Become a trusted leader who can help dynamic organizations adapt and grow.
Businesses large and small increasingly recognize the critical distinction between a manager and a leader; between someone who merely assigns tasks, and someone who paints a vision and then inspires employees to work effectively toward achieving it. Organizational leadership professionals work in both for-profit and nonprofit settings, helping to clearly define and communicate organizational objectives and strategy. They ensure that business processes are as effective and efficient as possible, build trust, bolster morale, and help each employee grow professionally and contribute meaningfully to advancing an organization’s mission.
This organizational leadership Ph.D. program teaches you how to communicate organizational objectives and strategy to make business processes as effective and efficient as possible. Graduates will critically evaluate and synthesize relevant research and theory in their exploration of organizational leadership. To examine psychological and leadership principles in a broad range of settings, the curriculum will cover a range of topics:
- Diversity
- Ethics
- Research strategies
- Strategic change management
- Team building
- Organizational interventions
- Interpersonal dynamics
- Leadership methodologies
Angela Joyner, Ph.D.
Admissions Requirements
- Application -Â Apply Online
- Application fee: $50
- The general guideline for admission is a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.2 or above on a 4.0 scale.
- Resume/curriculum vitae or work history
- Official college/university transcripts
- Essay
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of research interests
- Preferred 3 or more years of work experience prior to admission
- A master’s degree in psychology, the behavioral sciences, an organizational discipline or other related field, from an accredited institution
- Relevant work or volunteer experience
- Completion of two courses with a C or better
- Undergraduate level statistics course
- Upper level undergraduate or master’s level organizational behavior or psychology
Accreditation & Licensure
Accreditation
To learn more about The Chicago School's institutional and programmatic accreditations, visit our Accreditation page.
Licensure
For information on whether a program at The Chicago School meets or does not meet licensure eligibility requirements for the state in which you wish to be licensed, please visit our licensure disclosures page.
Fieldwork Opportunities
Students must have access to an organizational environment that will be available for use in research and reference for course work.
Additional Program Components
Residency Requirement (Online Students Only)
Online students are engaged in two brief residencies (roughly three and a half days each) at one of our campuses, providing an opportunity for face-to-face interaction and networking with fellow students from around the globe who bring a wealth of diverse leadership experiences and perspectives. At the first residency, students meet with their cohort and faculty members and engage in focused seminars. At the second residency, students participate in their competency exam.
Competency Examination
Every student is required to pass a Competency Examination. The aim of this assessment exercise is to evaluate the student’s knowledge of theory, research, and practice. This is also an opportunity to assess the student’s ability to demonstrate this knowledge and skill in simulations in order to judge his or her abilities as a future organizational leader. The Comprehensive Examination is taken at the end of the student’s second year in the doctoral program.
Dissertation
Completion of the dissertation is an essential aspect of a students’ academic experience and professional education. It provides the school the opportunity to evaluate the student’s ability to apply Organizational Leadership theory and research and to think critically and creatively about an issue in the field.
The dissertation should clearly and concisely demonstrate the student’s command of the research in a specific area of Organizational Leadership. In the dissertation, the student will critically evaluate and synthesize relevant research and theory in the topic chosen for study.
Sample Courses
Personality and Life Span in the Workplace
This course explores developmental issues from early adulthood through advanced age, focusing specifically on the working adult. Topics include the process of consolidation of the middle years and the psychological, social and biological issues surround late life adjustment. Current workplace approaches are examined from diverse theoretical viewpoints and in views of research findings. Cultural diversity and individual differences are integral to this course.
Systems Theory
This course focuses on the exploration of General Systems Theory and major modes of organizational systems in order to facilitate understanding of change and its impact on organizational life.
Group and Team Leadership
This course examines the basic strategies of group and team leadership. Topics will include and investigation of team process dynamics and group and team systems theory. A strong emphasis on functional versus dysfunctional team dynamics will be examined.
The Online Ph.D. Organizational Leadership Experience
The organizational leadership Ph.D. online program is ideal for working professionals looking to expand their knowledge and expertise while also maintaining other life responsibilities. As an online organizational leadership doctorate student at The Chicago School, you will benefit from an innovative learning environment in the digital space. You can enjoy the convenience of online didactic learning while still receiving in-person networking opportunities and practice-based field experiences.Â
The Global Student Dashboard holds all of the components you will need to successfully complete your online organizational leadership Ph.D. program. There, you can find your coursework and assignments, interact with fellow students, and ask questions of your instructor.
Organizational Leadership Career Pathways
The in-person and online organizational leadership doctoral degree supports each student’s unique career goals: it prepares graduates to apply the principles of psychology and leadership theory in a broad range of for-profit and nonprofit settings to more effectively lead individuals and organizations to success.
Career Outcomes
The Chicago School prepares you to make an impact in a variety of high-demand careers. Below, you will find possible career options and salaries associated with this degree.
Data is pulled by a third-party tool called Lightcast, which includes data from sources including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. Census Bureau, online job postings, and other government databases. The information below represents a regional and national career outlook related to this degree program*. The Chicago School is dedicated to assisting you in achieving your career goals.
*Many degree programs are intended to fulfill licensure requirements in specific states. The data shown here may not represent the state where you currently reside. For more information on how this program is applicable to the requirements of your state, please speak with your admissions representative.
Financing Your Education
The Chicago School is dedicated to keeping our professional degree programs accessible to anyone regardless of financial status. In addition to the scholarships that may be available, our Financial Aid Department will provide you with information to determine what financial arrangements are right for you.
Ph.D. Organizational Leadership FAQs
Is the organizational leadership doctorate program online?
Yes, in addition to all of our campuses, the organizational leadership Ph.D. is offered online. All components of the program are the same as if on campus, but offered in a flexible learning environment for those who need it. The residency requirement for this online program must be taken at one of our six campuses to promote networking and face-to-face interactions with fellow students.
What are common organizational leadership jobs post-graduation?
An organizational leadership doctoral degree can prepare you for different career paths including human resources, sales, training and development, and project management. Learn more about popular organizational leadership careers.
Who is the Ph.D. Organizational Leadership program suited for?
Those interested in pursuing a career in organizational leadership should possess certain qualities in order to excel in the field and feel satisfied. Common qualities of a leader include the ability to clearly communicate, being influential, and problem-solving. Learn more about the key qualities and skills necessary in the organizational leadership field.
