Online | Doctorate
Adler University’s fully online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership prepares students to become innovative and socially conscious leaders in both academic and professional settings. Students in the program explore solution-building for complex social challenges, gain an understanding of socially conscious organizational leadership, and learn how to critically analyze research and data for the strategic and ethical implementation of organizational or societal initiatives.
Our graduates will emerge with the skills to create engagement and empowerment, and to understand how to best support teams and other leaders.
Our program is designed with working professionals in mind and can be completed from anywhere in the world, without having to sacrifice the academic rigor and personalized attention that has characterized Adler University for more than 65 years.
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.
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 Organizational Leadership 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 have not completed prerequisite coursework will need to complete additional master’s-level courses within the first two course periods of the doctoral program.
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.
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:
(Coming Soon)
Applicants to this program are required to have:
*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.
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.
You may have a fulltime job, family obligations or other things that command your attention. We get it. That said, you have a passion to make the world a better place. We have online programs that are crafted and curated to give you skills to make it happen.
No matter where in the world or in life you are.
Adler is a tight knit community of radical thinkers and doers. Know, that as an online student, you are not alone. You are one of us. The work you will be asked to do, will be the same as every other Adler student. The skills you will learn will be just as powerful. And the degree you will receive, will speak just as loudly.
Mariel Hufnagel was recently named Executive Director of the Court Appointed Special Advocates of Union County, New Jersey. The organization recruits, trains, and supports community volunteers to champion for children in the foster care system.
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