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Online PhD in Organizational Leadership

The study of organizational leadership is multidisciplinary, filled with theories, historical examples, competencies, functions, and leadership styles. A doctoral degree in organizational leadership prepares graduates for high level managerial, executive, and administrative positions.

Online PhD in Organizational Leadership Requirements

Organizational leaders coordinate, direct, and synchronize all levels of employees within an organization. Students pursuing an online doctoral degree in organizational leadership should be skilled at higher order thinking, possess analytical abilities, and be able to communicate professionally with a wide variety of people.

Many people who begin an online PhD program in organizational leadership, have a master’s degree in one of the following areas.

• Business Administration
• Finance
• Human Resources

Students enrolled in online doctoral courses leading to a PhD in organizational leadership may also be working as mid-level management in fields such as real estate or accounting.

Online PhD in Organizational Leadership Education

A PhD in organizational leadership takes approximately four years to complete. All doctoral degree programs require the learner to complete a dissertation at the end of their classroom coursework.

Information on Organizational Leadership Courses

The following is a course list that students can expect to take when pursuing an online PhD in organizational leadership:

• Theories of Leadership
This course focuses on how different leadership theories, such as the behavioral, cognitive, and functional, influence people and their decisions.
• Global Leadership
The study of global leadership explores the disparities that exist among different groups of people. Students examine cross cultural issues and intercultural behaviors.
• Entrepreneurial Leadership
Learners look at entrepreneurial ventures and ideas, and leadership’s influence on them.
• Organizing and Leading People
This course focuses on the influential effect leaders have on organizations. It examines the leadership phenomenon and its’ effect on people’s behavior, conduct, and actions.
• Organizational Theories and Principles
Students study current and historical theories of organization systems in attempts to understand, analyze, and initiate change.

Specializations and Concentrations

Specific sub-topics of leadership include educational leadership, learning management, and leadership in health care. People with backgrounds in education or health services typically pursue these specializations. Other areas of concentration and specialization include the following:

• Human Resource Development
• Organizational Change
• Information Systems

Careers in Organizational Leadership

There is a great deal of competition for high-level management positions. Doctoral graduates from top colleges will have a lead on other job candidates. Upon degree completion, many people with a PhD in organizational leadership work in the following careers:

• Medical and Health Services Administrators
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 16% job growth in this field over the next eight years.
• Financial Analyst
Financial analysts and managers make from $80,000 to $150,000 annually.
• Business Executive
Depending on the specific job duties and organizational size, business executives earn from $100,000 to $500,000 a year.
• School Superintendent
Superintendents manage principals and instructional coordinators. They oversee all programs and curricula within a school district. School superintendents earn approximately $130,000 yearly.
• College or University Dean
College and university deans oversee the department that specializes in their field of study. They earn an average of $120,000 annually.

Online doctoral programs in organizational leadership are an ideal fit for the working professional wishing to advance their career without leaving their current position.