Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership

Step up and take your place among the next generation of leaders with this Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership. Ultimately relevant in the workplace, this online Ed.D. features three yearly starts and a streamlined dissertation process.

Become a Transformational Leader

Become a creative, innovative leader with this Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership from UMass Global. Through online coursework, three yearly online immersions, and a cohort framework, this doctorate in leadership gives you the practical skills needed to navigate complex organizational challenges, manage change, and lead high-performing teams. You’ll build skills in transformational leadership, collaborative relationships, political intelligence, strategic thinking, diversity, creativity, and sustained innovation. The UMass Global Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership uses a cohort-based learning model, giving you extensive interaction with both faculty and your cohort peers.

  • Transfer Up to 12 Credits - We accept up to 12 credits for coursework. If you hold a master’s degree from UMass Global or Brandman University, 9 credits will automatically be satisfied.*
  • Instantly Promotable - Over half of our UMass Global Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership students receive a promotion or a new position while in the program.**
  • Earn Your Ed.D. in Just Two Years - We’ve embedded your research and dissertation into your coursework, so you can complete your doctoral dissertation in two years.
  • Increased Earning Potential - With an Ed.D., you can often command a higher salary than your counterparts who only have bachelor's or master's degrees.
  • Move the Needle in your Profession - You will gain the skills and knowledge to conduct advanced research in your field, develop innovative strategic approaches, and measure the impact of your organization.
  • Real world Curricula - Our Ed.D. course work is designed by experienced executive level leaders to be relevant in today’s ever-changing business world. The assignments are designed to be completed within the context of your organization to increase the relevancy and applicability of the learning.

Next Session

Fall I (Aug 26, 2024)

Estimated Tuition

$1051/Credit

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Ways to Learn

Online

Education that Fits Your Life

Three Ed.D. Starts a Year

Start your online Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership three times a year: Fall 1, Spring 1, or Summer 1.

100% Online Ed.D.

All UMass Global Ed.D. coursework and three yearly immersions are completely online.

Built for Leaders and Educators

Our Ed.D. is designed for working professionals with leadership experience who seek to lead k-12 schools, universities, community colleges, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, or corporations.

WSCUC

University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Imagine Your Future In Organizational Leadership

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    Data source: Lightcast™ 2022 www.lightcast.io

    The pathway information provided through this website is based partly on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data licensed by the University of Massachusetts Global from Lightcast. While the University of Massachusetts Global believes this data to be reliable, some of the data is based on estimates made by Lightcast when actual data is unavailable. Those estimates and the corresponding data may need to be corrected.

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    2. Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and updated quarterly

    3. The University of Massachusetts Global does not guarantee a job to graduates upon completion of any program

    Stephanie Herrera
    I’d never be able to put into words how transformational this program has been in my life and the lives of those who surround me.
    Stephanie H.
    Organizational Leadership, Ed.D.
    Tiffani Thomas
    The program allowed me to embrace my introverted nature, recognizing the unique strengths it brought to leadership, such as active listening, empathy, and the ability to build genuine connections with team members. I am profoundly grateful for the program's guidance to lead authentically, fostering trust, cohesiveness, and positive change within organizations.
    Tiffani Nicole T.
    Organizational Leadership, Ed.D., Director, Mental Health Division at National Alliance on Mental Illness, Solano County
    You will finish the program transformed, personally and professionally. Everything learned will be applicable in the field. The support and guidance provided throughout the dissertation process will get you to the finish line. I strongly believe that this program prepared me for the multiple promotions I received while in the program.
    Iyuanna P.
    Organizational Leadership, Ed.D.
    As a senior leader in healthcare, I gained critical insights into my leadership style. The program addressed real-life issues related to culture, politics, communication, innovation, change management and transformation, helping me expand my role as an executive. The faculty was outstanding and invested in my success. I highly recommend this program for any individual, regardless of discipline, who seeks to make a difference leading transformational change!
    Tricia K
    Organizational Leadership, EdD
    The Ed.D. program at UMass Global changed my life. I had access to some of the most amazing professors and faculty I've ever had the privilege of working with. From the very first course to the dissertation defense, this program truly transformed my life both personally and professionally. I highly recommend the Ed.D. program for anyone passionate about transformational leadership within any sector of society.
    Kristen Miller
    Organizational Leadership, Ed.D.

    Admission Requirements

    Applicants for the Doctorate in Organizational Leadership program must complete the following requirements:

    • Completed online application
    • Letter of intent explaining reasons for wanting to enter this program
    • One essay or other written document that shows graduate-level writing and analytical skills
    • Transcripts documenting successful attainment of a master's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75
    • Resume showing leadership experience, professional development, achievement awards or professional recognition
    • Intake interview with a doctoral faculty member designated by the associate dean
    Application Deadlines
    • Fall 24-25: Aug. 1, 2024
    • Spring 24-25: Dec. 13, 2024
    • Summer 24-25: Mar. 31, 2025
    Not in a Leadership Position

    If you are not in a leadership position (YET!), submit a letter explaining your plan to work with individuals and groups in an organization to bring about important change.

    GPA Alternatives

    If you have a GPA lower than 2.75 you must submit additional evidence to demonstrate your readiness for doctoral level coursework. Additional evidence could include letters of recommendation and/or an additional writing sample.

    HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE DOCTORATE IN ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS? Request more information>

    Ed.D Degree Curriculum for the Highest Levels of Leadership

    Our expert faculty consists of field-based practitioners and scholars from a wide range of industries and organization types. They will guide and mentor you as you hone your leadership skills. We’ve embedded your research and dissertation into your coursework, allowing you to complete the program in two years.

    • Code Course Name Credits
      EDOL 700  Transformational Leadership

      3
      EDOL 705  Organizational Communication and Conflict Management

      3
      EDOL 706  Team and Group Dynamics

      3
      EDOL 707  Organizational Theory and Development

      3
      EDOL 708  Strategic Thinking

      3
      EDOL 709  Assessment, Evaluation, and Accountability

      3
      EDOL 720  Creativity, Innovation, and Sustainable Change

      3
      EDOL 721  The Ethics and Politics of Decision Making

      3
      EDOL 722  Diversity and Intercultural Aspects of Leadership

      3
      EDOL 723  Innovation in Resource Management

      3
      EDOL 724  The Leader as Change Agent

      3
      EDOL 750  Writing for Research and Publication I

      2
      EDOL 751  Writing for Research and Publication II

      2
      EDOL 752  Quantitative Research Methods I 2
      EDOL 753  Quantitative Research Methods II

      2
      EDOL 754  Qualitative Research Methods I

      2
      EDOL 755  Qualitative Research Methods II

      2
      EDOL 780  Transformational Change Field Experiences

      3
      EDOL 790  Developing the Dissertation Prospectus

      3
      EDOL 791  Dissertation I

      3
      EDOL 792  Dissertation II

      3
      EDOL 799  Dissertation Extension

      0
      Total Credits

      57
    • Candidates who are interested in clearing their Administrative Services Credential while enrolled in the Ed.D., Organizational Leadership program, click here for more information.

    Ways to Get Started

    Meet Our Faculty

    CGuzman

    education

    Carlos V. Guzman, Ph.D.

    Associate Professor

    Specialty

    Quantitative Research

    Qualitative Research

    Writing for Research

    Diversity

    EDD Doctoral Program

    EDD Curriculum Team

    Carol Anderson-Woo, Ed.D.

    education

    Carol Anderson-Woo, Ed.D.

    Associate Professor

    Specialty

    Organizational Leadership

    Educational Administration

    EDD Doctoral Program
    People Default

    education

    Marilou Ryder, Ed.D.

    Professor, Ed.D. Program Chair

    Specialty

    Women in Higher Education Administration/Leadership

    Educational Administration

    Organizational Leadership

    EDD Doctoral Program

    EDD Curriculum Team

    All education faculty

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Learn more about UMass Global’s Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership.

    • An Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership opens doors to a wide range of leadership roles across various sectors, including education, healthcare, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and private corporations. Potential job titles include, but are not limited to:
      • Corporate CEO/COO/CFO
      • Chief Learning Officer
      • Organizational Development Director
      • Higher Education Administrator (Dean, Provost)
      • Non-Profit Executive Director
      • Corporate Training and Development Leader
      • Educational Consultant
      • Policy Maker
      • School Superintendent/School Principal
      These roles emphasize strategic leadership, change management, policy development, and organizational improvement, allowing Ed.D. graduates to create change and transform leadership.

    • At most institutions, it will take a student three to four years to earn this doctoral degree. But thanks to changes and updates made to the Ed.D. at University of Massachusetts Global (UMass Global), students can now earn this prestigious degree in two years. This has been made possible by UMass Global embedding the student’s research and dissertation into their existing coursework. So, while the student completes their two years of coursework, they will, at the same time, be working through their dissertation. This allows students to complete the program in two years, rather than having to devote their third year solely to their dissertation, as is the case at other institutions.

      This timeframe assumes the student will take two courses in each session: Fall I and II, Spring I and II, and Summer I and II in their first year. Half of those are research courses, working toward their dissertation. In the second year, two courses in Fall I and II and Spring I and II, and then working solely on their dissertation in Summer I and Summer II.

      Possible transfer credits can also speed the attainment of your Ed.D. at UMass Global. You can receive up to 12 credits for master’s and doctoral coursework in a field related to organizational leadership.

    • The primary difference between an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership and a Ph.D. in a similar field lies in their focus and intended career paths. An Ed.D. is designed for professionals aiming to apply leadership principles directly within their organizations or in educational settings, focusing on practical application and problem-solving strategies. Conversely, a Ph.D. tends to be more research-oriented, preparing individuals for careers in academia or research, with a deep focus on theoretical foundations and empirical research methodologies. While both degrees are prestigious, the choice between them should be based on your career goals and preferences for practical application versus theoretical research.
    • Absolutely. Earning an Ed.D. (Doctor of Education) in Organizational Leadership is an investment in your future leadership capabilities and career advancement. This degree prepares you to effect positive change, enhance organizational effectiveness, and improve your leadership skills in various settings. Graduates often find that the knowledge and competencies gained significantly impact their professional opportunities, salary potential, and ability to drive strategic initiatives within organizations.

    Want More Information About Getting a Doctorate in Education?

    Explore professional pathways that span education to business with our Doctor of Education degree options.

    Source:
*Maximum of twelve (12) credits, internal or external, accepted to satisfy Ed.D. coursework
**Summer 2023 Ed.D. Program Exit Survey

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