Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Programs 2025

Do you see yourself as an influential leader? An online doctorate in organizational leadership leads to C-level roles with high earning potential.
Evan Thompson
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Edited by
Updated January 14, 2025
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Organizational leadership is the key to success for any business or organization. Careers in this potentially make up to $239,200 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Do you see yourself as an influential leader in the workplace? As someone who can recognize a problem, find a solution, and communicate the plan to fix it?

All you need are the qualifications, and you could be a CEO someday. If that’s what you want for your future, then an online doctorate in organizational leadership might be the best fit.

Here’s how to get started:

  • Explore this page to determine whether this path is the right choice for you.
  • Check out the top-ranked online doctorate in organizational leadership programs, as well as our sponsored programs.
  • Request more information from schools you’re interested in to find the best fit for your schedule, pocketbook, and career goals.

Featured Online Doctorate Degrees in Organizational Leadership

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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Online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership Programs

Concordia University-Wisconsin

Mequon, WI4 yearCampus + Online

$12,042

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$12,042

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

68%

Acceptance Rate

57%

Online Enrollment

Why We Chose This School

If you're looking for a research-based doctorate with an interdisciplinary focus, consider an online degree from Concordia University Wisconsin. After earning 60 credits, you can earn a Ph.D. in leadership in innovation and continuous improvement. 

The flexible curriculum will allow you to hold down your full-time job. You'll also take courses that prepare you for work in education, business, healthcare, and other industries. With regularly scheduled colloquia over Zoom, you'll engage in meaningful discussions with faculty and other students.

Highlights

  • Community engagement
  • No GRE or GMAT required

Know Before You Apply

  • Fewer doctoral programs
  • More expensive net price
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$32,770

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,770

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

5,063

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$12,042

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,042

Mequon, WI4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$12,042

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$12,042

Acceptance Rate

68%

Online Enrollment

57%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$32,770

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$32,770

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

5,063

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Why We Chose This School

If you're looking for a research-based doctorate with an interdisciplinary focus, consider an online degree from Concordia University Wisconsin. After earning 60 credits, you can earn a Ph.D. in leadership in innovation and continuous improvement. 

The flexible curriculum will allow you to hold down your full-time job. You'll also take courses that prepare you for work in education, business, healthcare, and other industries. With regularly scheduled colloquia over Zoom, you'll engage in meaningful discussions with faculty and other students.

Highlights

  • Community engagement
  • No GRE or GMAT required

Know Before You Apply

  • Fewer doctoral programs
  • More expensive net price

Holy Family University

Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online

$11,811

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,811

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

77%

Acceptance Rate

74%

Online Enrollment

Why We Chose This School

An Ed.D. in educational and organizational leadership from Holy Family University can help you prepare to take on an advanced leadership role in any academic setting. This accelerated online program provides practical experience, not just theory and knowledge, to help you advance in the field or navigate a career change. 

Accredited by the Middle State Commission on Higher Education, this program also helps you get a certification in education administration or PK-12 education in Pennsylvania.

Highlights

  • Based in a major metro area
  • High retention rate

Know Before You Apply

  • Expensive graduate tuition 
  • 59% graduation rate
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$31,508

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,508

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

2,912

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,811

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,811

Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$11,811

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$11,811

Acceptance Rate

77%

Online Enrollment

74%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$31,508

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$31,508

Retention Rate

79%

Students Enrolled

2,912

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Why We Chose This School

An Ed.D. in educational and organizational leadership from Holy Family University can help you prepare to take on an advanced leadership role in any academic setting. This accelerated online program provides practical experience, not just theory and knowledge, to help you advance in the field or navigate a career change. 

Accredited by the Middle State Commission on Higher Education, this program also helps you get a certification in education administration or PK-12 education in Pennsylvania.

Highlights

  • Based in a major metro area
  • High retention rate

Know Before You Apply

  • Expensive graduate tuition 
  • 59% graduation rate

Johnson University

Knoxville, TN4 yearCampus + Online

$9,285

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,285

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

63%

Acceptance Rate

48%

Online Enrollment

Why We Chose This School

Johnson University offers a Ph.D. in leadership studies that's designed for working professionals looking for a biblical focus in their studies. This 100% online program offers the following concentrations:

  • Educational leadership
  • Ministry leadership
  • Missional leadership
  • Organizational leadership
  • Philosophy of leadership
  • Theology of leadership

The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Students take classes using an interdisciplinary approach that emphasizes individual and personal systems, organizational systems, global systems, and research.

Highlights

  • Less expensive than other schools on this list
  • 10-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio

Know Before You Apply

  • Lower online graduate enrollment
  • Only one online doctorate program
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$17,384

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,384

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

939

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,285

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,285

Knoxville, TN4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,285

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$9,285

Acceptance Rate

63%

Online Enrollment

48%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$17,384

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,384

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

939

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Why We Chose This School

Johnson University offers a Ph.D. in leadership studies that's designed for working professionals looking for a biblical focus in their studies. This 100% online program offers the following concentrations:

  • Educational leadership
  • Ministry leadership
  • Missional leadership
  • Organizational leadership
  • Philosophy of leadership
  • Theology of leadership

The school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Students take classes using an interdisciplinary approach that emphasizes individual and personal systems, organizational systems, global systems, and research.

Highlights

  • Less expensive than other schools on this list
  • 10-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio

Know Before You Apply

  • Lower online graduate enrollment
  • Only one online doctorate program

Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN4 yearCampus + Online

$53,160

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$53,160

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

6%

Acceptance Rate

10%

Online Enrollment

Why We Chose This School

Vanderbilt University's online Ed.D. in leadership and learning focuses on three key competency areas: leadership and organizational development, data and analytics, and learning and design.

Online classes are taught live weekly and in the evenings. During the capstone seminars, you'll work in teams to develop a process that improves or solves an organizational problem. You'll also participate in three on-campus convenings to collaborate with peers and faculty and present capstone projects.

Highlights

  • High graduation rate
  • Higher earnings after graduation than that of other schools on this list

Know Before You Apply

  • High graduate tuition
Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$58,130

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$58,130

Retention Rate

96%

Students Enrolled

13,456

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$53,160

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$53,160

Nashville, TN4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$53,160

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$53,160

Acceptance Rate

6%

Online Enrollment

10%

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$58,130

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$58,130

Retention Rate

96%

Students Enrolled

13,456

Institution Type

Private

Accreditation

Yes

Why We Chose This School

Vanderbilt University's online Ed.D. in leadership and learning focuses on three key competency areas: leadership and organizational development, data and analytics, and learning and design.

Online classes are taught live weekly and in the evenings. During the capstone seminars, you'll work in teams to develop a process that improves or solves an organizational problem. You'll also participate in three on-campus convenings to collaborate with peers and faculty and present capstone projects.

Highlights

  • High graduation rate
  • Higher earnings after graduation than that of other schools on this list

Know Before You Apply

  • High graduate tuition

Why Should You Get an Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership?

Whether you want to be a better leader, systematically transform your workplace, or take on executive roles, a doctorate in organizational leadership can improve your career.

Benefits of a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership

  • Advance to senior leadership roles.
  • Increase your earning potential.
  • Improve your leadership skills.
  • Become an expert in your field.

Reasons to Get Your Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Online

  • Balance work and school.
  • You are a strong self-motivator.
  • Save time on commuting.
  • Learn from convenient locations, such as home.

Is an Online Doctorate Degree in Organizational Leadership Worth It?

Yes. A doctorate in organizational leadership leads to executive-level roles that increase your earning potential. You’ll gain high-level knowledge of assessing and solving organizational challenges in many professional settings. Examples include businesses, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and higher education institutions.

What Can You Do With a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership?

A doctorate in organizational leadership hones your skills for becoming an influential leader at any business or organization. You can apply these skills — such as assessing organizational challenges or setting large-scale goals — to nearly any setting, from nonprofits to government agencies.

Careers in Organizational Leadership

The potential roles vary in scope, depending on your experience, strengths, or preferences. For example, you could become the chief executive officer of a cutting-edge tech research company. Or you could become a strategic organizational consultant for a nonprofit organization.

  • C-Level executive
  • Director of leadership development
  • Nonprofit director
  • Organizational development specialist
  • Senior human resources manager
  • Organizational developmental director
  • Succession planning manager
  • University administrator

How Much Does an Online PhD in Organizational Leadership Degree Cost?

The average total cost of an online Ph.D. is $23,293 per year, according to BestColleges research. It’s cheaper than the average cost of Ph.D. programs, which is $58,656 per year.

But the final cost might range from $131,000-$263,000, depending on when you complete the Ph.D. Some students finish in four years, while others take up to eight.

Average Cost Per Year for Ph.D. Program

Tuition

$34,910

Non-Tuition Related Expenses

$23,746

Total Cost

$58,656

Source: BestColleges

Total Cost of a Ph.D.

(4-8 Years)
$131,000 – $263,000

Source: BestColleges

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Doctorate Degree in Organizational Leadership?

It takes between 4-5 years to complete most online doctorates in organizational leadership programs, depending on whether you enroll full time or part time. If you enroll part time, it may take up to seven years to graduate. Most programs consist of 50-65 credits.

Online Doctorates in Organizational Leadership Requirements

Required Course Credits

50-65*

Field Study Requirements (Y/N)

Yes*

*Depending on your program and specialization

Common Concentrations for a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership

Many doctoral programs also feature concentration opportunities, allowing you to focus on an area of the field that interests you. These can include:

  • minus

    Educational Leadership

    This concentration prepares you for leadership roles in curriculum development settings, K-12 schools, and colleges. In this program, you combine concepts related to organizational leadership with educational theories.
  • minus

    Missional Leadership

    This concentration trains you specifically for faith-based leadership roles. You focus on spirituality, faith, and community within organizational contexts and settings. You can pursue roles as senior pastors and nonprofit CEOs.
  • minus

    Healthcare Leadership

    In this concentration, you explore the relationship between healthcare workers and administrators. Courses focus on addressing organizational challenges across healthcare settings.
  • minus

    Entrepreneurial Leadership

    This concentration examines business from an international perspective. You learn new methods to develop the economy and promote innovation within business. You also learn how to weigh risks in a variety of situations.
  • minus

    Global Consulting

    This concentration prepares you to pursue specialized leadership roles working on a global scale, such as military leaders. Throughout the program, you develop intercultural communication skills and learn how to conduct business across different cultures.

Still looking for the right fit? You might also like:

How Much Money Can I Make With a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership?

Pay will vary based on your experience level, role, field, and industry. For example, a professor in postsecondary education made a median annual salary of $84,380 in May 2023, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Meanwhile, the median salary for a chief executive officer was $103,840 in 2023, according to the BLS.

Salaries for Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership

Average Base Salary

$84,380

Highest-Paying Wage

$103,840

Source: BLS

Everything Else You Need to Know About Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degrees

Organizational leadership is a management approach to leading, motivating, and unifying people within an organization. It involves setting goals, establishing milestones, and communicating the organization’s mission to employees.

A good organizational leader is someone who can combine business understanding and people skills to guide an organization to achieve its goals.

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