2024 Best Online EdD in Organizational Leadership [Doctorate Guide]

Positive change begins with strong leaders, and earning an EdD in Organizational Leadership is a strategic way to become the change you want to see in the world.

This degree can help you develop the necessary knowledge to make essential decisions and the confidence to guide your team toward accomplishing a larger goal.

A Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership may be a stepping stone to advance your current career, begin a new one, or develop your own organization. Whichever route you choose, an EdD could strengthen your personal and professional development.

Universities Offering Online EdD in Organizational Leadership Degree Program

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Abilene Christian University

Abilene Christian University offers an online program for a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership. The curriculum is highly customizable, and students can choose a concentration in Positive Leadership, Higher Education, Conflict Management, or Learning with Emerging Technologies. The program can usually be finished in 3 to 5 years.

Abilene Christian University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Baylor University

Baylor University offers a mostly online program for an EdD in Learning and Organizational Change. To graduate, students must complete 54 credit hours of coursework, which can usually be finished in about 3 years. Two on-campus immersion experiences are also required. Applicants are expected to already hold a master’s degree.

Baylor University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Concordia University – Chicago

Concordia University—Chicago offers a Leadership EdD that can be earned online and on campus. Students must complete 61 credits of coursework and can choose from numerous specializations. Options include Curriculum and Instruction, Reading, Language, and Literacy, Higher Education, Sports Leadership, Early Childhood Education, Educational Technology, and more.

Concordia University – Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Cornerstone University

Cornerstone University offers an online program for a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership and Development. The program requires 60 credit hours of coursework that can typically be completed in 3 to 4 years. Students are required to attend 3 in-person residencies each year. Cornerstone is a Christian school that provides faith-based education.

Cornerstone University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Franklin University

Franklin University offers a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership. The program is 100% online and can potentially be finished in just 3 years. It includes 58 credit hours of courses such as Applied Statistics, Change Management and Organizational Development, and Leadership of Organizational Resources. Students must also complete a dissertation.

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University offers a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership: Organizational Development (Qualitative Research). Students progress through the program with online or evening cohorts. The program requires 60 credits of courses such as Introduction to Research, Ethical Dilemmas and Stewardship, and Strategic Decision Making.

Grand Canyon University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Holy Family University

Holy Family University offers an EdD in Educational and Organizational Leadership. Students can choose from 4 concentrations, including Organizational Leadership and Curriculum Instruction with Pennsylvania Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction Certification.

The other two concentrations are both for School Leadership and Administration, one with Pennsylvania Principal Certification and the other for a Superintendent Letter of Eligibility.

Holy Family University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Liberty University

Liberty University offers an EdD in Higher Education—Organizational Leadership that can be earned completely online. The program requires the completion of 54 credits. Each course is 8 weeks long. Students can typically complete the program in about 2.5 years. The curriculum covers risk management, allocation of financial resources, data analytics and decision-making, and more.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Meridian University

Meridian University offers an EdD in Organizational Leadership with several concentrations. Options are Transformative Learning, Transformative Leadership, Expressive and Movement Arts, Collective Trauma and Social Healing, Developmental Coaching, and Health Coaching. The degree can be earned in hybrid or online formats. Applications are accepted quarterly.

Meridian University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

National University

National University offers an EdD in Organizational Innovation. Potential students can apply year-round. Each course is only 4 weeks long to help students finish faster. Course options include Knowledge Management for Innovation, Innovation Theories and Applications, and Emerging Issues and Trends, and more. To graduate, students must complete a culminating project.

National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University’s EdD in Organizational Leadership focuses on hands-on leadership rather than research. The program is available mostly online, but students are required to come to campus for a Summer Institute. To graduate, students must complete a minimum of 55 credits of coursework, including Leadership, Communication, and Technology, Strategic Planning, and Diversity Dynamics.

Nova Southeastern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Pepperdine University

Pepperdine University offers an EdD in Organizational Leadership that can be earned through on-campus, evening classes or in a hybrid online format. Students in the program progress through the coursework with a cohort and must finish a dissertation to graduate. New students can start every fall, and GRE and GMAT scores are not needed to apply.

Pepperdine is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges—Senior College and University Commission.

Saint Francis University

Saint Francis University offers an Executive Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership and Innovation. The program is designed for working professionals and typically takes 32 months to complete. Coursework in this online business leadership degree program does have occasional in-person residencies to attend. Students can complete their coursework and work on their dissertations at the same time.

Saint Francis University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

University of Dayton

The University of Dayton offers an online program for a Doctor of Education in Leadership for Organizations. Students can typically complete the 60 required credits in 3 years. The program includes one in-person immersion experience on campus. Online classes include once-a-week live meetings and opportunities for discussion and interaction.

The University of Dayton is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of Massachusetts

The University of Massachusetts offers an EdD in Organizational Leadership. The degree is available in online and hybrid formats. Students typically spend 2 years on coursework and then a third year working on their dissertation. Courses include The Ethics and Politics of Decision Making, The Leader as Change Agent, and Strategic Thinking.

The University of Massachusetts is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

University of Southern California

The University of Southern California offers an online program for a Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership. Students may enroll part-time and can usually finish in 3 to 4 years. An immersion experience is held on campus once a year. Pathways are available for those with and without master’s degrees.

USC is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, the Senior College and University Commission.

Valdosta State University

Valdosta State University offers an online program for an EdD in Leadership with a cognate area in Organizational Leadership. The program requires a total of 55 credit hours, including a dissertation. Coursework includes Leadership Problems: Interdisciplinary Analysis, Research Design and Foundation, Seminar in Organizational Leadership, and more.

Valdosta State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University offers a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Learning in Organizations. The program is intended for mid-career professionals. It is mostly online but does include 3 on-campus convenings. Classes are held once a week in a live online format, and the curriculum blends theory with practice.

Vanderbilt University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Walden University

Walden University offers an online program for a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership and Development. Students must complete 79 quarter credits and an academic residency. Coursework includes Leading the Future of Education, Organizational Perspectives and Implications for Leaders, Qualitative Reasoning and Analysis, and more.

Walden University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Wilmington University

Wilmington University offers an EdD in Organizational Leadership, Learning, and Innovation. New cohorts start every fall online and in person. Students can choose a concentration in Strategic Leadership or Workplace Learning and Talent Development, or they may design their own. The program includes a consulting field experience.

Wilmington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Online EdD in Organizational Leadership Programs

Strong leadership is an essential aspect of any organization or institution. Confident decision-making, critical thinking, and managing team dynamics are all skills that make an effective leader. An Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership can help you develop and strengthen these skills.

If you are looking to advance your current career or become a high-quality candidate for a new one, this degree can help you enhance your qualifications. Graduates may go on to pursue leadership positions in organizations like:

• Nonprofits
• Colleges or universities
• The military
• K-12 administration
• Adult learning centers
• Human resources
• Corporate training and development
• Education consultation
• Federal, state, and local governments

In an organizational leadership program, you’ll cover basic topics like leadership theory and ethics before moving into more specialized subjects, such as advocacy and conflict management.

Many programs allow you to focus on a concentration so that you can develop the necessary skills for your specific area of the field. With an EdD in Organizational Change and Leadership, you can grow your knowledge and insight in how to direct a team or company efficiently and effectively.

You can explore how to find solutions to systematic issues while ensuring the best possible outcome. You can also learn how to strategically guide a group in the right direction to accomplish large-scale goals.

Common Online EdD in Organizational Leadership Concentrations

The field of organizational change and leadership is broad, so many programs offer concentrations to allow you to develop specialized skills in a more specific area. Here are some common degree concentrations:

• Positive Leadership. The way in which a leader approaches and guides their team can make all the difference when it comes to productivity and growth. A positive leadership concentration focuses on the relationship between an organization’s leaders and their team members.
• Learning and Instruction. You don’t need to be involved with an educational institution to benefit from an in-depth understanding of learning environments as a whole. This concentration examines the psychology behind learning and the way cognitive and behavioral development affect motivation. This is a generalized concentration and can be applied to learning for all age groups.
• Teacher Leadership. A concentration in teacher leadership focuses on higher education and the complexities of a college and university learning environment. This concentration prepares university leaders to handle problems of equity and access and covers the skills necessary to provide effective guidance in a dynamic environment.
• Learning with Emerging Technologies. As our society advances in terms of our access to and understanding of technology, it is more important than ever for leaders to be well-versed in the ways new tech can benefit learning environments. This concentration covers the design and development of technology-based learning programs and the structure of self-directed learning.
• Leadership in the Community. Community relations are an essential aspect of any organization’s leadership. This concentration includes courses that cover ethical leadership, cultivating diversity, and managing team dynamics in the context of individuals with a wide range of needs and perspectives.

The above are just a few possible concentrations you may encounter when earning your online EdD in Leadership. As the needs of society evolve, so will the needs of organizational leaders.

Organizational Leadership Careers & Salaries

A Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership can open doors to many career options. If you choose to attend this doctoral program, you may find yourself with the chance to pursue leadership positions in the worlds of business, nonprofit, or education. This degree could also help qualify graduates for a variety of federal, state, and local government roles.

Managers, executives, principals, and other administrators are all positions that benefit from the skill and knowledge base afforded by an organizational leadership degree online or on campus. Much like an MBA in organizational leadership online, this online EdD program can help you on your way to becoming a strong, confident leader in your chosen industry.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following career paths are related to advanced studies in organizational leadership.

There are a variety of professions and industries that can benefit from organizational management expertise, making an organizational leadership EdD a versatile and lucrative degree choice.

Organizational leadership programs aim to prepare you for the challenges of team management. You can learn conflict management, the psychology of learning and behavior, and leadership theory. The insights provided by these courses are valuable in any workplace.

If you choose to specialize in a concentration, you’ll be able to develop expertise in a specific career field. Examples of these specialties include higher education, emerging technologies, and community leadership. These concentrations and others may be valuable in sectors like education, government, and business.

EdD in Leadership Curriculum & Courses

The specific coursework you encounter will depend on the program you attend. The following are examples of classes you may take as an organizational leadership student:

• Advocacy and Social Justice: This course examines community leadership and the roles and responsibilities of society’s leaders.
• Assessment and Evaluation: This course covers the available approaches for gathering and using data about employee performance and program effectiveness.
• Conflict Management: You’ll examine different modes of organizational communication and practice handling interpersonal and interoffice conflicts.
• Creativity and Innovation: You’ll learn about the risk and rewards associated with innovative processes and the creation of new concepts and programs.
• Entrepreneurship: You’ll cover the basics of how to start and manage a new business, including securing funding, hiring employees, and navigating initial challenges.
• Ethics and Leadership: This course covers the philosophies and responsibilities of being a role model and discusses concepts like fairness, trust, and integrity.
• Facilitating Organizational Change: As companies develop, they go through stages of evolution, and this course covers how to guide organization members through these changes.
• Instructional Design: This course allows students interested in education or corporate training to gain an understanding of the psychology behind learning, developing a teaching plan, and delivering instruction.
• Leadership Theory: This class examines a variety of existing theories on leadership and shows you the ways in which these theories are effectively applied to modern situations.
• Leading Diverse Organizations: Diversity in the workplace, interpersonal collaboration, and cultural sensitivity are all important aspects of a productive workplace and will be discussed throughout this course.

With a wide array of both general and specialized coursework, a degree in organizational leadership can help you develop advanced skills and expertise in this field.

Admissions Requirements

Admissions criteria vary by school, but you can usually expect the following requirements:

• GRE or GMAT scores (only some schools require them)
• Official transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• Resumé
• Personal statement

Some programs ask for a minimum GPA, commonly a 3.0 or above, or a certain amount of work experience. Even if they’re not required, a GPA in good standing may be an indication of your readiness for the rigor of a graduate program. Work experience in your desired field could also be useful to your studies.

Accreditation

With many online programs available, it can be difficult to determine which option is best for you. As you consider various organizational leadership doctoral programs, it’s beneficial to keep accreditation in mind as a search parameter.

Regionally accredited schools are thoroughly evaluated and have been found to meet or exceeded predetermined standards of academic excellence. Attending an accredited institution ensures that you’ll be receiving a high-quality education.

Many employers value and even require candidates with degrees from accredited colleges or universities. Plus, if you wish to transfer credits or attend an additional post-graduate degree program, you may need accredited coursework in order for your previous classes to be accepted.  

Financial Aid and Scholarships

Funding higher education can be a challenge for many students. Luckily, there are several financial aid options available to those who qualify. Scholarships, grants, and student loans are common options to explore.

To apply for federal and state loans or grants, you can start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal loans may be subsidized or unsubsidized, depending on your financial need. You may qualify for scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, or organizational affiliation. Cultural and social groups may also award scholarships to eligible members.

You can learn more about aid options from your school’s financial aid office. A counselor can often walk you through available scholarships, assistantships, and grants and help you apply.

What Is an EdD in Organizational Leadership Degree?

A Doctor of Education (EdD) in Organization Leadership is a doctoral program that provides in-depth knowledge of the challenges and strategies associated with organizational structures.

This degree covers the skills and tools necessary to succeed as a leader in a corporate, educational, or nonprofit environment, among others. Through this program, you’ll explore ethical standards, social responsibility, and conflict management as well as ways to promote success and positive culture within an organization.

You can also learn to develop programs that promote education, development, and cooperation while balancing the unique and diverse perspectives of your team members.

What Can You Do with an EdD in Organizational Leadership?

An EdD in Organizational Leadership can help you qualify for various leadership positions. Training and development manager, postsecondary teacher, education administrator, and human resources manager are just a few of the possible positions that graduates may pursue. These careers can also be applied in a number of industry sectors.

In short, an EdD can help you advance your career toward a number of leadership positions in a variety of fields. The positions you qualify for may depend on your degree specialization, among other factors.

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

How long it takes you to complete your studies in organizational change and leadership depends on your enrollment status, your program’s required credit hours, and whether there’s a dissertation requirement.

An EdD generally takes 3 to 5 years to complete. If no dissertation is required, you may be able to finish in 3 years of full-time study. If you are required to complete a dissertation, your degree may take longer. Part-time students also tend to take more time to finish their programs.

What’s the Difference Between an EdD vs. PhD in Organizational Leadership?

The main differentiation between an EdD and a PhD in Organizational Leadership is the application. A Doctor of Education (EdD) in Organizational Leadership may be used for:

• Developing and implementing educational programs within an organization
• Using data about employee performance to improve leadership strategies
• Advocating for change in organizations associated with policy and minority advocacy

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Organizational Leadership may be used for:

• Teaching at a university or college
• Researching and publishing theories and strategies for team development and cooperation
• Gathering performance data from multiple organizations for academic purposes

While both degrees study much of the same material, they often differ in how they use the knowledge moving forward.

What’s the Difference Between an EdD vs. PhD in Education?

A PhD and an EdD in Education are similar in their coursework but vary when it comes to how they’re used in the world.

A PhD in Education may be used to:

• Research educational strategies
• Write and publish academic papers about educational development
• Theorize strategies for implementing technology in educational settings

A Doctor of Education (EdD) may be used to:

• Research and apply educational strategies to specific local populations
• Qualify for a supervisory role in a K-12 learning institution
• Develop and apply curricula centered on technological use in educational environments

An EdD is primarily used for practical application, while a PhD often prepares students for a position in academia.

Is an EdD in Organizational Leadership Worth It?

Yes, an EdD in Organizational Leadership is worth it for many students. In addition to this degree being applicable to a large variety of careers and industries, the leadership sector also has a positive job outlook.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth outlook for training and development managers is 11% over the next ten years, which is faster than average. Management occupations overall are expected to see 9% job growth over the same time period.

With job prospects in several relevant fields, including business and education, a doctoral degree in organizational leadership may be the next step toward professional advancement.

Getting Your EdD in Organizational Leadership Online

Your journey toward strong leadership can progress with a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership. Earning an EdD online provides flexibility for those who are currently employed or have additional commitments.

As businesses evolve, technology develops, and educational systems change, the need for effective, well-trained leaders is continuously growing. A doctoral-level education might give you the opportunity to develop new educational programs, advocate for change, and further the goals of an organization you believe in.

If you’re wanting to advance your current career or build a new one in this lucrative field, you might consider pursuing your EdD in Organizational Leadership. The knowledge and experience it provides are invaluable in today’s modern world.

You could start exploring accredited universities today to find the EdD program that’s right for you.