Organizational Leadership (Ph.D.)

Curriculum

The Online Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Organizational Leadership is a 90 credit-hour post-bachelor’s program. Students who enter the program with a closely related M.A. or M.S. degree can transfer in up to 36 credit hours and complete their Ph.D. program in as few as 3 years. The curriculum is designed to create stronger, well-rounded leaders through courses that cover subject matters ranging from communication strategies, to innovative leadership, to analyzing and interpreting research with the ability to understand findings within an ethical context. The program follows a scholar-practitioner model, incorporating real-world scenarios in which students can apply learnings directly to their current and future careers.

Find course descriptions and more information in the Adler University course catalog here.

Social Justice Practicum

Doing is learning. A unique and proven program designed to give students real world experience throughout their time at Adler University, the Social Justice Practicum is a required 200-hour internship that spans four courses (or terms for online programs). Every student is given a number of civic-minded categories to choose from. They submit their desired areas of interest. After which, they are assigned a specific and aligned community outreach site where they will work 8 to 10 hours per week.

Student Outcomes

Graduates of the program are prepared to become innovative leaders in both academic and professional settings. They will emerge with the skills to create engagement and empowerment, and to understand how to best support teams and other leaders. Careers can include:

• Management Consultant
• Organizational Development Consultant
• Leadership and Management Coaching
• Chief of Staff
• Executive Administrator
• Vice President of Human Resources
• Vice Presidents / C-Suite Positions

Admission Requirements

Applicants to this program are required to have:

• A master’s degree, by the date of matriculation, in industrial and organizational psychology, psychology, business, or a related discipline. Applicants who did not graduate from Adler University’s Master of Arts in Industrial and Organizational Psychology or an equivalent program may be required to complete the equivalency requirements in addition to the doctoral curriculum. (See Program Requisites below.)
• A cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better (on a 4.0 scale) in their master’s degree. Successful applicants typically have a grade point average of 3.25 or higher on a 4.0 scale for graduate-level coursework.
• Two letters of recommendation from an individual who can speak to the applicant’s likelihood of success in a doctoral program.*
• A writing sample (e.g., a publication, report, or an essay or paper previously submitted as an assignment).
• An admissions interview.

*Applicants who are graduates or current students, in good standing, from Adler University master’s degree programs may have one letter of recommendation, the writing sample, and/or interview waived.

Program Requisites
Applicants are expected to have adequate coursework in the areas listed below. Applicants who did not graduate from Adler University’s Master of Arts in Industrial and Organizational Psychology or an equivalent program will be assessed to determine whether they have adequate coursework in the following master’s-level course areas, with a letter grade of B or better. Students who need to complete additional master’s-level courses, will need to do so within the first five course periods of the doctoral program.

Online Learning Format

Adler University approaches online learning with the same commitment to academic excellence and student support that has been the hallmark of our 65-year history. Our innovative online graduate courses deliver an engaging, interactive learning experience designed to accommodate your busy schedule.

Online learning offers a great deal of independence and flexibility, but that doesn’t mean that you’re alone. Our online student body is supported by the same administrative and academic staff who serve our on-campus students. Your instructors are also available to answer your questions, provide more information, and connect you with additional resources to help you succeed. In addition, your cohort classmates will be a source of ongoing support and collaboration as you progress through your degree program, and well after graduation.