For aspiring leaders aiming for top C-suite positions, elevating your expertise through one of the best online doctorate programs in organizational leadership could be your next move. Nearly half of chief executives have bolstered their career paths with a college degree, indicating advanced education’s significant role in climbing the corporate ladder. In an increasingly competitive job market, a doctorate distinguishes you and equips you with the necessary skills for high-stakes decision-making and leadership.
While job growth expectations for CEOs and top-level leadership roles vary across industries, the demand for these leaders is expected to remain steady throughout the next decade. With an average salary of $246,440 for those in these positions, the investment in a doctorate — a journey taking three to five years of full-time study — presents a substantial return. Considering the average cost of these programs is $19,749, pursuing an online doctorate in organizational leadership is both an academic endeavor and a strategic career investment.
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How we rank schools
Our list features the best online Organizational Leadership degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
Best 25 Accredited Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Programs
FiltersInstitution Type
Status
- Intelligent Score
- Alphabetically By University Name
- Acceptance Rate
- Enrollment
- In-state Graduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
- In-state Undergraduate Tuition
- Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition
Liberty University
Intelligent Score: 99.51In-state: $14,791
Out-of-state: $14,791
In-state: $7,935
Out-of-state: $7,935
SAT: 1040-1250
ACT: 21-29
$595
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
University of Southern California
Intelligent Score: 97.39In-state: $59,260
Out-of-state: $59,260
In-state: $47,880
Out-of-state: $47,880
SAT: 1340-1530
ACT: 30-34
$2,244
Online
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
43-60
Nova Southeastern University
Intelligent Score: 96.86In-state: $32,370
Out-of-state: $32,370
In-state: $20,618
Out-of-state: $20,618
SAT: 1030-1240
ACT: 20-27
$1,550
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
55
National University
Intelligent Score: 94.36In-state: $13,320
Out-of-state: $13,320
In-state: $15,480
Out-of-state: $15,480
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$442
Online
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
60
Wilmington University
Intelligent Score: 93.1In-state: $11,430
Out-of-state: $11,430
In-state: $8,784
Out-of-state: $8,784
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$696
Online, On-Campus, Hybrid
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
54
Southeastern University
Intelligent Score: 93.05In-state: $26,520
Out-of-state: $26,520
In-state: $13,365
Out-of-state: $13,365
SAT: 960-1170
ACT: 19-24
$875
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
Regent University
Intelligent Score: 92.39In-state: $17,220
Out-of-state: $17,220
In-state: $15,552
Out-of-state: $15,552
SAT: 940-1220
ACT: 21-29
$1,020
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
Cornerstone University
Intelligent Score: 92.37In-state: $22,000
Out-of-state: $22,000
In-state: $13,920
Out-of-state: $13,920
SAT: 1040-1060
ACT: 19-26
$745
Online
Higher Learning Commission, Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
60
The Chicago School
Intelligent Score: 92.29In-state: $46,796
Out-of-state: $46,796
In-state: $50,636
Out-of-state: $50,636
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
$1,703
Online, On-Campus
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
60
UMass Global
Intelligent Score: 91.6In-state: $63,560
Out-of-state: $63,560
In-state: $55,460
Out-of-state: $55,460
SAT: Not Required
ACT: Not Required
$1,051
Online
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
57
Abilene Christian University
Intelligent Score: 89In-state: $37,750
Out-of-state: $37,750
In-state: $23,238
Out-of-state: $23,238
SAT: 1010-1220
ACT: 21-27
$767
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
60
Franklin University
Intelligent Score: 87.22In-state: $9,552
Out-of-state: $9,552
In-state: $16,080
Out-of-state: $16,080
SAT: N/A
ACT: N/A
$748
Online
Higher Learning Commission
58
University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign
Intelligent Score: 86.96In-state: $14,317
Out-of-state: $33,824
In-state: $15,016
Out-of-state: $15,016
SAT: 1200-1460
ACT: 27-33
$520
Online
Higher Learning Commission
64
Carolina University
Intelligent Score: 86.14In-state: $36,580
Out-of-state: $36,580
In-state: $30,390
Out-of-state: $30,390
SAT: 790-1070
ACT: 15-23
$610
Online, On-Campus
Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools
73
Concordia University Chicago
Intelligent Score: 83.53In-state: $32,660
Out-of-state: $32,660
In-state: $9,090
Out-of-state: $9,090
SAT: 990-1180
ACT: 19-25
$753
Online
Higher Learning Commission
61-67
California Baptist University
Intelligent Score: 82.94In-state: $33,930
Out-of-state: $33,930
In-state: $13,410
Out-of-state: $13,410
SAT: 960-1150
ACT: 18-25
$700
Online
Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission
56
University of the Cumberlands
Intelligent Score: 82.56In-state: $9,875
Out-of-state: $9,875
In-state: $4,282
Out-of-state: $4,282
SAT: 930-1140
ACT: 19-24
$415
Online
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
66
Indiana Wesleyan University
Intelligent Score: 82.22In-state: $28,184
Out-of-state: $28,184
In-state: $13,512
Out-of-state: $13,512
SAT: 1010-1200
ACT: 21-27
$890
Online
Higher Learning Commission
60
How to Choose an Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Program
Choose the right area of study
Choosing the right area of study — often referred to as a specialization — is crucial for aligning your doctoral work with your career goals. This decision shapes your research focus, coursework, and future professional opportunities, making it an essential first step.
Popular specializations include human resources leadership, ideal for those aiming to shape and lead HR practices; strategic innovation and change management, best for individuals focused on driving organizational change; and educational leadership, tailored for those seeking leadership roles within academic institutions.
Research schools and programs
Once you’ve identified your specialization, researching schools and programs is the next step. Consider asking the following questions to help guide your research:
- What is the program’s accreditation status?
- How does the curriculum align with my career goals?
- What are the faculty qualifications and research interests?
- What support services are available for online students?
You can attend virtual open houses, speak directly with admissions counselors, or visit university websites to find this information. These resources provide insights into program specifics, faculty expertise, and student support services, ensuring you choose programs to fit your academic and professional objectives.
Prepare for tests and applications
Now that you have a shortlist of schools for your online doctorate in organizational leadership, you can begin preparing for tests and applications. You’ll want to start early to ensure that each element of your application reflects your qualifications and dedication to the field.
Gathering letters of recommendation and updating your resume to illustrate leadership experience and achievements is essential. Additional application components include a personal statement outlining your research interests, professional goals, and GRE scores for some programs. Investing time in a test prep program can significantly improve GRE outcomes and give you a competitive edge in the applicant pool.
Select your program
When acceptance letters arrive, you may have a big decision to make. This is a great time to revisit your initial research criteria, specifically focusing on what’s most important to you. Key considerations often include:
- The program’s alignment with your career goals
- The qualifications and interests of the faculty
- The flexibility of the course schedule and whether it meets your lifestyle
Additionally, evaluating the overall cost of attendance and available financial aid opportunities is crucial. It’s imperative to prioritize schools offering assistantships or fellowships, as these can significantly offset educational expenses, setting you up for long-term financial success.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Financing your degree may seem daunting, but several financial aid resources are available to ease the burden.
Prioritize scholarships and grants first, as these do not require repayment and can considerably reduce overall costs. Assistantships offer a stipend and tuition waiver in exchange for research or teaching duties, providing practical experience alongside financial support. Fellowships, often merit-based, provide funding without work obligations, allowing students to focus entirely on their studies. With these resources, you may even be able to earn your doctorate for free.
It’s important to prioritize federal loans over private loans in instances involving a financial gap, as federal loans frequently have lower interest rates and more flexible repayment terms.
What Can You Expect From an Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Program?
An online doctorate in organizational leadership provides students with the highest expertise in managing and leading diverse organizations through innovative strategies and practices. Over three to five years, learners delve into advanced topics like strategic management, organizational change, leadership theory, and ethical decision-making, all adapted to solve the challenges of modern workplaces. The most innovative curriculums combine rigorous academic research with practical leadership applications, enabling students to conduct impactful research projects that can drive organizational improvement.
Students can balance their studies with professional commitments through a flexible online format, accessing programs designed to foster critical thinking, advanced analytical skills, and a significant understanding of leadership dynamics across various contexts.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online doctorate in organizational leadership program
- Strategic Leadership and Management: This course explores the critical aspects of leading organizations through strategic planning and execution. Students will learn to create visionary strategies, align them with organizational goals, and manage the change process effectively to ensure successful implementation.
- Ethical Decision-Making in Leadership: Focusing on the ethical challenges in today’s complex organizational environments, this course teaches students to navigate moral dilemmas and make decisions that uphold integrity and ethical standards. Learners explore various ethical frameworks and apply them to real-world leadership scenarios.
- Innovative Organizational Change: This course examines the theories and models of change within organizations, emphasizing the role of leaders in initiating and managing change. Students will learn strategies for leading change efforts, overcoming resistance, and ensuring sustainable organizational transformation.
- Research Methods in Organizational Leadership: Designed to prepare students for their doctoral research, this course covers various research methods and data analysis techniques specific to organizational studies. Learners study how to design research projects, collect and analyze data, and interpret results to contribute valuable insights to the field.
What Can I Do With an Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree?
An online doctorate in organizational leadership degree can lead to diverse upper-level management opportunities across many industries, where leadership skills are always in demand.
Business and finance are excellent career paths for graduates of organizational leadership programs. If you’re interested in education or healthcare, many leadership and administrative roles are available in those industries. No matter your career path, you’ll add value to any organization with the skills you learn in your leadership program.
Career outlook
- Education administrator — Lead and support public and private colleges and university faculties with curriculum development, student services, administrative leadership, and academic research.
- Median annual salary: $102,610
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 4%
- New jobs projected: 15,300
- Health services manager — Oversee the administration of a health services facility, such as hospitals, nursing homes, and medical practices.
- Median annual salary: $110,680
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 28%
- New jobs projected: 54,700
- Chief executive — Supervise the executive level of an organization in the public or private sector, create strategies for success, and form plans to implement organizational strategy.
- Median annual salary: $206,680
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 3%
- New jobs projected: 311,600
Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online doctorate in organizational leadership degree program?
To apply for your online doctorate in organizational leadership, you’ll need to meet the following typical admission requirements:
- A master’s degree from an accredited institution
- Professional resume illustrating your leadership experience
- Statement of purpose outlining your research interests and career goals
- Letters of recommendation
- Academic transcripts
- GRE scores
The importance of speaking with an admissions counselor before you apply cannot be overstated. They can provide personalized guidance, clarify program specifics, and help you understand how your background aligns with program expectations.
How much does an online doctorate in organizational leadership degree cost?
The cost of these degrees varies significantly between institutions. For the 2020-2021 academic year, average tuition was $12,394 at public colleges and $26,621 at private universities. Beyond tuition, it’s essential to consider additional expenses such as textbooks, technology fees, and any required on-campus residencies. Online programs often reduce costs related to commuting and housing compared to their in-person counterparts, but having adequate technology and internet access will become essential expenses.
How long does it take to earn an online doctorate in organizational leadership degree?
Earning an online doctorate in organizational leadership takes three to five years for most full-time students. However, the timeline can be extended for part-time learners, who often choose virtual learning for its flexibility in balancing education with full-time work or family commitments.
The total number of required credits also influences the program’s duration, with programs requiring more credits generally taking longer to complete.
Is a doctorate in organizational leadership degree worth it?
An online doctorate in organizational leadership prepares graduates to elevate their careers in any industry. Whether you’re planning to move up the ranks of your current job or starting a new career in an executive capacity, an organizational leadership degree provides the necessary skills to manage a business or organization as effectively as possible.
While success can be achieved without a graduate degree, it often takes longer and requires more experience. Those with a doctorate in organizational leadership set themselves apart from their industry peers, enhance their appeal to recruiters, and increase their credibility with their colleagues and employers.
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