PhD in Organizational Leadership
Discover the Benefits
In this unique doctoral program, a graduate student like you will reap the benefits of the collaboration of two esteemed colleges: the California School of Management and Leadership (CSML) and the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP). Throughout the leadership program in California, you’ll explore a comprehensive lineup of theoretical, strategic, and organizational studies from the perspective of two distinctly different disciplines.
Program Details
Start Dates
Offered intakes January, March, May, July, August, and October
Degree Length
Typically 3 Years
Key Offerings:
Offered in San Diego
Work while you Study with Day 1 CPT
Accelerated Timeline
AI Integration
Degree Highlights
Hands-on Experience
Throughout the program, you will gain practical experience in your specific area of organizational leadership through our ConsultEX, Career Architect, and ConsultEX.EDU career programs. You’ll apply that knowledge to projects within your own organization, for work on consulting projects, or to solve real issues for partner organizations.
AI Integration
Regular AI-intensive sessions and discussions on AI tools and techniques. We partner with AI-focused companies to provide guest lectures, internships, or research opportunities that deliver a deeper understanding of AI’s impact on leadership.
Accelerated Timeline
An accelerated timeline allows for the program to be completed in three to four years. You’ll begin with two years of leadership studies and coursework, then move on to your dissertation research, which typically takes one to two years to complete. Since classes are in the evenings and on weekends, you can work while you learn.
More Information
How would you describe your leadership style? Are you the leader you want to be? In this program you’ll explore different leadership types, such as authentic, transactional, transformational, cross-cultural, and others, and will define and refine your own leadership skill and style. You’ll study the cultural, organizational, and behavioral aspects of leadership, from both a theoretical and a practical perspective.
You’ll also learn in your leadership studies how truly great leaders attract followers, and do their part in coaching those followers in success. By the time you have graduated from the PhD Leadership program, you will have further developed effective leadership skills and philosophy and be prepared to apply it to make your mark in the world as an organizational leader or educational leader.
If you’re ready to learn more about the theories and application of great leadership quality, this in-person doctoral program provides a challenging curriculum taught by top faculty members. You’ll study alongside and network with colleagues and peers who will help you hone your leadership skills and prepare you to make an impact and shape tomorrow’s leaders by your example. As a student of the PhD program, you will learn essential leadership skills that will help you reach your personal and professional goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete the PhD?
The doctorate degree is a 60-credit program and typically takes three years to complete, across 18 terms.
Whether you choose our in-person or online PhD program, you’ll study applicable core courses through a challenging curriculum that is taught by our top faculty members. Some leadership studies covered in our core courses touch on organizational leadership, education leadership, cross-cultural and international management, and ethics in organizations. At Alliant, we will provide you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence you’ll need when taking on organizational leadership roles.
What should I expect the dissertation process to be like?
The dissertation process for the doctorate in leadership program will occupy the final year-and-a-half of your curriculum. Starting in your 11th term, you will first begin your dissertation work while completing your leadership internship. Then from your 12th term, through your final 18th term, you will focus solely on the research, development, and completion of your dissertation before its ultimate presentation before an academic review board. The doctoral dissertation process accounts for 12 of the 60 credits in this program and is done at the rate of a single dissertation class per term, starting at Term 11.