A Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in Organizational Leadership is generally a research and theory-based approach to the discipline. Through this type of coursework, students gain an in-depth understanding of organizational leadership and go on to become strong leaders within their individual industries. This major gives students the skills to effect positive changes in many different environments and career paths, and students refine their soft skills to be able to work with subordinates, coworkers, and clients of all kinds.
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Best Online Schools for Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
METHODOLOGY: Are you interested in broadening your horizons? If so, earning an online Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership degree can certainly do the trick. A degree in this field can present a wide array of choices when it comes to choosing a career. Listed in random order, our selections for the 9 Best Online Schools for Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs were based on the following:
- Provides 100% Online or Hybrid degree program; some on-campus or residency requirements may apply,
- Designed for students focused on sharpening their leadership skills in any application, such as nonprofits, government, education, or corporate organizations, and much more,
- Hones research skills to explore effective strategies to solve real-world, work-related issues needed in the world of Organizational Leadership,
- Offers financial aid opportunities through grants and scholarships,
- Is properly accredited according to online distance learning requirements,
- Culminates into a dissertation or capstone project related to Organizational Leadership,
- Promotes economic and innovative technological advances for the future,
- Displays positive reviews by graduates, as well as other academic resources,
- Instructed by exceptional personnel focused on Organizational Leadership.
If you would like to learn more about how we choose our school selections, why not check out our Methodology page?
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UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
ONLINE ED.D IN ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE AND LEADERSHIP DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
The University of Southern California is an excellent and world-renowned school that offers an equally as impressive online EdD in Organizational Change and Leadership that is designed for current and emerging leaders who are looking to drive systemic change in their organizations. The coursework is delivered through online classes and real-world experiences.
Campus Location: Los Angeles, CA
Accreditation: Western Association of Colleges and Schools
Acceptance Rate: 16%
Retention Rate: 96%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and GRE or GMAT scores.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Human Lifespan Development
- Power, Equity, And Inclusion
- Research Design and Data Analysis
Degree Outcomes:
There are four themes that are addressed in each course at USC: organizational change, leadership, problem-solving, and reflection. Students gain a confident understanding of each focus area as it then applies to other more specific areas of organizational leadership.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’S ONLINE DOCTOR OF EDUCATION (EDD) IN ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE AND LEADERSHIP DEGREE PROGRAM
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GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY
DOCTOR OF EDUCATION IN ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP WITH AN EMPHASIS IN ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT distance learning degree program
Program Standouts:
Grand Canyon University is another online school that has been listed on innumerable indexes of the finest distance education institutions in the country. GCU offers an Ed.D in Organizational leadership with an Emphasis in Organizational Development that blends theory with practical application to analyze various organizational structures and how they benefit individual agencies.
Campus Location: Phoenix, AZ
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Acceptance Rate: 66.9%
Retention Rate: 66%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing an exemplary GPA, and financial aid documentation. Applicants must also contact an admission professional.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Ethical Dilemmas and Stewardship
- Stakeholders: Roles in Organizations
- Strategic Planning and Change
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates of this excellent program have an in-depth understanding of corporate social responsibility form the perspective of ethical decision-making. The coursework prepares students to “act as an agent of change in various types of organizations.” Fascinating classes make way for creative problem-solving at an incredibly high level of competence.
LEARN MORE ABOUT GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DOCTOR OF EDUCATION IN ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP WITH AN EMPHASIS IN ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
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CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY
ONLINE ED.D in INTERDISCIPLINARY LEADERSHIP DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
Creighton University’s online Ed.D in Leadership is designed for aspiring leaders from all backgrounds who long to affect lasting and meaningful change in their communities, workplaces, and beyond. The school operates on a foundation of Ignatian values and coursework is shaped by Jesuit ideals of academic excellence, respect, and faith.
Campus Location: Omaha, NE
Accreditation: North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
Acceptance Rate: 72%
Retention Rate: 89%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, three letters of recommendation, a personal essay, a current résumé or CV, and two writing and/or research samples. TOEFL scores are required from students who use English as a second language.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Leadership Styles and Reflective Practices
- Administrative and Policy Leadership Issues
- Change Theory and Practice
Degree Outcomes:
Students exiting this fabulous program have an extremely well-founded understanding of ethical leadership and decision-making. Alumni occupy various impressive positions of employment such as chief executives, school administrators and educators, marketing and sales leaders, and other occupations requiring high levels of management and responsibility.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE INTERDISCIPLINARY LEADERSHIP (DOCTORATE OF EDUCATION) DEGREE PROGRAM
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CITY UNIVERSITY OF SEATTLE
ONLINE DOCTOR OF EDUCATION IN LEADERSHIP DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
The City University of Seattle offers an impressive Ed.D in Leadership that equips professionals with the skills necessary to address current leadership challenges. Exciting coursework provides three concentration areas through which students can focus their studies to affect the most appropriate change in their professional paths.
Campus Location: Seattle, WA
Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 75%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, official transcripts from all accredited colleges and universities attended, responses to Admissions Statement Questions, a current résumé or CV representing two or more years of experience in a leadership capacity, and three references.
Program Options:
- Organizational Leadership
- Higher Educational Leadership
- Specialized Study
Degree Outcomes:
According to the impressive CUS website, over 92% of doctoral students were “highly satisfied” with the experience in this online program. Graduates go on to effect positive change in their careers, and the breadth of the coursework allows them to have an understanding of leadership as it applies to all areas of professional and personal lives.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CITY UNIVERSITY OF SEATTLE’S ONLINE DOCTOR OF EDUCATION IN LEADERSHIP DEGREE PROGRAM
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NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
DOCTOR OF EDUCATION WITH A CONCENTRATION IN ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP distance learning DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
This online Ed.D in Organizational Leadership program from Nova Southeastern University is designed for individuals who currently occupy a leadership role and who are seeking to enhance their understanding and competence within the discipline. The coursework fosters the development of skills to meet challenges through exercises in self-reflection, analysis, and best practices.
Campus Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Acceptance Rate: 58.2%
Retention Rate: 79%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, and official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing an exemplary GPA.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Virtual and Global Leadership
- Organizational Behavior and Human Development
- Strategic Planning
Degree Outcomes:
The primary purpose of this online program is to build upon the capacities of adult learners to meet both current and future challenges facing their organizations in the context of a challenging economy, growing globalism, and rapidly developing technology. Coursework presents strategic opportunities to develop professionally and apply sharpened skills to lead their organizations.
LEARN MORE ABOUT NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DOCTOR OF EDUCATION WITH A CONCENTRATION IN ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP DEGREE PROGRAM
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REGENT UNIVERSITY
ONLINE PH.D. IN ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
Regent University is an incredibly popular and highly successful online Christian School that offers numerous Ed.D programs in leadership that take individuals to new heights within their varying career paths. Through their curricula, students engage with how to construct and maintain effective strategies for individual learners and occupy positions of responsibility over others.
Campus Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Acceptance Rate: 78.3%
Retention Rate: 78%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing an exemplary GPA, a writing sample, a current résumé, and an admissions survey. All applicants must complete an admissions interview.
Program Options:
- Advanced Educational Leadership
- Christian Education Leadership
- Exceptional Education Executive Leadership
- Higher Education Leadership & Management
- K-12 School Leadership
Degree Outcomes:
Depending on their area of concentration, students will have the knowledge and skill to lead various types of educational institutions and learners. Graduates have ended up enhancing current positions of employment or advance to areas such as superintendent, business executive, deans, and more.
LEARN MORE ABOUT REGENT UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE PH.D. IN ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP DEGREE PROGRAM
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NORTHWEST NAZARENE UNIVERSITY
ED.D IN LEADERSHIP & ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT online DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
The Ed.D in Education Leadership from Northwest Nazarene University has a specific focus on particular practices or policies that affect state or regional schools or school systems and is concerned specifically toward application to professional practice in K-12 education.
Campus Location: College Station, TX
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Acceptance Rate: 73.4%
Retention Rate: 79%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing an exemplary GPA, GRE scores, departmental essays, a writing sample, and at least 3 letters of recommendation. TOEFL scores are required from students who use English as a second language.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Qualitative and Quantitative Methods for Educational Research
- Effective Leadership for Change Management
- Policy Influence and Development
Degree Outcomes:
This coursework prepares students to work with and improve schools and school systems. Alumni go on to occupy the highest positions available within these environments and have the knowledge and skill to run many different departments and lead employees with ease and effectiveness. NNU also acts as a constant support system for students and graduates at all times.
LEARN MORE ABOUT NORTHWEST NAZARENE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE ED.D IN LEADERSHIP AND ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT DEGREE PROGRAM
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UNIVERSITY OF THE CUMBERLANDS
distance learning PHD IN LEADERSHIP DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
The University of the Cumberlands’ online Ed.D in Educational Leadership is designed for professionals who are looking to enhance their specialty knowledge and lead school systems and educational institutions into the future. This online school provides a high amount of flexibility for each student, and the coursework focuses on critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Campus Location: Williamsburg, KY
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Acceptance Rate: 74.4%
Retention Rate: 69%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution representing a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, GRE scores, three letters of recommendation, a successfully completed background check, and TOEFL scores from students who use English as a second language.
Sampling of Coursework:
- Learning in Adulthood
- The Politics of Ed Decision Making
- Leadership in Theory and Practice
Degree Outcomes:
UOTC prepares educators to make valuable, cutting-edge contributions in a variety of academic leadership roles and settings. Graduates occupy job titles such as school presidents, superintendent, provost, business manager, director of development, and more!
LEARN MORE ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF THE CUMBERLANDS’ ONLINE Ph.D. IN LEADERSHIP DEGREE PROGRAM
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NORTHCENTRAL UNIVERSITY
ONLINE DOCTORATE IN INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
Northcentral University is a very well-known and highly popular online school and offers an exciting online Ed.D in Instructional Leadership that provides a strong knowledge base in the supervision of instruction, curriculum diversity, and analysis of instruction capacity in K-12 schools.
Campus Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Accreditation: Western Association of Colleges and Schools
Acceptance Rate: 90.7%
Retention Rate: 73%
Admission Requirements:
Applicants must submit a completed online application, the nonrefundable application fee, and official transcripts from an accredited graduate institution.
Sampling of Coursework:
- The Culture of Learning
- Leader as Advocate and Decision Maker
- Leader as Community Advocate
Degree Outcomes:
Students exiting this online program develop leadership skills to support educational practices across diverse instructional and organizational settings. These professionals communicate with diverse audiences concerning theories, research, and practices, and have the capability of leading entire institutions into successful futures.
LEARN MORE ABOUT NORTHCENTRAL UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DOCTORATE IN INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP DEGREE PROGRAM
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