departments, depending on the track that you choose. You will also conduct advanced coursework in organizational behavior at HBS, and complete two MBA elective curriculum courses. Students are required to teach for one full academic term in order to gain valuable teaching experience, and to work as an apprentice to a faculty member to develop research skills. Upon completion of coursework, students prepare and present a dossier that includes a qualifying paper, at least two other research papers, and a statement outlining a plan for their dissertation. Before beginning work on the dissertation, students must pass the Organizational Behavior Exam, which presents an opportunity to synthesize academic coursework and prepare for an in-depth research project.

Research & Dissertation

Examples of doctoral thesis research.

  • Cross-group relations, stress, and the subsequent effect on performance
  • Internal group dynamics of corporate boards of directors
  • Organizational mission and its effect on commitment and effort
  • Psychological tendencies and collaboration with dissimilar others

online phd organizational behavior

Justine Murray

online phd organizational behavior

Jaylon Sherrell

“ In HBS’s Organizational Behavior program I receive outstanding, rigorous training in disciplinary methods and also benefit from the myriad resources that HBS has to offer. HBS scholars are looking to apply their research to real-world problems, come up with interventions, and make a real difference. ”

online phd organizational behavior

Recent Placement

Hanne collins, 2024, evan defilippis, 2023, hayley blunden, 2022, lumumba seegars, 2021, karen huang, 2020, stefan dimitriadis, 2019, elizabeth hansen, 2019, julie yen, 2024, jeff steiner, 2023, ahmmad brown, 2022, yanhua bird, 2020, jeffrey lees, 2020, alexandra feldberg, 2019, martha jeong, 2019, nicole abi-esber, 2023, elliot stoller, 2023, ariella kristal, 2022, leroy gonsalves, 2020, alicia desantola, 2019, catarina fernandes, 2019, current organizational behavior students.

  • Jennifer Abel
  • Silvan Baier
  • Yajun Cao
  • Grace Cormier
  • Megan Gorges
  • Bushra Guenoun
  • Elizabeth Johnson
  • Akshita Joshi
  • Caleb Kealoha
  • Kai Krautter
  • Justine Murray
  • Mandi Nerenberg
  • C. Ryann Noe
  • Elizabeth Sheprow
  • Jaylon Sherrell
  • Yoon Jae Shin
  • David Shin
  • Erin Shirtz
  • Samantha Smith
  • Tiffany Smith
  • Channing Spencer
  • Yuval Spiegler
  • Emily Tedards
  • Aurora Turek

Current Harvard Sociology & Psychology Faculty

  • George A. Alvarez
  • Mahzarin R. Banaji
  • Jason Beckfield
  • Lawrence D. Bobo
  • Mary C. Brinton
  • Joshua W. Buckholtz
  • Randy L. Buckner
  • Alfonso Caramazza
  • Susan E. Carey
  • Paul Y. Chang
  • Mina Cikara
  • Christina Ciocca Eller
  • Christina Cross
  • Fiery Cushman
  • Frank Dobbin
  • Samuel J. Gershman
  • Daniel Gilbert
  • Joshua D. Greene
  • Jill M. Hooley
  • Rakesh Khurana
  • Alexandra Killewald
  • Talia Konkle
  • Max Krasnow
  • Michèle Lamont
  • Ellen Langer
  • Joscha Legewie
  • Ya-Wen Lei
  • Patrick Mair
  • Peter V. Marsden
  • Katie A. McLaughlin
  • Richard J. McNally
  • Jason P. Mitchell
  • Ellis Monk
  • Matthew K. Nock
  • Orlando Patterson
  • Elizabeth A. Phelps
  • Steven Pinker
  • Robert J. Sampson
  • Daniel L. Schacter
  • Theda Skocpol
  • Mario L. Small
  • Jesse Snedeker
  • Leah H. Somerville
  • Elizabeth S. Spelke
  • Tomer D. Ullman
  • Adaner Usmani
  • Jocelyn Viterna
  • Mary C. Waters
  • John R. Weisz
  • Christopher Winship
  • Xiang Zhou

Current HBS Faculty

  • Julie Battilana
  • Max H. Bazerman
  • David E. Bell
  • Ethan S. Bernstein
  • Alison Wood Brooks
  • Edward H. Chang
  • Amy C. Edmondson
  • Robin J. Ely
  • Alexandra C. Feldberg
  • Amit Goldenberg
  • Boris Groysberg
  • Linda A. Hill
  • Jon M. Jachimowicz
  • Summer R. Jackson
  • Leslie K. John
  • Jillian J. Jordan
  • Rakesh Khurana
  • Hyunjin Kim
  • Joshua D. Margolis
  • Edward McFowland III
  • Kathleen L. McGinn
  • Tsedal Neeley
  • Michael I. Norton
  • Leslie A. Perlow
  • Jeffrey T. Polzer
  • Ryan L. Raffaelli
  • Lakshmi Ramarajan
  • James W. Riley
  • Clayton S. Rose
  • Raffaella Sadun
  • Emily Truelove
  • Michael L. Tushman
  • Ashley V. Whillans
  • Letian Zhang
  • Julian J. Zlatev

Current HBS Faculty & Students by Interest

Top 10 Online Phd/Doctorates in Organizational Leadership 2024

Find your perfect school.

PhD/Doctorate in Organizational Leadership

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.

phd in organizational leadership

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.

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