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Online Ph.D. in Leadership Studies

Prepares you to guide organizations, solve challenges, and make a lasting impact.

Man leading lecture in front of classroom
Man leading lecture in front of classroom

Types

Doctoral

Location

Online

Credits

66

Cost

$415/credit hour

Every company, community, and country needs inspiring and capable leaders.

With a PhD in Leadership Studies, you could prepare to guide and lead educational organizations, solve the challenges facing today’s schools and learners, and make a lasting impact in your community. With the flexible option to study online, you can pursue our online doctoral program in leadership studies on your schedule — even while working full time. When you speak with us about your professional goals in leadership, be sure to learn your financial aid options to make reduce the financial burden while you learn.

A doctorate in leadership studies focus on the theory and practice of organizational leadership. Explore how strategic organizational leadership can help you effectively guide, manage, and improve educational settings, from companies to higher education to nonprofits.

Anchor: Stats

By the Numbers

$100,090

Average Salary

3%

Industry Growth

$10.4K

Average Financial Aid

100%

Online Program
Anchor: Programs & Requirements
Programs & Requirements

Programs & Requirements

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Leadership Studies

The PhD in Leadership Studies Online at University of the Cumberlands is designed to help you guide educational organizations into the future. You’ll learn the skills you need to lead with empathy and insight, inspire staff and students, and contribute insightful research to your field. Online courses and flexible scheduling make it possible to earn your Ph.D. in Leadership. and set your sights on new goals—even while working full time.

With our online PhD in Leadership Studies you will participate in a comprehensive study of effective leadership and administrative methods, while gaining an in-depth look at the political factors involved in organizational decision making. Program planning, assessment strategies, and global trends in leadership round out the online Ph.D. leadership curriculum.

Additionally, if you are a current educator wishing to obtain Kentucky Rank 1 certification, you may complete an approved Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) program through the School of Education and transfer up to thirty (30) hours of the program toward the Ph.D. in Leadership Studies.  Note that a Ph.D. or Ed.D. alone will not lead to the Kentucky Rank 1 certification without first completing an Ed.S. through the School of Education. Our knowledgeable advisors are here to help you enroll in the classes you need to complete your Rank 1 certification and then the Ph.D. in Leadership Studies.

Course Requirements

Students pursuing a PhD in leadership studies at Cumberlands are required to complete ONE specialty area. A content specialty area of at least eighteen (18) hours must be earned in one of these disciplines:

  • Business
  • Criminal Justice
  • Education
  • English
  • Health Professions
  • Health Science
  • History
  • Information Systems
  • Instructional Technology
  • Mathematics
  • Missions and Ministry
  • Nursing
  • Public Administration
  • Student Personnel Services

For a full list of course offerings or more program specific information, visit our Academic Catalog. 

The Leadership Certificate (Tier II) is a 12-credit-hour doctoral-level educational leadership certificate program designed to help you build advanced leadership skills for communication, strategic planning, team management, and problem-solving you can bring to the workplace immediately. You’ll have the tools and understand you need to lead with professionalism and apply ethical decision-making throughout your career. 

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Anchor: Mission & Goals

Mission & Goals

This mission of the PhD in Leadership Studies degree program at Cumberlands is to prepare you for ethical and effective leadership in your company, community, or country.

Conduct research that focuses on the theory and practice of organizational leadership.
Explore how strategic leadership can help you effectively guide others.
Learn how to lead with empathy and insight to inspire others.
Contribute insightful research to your field.
Gain an in-depth look at the political factors involved in organizational decision making.
Anchor: Career Outcomes

Leadership Careers & Outcomes

All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Top Executive: $100,090

Top Executive: $100,090

Top executives plan strategies and policies to ensure that an organization meets its goals.

Chief Executive: $189,520

Chief Executive: $189,520

Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body. Plan, direct, or coordinate operational activities at the highest level of management with the help of subordinate executives and staff managers.

University Administrator: $99,940

University Administrator: $99,940

Postsecondary education administrators oversee student services, academics, and faculty research at colleges and universities.

Administrative Services Manager: $101,870

Administrative Services Manager: $101,870

Administrative services and facilities managers plan, direct, and coordinate activities that help an organization run efficiently.

Marketing Manager: $138,730

Marketing Manager: $138,730

Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers plan programs to generate interest in products or services.

Management Analyst: $95,290

Management Analyst: $95,290

Management analysts recommend ways to improve an organization’s efficiency.

Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions

A Ph.D. in Leadership Studies is a doctoral program focused on the theory and practice of organizational leadership. It prepares students to guide organizations, solve challenges, and make lasting impacts in various settings, including educational institutions, businesses, and non-profits.

A Ph.D. in Leadership Studies typically takes around 3-5 years to complete, depending on the student's pace and specific program requirements. The program at the University of the Cumberlands requires 66 credit hours.

Yes, the University of the Cumberlands offers a fully online Ph.D. in Leadership Studies program, allowing you to complete the degree with flexibility while working full-time.

Yes, a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies is worth it for those looking to advance their careers in leadership roles. It provides advanced skills and knowledge, opening up opportunities for high-level positions in various fields such as education, business, and public administration.

The Ph.D. program does not lead to a Rank 1 certification in Kentucky.  If you wish to pursue a Rank 1 certification, please consider an MAEd or Ed.S. degree through the School of Education.

With a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies, you can pursue careers such as top executive, chief executive, university administrator, administrative services manager, marketing manager, and management analyst. These roles involve strategic planning, policy formulation, and efficient organizational management.

To get a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies, you need to have a master's degree in a related field and meet the admission requirements of the program. After being accepted, you will complete the required coursework, research, and a dissertation. The University of the Cumberlands offers an online program that includes 66 credit hours of coursework.

Studying leadership is important because it equips individuals with the skills and knowledge to effectively guide, manage, and inspire others. Effective leadership is crucial for the success of any organization, as it drives strategic planning, decision-making, and the overall growth and development of the organization.

I would give my highest recommendation of this program. My perspectives and understanding about leadership has reached a level beyond my imagination. The faculty at UC always go the extra mile to create a phenomenal learning environment with the highest professionalism and the most compassionate personal cultivation and care. My PhD journey at UC has been the most uplifting and enlightening one for me. Way to go, UC!
Dr. Amy West
Graduate, PhD in Leadership Studies
Anchor: Faculty

Faculty Experts

Find out more about the caring and experienced faculty at Cumberlands.

Dr. Audrey Rabas

Dr. Audrey Rabas

Adjunct Professor | Methodologist
PhD Leadership

Dr. Audrey Rabas

Contact Information

audrey.rabas [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
Dr. Ata Yesilyaprak

Dr. Ata Yesilyaprak

Adjunct Professor
PhD Leadership

Dr. Ata Yesilyaprak

Contact Information

ata.yesilyaprak [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
Robert Kevin Meade

Dr. Robert Meade

Adjunct Professor
PhD Leadership

Dr. Robert Meade

Contact Information

robert.meade [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
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