Expedite your search for a reputable and career-focused doctorate in education. Explore the stories behind the Best Online Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership Rankings
Not all doctorates are created equal! To find the 15 best online doctoral programs in organizational leadership in the country, we devised a weighted formula composed of multiple quality factors.
- First we assigned points to schools that achieved multiple U.S. News & World Report and Times Higher Education rankings. All entries had to be regionally accredited and non-profit.
- But we also factored in data such as IPEDS student completion rates, acceptance rates, and earnings for education doctorate graduates.
- Although tuition rates no longer feature in our algorithm, you’ll still find affordable Ed.D. programs in our rankings. Just be aware that prices for most schools in the top 5 are going to be substantial.
Note: These rankings focus on degrees & concentrations that can be applied to public and private sector positions. If you’re interested in Ed.D. programs for PK-20 professionals, have a look at our rankings of the Best Online Ed.D. programs in the country.
Rankings Update: How Placements Changed in 2024
We’ve shaken things up for 2024! To give you a broader overview of organizational leadership education, our rankings now include hybrid doctorates. But even these “blended” options with campus visits may still be feasible for many professionals. Here are a few more highlights of the year:
- New York University earns the #1 spot in 2024. But—as usual—Vanderbilt, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and the University of Southern California aren’t far behind.
- Even though George Washington University bills its program as hybrid, we’d classify it as online. And that excellent Ed.D. is now in our top 5.
- 100% online players like the University of Miami and the University of Massachusetts Global are new for 2024.
- Christian and Catholic universities continue to make a strong showing. Some of these Ed.D. programs also feature small classes and a more personal feel.
Another trend? We’re seeing a lot of interactive coursework. The best online doctorates in organizational leadership often include field experiences, seminars, consulting projects, and a whole lot more. If the thought of a traditional 5-chapter dissertation fills you with existential dread, you’ll be pleased to hear that many schools in our rankings have switched to team-based capstone projects or Dissertations in Practice.
Top Schools with Online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Programs in Organizational Leadership
15University of St. Francis
Delivery: 100% Online (Check with Program Coordinator)
Credits: 60
Length: 3.5 Years
Minimum Program Cost: $41,940
USF’s Organizational Leadership Ed.D. Overview
USF is a small Catholic university with roots in Franciscan learning. That means the College of Education leans hard on principles of community & service—note the emphasis on “Stewardship” in the program title. Classes are intimate. Reviews of its graduate programs are uniformly strong. And faculty are readily available.
Ignore the title—the cohort-based Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership – Leadership, Learning, and Stewardship is truly an organizational degree. Standard coursework in research and dissertation prep is complimented by a whopping 36 credits in the concentration. Over 3.5 years, you’ll explore ideas around fiscal & ethical stewardship, law & ethics, accountability, and governance. There’s even a course on Servant Leadership.
We especially love the inclusion of a 2-course Experiential Leadership Project. This will give you the opportunity to step back and take a 30,000-foot-view of leadership challenges under the supervision of a university faculty member and a practicing organizational leader.
For More Information:
14Creighton University
Delivery: Online with 1 Campus Residency & Optional Institutes
Credits: 51
Length: 3 Years
Minimum Program Cost: $58,980
Creighton’s Organizational Leadership Ed.D. Overview
Creighton is a private Jesuit university with a solid Graduate School and respectable rankings in online education programs. It’s not a big research powerhouse or an international player, but it’s put together a distance learning doctorate that really digs into practical leadership concerns.
In just under 3 years, you can complete a cohort-based Online Ed.D. in Interdisciplinary Leadership that’s structured for working professionals. Courses are 8 weeks in length and cover relevant organizational topics, including administration & policy, systems thinking, leadership & applied ethics, and more. You’ll also be able to select 6 credits of electives.
But wait, there’s more! This thoughtful doctorate includes a Dissertation in Practice (DiP) that can be submitted as an article for publication or a conference and multiple opportunities for networking. There’s a mandatory 3-day campus residency in the first semester, as well as optional on-campus learning institutes where you can meet with faculty and peers.
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13Wilmington University
Delivery: 100% Online
Credits: 54
Length: 3 Years
Minimum Program Cost: $37,584
Wilmington’s Organizational Leadership Ed.D. Overview
One of Wilmington’s key selling points? Affordability. Earning a doctorate from this College of Education & Liberal Arts won’t break the bank. The College is well-known in the Delaware region and not-so-well-known in the rest of the country, but it’s CAEP-accredited and produces plenty of educational leaders.
Wilmington’s interdisciplinary & cohort-based Online Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership, Learning and Innovation is available in a 100% online format—you won’t have to attend any campus immersions. It’s composed of 18 courses that take 3 years to complete. We particularly like the fact that you can customize this practical doctorate by choosing a concentration in:
- Strategic Leadership (e.g. organizational improvement & innovation, employee engagement, business acumen, etc.)
- Workplace Learning & Talent Development (e.g. universal design for learning, adult learning, workforce trends, etc.)
- Student Designed Learning Pathway (e.g. courses to suit your career objectives)
Looking to buff up your résumé? In addition to an Applied Dissertation in Practice (DiP), you’ll also complete a Field Experience Consulting Project, with hands-on internal & external consulting experiences, and a reflective portfolio of development activities.
For More Information:
12Concordia University Chicago
Delivery: 100% Online
Credits: 61
Length: 3-4 Years
Minimum Program Cost: $45,933
CUC’s Organizational Leadership Ed.D. Overview
CUC is a Lutheran university with a strong Christ-centered focus—the College of Education was founded as a Lutheran teacher preparation college. It appears in our rankings thanks to convenience and glowing reviews. Alumni of CUC’s graduate programs in educational leadership praise the rigorous coursework, supportive faculty, and real-world curricula.
Full details about the Online Ed.D. in Leadership – Organizational Leadership can be found in the Academic Catalog. We’re estimating that this 100% online doctorate can be finished in 3-4 years on a part-time basis, but we recommend you ask the Ed.D. program coordinator for a sample schedule. The curriculum is split into four parts:
- Doctoral Core: Fundamentals of Organizational Leadership
- Specialization Coursework
- Research
- Comprehensive Exam & Dissertation
Within the specialization, you’ll discover a lot of high-level thinking around knowledge management, developing human capital, change theories, and inclusive leadership. The aim is to prepare Ed.D. graduates for positions in corporations, not-for-profit organizations, governments, and more.
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11University of Massachusetts Global
Delivery: 100% Online
Credits: 57
Length: 3 Years or More
Minimum Program Cost: $59,907
UMass Global’s Organizational Leadership Ed.D. Overview
UMass Global wins on practicality. Although it doesn’t have the same academic standing as the University of Massachusetts and its brick & mortar campuses, it is a non-profit affiliate of the UMass system (read more about its history). Faculty come from a range of backgrounds. Admissions requirements are achievable (e.g. 2.75 GPA). And full-time or part-time study is available.
When you choose this no-nonsense Online Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership, you’ll complete core coursework in areas like strategic thinking, organizational theory, and team dynamics. Nitty gritty challenges such as assessment, HR management, and budgeting are also included. UMass Global’s program culminates in a traditional five-chapter dissertation.
Be prepared to roll up your sleeves! This 100% online doctorate features cohort meetings, immersion sessions, synchronous/real-time online seminars, and a unique Transformational Change Project (TCP). The TCP interweaves field-based assignments and embedded experiences with actual deliverables. At the end of your second year, you’ll present your findings & implications for practice at a Transformational Change Symposium.
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10Nova Southeastern University
Delivery: Online with 1 Summer Institute/Conference
Credits: 55
Length: 3 Years
Minimum Program Cost: $85,250
NSU’s Organizational Leadership Ed.D. Overview
NSU is one of the more expensive options in our Ed.D. rankings, but it’s offered by a private research university with an excellent track record. The College of Education & School of Criminal Justice has produced 30+ college and university presidents and 250+ school superintendents. It offers a special tuition discount to a number of partner Florida organizations. And it has even developed a special Kendall (Miami) Bilingual Doctoral Program for Hispanic professionals.
The standard Online Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership is a 3-year, part-time doctorate that prepares graduates for hands-on roles. In addition to completing foundation & research credits, you’ll take courses in all aspects of organizational leadership (e.g. global leadership, strategic planning, change management, diversity dynamics, etc.). The doctorate is almost entirely online, but all Ed.D. students are required to attend one Summer Institute during their studies.
The real selling point is the final Ed.D. project. NSU allows you to choose between an Applied Dissertation or a Strategic Research Project (SRP). The SRP is made up of 2 courses that you complete in your final year. In the first course, you’ll identify a problem of practice, conduct a literature review, analyze evidence, and come up with potential actions/interventions. In the second course, you’ll incorporate feedback into your intervention plan, devise an evaluation strategy, and produce a final narrative & deliverable.
For More Information:
9University of La Verne
Delivery: Hybrid with 2 Campus Practicums Per Semester
Credits: 54
Length: 3 Years
Minimum Program Cost: $66,690
ULV’s Organizational Leadership Ed.D. Overview
ULV’s blended doctorate was just too good to ignore! It’s the brainchild of the LaFetra College of Education, a school with a sizeable PK-20 footprint in Southern California and a commitment to social equity. Classes are kept small. Over 80% of doctoral students advance in their jobs before graduation. And Ed.D. faculty have intriguing interests, including work in entrepreneurship.
Unlike other doctorates, ULV’s Hybrid Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership is both holistic and thematic. In the first year of the curriculum, you’ll focus on topics around personal/interpersonal development & leadership. In the second, you’ll concentrate on the leadership of teams & groups. And in your final year, you’ll explore organizational theory & practice and tackle a Change Initiative-Capstone Project.
The majority of coursework is delivered online, through elements like webinars and asynchronous study. But you will need to plan for visits to campus twice per semester for in-person practicums. To encourage collaboration and peer support, ULV will also place you in a virtual, faculty-led Learning Group (organized by geographic region). These online cohorts of 8-12 students meet regularly with their group leader each semester.
For More Information:
8University of Miami
Delivery: 100% Online
Credits: 45
Length: 2.5 Years
Minimum Program Cost: $65,367 with Tuition Waiver
UMiami’s Organizational Leadership Ed.D. Overview
Looking for an Ed.D. that focuses on the science of workplace learning, design & assessment? Fascinated by ideas around professional development? UMiami’s unusual program may be ideal. You’ll find it housed within the Department of Teaching & Learning in the School of Education & Human Development. Department faculty have their hands on all kinds of research projects, including work in AR and AI.
You can get a better handle on the 100% Online Ed.D. in Applied Learning Sciences by examining the course descriptions. On top of credits in organizational learning and theory, the program features classes in the design of online learning environments and workplace training & professional development programs. Cultural practices will also be explored.
By your second summer, you’ll be working on designing a team-based capstone project that tackles a local problem or issue related to learning. In your third year, you’ll be implementing the intervention and assessing the results. All Ed.D. students are expected to submit a paper that outlines their unique contributions to the project.
For More Information:
7Baylor University
Delivery: Online with 2 Campus Immersions
Credits: 54
Length: 3 Years or More
Minimum Program Cost: $96,390
Baylor’s Organizational Leadership Ed.D. Overview
Baylor’s School of Education may not be as well-known as Rossier or Steinhardt, but this Christian-focused institution punches above its weight. It’s deeply engaged in the Texas educational community. It produces a diverse assortment of doctoral alumni. And it’s an Experienced CPED member. In fact, this particular program won CPED’s Program of the Year Award in 2022!
The Online Ed.D. in Learning and Organizational Change is available in a 3-year format (e.g. 2 courses per term) or on a more flexible schedule. Ed.D. coursework covers topics such as organizational change, the psychology of learning, instructional design, community leadership & collaboration, and more. All students are required to take part in weekly online classes & group discussions, attend 2 in-person immersions, and complete a Problem of Practice (PoP) dissertation.
Check out the faculty profiles and course descriptions to get a feel for the program’s flavor. Keep in mind that Ed.D. candidates should share Baylor’s commitment to a tradition of faith-based service.
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6Virginia Commonwealth University
Delivery: Online with 1 Summer Residency
Credit Hours: 48
Length: 3 Years
Minimum Program Cost: $66,624 (Out-of-State); $33,216 (In-State)
VCU’s Organizational Leadership Ed.D. Overview
Put VCU on your shortlist if you’re craving a collaborative, tech-savvy program. The School of Education (SOE) and Department of Educational Leadership have gone the extra mile to build interactivity into their doctorate. Since VCU has been an Experienced CPED member since 2014, you can also be assured that there will be an emphasis on action-oriented learning.
Organizational leaders in the public or private sector should apply for the Online Ed.D. in Leadership – General Leadership. To foster connection, VCU groups students into relevant cohorts at the beginning of the doctorate. You’ll meet with fellow students each week in a synchronous session, collaborate with them on course projects, and encounter them at the summer residency.
The curriculum is laid out on the program page. Here you’ll discover a judicious mix of theory and practice (e.g. budgeting, legal perspectives, etc.) and a surprising number of courses on data & leadership. For your final project, you’ll work with a team to develop a capstone or Dissertation-in-Practice (DiP) for a community-based partner organization.
For More Information:
5George Washington University
Delivery: Online with 3 Long Weekend Residencies
Credit Hours: 60
Length: ~3 Years
Minimum Program Cost: $112,200
GW’s Organizational Leadership Ed.D. Overview
GW is our top pick for military and government leaders. The university enrolls more than 1,000 veterans, active duty service members, and dependents, and it’s located in the epicenter of federal activity. Within the Department of Human and Organizational Learning, you’ll discover faculty with interests in everything from women’s leadership and socialization to behavioral science work for the U.S. Army Research Institute.
The university bills its Ed.D. in Human and Organizational Learning as hybrid, but we’d classify it as online! You’ll only be required to visit D.C. for 3 long weekends—two at the VSTC campus and one at the Foggy Bottom campus. The rest of the doctorate will be a mix of synchronous online Saturday classes and asynchronous coursework & activities.
GW does a nice job of combining traditional organizational leadership courses with electives, seminars, a 6-credit practicum, and a dissertation. But quality does come with a price. If you need help with tuition, be sure to visit the section on Funding Your Graduate Education. Scholarships are available.
For More Information:
4University of Southern California
Delivery: Online with Annual Immersion Weekends
Credits: 43 Units
Length: 3 Years
Minimum Program Cost: $96,492
USC’s Organizational Leadership Ed.D. Overview
The Rossier School of Education is a big player in the world of academia—you’ll often see it ranked in the top 15 of Best Education Schools in the country. Faculty are involved in all kinds of intriguing research initiatives and graduate students are refreshingly diverse. Thanks to its location in Los Angeles, urban education is a key focus.
The Online Ed.D. in Organizational Change and Leadership (OCL) is a good choice for early to mid-tier leaders—the versatile program can be applied to multiple career spheres. Anyone entering with a master’s or terminal degree will only need to take 43 units in order to complete the doctorate. In a little less than 3 years, you’ll participate in weekly live video classes, attend annual immersion weekends, and tackle a Dissertation in Practice (DiP).
If the price point for this online doctorate is intimidating, check out the section on tuition & financial aid for ideas on funding. Online Ed.D. students are eligible for modest Rossier scholarships.
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3University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Online Ed.D. in Education, Policy, Organization and Leadership – International Education Administration & Leadership
- Online Ed.D. in Education, Policy, Organization and Leadership – Human Resource Development (HRD)
Delivery: 100% Online
Credit Hours: 64
Length: 3+ Years
Minimum Program Cost: $32,640
UIUC’s Organizational Leadership Ed.D. Overview
UIUC’s doctorate in education is our top pick for price—tuition rates for online programs at the College of Education are eminently affordable. It’s also 100% online, which means you won’t have to budget for any travel expenses.
- The Online Ed.D. in Education, Policy, Organization and Leadership: International Education Administration & Leadership is a fairly broad degree that examines global issues related to education. Course titles include Education & Globalization, Education and Human Rights, Globalizing Educational Policy, Organization Development, and more.
- The more focused Online Ed.D. in Education, Policy, Organization and Leadership: Human Resource Development (HRD) is aimed at professionals who are interested in improving workplace performance & individual learning in organizations. You’ll be able to dig into the design, implementation, and evaluation of HRD programs.
At UIUC, you’ll participate in live online classes/discussions that meet once per week. You’ll also be expected to conduct field research, take preliminary & qualifying exams, and complete a dissertation that addresses a problem of professional practice. See the COE Graduate Handbook and Online FAQs for answers to specific questions.
2Vanderbilt University
Delivery: Online with 3 On-Campus Convenings
Credits: 54
Length: 3-4 Years
Minimum Program Cost: $121,230
Vanderbilt’s Organizational Leadership Ed.D. Overview
The Peabody College of Education and Human Development is a powerhouse in the South. Like NYU Steinhardt, it’s packed with quality markers, including outstanding national rankings, 18 research centers, experienced faculty, and a great track record of employment. Among professional students, 95%+ secure jobs within 4 months of graduation.
The Online Ed.D. in Leadership and Learning in Organizations is designed for mid-career professionals with 3+ years of leadership experience. This program covers three key competency areas needed for operational improvements in the workplace:
- Leadership & Organizational Development
- Data & Analytics
- Learning & Design
Over the course of 3-4 years, you’ll take part in weekly online classes and 3 on-campus residencies. The distance doctorate culminates in a capstone project centered on a specific organizational challenge. Vanderbilt is expensive, so you may need to discuss funding options with your current employer.
For More Information:
1New York University
Delivery: Online with 1 Immersive Residency
Credits: 42
Length: 2 Years
Minimum Program Cost: $96,994
NYU’s Organizational Leadership Ed.D. Overview
NYU Steinhardt has instant name recognition in the field of education—it achieves consistently high rankings, it’s well-known internationally, and it runs all kinds of research centers & institutes. If you’re a mid-level organizational leader looking for a distance program that’s led by great faculty, you’re in the right place.
NYU’s cohort-based Online Ed.D. in Leadership and Innovation is short & intense. Designed for working professionals with 7-10 years of experience, this executive doctorate can be completed in 2 years.
- There are 17 required courses, including research credits. Topics include organizational theory, leveraging partnerships, management & data ethics, education policy, and more.
- You’ll also take part in a 3-day immersive experience on the NYU campus and get stuck into a unique Problem of Practice. This capstone project will be applied to your current work challenges.
All of this quality comes with a price—NYU is not cheap. View the tuition section and the FAQs to learn more about ways to offset costs.
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What is an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership?
Organizational Leadership applies fundamental principles of social & behavioral psychology to the gray-flannel world of organizational management. In an Ed.D. program, the first part of the definition is widened to include principles of education & adult learning.
Training in organizational leadership provides a way for leaders to understand the strengths & weaknesses of their workforce. An education doctorate in organizational leadership may be a good choice if you wish to:
- Create organizations that foster social justice, diversity, and sustainability
- Transform your organization through research-based learning approaches
- Implement innovative solutions to business & organizational challenges
- Help your workforce adapt quickly & effectively to cultural, economic, and technological changes
- Develop & deepen your leadership practices
Professionals in this kind of Ed.D. program come from all kinds of fields, including K-20 administration, non-profits, human resources, corporate training & development, education consulting, government, and the military.
Types of Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership Programs
Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership: Primary Major
Our program database contains more than 80 Ed.D. programs in Organizational Leadership. Within these listings, you’ll find all kinds of unique doctoral programs, including degrees that encompass areas like innovation, learning, development, and strategic change.
Since every organizational leadership program is different, it pays to do a little research into the School or College of Education. Who will be teaching the courses? Is the curriculum relevant to your career goals? Is there an internship? Can you customize electives? You’re looking for practical learning.
Ed.D. in Leadership: Organizational Leadership Concentration
A number of education doctorates in the listings offer organizational leadership as a concentration within a broader leadership or educational leadership program. In this structure, you’ll take a core set of credits in leadership (e.g. ethical leadership, strategic thinking, etc.) and concentration courses in more specific areas (e.g. organizational design & culture, managing complexity, global leadership, etc.).
Examples of this phenomenon include City University of Seattle’s Online Ed.D. in Leadership – Organizational Leadership and Fielding University’s Online Ed.D. in Leadership for Change – Organization Development.
Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership & Educational Leadership: Hybrid Major
In some cases, organizational leadership and educational leadership have been blended into a hybrid major. An example of this would be the University of Louisville’s Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development. These programs may be best-suited to leaders in K-20 education and related fields.
Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership Specializations
In addition, more & more universities are offering interdisciplinary concentrations in organizational leadership. For instance, Abilene Christian University’s Online Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership offers tracks in Learning with Emerging Technologies, Positive Leadership, Higher Education, and Conflict Management.
Ed.D. vs. Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership
There are several key differences between the Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership and Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership.
- Degree Focus: The Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership is tailored to academics and researchers who are interested in studying the intersection of psychology and management. The Ed.D. is much more concerned with applied research & practical leadership concerns. Ed.D. students are almost always exploring ways to implement their coursework into their workplace.
- Academic Requirements: Both the Ph.D. and Ed.D. are research-focused doctoral programs. Having said that, the Ph.D. deals with original insights—students are expected to conduct research that advances the understanding and practice of leadership. An Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership may have more real-world courses, an internship or practicums, and a practice-based dissertation or capstone project.
- Career Aims: Ph.D. graduates often go on to jobs in academia or research institutions, although there are some who choose to become C-level executives and administrators. Ed.D. graduates typically seek high-level leadership & management positions within their field. Some may serve as adjunct professors.
Want to learn more? We discuss the differences between Ed.D. and Ph.D. programs in detail here.
Earning an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership
Organizational Leadership Prerequisites
- Master’s Degree: Generally speaking, universities are looking for Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership candidates who hold a master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. The major isn’t usually specified—your master’s degree can be in a wide range of fields.
- Work Experience: Some schools don’t specify a work experience minimum; others may ask for a certain number of years in a leadership position (e.g. 2+ years). Anything you can do to show your interest in management & leadership is obviously going to improve your application.
- Minimum GPA: This will vary from university to university. The standard minimum is 3.0, but a highly regarded school may raise the stakes to 3.25-3.5.
- Additional Materials: Schools may also ask to see 2-3 professional letters of recommendation, a current résumé, a personal statement, and/or a writing sample. GRE scores are often not required or optional.
Organizational Leadership Curriculum
An Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership has a few key differences to an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. Doctorates in organizational leadership do not usually deal with K-20 concerns. Instead, core coursework will focus on areas such as:
- Organizational Learning Theory, Culture & Practice
- Research Trends in Organization and Leadership
- Strategic Thinking
- Change Management
As you dig down into the curriculum, you’ll often be able to focus on particular aspects of the field, including:
- Diversity Initiatives
- Global Leadership
- Collaborative Coaching
- Organizational Design & Culture
- Communication and Effective Leadership
- Leadership Ethics
All doctoral programs in Organizational Leadership will also contain a substantial number of credits in advanced research methods & topics. Most programs take 3-5 years to complete.
Organizational Leadership Internship
Some—but not all—Ed.D. programs in Organizational Leadership contain an internship or practicum requirement. As long as the internships are well-run, we tend to favor these kinds of doctorates. Professional internships will give you a chance to apply your learning amid a constant stream of feedback and guidance.
Examples of organizational leadership programs with this kind of element include the Field Consulting Experience in Wilmington University’s Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership, Learning & Innovation and the 3-course internship process in Oakland City University’s Ed.D. – Option III Organizational Management.
Organizational Leadership Dissertation
The Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership will always contain a large research-based project. This can take the form of a traditional 5-chapter dissertation (like the Ph.D.), a Dissertation in Practice (DiP), or a capstone project. We talk more about the differences between these options in our guide to No Dissertation Ed.D. Programs.
A number of highly regarded schools lean toward the DiP or the capstone for the Ed.D. For example, Nova Southeastern University’s Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership contains a Strategic Research Project (SRP) that allows students to solve problems in a real-world setting.
Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Programs
Are Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership Programs Offered Online?
Several dozen regionally accredited Ed.D. programs in Organizational Leadership in our program database can be completed mostly or entirely online. Among them are the prestigious Vanderbilt University program listed in our rankings, as well as education doctorates at respected brick-and-mortar institutions like UIUC and Baylor University.
Do Online Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership Programs Contain Residencies?
Most Online Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership programs will contain short, on-campus residencies (e.g. 2-3 days)—these are often called intensives. For example, universities may wish to see you for an initial orientation, your dissertation proposal, and your dissertation defense. Other schools may want you to collaborate with your peers on leadership projects.
Having said that, there are 100% online doctoral programs in organizational leadership. For example, Abilene Christian University’s Online Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership has no on-campus requirements. Some universities also make residencies “optional,” with online participation available for distance learners who can’t afford the trips to campus.
Organizational Leadership Careers
Graduates with an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership pursue a variety of careers. Examples of job titles include:
- C-Level Executive
- Non-Profit Executive Director
- Policy Director
- Program Director
- VP Organizational Development
- Healthcare Executive
- HR Vice President
- Career Coach
- Business Consultant
- Entrepreneur
- VP Global Learning & Leadership
- Chief Learning Officer
- Instructional Design Leader
Is an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership Worth It?
The answer will depend on your long-term career goals. Because an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership can be applied to plenty of job settings, especially outside of K-20 education, it’s important to have a direction before you commit to 3-5 years of a doctorate.
Examine current job listings that appeal to you. Talk to your mentors. Contact recent Ed.D. & Ph.D. graduates on your shortlist of programs. You need to know whether the investment will pay dividends in the future. A major in organizational leadership has become a relatively common specialty for business degrees, so you should find plenty of opinions.
Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership Resources
- Center for Organizational Leadership: Hosted by Rutgers University, the Center provides useful resources for those who are studying organizational leadership principles or want to more effectively integrate it into their work.
- Change Management Institute (CMI): CMI is a global, not-for-profit association of change management professionals. It runs a global accreditation program, offers change management courses, and provides access to best practice events, professional development workshops, and networking sessions for its members.
- International Journal of Organizational Leadership: This peer-reviewed, open-access journal provides years of articles reflecting recent research in the field.
- International Organization Development Association: IODA attempts to make organizational development and organizational change principles more globally accessible.
- Organization Development Network: The Organizational Development Network connects organizational leadership professionals from a variety of disciplines.
School Listings
45 Schools Found
Alabama
University of West Alabama
College of Education
Livingston, Alabama
Arizona
Grand Canyon University
College of Education
Phoenix, Arizona
Northcentral University
School of Education
Prescott Valley, Arizona
California
Fielding Graduate University
School of Leadership Studies
Santa Barbara, California
National University
Sanford College of Education
La Jolla, California
Pepperdine University
Graduate School of Education and Pschology
Malibu, California
UMass Global
School of Education
Irvine, California
University of La Verne
Graduate School
La Verne, California
University of San Francisco
School of Education
San Francisco, California
University of Southern California
Rossier School of Education
Los Angeles, California
University of the Pacific
Benerd School of Education
Stockton, California
Colorado
Aspen University
School of Education
Denver, Colorado
Delaware
Wilmington University
College of Education
New Castle, Delaware
Doctor of Education in Organizational, Learning, Leadership and Innovation - Strategic Leadership
Offered Online
Doctor of Education in Organizational, Learning, Leadership and Innovation - Talent Development
Offered Online
District of Columbia
George Washington University
Graduate School of Education and Human Development
Washington, District of Columbia
Florida
Barry University
School of Education
Miami, Florida
Nova Southeastern University
Fischler College of Education
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Southeastern University
College of Education
Lakeland, Florida
Georgia
University of Georgia
Department of Lifelong Education, Administration, and Policy
Athens, Georgia
Valdosta State University
College of Education and Human Services
Valdosta, Georgia
Illinois
Concordia University-Chicago
College of Education
River Forest, Illinois
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Department of Educational Policy, Organization, and Leadership
Champaign, Illinois
Ed.D. in Learning Design and Leadership - New Learning
Offered Online
Indiana
Oakland City University
School of Education
Oakland City, Indiana
Kentucky
University of Louisville
School of Education
Louisville, Kentucky
Western Kentucky University
College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Massachusetts
Bay Path University
School of Education
Longmeadow, Massachusetts
Northeastern University
College of Professional Studies
Boston, Massachusetts
Michigan
Cornerstone University
Adult & Graduate Studies
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Oakland University
Department of Organizational Leadership
Rochester Hills, Michigan
Minnesota
Winona State University
College of Education
Winona, Minnesota
New Jersey
Stockton University
School of Education
Galloway, New Jersey
North Carolina
Gardner-Webb University
School of Education
Boiling Springs, North Carolina
North Dakota
North Dakota State University-Main Campus
School of Education
Fargo, North Dakota
Ohio
Franklin University
School of Education
Columbus, Ohio
University of Dayton
School of Education and Health Sciences
Dayton, Ohio
Wright State University
College of Education and Human Services
Celina, Ohio
Oregon
University of Portland
School of Education
Portland, Oregon
Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania
Wharton School
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Converse College
Department of Education
Spartanburg, South Carolina
Tennessee
Lipscomb University
College of Education
Nashville, Tennessee
Vanderbilt University
Peabody College of Education
Nashville, Tennessee
Texas
Abilene Christian University
School of Education Leadership
Abilene, Texas
Baylor University
Department of Curriculum & Instruction
Waco, Texas
Washington
City University of Seattle
School of Applied Leadership
Seattle, Washington
Seattle Pacific University
School of Education
Seattle, Washington
Wisconsin
Viterbo University
College of Business, Leadership, and Ethics
La Crosse, Wisconsin