phd communication and leadership

Communication Ph.D.

Study the different ways people communicate, so you can prepare for leadership roles across the globe.

Communication plays a fundamental role in our global society and it is imperative for us to recognize and appreciate the international and intercultural contexts in which it occurs. With a Ph.D. in Communication from UND, you'll learn about human communication across diverse cultures and through multiple systems.

Why earn a Ph.D. in communication?

*Priority deadline

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Understanding the different ways people communicate around the world will help you address socially and globally pressing communication challenges. The Communication Ph.D. at UND is a competitive program that provides you with knowledge and skills that will set you apart as a leader in international and intercultural communication.

A recent GRE score is required of all applicants. The department does not waive this requirement on a case-by-case basis.

Intensive Communication Research Ph.D. Program

Through both the on-campus and 100% online program tracks, you'll work hand-in-hand with research faculty recognized for their work in:

• Interpersonal and persuasive communication
• Risk and crisis communication
• New media and cyberculture
• Strategic communication in digital and social media environments

Online students must be enrolled full-time; on-campus students have the option of enrolling full-time or part time. This is to ensure adequate support for research initiatives.

Due to the research intensive nature of the program we encourage you to review our program's faculty profiles to learn more about individual faculty research interests and expertise. All students will be assigned a faculty advisor directly when conducting research.

Undergraduate to Ph.D. in Communication

Unique to our program, undergraduate students are allowed to apply directly to this Ph.D. program. If you have a bachelor's in Communication , our curriculum allows you to earn your master's in Communication at the same time you are working on a Ph.D.

UND's Communication Ph.D.

Learn from recognized leaders in the field of international and intercultural communication.

Develop your research interest in strategic communication, health communication, interpersonal and organizational communication, and much more.

Take part in graduate teaching assistantships. Positions available for students in both on-campus and 100% online tracks.

Earn a non-thesis master's degree on your way to completing your doctorate in our program.

S tudy closely with faculty across the broad range of communication areas to prepare for both careers and citizenship.

Understand how information processes and communication technologies affect and benefit diverse local and global communities.

Communication Ph.D. Careers

Projected job outlook for post-secondary teachers from 2022 to 2032

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Median annual salary for post-secondary teachers, 2023

Upon completion of your Communication doctoral program, you'll emerge as a proficient communication specialist, equipped to excel in academia or thrive in media-related field.

Graduates of the University of North Dakota's Communications Ph.D. program have embarked on leadership roles in global and cross-cultural communication. The have job titles such as:

• Director of Communications: Spearheading communication strategies, our alumni often assume pivotal roles directing and shaping organizational messaging.
• Researcher: Equipped with advanced research skills, our graduates contribute valuable insights to the dynamic field of communication studies.
• Consultant: Our alumni serve as consultants, offering strategic guidance to organizations seeking to enhance their communication effectiveness.
• Policymaker: Some of our graduates leverage their communication acumen to influence policies. They participate in shaping regulations and standards on a local and global scale.

A substantial number of our graduates choose to contribute to higher education through teaching and advanced research. These paths have led them to roles such as:

• Department Head: Our alumni guide the direction of communication studies by taking on leadership positions within academic departments.
• Professorship: Achieving the pinnacle of academic success, our graduates secure professorships, where they shape the next generation of communication professionals.
• Associate Professorship: In roles as associate professors, our alumni engage in both teaching and research endeavors.
• Lecturer: Our graduates bring their practical experience and academic insights to the classroom.

Communication Ph.D. Courses

COMM 530. Communication, Society, & Diversity. 3 Credits.

An examination of how people from similar and different cultural, ethnic, national, racial, religious, and/or sexual backgrounds interact with each other, institutions, and society. The course covers issues of representation, identity, and difference. On demand.

COMM 525. Interpersonal Relations and Communication. 3 Credits.

Face-to-face and mediated transactions between two people or people in small groups in diverse settings. Deals with inquiry, conflict management, interpersonal sensitivity, individuality, and conformity.

COMM 535. Intercultural Communication. 3 Credits.

This course incorporates critical conceptualizations of identity, "the Other", and multiculturalism. It explores theoretical reflections of the symbolic systems of unfamiliar cultures, and the emergence of mutual understanding.

COMM 540. Communication and Organizations. 3 Credits.

Examines the general communication processes and dynamics within and among organizations and explores the dynamics in network organizations, with a particular focus on communication in interpersonal groups and inter-organizational working teams. Theories of power and politics in and among organizations, as well as of decision-making, conflict management, and strategic communication are explored.

COMM 550. International and Global Communication. 3 Credits.

An analysis of international media, comparative telecommunications systems and globalization. Covers issues such as transnational communication, global journalism, satellite broadcasting and communication in diplomacy and international affairs.

COMM 523. Social Network Analysis & Visualization. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to introduce you to the theory, methods, and procedures of network analysis with emphasis on applications to communication and social behavior. The goal of the course is to provide a working knowledge of the concepts and methods used to describe and analyze social networks so that you can apply it to important questions in your profession. S.

Best Ph.D. in Communications

UND's Communications Ph.D. ranks among the best for educational quality, affordability, and career outcomes.

#7 BEST ONLINE COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM

Online Communication Ph.D.

best online graduate programs

best online college in North Dakota

Intelligent

The entire degree program is fully online. You are never required to come to campus.

Online Communication Ph.D. students are highly encouraged to attend live, synchronous online courses in order to get the most out of class participation. However, online courses are recorded and can be viewed at another time, to fit your schedule.

Top-Tier Online Communication Ph.D. Program

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs. No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

• Same degree:  All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) . Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
• Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
• Real interaction:  You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
• Your own academic advisor:  As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
• Free online tutoring:  We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
• Unlimited academic coaching:  Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
• Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
• 24/7 technical support:  UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
• Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

• Affordability
• Student satisfaction (retention rate)
• Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
• Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

Leaders that Do

Students at UND take chances, seek challenges and become leaders in the community.

Check out the faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional education opportunities.

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• Leadership Communication Ph.D.
• Leadership Communication Doctoral Program

Leadership Communication Ph.D. Program

Sign up here to receive information on this program.

Why begin a Ph.D. in Leadership Communication?

• Advance your career. Students in this program advance their careers in many different fields of work related to leadership, communication, and engagement.
• Increase your knowledge to more effectively work with groups and stakeholders so you can create the change you want to see in your field of work or study.
• Learn theory, analyze data, create your own applied research projects.

About the program

The Leadership Communication Ph.D. is an interdisciplinary research degree at Kansas State University that prepares you to lead change, advance communication, and engage communities.

The Leadership Communication doctoral program is grounded in community-engaged scholarship. Students explore the intersection of theories and methods of leadership, communication, and other areas of inquiry related to collaborative change. Through the study and practice of leading change, students produce original research that helps make progress on the most difficult challenges of our times. All of our courses are distance-friendly.

Applications deadlines

• Spring 2025 deadline is Aug. 1, 2024.
• Fall 2025 priority deadline is Dec. 1, 2024.

Ready to learn more? Let us know and we'll contact you.

Strong candidates for the program commit to...

• Engaging with others to leverage diverse perspectives
• Enhancing careers with foundations, NGOs, corporations, educational institutions, and governmental agencies
• Conduct original research
• Convene stakeholders
• Consult, coach, teach, and train in classrooms, organizations, and communities
• Facilitate change processes

Our students have a variety of academic backgrounds, professional experience, and civic interests.

Our faculty have the research expertise and professional experience to customize your learning in the program.

Requirements

• A Master's degree
• Apply through the Kansas State Univeristy Graduate School online. Spring 2025 deadline is Aug. 1, 2024. Fall 2025 priority deadline is Dec. 1, 2024.
• Curriculum Requirements

Fill out our short form and we'll send you more information about the Leadership Communication Ph.D.

You can also contact Kerry Priest, Ph.D., director of the Leadership Communication Ph.D., at [email protected] .

PhD in Communication

Doctor of philosophy in school of communication.

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At the Intersection of Media, Technology, and Democracy

The AU School of Communication's Doctor of Philosophy in Communication allows you to research at the intersection of media, technology, and democracy. We study how media and technology interact with democratic culture and politics. Communication creates culture; communication is a vector of power; communication is central to democratic action. Our normative orientation toward a healthier democratic process is a theme consistent with the core public service mission of American University. Internet governance, podcasts as news sources, disinformation on Twitter, digital surveillance, facial recognition and power, racism on social media, and state social-media propaganda are all topics of recent dissertations.

Our focus is at the cutting edge of the field of communication studies today, and our students routinely present at our leading conferences. Our approach is also interdisciplinary, and we benefit from the diverse intellectual resources across American University, such as those showcased at the Internet Governance Lab , the AU Game Center ,  the Center for Media & Social Impact , the Center for Latino and Latin American Studies , and the Institute on Disability and Public Policy (IDPP) . We also tap into our relationships with NGOs, media companies, foundations, and government institutions throughout the Washington metro area. 

In our doctoral program, you'll produce scholarship, using both quantitative and qualitative approaches, that has real-world connection and impact . Your work will position you well to pick from career options that range from the professoriate to public policy research to media production to government. 

This is a three-year PhD, and from the moment you arrive, you will be working in a highly-structured program toward your dissertation research, building your networks, and developing publishable projects. You will join us in using knowledge to address our most pressing political and social challenge s . We welcome your application to become a part of the next generation of communication scholars, professors, leaders, and practitioners.

Demonstrate Your Commitment and Interest

Applicants for the Communication (PhD) degree program must hold an accredited bachelor's degree and a master's degree in communication, or a related field, with a cumulative GPA of 3.30 or higher, unless the applicant demonstrates comparable experience. The degree does not have to be in the field of communication or be research-based, as many of our PhD students have master's degrees in film or journalism. 

Applicants must submit a statement of purpose that outlines the intended research area, what research methods and theories the applicant will use, and which faculty members the applicant hopes to work with.

The candidate must also submit either a master's thesis or another example of substantial research. The GRE is optional. Students should submit their official GRE scores to CEEB code 5007 if desired.

The School of Communication's PhD program operates on a hard deadline. Applications must be received by December 15th.  Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

A complete PhD application consists of the following:

• Statement of purpose
• University transcripts from all universities attended (transcripts from outside of the U.S. must be evaluated by a NACES approevd organization)
• Two letters of recommendation
• GRE scores (optional)
• Master's thesis (or another example of substantial research)
• Proof of English proficiency (100 on the TOEFL, 7.0 on the IELTS, 120 on Duolingo, or a bachelor or master's degree from a university in an English speaking country)

The admissions committee may ask applicants to interview with the program director and affiliated faculty. Interviews are conducted either on campus or virtually.

Financing Your Education

Each year, we welcome several doctoral students with full tuition remission as well as a graduate assistantship . We may also offer admission to top candidates without merit funding. If funding becomes available, students admitted without funding may be eligible to receive a merit package from the school.

The PhD in Communication is 54 credit hours. To estimate the cost of tuition , please see the current cost per credit hour for graduate students.

Students whose funding package includes a graduate assistantship will work as research or teaching assistants for 20 hours per week during the fall and spring semesters. 

The School of Communication offers graduate students both merit-based and need-based financial aid . Merit awards, named scholarships, and fellowships are administered by the SOC Graduate Admissions Office, while need-based awards are administered by the American University Office of Financial Aid . Several prestigious graduate fellowships are also available for students in the Political Communication program. Additional financial support is available for veterans .

Each year, we welcome several doctoral students with full tuition remission as well as a graduate assistantship. We may also offer admission to top candidates without merit funding. If funding becomes available, students admitted without funding may be eligible to receive a merit package from the school. 

All merit awards are based on your academic merit and professional experience , specifically your undergraduate grades and leadership activities as well as career-related accomplishments. Merit awards are valid for one year-they vary in amount, are typically divided evenly between the fall and spring semesters, and are not typically renewable.

Some merit awards come in the form of graduate assistantships , which consist of graduate tuition remission, a stipend, or both. Tuition remission will vary in the number of credits offered. If you are offered a stipend, you must employed as a graduate assistant for a School of Communication faculty member for 10 hours per week.

Graduate Fellowships for Political Communication

The School of Communication offers prestigious merit-based fellowships in partnership with leading Washington, DC-based media organizations. These fellowships provide varying amounts of tuition remission and stipend and allow you to pursue professional projects with some of the finest media organizations while completing your graduate program. Separate applications are required . 

Research fellowships at academic centers within the School of Communication and throughout the university may also be available.

Unless indicated, students may not accept both a graduate assistantship and a graduate fellowship.

 Advanced Study at Your Convenience 

The School of Communication makes continuing on for your advanced degree a simple, straightforward process. You may apply for admission to our combined bachelor of arts/master of arts program during the second semester of your junior year (after completing 75 credits, but before you have completed 90 credits). Students in any undergraduate major at AU are eligible for consideration. An undergraduate degree in communication is not required.

You may apply for combined degrees in Political Communication, Strategic Communication, Film and Video, Journalism and Public Affairs, Game Design, or International Media.

More information about admissions requirements can be found here.

Meet Our Students

Our students produce scholarship, using both quantitative and qualitative approaches, that has real-world connection and impact.

Democracy is a Laughing Matter

In the Top 5 percent of Best Ranked Programs in Communication and Media Studies

According to College Factual

Course Progression

Complete your degree in three years.

In contrast to the traditional 9-month-per-year schedule, your annual course of study takes place over 11 months, including faculty supervision and mentoring via formal course work, organized research group meetings, and online collaboration. The  accelerated structure  of your program allows you to complete your degree in three years.

You'll take six required courses, three each in the fall and spring semester. Depending on your past master's coursework and professional experience, you may be able to petition for credit for methods and/or statistics course work, substituting an advanced methods course or other elective. The required teaching seminar prepares you to work as a teaching assistant in an undergraduate course during your second year of coursework. Students who have prior college teaching experience or who have already taken a similar teaching seminar as part of their master's program can place out of this course, substituting an additional elective. In the summer immediately following your first year, you'll enroll in one course for credit and participate in research group meetings.

COMM-704: Media, Technology & Democracy (3) This is a foundation overview course focused on scholarship and analysis concerning the intersections of media, technology, and democracy. It also introduces other core courses and study concentrations for advanced study in these topics.

COMM-750: Advanced Media Theory (3) This course examines a range of theories for explaining the complex interrelationships among media, technology, human behavior, social interaction, and democratic processes. It provides an in-depth comparative analysis of theoretical approaches from a variety of academic fields including mass communication, cultural studies, film criticism, and digital media.

COMM-751: Advanced Media Research Methods (3) This course covers major social scientific, historical, ethnographic, qualitative, and critical approaches to media research, including discussions of epistemology, conceptualization, measurement, and ethics.

COMM-754: Media, Law & Policy (3) This course equips students with a strong grounding in U.S laws, policies, and regulatory infrastructure. It analyzes how public debates and political struggles over policy issues have shaped the culture, structure, and operations of contemporary U.S. media industries and institutions.

COMM-711: Teaching Seminar (3) This course provides students with career preparation knowledge, including understanding the culture and history of higher education, teaching skills, and career skills including submission to journals, book proposals, finding appropriate job opportunities, writing cover letters and doing job interviews. Some individual coaching is also involved.

NOTE: This course begins the Friday BEFORE school starts in spring semester, with attendance at an all-day event, the Ann Ferren Conference. This affects your travel schedule over winter holidays!

Approved graduate statistics or research methods course (3) (by preference) OR

Elective selected in consultation with faculty mentor (3)

Note: Students will work with their faculty mentor, who must have an appropriate terminal degree, to select two electives for the first fall semester.

COMM-755: Research Design in Communication (3). This course strengthens student skills in defining an answerable research questions and finding appropriate methodologies.

In the fall, you'll take two electives and a course to prepare you for the comprehensive examinations. By the end of your fall semester, you'll be expected to have gained approval and to have finalized the four faculty members of your doctoral committee, with at least one member being from outside of the School of Communication. At the beginning of your spring semester, you'll begin your qualifying exams. This process takes approximately one month from the assignment of questions to a successful written and oral defense. You will also take a seminar to guide you in developing your dissertation proposal. By the end of the spring semester or beginning of the summer, students are expected to have successfully defended their dissertation proposals and to spend the summer focused on dissertation research.

COMM-860 Seminar in Doctoral Teaching and Research (3) Creation of dissertation literature review and preparation for the comprehensive exam. Introduction to teaching philosophies and strategies, preparation for scholarly career in Communication Studies.

Approved elective courses (6)

Approved graduate statistics or research methods course (3)

COMM-861: Advanced Research & Project Development (3) Prepares students for advancing to candidacy by taking the comprehensive exam and preparing a dissertation proposal.

COMM-898: Doctoral Continuing Enrollment (6) May be taken by doctoral students completing coursework, exams or proposals in preparation for advancement to candidacy.

In the fall and spring semesters, you'll register for dissertation research credits. During the fall and spring semesters, you will also probably be applying and interviewing for jobs, drawing upon information from your first-year course, COMM 711 and on your mentors’ advice. By late spring, your dissertation committee expects to have about six weeks to read and respond to a dissertation draft and to read and respond to a revised version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should apply to the phd in communication program.

Applicants could be interested in tenure track, faculty positions in academia, or seeking careers at prestigious institutions in government, industry, and/or the nonprofit community.

How can the PhD program help strengthen my pedagogical skills?

In addition to the teaching seminars and teaching assistantships that are part of the regular doctoral curriculum, The Art of Teaching is a one-credit course offered each spring semester for PhD students who want to learn more about educational pedagogy. The course was originally designed by American University's former provost, Milton Greenberg.

Previously known as the Greenberg Seminars for Effective Teaching, this course complements the PhD academic experience, providing hands-on, practical introduction to professional development and classroom techniques. PhD students can participate at any time during their PhD program. There is no tuition fee for the course.

What are areas of faculty expertise?

Our program is focused on impactful research at the intersection of media, technology, and democracy. Our faculty and students study how media messages and communication technologies shape, and are shaped by, social and governmental processes. Specific sites of research range from Internet governance to music and film culture to social and political organizing to journalism to new media and games. We study communication patterns and their meanings across and between societies on a global scale, including, every continent in addition to indigenous and stateless groups. We draw upon cultural production, critical communication, science and technology studies, law and society perspectives, and other theories, and we use both quantitative and qualitative research methods as well as policy analysis.

What kinds of positions do alumni have now?

Our alumni have found full time and tenure-track jobs at universities throughout the U.S. and around the world, as well as prestigious post-doctoral positions and non-profit and government posts.

What kinds of collaborations can I expect with faculty?

You are assigned a mentor when you first arrive, a selection that results from both your stated interests and faculty interest. This assignment can change by request. You can expect to work with your mentor and, potentially, other faculty on research resulting in joint publications and conference presentations. In your second year, you may assist a faculty member with teaching. Several recent alumni have continued to collaborate with SOC faculty and student colleagues after graduation, resulting in dozens of published research articles, book chapters, and policy papers.

What other opportunities do the school and university offer?

The PhD program offers several PhD Symposia throughout the year, offering informal presentations of completed work and work in progress by both students and faculty. The  Internet Governance Lab , a joint program in the School of Communication and School of International Service, offers a range of activities throughout the year, putting a spotlight on Internet policy. The Center for Media & Social Impact offers workshops, events, a biannual conference, and research projects for which you can apply as research assistant. The AU Game Center  provides a community of scholars and graduate students in numerous programs across the university engaged in the design, production, and study of games, including the cultural and social impact of the medium, with substantial opportunities for collaboration with faculty, staff, and students across multiple related fields and contexts. The Institute for Immersive Designs, Experiences, Applications, and Stories (Institute for IDEAS) offers paid fellowships and research projects for which you can apply as a research assistant, often collaborating with faculty at other institutions. The PhD programs in the School of Communication, School of International Service, and School of Public Affairs jointly host a day-long research conference featuring work in progress by their PhD students, in February. The university-wide Center for Teaching, Research and Learning (CTRL) provides tools and programs throughout the year to help faculty and PhD students with best practices in teaching, and hosts an annual conference on teaching in January. PhD students are welcome, at no cost. CTRL also offers training and access to research tools . Finally, each PhD student receives enough annual funding to attend at least one major scholarly conference or event, anywhere in the world.

What are examples of dissertations students have written?

Our students have explored a wide diversity of interests with rigorous research, including dissertations such as:

• Lucy Odigie, “Digital Margins: Digital Technology Use, Social Change and the Empowering Strategies of Domestic Workers of Color in Brooklyn, NY”
• Isabelle Zaugg, “Ethiopic: Coding for Linguistic Survival in the Face of Digital Extinction”
• Aras Cosuntuncel, “Networking Authoritarian Neoliberalism: Realigned Strategies of Information Control and Resistance in the Case of Turkey” Dorian Davis, “The Twitter Election? New Perspectives on Agenda-Building during the 2016 Campaign”
• Louisa Imperiale, “Democracy for Sale: A Critical Examination of the Political-Media Complex at work in Campaign Finance and Political Broadcast Regulation in U.S. Presidential Elections from 1976 to 2016”
• Fernanda Rosa, “Global Internet Interconnection Infrastructure: Materiality, Concealment and Surveillance in Contemporary Communication”
• Donte Newman, “Straddling the Fence: How White Facebook Users Express Ambivalence to Navigate the Context Collapse”
• Emily O’Connell, “Hybrid Systems and Hybrid Genres: Exploring U.S. Political Podcast Framing Tactics and Effects”

How many applicants are admitted each year?

Five people are selected each year to join the program, and there are usually about 20 people in the program at any one time.

Can I attend part-time?

The program is designed to be full-time.

Can I take courses outside of the School of Communication?

The SOC PhD program was designed as an interdisciplinary program. We encourage students to take full advantage of the wealth of resources and opportunities across the university, including taking courses and finding expertise in other departments, as well as courses at our partner universities around Washington, DC. Dissertation committees are required to include at least one member outside of the school.

Can I complete my PhD program in 3 years?

The program is designed to be completed in three years, and more than half of our PhD students accomplish their goal in doing so.

Still have questions? Send us an email: [email protected]

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Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)

We rank the best online PhD degree programs in communications.

Key Takeaways

• A number of graduate schools offer an online PhD in communications.
• A communications PhD program is a good fit for students with an interest in linguistics, media studies, organizational communication, post-secondary education, and more.
• The best online communication doctorates are regionally and programmatically accredited and prepare students for success in the job market.

Featured Programs

Online doctoral degree programs are growing in availability and credibility. However, only a select number of universities offer a full selection of PhD in communication programs online.

In most fields, an online PhD is considered a terminal degree, which means it is the highest degree that you can earn in your field. This means that online doctoral programs for PhD students in communication can lead to opportunities for leadership, public consultation, research, and post-secondary education in your field.

Online PhD in communication candidates are typically already working at a high level in their field. This means that students seeking their doctorate must balance existing work and personal responsibilities with a challenging course of education. For many graduate students, online courses and fully online programs provide a way to achieve this balance.

For a look at how these online doctoral programs stack up against traditional on campus programs, check out our look at the The Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees .

Or see the complete University Rankings Guide .

Otherwise, read on and learn more about how you can earn an online PhD in communication through a top-ranked online doctorate program.

About Accredited Online PhD in Communication Degree Programs

Online doctoral students have plenty of options, but quality and credibility are important when it comes to finding an online PhD. The best online doctorate programs will have proper accreditation:

• Institutional Accreditation : Accreditation is vital for online doctoral programs. It signifies that the online PhD programs offered by the graduate school are in compliance with the standards of a Department of Education-approved accrediting body.

A school must also be accredited in order to offer federal financial aid to its online doctorate candidates. When looking for an online doctoral program, seek out options with accreditation from a colleges and schools commission in your region. This stamp of approval is critical for ensuring the quality and credibility of your online program.

• Programmatic Accreditation : In addition to institutional accreditation, look for online doctorate degree programs with programmatic accreditation. Specialized programmatic accreditation can be an indication that certain online PhD programs are respected in your field. The Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC) is the key specialized accrediting agency in communications.
• Carnegie Classification : The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, or as it is more commonly known, the Carnegie Classification, is a framework for categorizing all accredited, degree-granting institutions in the United States. Originally formulated in 1970 by The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, and administered through the University of Indiana’s Center for Postsecondary Research since 2014, the Carnegie Classification is “the leading framework for recognizing and describing institutional diversity in U.S. higher education.”

Under this classification, top research universities for doctoral degrees and PhD candidates are identified as either R2: Doctoral Universities for “high research activity” or R1: Doctoral Universities for “very high research activity.” Look for these classifications when considering options for your online Phd programs.

Key Point: The best online doctoral programs will have both institutional and programmatic accreditation.

Admission Requirements

Schools that offer online doctorate programs have different admission requirements. However, most online doctoral in communication programs will carry the same basic threshold for admission:

• A completed online application
• Official undergraduate college transcripts
• A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
• GRE scores, MAT scores, or GMAT scores
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal interviews
• Personal statement or essay
• Plan of study

Key Point: In some cases, you’ll be eligible to enter a doctoral degree online after earning a bachelor’s degree. However, manyu specialized online PhD programs may require you to have earned a master’s degree as well.

Curriculum and Courses

As with other advanced degree and graduate programs, research is the central component of your online communications doctoral program. This is true for fully online doctorate degrees as well as hybrid degrees combining online education with traditional on-campus courses.

Regardless of whether you complete a traditional, hybrid or online doctoral program, the typical time to completion is three to five years.

The typical components of your online PhD program may include:

Foundational Courses

Your online PhD program will typically begin with a number of core courses in areas like technical communication, mass communication, strategic communication, and more. You will likely also take foundational courses in your area of concentration.

PhD program concentrations may include media and communication studies, health communication, political communication, and more. Foundational courses will also provide critical research skills including how to apply both quantitative research methods and qualitative research methods. You may be able to complete many of your communications program requirements through online classes.

Examinations for PhD Candidacy

Many online doctoral students are required to complete certain examinations to enter into online PhD candidacy. This will typically occur after you’ve completed one to two years of foundational courses.

Dissertation

The central component of most online PhD in communications programs will be the completion of a dissertation. After gaining status as an online PhD candidate, you will typically work closely with a professorial advisor or mentor to develop an original research question.

This research question will form the basis of your dissertation—an ongoing project designed to address this research question through applied research. While you will work closely with your advisor or mentor, much of your dissertation will be rooted in independent research. This is especially true for students pursuing an online PhD.

Oral Defense

Upon completion of the written portion of your dissertation—which will typically present the findings from your original research project—you will be expected to defend your findings. This “oral defense” will typically be conducted by a commission of professors and experts in your field. PhD candidates in some online degree programs may be able to conduct this defense via teleconferencing.

Teaching Requirements

Some online PhD programs will also include a teaching component, which will require you to work as an adjunct professor or teacher’s assistant in an undergraduate or graduate school. It may be possible for students in the online doctoral degree program to also serve teaching requirements by instructing online students.

Key Point: The online communications PhD is a research-focused degree. Your dissertation will be a central part of your online doctoral degree program.

Careers for Students Who Complete Online Communications Doctoral Degree Programs

Accredited online doctoral programs are generally terminal degree programs. This means that students who complete credible online doctoral programs in their field are generally eligible for top positions and opportunities in their field. This may indicate high paying opportunities for public policy research, post-secondary education, and editorship.

For instance, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the top 10% of earners in the field of Editing earned nearly $130,000 in 2021.

These higher earnings are reflective of the rarified professional opportunities that await those with a PhD in communications. Working professionals who earn an accredited online doctorate may be eligible to work in the following areas.

• Marketing and Consumer Research
• Publishing and Editing
• Public Relations
• Post-Secondary Education
• Public Policy Consultation
• Political Campaign Management

Key Points: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, students with a doctorate n communications will earn more than graduates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

What’s the difference between online doctoral programs and online PhD programs?

Technically, a PhD is a type of doctorate degree. This means that all online PhD candidates are doctoral students. By contrast, not all doctoral students are PhD candidates.

The primary distinction is that doctoral students are primarily focused on putting existing theories into practice. Depending on your chosen field, your online doctoral degree may require participation in an educational leadership program, engagement in clinical practice, work as a resident in a nursing program, and much more.

By contrast, online PhD students are focused on creating new knowledge in their area of study. This usually means that online PhD candidates are focused on introducing new theories, creating research projects around these theories, and presenting new findings that demonstrate a mastery of existing knowledge and the insight to introduce new ideas into the field.

Today, more working professionals than ever before are pursuing both online doctoral degrees and online Phd programs.

The Best Online Communications Doctorates (PhDs)

The online PhDs and doctorates in communication identified here are ranked based on influence, with weighting for graduation rate and full-time online enrollment.

University of Alabama

• #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Alabama 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities in Alabama 2024
• #1 Best Public Colleges in Alabama 2024
• #10 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
• #11 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
• #25 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Human Development Degree Programs for 2024
• #1 Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2024
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Alabama
• #1 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024
• #1 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Alabama 2024
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Health Science 2025
• #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting 2025
• #2 Best Online Master's in Kinesiology Degree Programs
• #2 Best Online Master's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
• #2 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024
• #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs for 2024
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #3 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
• #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2025
• #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Public Health Degree Programs for Students
• #6 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs
• #6 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024
• #6 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
• #6 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising
• #6 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #6 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #6 Best Online Master's in Special Education
• #8 Best Online Master’s in Communications
• #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice
• #8 Best Online Master's in Nursing MSN
• #11 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
• #14 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024
• #15 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #17 Best Online Master’s in Engineering
• #21 Best Online Master's in Management
• #21 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
• #11 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Tuition + fees

Student body

Median SAT/ACT

Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Alabama

University of Alabama’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Social Work
• Mathematics
• Anthropology
• Political Science
• Engineering

Most Influential Alumni

• Edward O. Wilson
• Timothy Leary
• George Armitage Miller
• Bernie Madoff
• Nathan Jacobson
• John Ridley Stroop
• George W. Snedecor
• Mohammad Ataul Karim

What do we love about University of Alabama?

University of Alabama was founded in the city of Tuscaloosa, Alabama in 1820. Emerging in the immediate aftermath of Alabama’s statehood, Bama is the oldest institution of higher learning in Alabama.

And today, a student body of more than 38,000 undergraduates and postgraduates makes this public research university the largest school in the state of Alabama.

University of Alabama’s Communication and Information Sciences doctoral degree program is noted for its multidisciplinary approach to the study of communication and information sciences.

Enjoy a strong athletics program. The University of Alabama Crimson Tide enjoy a heated cross-state rivalry with the Tigers of Auburn University.

Prefer a more intimate learning environment. University of Alabama is noted for the size of its student body, the scope of its academic offerings, and the expansiveness of its campus facilities.

American University

• #3 Best Private Colleges in DC 2024
• #4 Best Grad Schools in DC 2024
• #4 Best Colleges in DC 2024
• #9 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
• #23 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #24 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
• #3 Best Online Master's Programs in DC 2024
• #4 Best Online MBA Programs in DC
• #7 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Economics PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #12 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
• #15 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024
• #4 How to Earn Your Master's Degree Without Your Bachelor's Degree

Career Outlook for Communications degree at American University

What do we love about american university.

American University is a private research university located in Washington D.C. American University was actually formed by an act of Congress in 1893.

Today, American University is home to more than 8000 undergraduates and more than 6000 graduate students.

Its doctoral-level communications program demonstrates the close connection between American University and the city it calls home. The AU School of Communication’s Doctor of Philosophy in Communication gives PhD candidates a chance to conduct independent research at the intersection of media, technology, and democracy. /p>

Have an interest in public service, political affairs, and government work. Its location in the nation’s capital makes American University a feeder school for many government opportunities.

Are seeking a more affordable degree program. American University provides generous student amenities but these expenses are reflected in the cost of attendance.

University of Colorado Boulder

• #1 Best Colleges in Colorado 2024
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Colorado 2025
• #2 Best Online Colleges in Colorado 2024

Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Colorado Boulder

University of Colorado Boulder’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Earth Sciences
• Computer Science
• George Gaylord Simpson
• Sidney Altman
• Scott Carpenter
• Jeffrey Beall
• Jack Williamson
• Steven M. Wise
• Marc Bekoff
• Kenneth R. Miller
• Terrence Deacon
• Theodore Maiman
• Eugene Myers

What do we love about the University of Colorado Boulder?

The University of Colorado Boulder was founded in 1876 and was, in fact, established five months before Colorado achieved statehood. This makes it the flagship university in the state’s public university system.

The University of Colorado Boulder, located in the mid-sized city of Boulder, is home to a decidedly large student population. Roughly 38,000 students are currently in pursuit of their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at Boulder.

Among its noteworthy graduate degree programs, the University of Colorado Boulder offers a PhD in Communication to students who have earned a master’s degree in a related subject.

Are pursuing advanced degrees. Boulder ranks among R1: Doctoral Universities, so noted for their very high level of research activity.

Are looking for an intimate college experience. Though the Boulder campus is routinely ranked among the most beautiful colleges in the nation, it is also the largest school in the state of Colorado.

Clemson University

• #2 Best Research Universities in South Carolina 2024
• #2 Best Public Colleges in South Carolina 2024
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in South Carolina
• #2 Best Online Master's Programs in South Carolina 2024
• #2 Best Online Colleges in South Carolina 2024
• #2 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
• #4 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management
• #4 Best Online Master's in Biology
• #8 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
• #9 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies
• #9 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #11 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #14 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs 2025
• #16 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2025
• #18 Best Online Master's in Special Education
• #20 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #24 Best Online Master’s in Engineering

Career Outlook for Communications degree at Clemson University

Clemson University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• James Dickey
• Strom Thurmond
• John Edwards
• Jo Jorgensen
• Anthony Bradley
• James F. Byrnes
• Warren E. Dixon
• Dolph Lundgren
• Thomas Naylor
• Horace Grant
• Dwight Clark
• Deshaun Watson

What do we love about Clemson University?

Clemson University was founded in 1889 and began life as the Clemson Agricultural College. Today, the public land-grant university occupies 1400 acres alongside Lake Hartwell in Clemson, South Carolina.

With more than 25,000 students pursuing degrees at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, Clemson University ranks as the second largest university in the state of South Carolina.

Clemson is included in the list of R1: Doctoral Universities, those noted for their high level of research activity. Clemson offers an array of unique advanced degree programs, such as its doctoral program in Rhetorics, Communication, and Information Design , which emphasizes “an overall balance of ecologies in rhetorics and communication with emphasis on rhetorics and digital information design.”

Enjoy college athletics. Clemson’s Tigers enjoy an enormous cultural presence both on campus and in the surrounding region.

Are looking for a college in a lively area. Clemson is located in the foothills of the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, but this also means that the university is a two hour drive from the nearest city.

Texas Tech University

• #7 Best Colleges in Texas 2024
• #1 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
• #1 Best Online Master's in English
• #2 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
• #2 Best Online Certificate in Liberal Arts and Humanities Ranked for Students
• #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Texas
• #2 Top 8 Best Online Public Health PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #3 Top 5 Best Online English PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Information Technology
• #4 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of English Programs
• #4 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Public Relations Ranked 2024
• #5 Best Online Bachelor’s of Digital Media for 2025
• #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
• #6 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
• #7 Best Online Master's Programs in Texas 2024
• #7 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2025
• #7 Best Online Master's in Agriculture and Agribusiness Degree Programs
• #8 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #8 10 Best Online Master's of Music Education Degree Programs
• #8 The Most Affordable Online Clinical Nutrition Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #9 Best Online Doctorate of Educational Psychology (PhDs) 2024
• #10 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2025
• #10 Best Online Master’s in Communications
• #11 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising
• #12 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024
• #12 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs)
• #13 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs 2025
• #14 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
• #14 Best Online Master's in Special Education
• #14 Best Online Master’s in Engineering
• #15 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
• #15 Best Online Master’s in Education
• #16 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #20 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #23 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2024 Ranked for Students
• #23 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)

Career Outlook for Communications degree at Texas Tech University

What do we love about texas tech university.

Texas Tech University began life as the Texas Technical College with its founding 1923. Based in Lubbock, Texas Tech is considered the primary institution among the five schools making up the Texas Tech University System.

Taking its present name in 1969, Texas Tech University would become the sixth-largest institution in the state of Texas. Today, there are more than 40,000 students earning degrees at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels at the public research university.

Texas Tech is particularly noteworthy as a destination for prospective PhDs. Texas Tech is classified among R1: Doctoral Universities, so noted for their very high research activity. This includes opportunities for doctoral level students interested in Texas Tech’s PhD in Media and Communication .

Like a college with strong school spirit. Students repeatedly note that the school spirit is a major feature of campus life, which can make Texas Tech feel like one big community.

Are looking for a small campus. Like a lot of other things in Texas, Texas Tech is a sprawling campus. Students note that the sheer distance of walking between classes can sometimes be exhausting.

Colorado State University

• #3 Best Colleges in Colorado 2024
• #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
• #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Colorado 2025
• #4 Best Online Colleges in Colorado 2024
• #4 Top 5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #5 Online Colleges That Start Anytime and the Benefits of a Self-Paced Education
• #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Colorado
• #9 Most Affordable Online Sociology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
• #15 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs
• #24 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)

Career Outlook for Communications degree at Colorado State University

Colorado State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Jean Bethke Elshtain
• Steve Hanke
• Yusef Komunyakaa
• Elaine Ingham
• Mark Mattson
• Rebecca Skloot
• Ibrahim Abdulaziz Al-Assaf
• William Tietz
• James van Hoften
• Jenna Ellis
• Martin J. Fettman
• Anwar al-Awlaki

What do we love about Colorado State University?

Colorado State University was formed in 1870 as the flagship institution in what would become the Colorado state school system. The Fort Collins-based public research university is noted today for including the biomedical sciences, engineering, environmental science, and more.

Colorado State University was formed as a small agricultural school in the years leading up to Colorado’s 1876 statehood. Today, Colorado State serves more than 34,000 students.

Colorado State University is noted for its top-ranked graduate courses and degree programs, such as its PhD in Communication .

Are pursuing careers in healthcare. Colorado State ranks high for spending on its various medical sciences programs.

Are seeking a small campus experience.

University of North Dakota

• #1 Most Affordable Colleges in North Dakota 2024
• #1 Best Public Colleges in North Dakota 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities in North Dakota 2024
• #1 Best Colleges in North Dakota 2024
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in North Dakota 2025
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in North Dakota
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Programs in North Dakota
• #1 Best Online Colleges in North Dakota 2024
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Montana
• #6 Online Colleges That Start Anytime and the Benefits of a Self-Paced Education
• #3 10 Best Accelerated Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of North Dakota

University of North Dakota’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Communications
• Phil Jackson
• Maxwell Anderson
• Vilhjalmur Stefansson
• Chuck Klosterman
• Thomas McGrath
• George A. Lundberg
• Jonathan Toews
• Michael Rustad

What do we love about the University of North Dakota?

The University of North Dakota’s history actually predates North Dakota statehood by a full six years. Formed in 1883 by the Dakota Territorial Assembly, this Grand Forks-based university began as a liberal arts institution before expanding to include scientific research.

Today, the University of North Dakota is classified among R2: Doctoral Universities, noted for their high level of research activity. UND is currently home to more than 13,000 students pursuing degrees at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

The University of North Dakota is noted for its excellent array of doctoral level research programs such as its Communication PhD .

Are seeking options for getting involved. Current students praise the wide range of clubs and activities offered to UND students.

Don’t have a high tolerance for cold weather. Temperatures on campus dip well below freezing throughout the winter months.

Liberty University

• #1 Best Christian Colleges in Virginia 2024
• #3 Best Private Colleges in Virginia 2024
• #7 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2024
• #8 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2024
• #9 Best Colleges in Virginia 2024
• #19 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
• #21 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Math Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
• #1 Best Online Associate Degree Programs That Can Be Completed in 1 Year
• #1 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #1 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2024
• #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Virginia 2024
• #1 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2025
• #1 Best Online Associate in Economics
• #1 Best Online Associate in Philosophy
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Music Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Christian Counseling Degree Programs
• #1 Most Affordable Online PhDs in Psychology Ranked for 2024
• #1 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Economics PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #1 Best Online Associate in Education
• #1 Best Online Associate in Mathematics
• #1 Top 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Nursing (BSN) Programs 2025
• #2 Best Online Bachelor’s in Public Administration Degree Programs for 2025
• #2 Best Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies
• #2 Best Online Associate in Biblical Studies
• #2 Accelerated Online Business Administration PhD Programs (Doctorates)
• #2 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Forensic Psychology Programs
• #2 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Psychology Degree Programs 2024
• #2 Best Online Associate in Early Childhood Education
• #2 How To Get an Online Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies
• #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Religious Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #2 Best Online Bachelor’s of Graphic Arts Degree Programs for 2025
• #2 Top 3 Best Online Economics PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #2 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Psychology Programs
• #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Information Technology
• #3 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of English
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Virginia
• #3 Best Online Degrees for a Career in Teaching Ranked 2024
• #3 Best Online History Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #3 Best Online Master's in Theology
• #3 Best Online Associate in Paralegal Studies
• #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Healthcare Administration Masters
• #3 Top 5 Best Online Criminal Justice Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in the District Of Columbia
• #3 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice PhDs (Doctorates)
• #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity
• #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Homeland Security Degree Programs for 2025
• #4 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates)
• #4 Best Online Associate in Accounting
• #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Virginia
• #4 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #4 Top 8 Fastest Accelerated Online Psychology Doctorates (PhDs)
• #4 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
• #4 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Illinois
• #4 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Information Technology PhD Programs
• #4 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #4 Best Online Associate in Psychology
• #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2025
• #5 The Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Bachelor's Degrees
• #5 Top 20 Easiest Online Degrees from Accredited Schools in 2024
• #5 Top 10 Fastest Accelerated Online PhD in Criminal Justice (Doctorates)
• #5 Best Online Master's Programs in Virginia 2024
• #5 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Information Technology
• #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2025
• #6 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
• #6 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Accounting Programs
• #6 Best Online Master’s in Biblical Studies
• #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Strategic Communications Degree Programs
• #7 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs)
• #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2025
• #7 Best Online Doctorate of Educational Psychology (PhDs) 2024
• #7 Online Colleges That Start Anytime and the Benefits of a Self-Paced Education
• #8 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity 2025
• #8 Best Online Master's in Project Management 2025
• #8 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
• #8 Best Online Associate in History Degrees
• #8 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Business Administration Doctorates
• #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
• #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2025
• #9 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
• #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
• #9 Best Online Associate's in Physics
• #9 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #9 Best Online Master's in Biology
• #9 Best Online Associate in Business Administration
• #10 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
• #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Network Administration Degree Programs for 2024
• #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Programs for 2024
• #11 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #11 Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs
• #11 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs
• #11 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024
• #12 Best Online Master's in Sports Management
• #12 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs
• #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting 2025
• #14 Best Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration Degree Programs for 2024
• #14 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
• #15 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees
• #16 Best Online Associate in Criminal Justice
• #17 Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2024
• #17 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
• #18 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs)
• #18 Most Affordable Online Master's Degree Programs Ranked for Students
• #18 Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree Programs
• #18 Best Online Master’s in Finance
• #21 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
• #23 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
• #25 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2024
• #25 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry
• #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Associate's of Counseling Degree Programs
• #2 Fastest Accelerated Online PhDs in Education Degree Programs 2024
• #5 20 Fastest Online Bachelor's of Business Degree Programs Ranked 2024
• #5 Top 20 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's in Counseling
• #6 10 Best Accelerated Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #6 How to Earn Your Master's Degree Without Your Bachelor's Degree
• #6 Best College Majors that Offer Accelerated Degree Programs
• #8 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024
• #14 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024

Career Outlook for Communications degree at Liberty University

What do we love about liberty university.

Liberty University is one of the largest Christian universities in the world as well as one of the largest private non-profit universities in the U.S. Much of this size is based on its online enrollment.

Liberty University enrolls roughly 15,000 residential students across its 17 colleges, and an additional 80,000 through its extensive online course and degree offerings.

Liberty University is noted for the sheer volume of advanced degrees and online degrees earned by its student body. With more than 47,000 students pursuing advanced degrees, Liberty offers an extremely wide range of online doctoral programs, including its PhD in Communication Online program.

Wish to attend the world’s largest seminary—Liberty University’s Rawlings School of Divinity.

Students who do not identify with Evangelical Christianity.

Regent University

• #2 Best Online Bachelor’s of Counseling Degree Programs for 2025
• #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Virginia
• #2 Best Online Associate in Christian Ministry
• #2 Best Online Bachelor's of Theology Degree Programs in 2025
• #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in the District Of Columbia
• #2 Best Online Doctorate of Educational Psychology (PhDs) 2024
• #3 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #3 How To Get an Online Master’s Degree in Biblical Studies
• #3 Best Online Associate in History Degrees
• #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Virginia 2024
• #3 Best Online Bachelor’s of Graphic Arts Degree Programs for 2025
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Music Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #4 Best Online History Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Christian Ministry Degree Programs for 2025
• #5 Best Online Bachelor’s in Biblical Studies
• #5 Top 16 Most Affordable Online Counseling PhDs (Doctorates)
• #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Virginia
• #5 Best Online Associate in Psychology
• #6 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Information Technology
• #7 Best Online Bachelor’s of Digital Media for 2025
• #7 Best Online Master's in Organizational Psychology
• #7 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2024
• #7 Best Online Master's in Theology
• #7 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Psychology Programs
• #8 Best Online MBA in Entrepreneurship Ranked for Students in 2024
• #8 Fastest Online Associate Degrees Ranked for 2024
• #8 Most Affordable Online PhDs in Psychology Ranked for 2024
• #8 Best Online Master’s in Human Services
• #9 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2025
• #9 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs)
• #9 Top 20 Easiest Online Degrees from Accredited Schools in 2024
• #9 Best Online Master's Programs in Virginia 2024
• #10 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity 2025
• #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2025
• #10 Fastest Accelerated Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs)
• #10 Best Online Associate in General Studies
• #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree Programs
• #10 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs
• #12 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2025
• #13 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
• #14 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2024
• #14 Best Online Master’s in Biblical Studies
• #15 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #16 Most Affordable Online PhD Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #17 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
• #19 Best Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology Degree Programs for 2024
• #21 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management
• #24 Best Online Master’s in Counseling
• #8 Top 20 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's in Counseling
• #10 20 Fastest Accelerated Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #13 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024

Career Outlook for Communications degree at Regent University

What do we love about regent university.

Regent University is a private Christian University that provides an array of both undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Founded in 1977 by Southern Baptist Minister Pat Robertson, Regent University offers a wide range of both online and on-campus degree programs.

Regent University serves more than 10,000 students today, with many pursuing online degrees at the master’s and doctoral degree levels.

Regent University is also noteworthy for its extremely diverse range of online doctoral degree programs, including an Online PhD in Communication .

Are pursuing advanced degrees online. More than 60% of Regent’s students are in post-graduate programs.

Prefer a secular educational experience.

Walden University

• #2 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
• #3 Accelerated Online Business Administration PhD Programs (Doctorates)
• #3 Top 8 Fastest Accelerated Online Psychology Doctorates (PhDs)
• #4 Best Online Doctorate of Educational Psychology (PhDs) 2024
• #5 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #5 Top 5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #6 Top 5 Best Online Criminal Justice Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #7 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Information Technology PhD Programs
• #7 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs
• #8 Top 8 Best Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhDs (Doctorates)
• #10 Top 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Counseling Doctorates (PhDs)
• #10 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Business Administration Doctorates
• #10 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
• #10 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Information Technology
• #12 15 Most Affordable Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs)
• #2 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #6 Fastest Accelerated Online PhDs in Education Degree Programs 2024
• #8 How to Earn Your Master's Degree Without Your Bachelor's Degree
• #11 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024
• #18 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for Communications degree at Walden University

What do we love about walden university.

Walden University is a private online school with headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Walden operates on a for-profit business model.

Walden University was established in 1970 with the goal of helping working adults–specifically those in education–earn their doctoral degree. Today, Walden serves nearly 50,000 students in countless areas of study.

Walden University offers several online doctoral programs through its Departement of Business Administration and Communication including its PhD in Management, which is available as both a full program and a completion program.

Are studying nursing, public health, and healthcare administration. Walden is one of the nation’s top degree providers in these fields.

Plan to earn PhDs in psychology. Walden’s PhDs do not have accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA).

Other Options for Aspiring Communication PhDs

Students considering an online doctoral in communications should also check out the best on-campus options to compare features like cost, curriculum, acceptance rate, and more.

New York University

• #13 Best Universities in the World 2024
• #23 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
• #2 Best Colleges in New York 2024
• #2 Best Research Universities in New York 2024
• #2 Best Grad Schools in New York 2024
• #2 Best Private Colleges in New York 2024
• #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
• #3 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
• #3 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
• #7 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
• #7 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #12 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
• #12 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
• #12 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
• #14 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #18 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #18 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
• #23 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #23 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #1 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in New York 2024
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
• #1 Top 5 Best Online English PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #2 Best Online Master's in Management
• #2 Top 6 Best Online Clinical Nutrition PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #3 Top 5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #3 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2024
• #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024
• #1 Fastest Accelerated Online PhDs in Education Degree Programs 2024
• #5 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
• #10 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for Communications degree at New York University

New York University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Erich Fromm
• Robert Mueller
• Martha Nussbaum
• John Archibald Wheeler
• Glenn Greenwald
• Howard Zinn
• Eric Kandel
• Lewis Mumford
• Alvin Toffler
• Louis Nirenberg

University of Michigan

• #4 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
• #9 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
• #9 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
• #11 Best Universities in the World 2024
• #22 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
• #1 Best Grad Schools in Michigan 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities in Michigan 2024
• #1 Best Colleges in Michigan 2024
• #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
• #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Michigan 2024
• #1 Best Public Colleges in Michigan 2024
• #2 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
• #4 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
• #5 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #6 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
• #6 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #9 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #10 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #11 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #11 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
• #11 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #11 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
• #12 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #12 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
• #13 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
• #13 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #13 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
• #13 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
• #14 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
• #1 Best Online Master’s in Health Science 2025
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Michigan
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Michigan 2025
• #1 Best Online MBA Degree Programs No GRE Required Ranked for 2024
• #1 Top 8 Best Online Public Health PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #1 Top 5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #1 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2024
• #2 Best Online History Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #2 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
• #2 Top 5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #3 Top 3 Best Online Economics PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #4 Top 6 Best Online Clinical Nutrition PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #6 Guide to Free Online Courses for MBA Students in 2024
• #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024
• #7 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Michigan

University of Michigan’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Claude Shannon
• Arthur Miller
• Alvin Plantinga
• George Dantzig
• Edgar F. Codd
• Hans-Hermann Hoppe
• Stephen Smale
• Urie Bronfenbrenner
• John Henry Holland
• Amos Tversky
• Marshall Sahlins

Boston University

• #3 Best Research Universities in Massachusetts 2024
• #3 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
• #13 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
• #24 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #25 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
• #1 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2025
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Massachusetts 2024
• #1 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising
• #1 Best Online Master's in Art Education and Art Administration
• #1 Best Online Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
• #1 Best Online Degree Completion Programs for Returning Students
• #2 Best Online Master's in Project Management 2025
• #2 10 Best Online Master's of Music Education Degree Programs
• #2 Best Online MBA Degree Programs No GRE Required Ranked for 2024
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Finance
• #3 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs 2025
• #3 Best Online Master’s in Communications
• #3 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
• #3 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
• #3 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #4 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
• #5 Best Online PhD of Computer Science Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #6 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
• #7 Best Online Master's in Management
• #7 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
• #7 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice
• #13 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2024
• #1 How to Earn Your Master's Degree Without Your Bachelor's Degree
• #15 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
• #22 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for Communications degree at Boston University

Boston University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Religious Studies
• Martin Luther King Jr.
• Sheldon Glashow
• Neal Stephenson
• Norman Vincent Peale
• Tipper Gore
• Albert-László Barabási
• Kim Stanley Robinson
• Bernard Berenson
• Daniel C. Tsui
• Bill Simmons

University of Texas at Austin

• #22 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
• #23 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
• #1 Best Grad Schools In Texas 2025
• #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas 2024
• #1 Best Public Colleges in Texas 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities in Texas 2024
• #1 Best Colleges in Texas 2024
• #4 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
• #10 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
• #12 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #13 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #17 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #18 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
• #19 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
• #21 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #21 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #22 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
• #24 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #25 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Texas 2024
• #2 Top 8 Best Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhDs (Doctorates)
• #2 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024
• #3 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
• #3 Best Online Master’s in Engineering
• #5 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #5 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
• #6 Best Online Master's in Management
• #11 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
• #18 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Texas at Austin

University of Texas at Austin’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Walter Cronkite
• Bill Moyers
• Edsger W. Dijkstra
• Robert Rauschenberg
• Bruce Sterling
• C. Wright Mills
• Neil deGrasse Tyson
• Steven Best
• J. M. Coetzee
• Robert Taylor
• Abhay Ashtekar

University of Southern California

• #19 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
• #2 Best Private Colleges in California 2024
• #4 Best Research Universities in California 2024
• #5 Best Grad Schools California 2025
• #5 Best Colleges in California 2024
• #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
• #5 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
• #9 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #13 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #16 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
• #16 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #17 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
• #17 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
• #17 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #17 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
• #19 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #19 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
• #20 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
• #21 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
• #22 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #1 Best Online Master's in Project Management 2025
• #1 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2024 Ranked for Students
• #1 Top 7 Best Online Social Work PhDs (DSW Programs) 2024
• #1 Best Online Master’s in Communications
• #1 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
• #1 Top 8 Best Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhDs (Doctorates)
• #1 Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs (PhDs)
• #1 Best Online Master's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs
• #1 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #1 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
• #1 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #1 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
• #1 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
• #1 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
• #1 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Public Relations Ranked 2024
• #1 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity
• #1 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
• #1 Best Online Master’s in Finance
• #2 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs 2025
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics 2025
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies
• #2 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2024
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
• #2 Best Online Master's in Public Administration Degree Programs
• #2 Best Online MBA Programs in California
• #2 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
• #2 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice
• #2 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Engineering
• #3 Best Online Master's in Nursing MSN
• #4 Best Online PhD of Computer Science Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #4 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
• #5 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
• #5 Best Online Master's in Management
• #5 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Social Work PhDs (Doctorates)
• #5 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2024
• #6 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024
• #17 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for Communications degree at University of Southern California

University of Southern California’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Criminal Justice
• Frank Gehry
• Neil Armstrong
• Jack L. Warner
• John Mearsheimer
• Boris Podolsky
• Michael D. Griffin
• Maulana Karenga
• O. J. Simpson
• Robert Ballard

Learn more with a look at our List of Online Programs .

• PhD in Communication and Leadership

Conducting new and interdisciplinary research within communication and Leadership to address current organisational, societal, and global challenges.

• Kristiania University College

Communication and Leadership are instruments of coordination, cooperation and decision making, and as such, they are vital to address organisational, societal, and global challenges. In order to understand, explain and develop skills for handling the fundamental changes in societal and organisational conditions caused by the fourth industrial revolution and by the contemporary challenges confronting the world, a holistic academic approach is required. This PhD programme is therefore interdisciplinary.

The aim is to study private and public organisations and their members as well as the interaction and interdependencies of business, society, and government from both theoretical and empirical perspectives.

The programme is directed towards qualified candidates who want to conduct high-level research and develop advanced knowledge in the disciplines of Communication and Leadership. The knowledge developed throughout the PhD programme may be applied in future careers in knowledge-intensive national or international organisations and in academia.

Learning Outcomes

The learning outcomes describe the knowledge, skills and the general competence that the candidate is expected to have achieved upon completion of the study programme, as a result of the learning acquired throughout the course.

The candidate...

• is in the forefront of the research-based knowledge within communication and leadership needed to understand, explain and address contemporary societal and organisational phenomena
• can evaluate the expediency and application of different methods, quantitative or qualitative, in communication and leadership research
• can contribute to the development of new knowledge, theories, methods, interpretations and forms of documentation in communication and leadership in a way that is relevant to understand, explain and address  contemporary societal and organisational phenomena
• can formulate problems, plan and carry out research on contemporary societal and organisational phenomena through the lens of communication and leadership
• can carry out interdisciplinary communication and leadership research of a high international standard
• can handle academically complex issues related to communication and leadership and challenge established knowledge and practice so as to address contemporary societal and organisational phenomena using an interdisciplinary approach

General competence

• can identify new relevant ethical issues pertaining to the research and practice of communication and leadership and carry out his/her research with scholarly integrity
• can manage complex assignments and projects that require the mobilisation and integration of knowledge within communication, leadership and related disciplines
• can communicate his/her research to an academic audience through scientific publications and conference presentations and disseminate it to a broader audience such as policy makers and organisational managers
• can participate in debates in the disciplines of communication and leadership in international forums that discuss how to understand, explain and address contemporary societal and organisational phenomena
• can assess the need for, initiate and practice innovation within communication and leadership so as to augment existing knowledge and methods in a way that helps policy makers and organisations address contemporary societal and organisational phenomena

Study details

• Study model Subject to change

In addition to programme specific admission requirements, there are standard admission requirements that apply to all PhD programmes.

• The Green Transition: Leading and Communicating Sustainability (PCL9200)
• Value Creation: A multidisciplinary perspective (PCL9201)
• Contemporary issues in Communication and Leadership (PCL9202)
• Digital Strategies in Media and Political Communication (PCL9203)
• Organisational and Leadership Communication (PCL9204)
• Communication and Leadership in Health Care (PCL9205)
• Practical and Critical Perspectives on Leadership (PCL9206)

Study programme leader

What are you looking for?

• School Leadership
• Diversity and Inclusion
• USC Annenberg Magazine
• Commencement
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• PhD Program
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• Undergraduate Applicants
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• International Programs
• Career Development
• Progressive Degrees
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• USC Annenberg’s Media Center
• Student Work
• Master's Programs
• Faculty Recognition
• USC Annenberg's Media Center

Program Information

• Learning Objectives
• Research and Teaching
• Areas of Study
• Current Doctoral Students
• Class Profile

Students in the doctoral program learn theories that guide research into communication processes and effects and into institutions and technologies that lend pattern to communication. Applicants for the PhD are expected to acquire and demonstrate humanistic and behavioral knowledge of communication while acquiring skills requisite to scholarly research in the discipline.

Screening Procedures

Student progress is carefully monitored by the School of Communication faculty. Students are normally screened at the end of their first year of graduate study. At that time they must have completed no fewer than 16 and no more than 24 units, including COMM 525, COMM 526, COMM 550 and COMM 552. Students are evaluated on subject matter competence, teaching potential and their ability to conduct independent research. Upon successful passage of the screening procedure, the student has 30 days in which to form a qualifying exam committee.

Course Requirements

The student is required to take a minimum of 72 units and write an approved dissertation.

Four core courses

• COMM 525x Humanistic and Social Scientific Approaches to Human Communication I (4 units)
• COMM 526x Humanistic and Social Scientific Approaches to Human Communication II (4 units)
• COMM 550 Quantitative Research Methods in Communication (4 units)
• COMM 552 Qualitative Research Methods in Communication (4 units)

And Doctoral Dissertation

• COMM 794a Doctoral Dissertation (2 units are required for all students)
• COMM 794b Doctoral Dissertation (2 units are required for all students)

Students specialize in one of seven tracks by completing a minimum of three courses (12 units) in one of the following

(1) Rhetoric, Politics and Publics:

• COMM 509x Classical Rhetorical Theory (4 units)
• COMM 511x Contemporary Rhetorical Theory (4 units)
• COMM 512x Rhetorical Criticism (4 units)
• COMM 513x Neoclassical Rhetorical Theory (4 units)
• COMM 514x Social Movements as Rhetorical Form (4 units)
• COMM 515x Postmodern Rhetorical Theory (4 units)
• COMM 517x Rhetorical Theory and Culture (4 units)
• COMM 518x American Public Address (4 units)
• COMM 520 The Rhetoric of the Presidential Campaign Trail (4 units)
• COMM 521x Argumentation (4 units)
• COMM 522x Kenneth Burke’s Dramatistic Theory (4 units)
• COMM 573 Networked Publics: Theories and Encounters (4 units)
• COMM 576 Civic Media and Participatory Politics (4 units)
• COMM 580 Media and Politics (4 units)
• COMM 657 Critical Theories of Race and Culture (4 units)

(2) Media, Culture and Community:

• CMGT 587 Audience Analysis (4 units)
• COMM 516x Feminist Theory and Communication  (4 units)
• COMM 517x Rhetorical Theory and Culture (4 units)
• COMM 519x Cultural Studies in Communication (4 units)
• COMM 564 Communication, Culture and Capitalism (4 units)
• COMM 605 Advanced Macro Theories of Communication (4 units)
• COMM 618 Mass Media Effects (4 units)
• COMM 629 Global Culture (4 units)
• COMM 632 Cultures of Artificial Intelligence (4 units)
• COMM 649 Methodologies in Cultural Studies (4 units)
• COMM 653 Research, Practice and Social Change (4 units)
• COMM 654 Art, Artists and Society (4 units)
• COMM 655 Studies in Sound, Music and Communication (4 units)
• COMM 656 Theorizing Race, Culture, Cross-Cultural Exchange (4 units)
• COMM 658 Science Fiction as Media Theory (4 units)
• COMM 662 Video Games Research (4 units)
• COMM 672 Experiments in Critical Writing (4 units)

(3) Health Communication and Social Dynamics:

• CMGT 581 Media in Social Services: Design and Evaluation of Campaigns (4 units)
• CMGT 583 Social Marketing and Entertainment Education (4 units)
• CMGT 588 Global Storytelling: The Power of Narrative (4 units)
• COMM 554 Regression and Multivariate Communication Research (4 units)
• COMM 602 Seminar in Persuasion (4 units)
• COMM 611 Communication Technology and Healthcare (4 units)
• COMM 612 Designing Health Communication Interventions (4 units)
• COMM 613 Grant Writing in Communication (4 units)
• COMM 614 Computational Approaches in Health Communication (4 units)
• COMM 615 Health Communication (4 units)
• COMM 616 Meta-Analysis in Health Communication (4 units)
• COMM 650 Survey Construction and Validation (4 units)
• COMM 651 Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Designs (4 units)

(4) Groups, Organizations and Networks:

• COMM 524x Small Group Process (4 units)
• COMM 557 Data Science for Communication and Social Networks (4 units)
• COMM 585x Organizational Communication (4 units)
• COMM 636 Interpretive and Cultural Approaches in Organizational Communication (4 units)
• COMM 637 Current Readings in Organizational Communication (4 units)
• COMM 640 Communication and Organizational Change (4 units)
• COMM 641 Organizations and Communication Technologies (4 units)
• COMM 645 Communication Networks (4 units)
• COMM 648 Online Communities and Networks (4 units)
• COMM 652 Ethnographic Field Research in Communication (4 units)

(5) Political Economy of Global Communication:

• COMM 553 Global Internet Governance (4 units)
• COMM 559 Globalization, Communication and Society (4 units)
• COMM 560 Global Media and Communication in China and Asia (4 units)
• COMM 561 Leading and Communicating Change in Global Organizations (4 units)
• COMM 567 The Political Economy of Privacy and Cybersecurity (4 units)
• COMM 647x Network Society (4 units)
• PUBD 504 Global Issues and Public Diplomacy (4 units)
• PUBD 507 Public Diplomacy and Global Security (4 units)
• PUBD 510 Technologies and Public Diplomacy (4 units)
• PUBD 522 Hard Power, Soft Power and Smart Power (4 units)

(6) Information, Political Economy and Entertainment:

• CMGT 582 International Communication: National Development (4 units)
• COMM 516x Feminist Theory and Communication (4 units)
• COMM 563 Black Popular Culture: Theory and Central Debates (4 units)
• COMM 566 Using Theory to Craft Policies to Affect Change (4 units)
• COMM 670 Economic Cultures (4 units)

(7) New Media and Technology:

• CMGT 530 Social Dynamics of Communication Technologies (4 units)
• CMGT 531 Communication and the International Economy (4 units)
• CMGT 537 The Industry, Science and Culture of Video Games (4 units)
• COMM 569 Seminar in Science and Technology Studies (4 units)
• COMM 577 Fandom, Participatory Culture and Web 2.0 (4 units)
• COMM 578 New Media Literacies (4 units)

Additional Requirements

In addition, students must take at least two courses in one other track outside their specialization (8 units total).

Students also pursue an approved cognate program of study in which at least 8 units (normally two courses) are taken in a related field outside Communication.

Students entering the School of Communication with a master’s degree may, with approval, apply part of their previous graduate course work toward the PhD degree.

Research 

Students will develop methodological abilities through coursework, collaboration with faculty advisers and mentors, work with Annenberg research groups and centers, and individual and group research projects.

Qualifying Exam Committee

This committee is composed of five faculty members, at least three of whom have appointments in the School of Communication. Students are expected to work closely with the members of their qualifying exam committee in selecting advanced course work and shaping areas of interest and research. In addition to helping the student plan a program, the committee administers the qualifying examination.

Qualifying Examination

Qualifying examinations for the PhD usually are taken near the end of the third year of study following completion of all required courses. The examination includes both written and oral portions. The student’s qualifying exam committee composes the questions for the written portion of the exam and administers the oral defense. Students must pass both portions to advance to candidacy.

Doctoral Dissertation

The dissertation is an original research project contributing to knowledge about human communication and should demonstrate a high level of competence in methodologies of scholarly inquiry.

Defense of Dissertation

Doctoral dissertation committee.

This committee is composed of at least three and no more than five faculty members. A majority of the committee must have an appointment in the School of Communication.

Dissertations are defended in a formal meeting with the dissertation committee prior to submission of the final manuscript to the Graduate School.

This page is based on the current 2024-2025 USC Catalogue . The 2025-2026 USC Catalogue will be published in summer 2025. 

Communication

Why study communication, what is a ph.d. in communication with an emphasis on social justice.

The Ph.D. in Communication at the University of Cincinnati gives students the opportunity to investigate the power of communication to shape our personal identities and impact our social, organizational, mediated, and political lives.

Given our location in the heart of the urban core of Cincinnati, as well as the mission of our department to explore and address social issues, much of our work emphasizes our value of social justice. We recognize the central role that communication plays in our understanding of key social justice issues (e.g., race, gender, health, environment, globalization-related, etc.) and in finding solutions to those issues.

As graduate faculty in communication, we have identified a trend that students approach communication studies from a social justice angle, and are seeking opportunities to advance academic training that prepare them to have a social justice focus in their research or praxis career trajectory. Through academic preparation and externship work, our program prepares students to lead positive change through academic, and applied work, or in professional careers through a blend of theory, research methodology, and practical application.

What are our focus areas?

• Organizational Communication and Public Relations
• Media and Cultural Studies, Traditional and Digital Media Effects
• Health and Environmental Communication
• Interpersonal Communication and Leadership
• Culture and Globalization
• Rhetorical, Interpretive, Critical, and Quantitative Methods

What are some of the advantages of this program?

• Small classes mean you get concentrated attention from our  award-winning faculty  
• You can customize the program to your interests by choosing electives and independently working on a completion project tailored to your interests  
• Many of our full-time Ph.D. students receive a graduate assistantship (GA), a competitive assistantship that pays your tuition and provides a $16,000 stipend each year for four years. Most GA students teach their own sections of public speaking and consider it a highlight of their experience.

Admission Requirements

You will need the following to apply:

Unofficial transcripts

• A Curriculum Vitae (CV) for this program typically includes a summary of your research interests, the status of your thesis and name of your advisor, a list of peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, conference papers, panels, and, when applicable community service and any related work experience. In addition, should you have a resume demonstrating your commitment to social justice, you are encouraged to upload this document as well.

Personal Statement

• Please identify any specific area(s) of interest or specialty that you would like to study, and how your interest aligns with our program
• Please identify specific social issues and topics that motivate your research interest
• Tell us how your goals and research interests align with the department’s social justice focus
• Please name 2-5 graduate faculty from the Department of Communication who you believe could best evaluate your application materials. We strongly recommend that you review faculty profiles on our website, skim through faculty CVs and publications for connections with your research interests, and identify those individuals who you would be excited to work with if you are accepted into our program.

Writing Sample

• A writing sample showcases your ability to synthesize literature, articulate your ideas, and build an argument. Please submit a research paper, which includes academic citations. This may be a published article, book chapter, conference paper, or one written for a class, preferably in communication or a related field. If you have written a thesis or capstone paper, turning a portion of those in would be preferred. Your writing sample should be at least 5 pages (excluding references).

Proof of English Language Proficiency (for international applicants only)

Additional notes about applications.

Submission Timing:  We encourage you to submit your application as soon as it is ready. We can only see your application once it has been submitted. Seeing your application allows us to get in contact with you. Also, please email the Graduate Director to let them know that you have applied.

Official Review:   Your file will not be officially reviewed for admission until it is complete . Your file will be complete when:

• you have uploaded your cover letter, purpose statement, transcript, and writing sample
• your reference letters have been submitted electronically by recommenders
• you officially submit your application and pay the application fee

Helpful links  about the Application Process:

• Admissions Requirements
• Frequently Asked Questions

Our program prepares students for careers in the academy and other industries. In addition to a path toward scholarly research, other career options include, but are not limited to: 

• Academic Researcher
• Non-profit/Industry Researcher
• Health Medical Ethnographer 
• Laber Relations Officer
• Marketing Director
• Public Relations/Communication Director
• Writer/Copywriter/Technical Writer/Editor 
• Medical Writer 
• Proposal Writer/Grant Manager 
• Project Management 
• Social Media Management and Analysis 
• Data Analysis  
• Content Development and Strategist
• Known for having one of the highest rated masters only Communication programs in the country
• Small program means strong faculty-student relationships
• Ph.D. program uniquely centering on social justice at the program level
• The social justice focus is reflected in our emphasis on engagement with real-life issues in research programs, particularly, through research externships that connect student research with local communities.
• The department and UC both have established internship-placement programs rated #3 in the nation that help to connect students to industry organizations
• Top scholar faculty in organizational, political, environmental, media, and health communication
• Graduate Assistantships are available in teaching or research

The Department of Communication at the University of Cincinnati promotes knowledge of human communication through research, teaching, and service. We are located in an urban center within a large research university, which provides a dynamic context for connecting theory and practice.

Our award-winning faculty members share a distinctive focus on contemporary social problems. Research centers on understanding issues of voice, identity, public participation, and advocacy/leadership across communication contexts including interpersonal, political, organizational, rhetorical, environmental, health, and mediated communication.

Degree Requirements

The degree involves a five-year program of study that includes the following elements:

Coursework: Minimum of 73 total hours are required to graduate

• COMM7001 - Advanced Rhetorical Theory
• COMM7007 - Advanced Communication Theory
• COMM7041 - Empirical Communication Research Methods
• COMM7042 - Qualitative and Rhetorical Research Methods
• COMM 8002 Communication & Social Justice
• 15 Credit Hours Minimum of Communication and Outside Electives
• COMM 8061 Research Practicum
• COMM 8062 Communication  Externship 
• COMM 9051 Comprehensive Exams
• COMM 9061 Dissertation 

Additional Specifications

• To achieve full-time status, students must take 10 or more hours of graduate coursework per semester. Students receiving assistantships or scholarships must maintain a 12-hour course load.
• Full-time students are required to register for COMM8093 - Introduction to Graduate Studies during the Fall and Spring semesters of the first year, and COMM8094 - Academic and Professional Prep during the Fall and Spring semesters of the second year.
• All students complete a Doctoral Dissertation, an independently developed and executed research project which may involve a variety of approaches and methods, including experimental, survey, observation/participation, fieldwork, or critical-textual. Students may register for 1 to 30 dissertation hours with an advisor. 
• Guide: COMMUNICATION PhD

Application Deadlines

Early Admission

General Admission

Fall Semester Application Deadline:

Part-Time Admission: February 1st Full-Time Admission: January 15th

Spring Semester Application Deadline:

Full-Time Admission: NOT ACCEPTED Part-Time Admission: October 15th

The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the  Higher Learning Commission .

Contact Information

Find related programs in the following interest areas:.

Program Code: 15DOC-COMM-PHD

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Communication

Learn More About The Program

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Expand Your Career Opportunities with Liberty’s Ph.D. in Communication

Communication Studies encompasses various subfields, including mass communication, interpersonal communication, organizational communication, and intercultural communication. Each subfield focuses on different aspects of human communication and its impact on individuals, groups, and society as a whole. If you have a passion for understanding how people communicate, a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Communication can open doors to exciting opportunities. In the field of Communication, a Ph.D. program equips students with the necessary skills to contribute to the ever-changing landscape of communication theory and practice.

Instead of focusing on norms and routines in the communication field, you will dive deeper into the “how” and “why” behind everyday practices. Your studies in communication at this level will allow you to practice all the elements of crisis communication and learn how to conduct effective research, properly assess data, and tell your company’s story better than ever before. This degree  provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a field you’re passionate about, contribute to the body of knowledge, and become an expert in your chosen area of research.

A Ph.D. in Communication opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities. It prepares you for academic positions such as professorships and research positions at universities and colleges worldwide. Additionally, it equips you with the skills to work in research institutions, think tanks, consulting firms, government organizations, and non-profit sectors. Additionally, pursuing a Ph.D. is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s also a transformative personal journey. It challenges you to think critically, develop strong analytical skills, and refine your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. It’s an opportunity for personal and intellectual growth that extends beyond the confines of the classroom. At Liberty, we are excited about partnering with you as you complete advanced research and study in the field of communication.

What Will You Learn in Your Ph.D. in Communication Program?

• Insight into communication theory in digital and strategic communication.
• Communication applications for nonprofit and for-profit organizations, as well as higher education settings.
• How to use insight tools, data gathering, and various other industry techniques to translate your research into effective field practice.
• Critical problem-solving skills to examine current and solution-oriented literature.

Career Opportunities for Ph.D. in Communication Graduates

• Advertising/public relations executive
• Chief customer experience officer
• Communications executive
• Director of online sales and services
• Research manager
• Social media executive
• University administrator
• University professor
• Vice president of customer satisfaction

Benefits of Pursuing Liberty’s Ph.D. in Communication

As a leader in distance education since 1985, we understand what it takes to create a flexible and affordable education for busy people. Since we have been investing in distance and online learning for decades, our experience has taught us how to streamline our degree options so you can focus on what really matters to you. While many schools offer online degrees, we believe Liberty stands out.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• We are recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility . Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America . Earning your online Ph.D. in Communication degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
• Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.
• Our faculty members have real-world experience in the field of communication and invest in students by providing them with practical skills they can use to further their careers.

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want — at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only  $300/credit hour . Here’s how:

• If you’re earning or have earned a master’s degree through Liberty, you automatically qualify for the low price (when you begin within 2 years of your master’s completion).
• If you haven’t earned a graduate degree through Liberty, our Executive Certificate program allows you to pay only $300/credit hour for a postgraduate certificate that can stand alone or potentially count as the first 21 hours of a related doctoral degree. Then pay just $300/credit hour for your doctorate. Learn more!

Credit Hours

100% online, 8-week courses

Interested in studying on campus?

Transfer Credits

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Next Start Date

Oct 21, 2024

Accreditation

Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC

“In the times in which we’re living today, Liberty University’s mission , the mission of training up a generation of Champions for Christ in literally every occupation, has never been more important .”

FORMER VICE PRESIDENT MIKE PENCE

Experience That Matters to You

As an accredited Christian college with a 7,000-acre campus in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University offers you an education that is both academically challenging and rooted in a biblical worldview.

At Liberty, you’ll benefit from 35+ years of learning, growing, adapting, and innovating for the distance learner — and more than a decade of researching the needs of the online student. You can be confident that we’ve taken the time to learn what’s important to you.

And what’s that?

• Affordability
• Accessibility
• Academic Quality

These important factors challenged us to find new financial solutions, get ahead of industry trends, and blaze trails into cutting-edge career fields — and it’s paid off. That’s the difference experience makes.

Ranked in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America   and recognized by multiple institutions for   academic quality, affordability, and accessibility.

Why Choose Liberty University?

Enjoy flexible courses.

Choose from a wide variety of programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral level, most of which are 100% online*. With an 8-week format and 8 start dates per year, it’s easy to fit your courses around your schedule!

* Some exclusions apply. Please refer to our exclusions page for more information.

Maximize Your Time

Start and finish your degree faster! Liberty requires no standardized testing for admission, and you can transfer previous course credit — transfer in up to 75% of a bachelor’s degree and up to 50% of a master’s, postgraduate, or doctoral degree — or discover how your life, career, or military experience may count toward your college degree.

Grow in Your Faith

All of our courses are taught from a Christian perspective, and our faculty see themselves as mentors. Our mission is to Train Champions for Christ — we’re committed to championing you as you study to go further in your field, become a leader in your industry, or start a new career.

Access Academic Support

Throughout your educational journey, you will have access to academic resources that will aid in the completion of your degree. Services include our Jerry Falwell Library, writing center, tutoring, study aids, IT assistance, 30+ tutorial videos, live webinars, and personalized help from our academic advising team.

An Online Education with On-Campus Benefits

Cheer on 20 NCAA Division I games that air nationwide

Graduate with your peers

Be inspired by world-renowned speakers at Convocation

Why we’re nonprofit.

As a nonprofit (not-for-profit) university, Liberty is in the business of training skilled professionals to make a difference in the world – not gaining profit, revenue, or producing dividends for shareholders. In keeping with our commitment to your education, we invest our resources back into degree programs and into your student experience.

While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university and has not increased tuition for 9 straight years. Lower tuition means less student loan debt for students.

For Liberty University, nonprofit is more than a status; it is a valuable opportunity to invest in the lives of students who will go out and impact the world.

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Financing Options

Financial aid.

Nearly 80% of all Liberty students in an online program are awarded financial aid. Virginia residents may qualify for additional aid — learn more !

Corporate Tuition Assistance

Deferred – If your company reimburses you for the cost of your education, you pay only a portion of your balance up front. You submit your grades to your employer who pays you, and then you pay the remaining balance for your classes.

Tuition Discounts

Qualified military service members, veterans, and their spouses can receive up to 55% off their tuition rate for eligible programs!

Contact one of our Admissions Counselors for more information by calling (800) 424-9595 .

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*Some restrictions may occur for this promotion to apply. This promotion also excludes active faculty and staff, military, Non-Degree Seeking, DGIA, Continuing Education, WSB, and Certificates.

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• About the School of Communication
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» Ph.D. in Communication

If you’re driven to pursue research and to empower the next generation of impactful communicators, Chapman University’s Ph.D. in Communication program will prepare you to lead. Here, you’ll develop your own research identity as you explore options aided by a supportive community built on mentorship and collaboration. You’ll gain extensive knowledge of communication processes grounded in both quantitative and qualitative approaches to research and teaching.   

The Chapman Ph.D. program offers three principal areas of emphasis:

• Interpersonal Communication
• Health Communication
• Media and Communication Technology

If you choose to focus on other sub-disciplines in Communication, faculty mentors are eager to help guide your specialty research pursuits, including in:

• Family Communication
• Instructional Communication
• Intercultural Communication

Our Students and Alumni

Here are some of the employers who have hired graduates with a Chapman Ph.D. in Communication:

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Planned Parenthood
• UCLA Health
• Orange County United Way
• Clemson University
• Lighthouse Health and Wellness
• Concordia University Irvine

Sampling of Faculty-Student Research

• Digital Flourishing: Conceptualizing and Assessing Positive Perceptions of Mediated Social Interactions by Dr.  Sophie H. Janicke-Bowles , Tess M. Buckley (Ph.D. ’22) , Rikishi Rey (Ph.D. ’22) , Tayah Wozniak (Ph.D. ’22) , Adrian Meier & Anna Lomanowska

Understanding First Responders’ Perspectives of Mental Health Communication within Their Departments by Erin Craw (Ph.D. ’22) and Dr. Michelle Miller-Day  

“Like Being Deployed to War”: Stress and Resilience in Frontline Nurses During the COVID-19 Pandemic by Erin Craw (Ph.D. ’22) , Tess Buckley (Ph.D. ’22) , and Dr. Michelle Miller-Day

The impact of HPV vaccine narratives on social media: Testing Narrative Engagement Theory with a diverse sample of young adults by Leader, A., Dr. Michelle Miller-Day , Rikishi Rey (Ph.D. ’22), Selvan, P., Pezalla, A., & Hecht, M.L

“This isn’t just busy, this is scary”: Stress, Social Support, and Coping Experiences of Frontline Nurses during the COVID-19 Pandemic by Erin Craw (Ph.D. ’22) , Tess Buckley (Ph.D. ’22) , and Dr. Michelle Miller-Day

Men’s stories: an account of translating vaccine decision narratives from young men in the US into a targeted public health intervention by Erin Craw (Ph.D. ’22) and Dr. Michelle Miller-Day

• Ambiguous loss, stress, communal coping, and resilience: A mixed- methods study of K-12 teachers’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic  by  Erin Craw (Ph.D. ’22)  and  Dr. Jennifer Bevan

Extending Psychological Reactance Theory to Include Denial of Threat and Media Sharing Intentions as Freedom Restoration Behavior by Noel H. McGuire (Ph.D. Candidate ’24) & Dr. Hannah Ball

• Shot Talk: Development and Pilot Test of a Theory of Planned Behavior Campaign to Combat College Student COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy  by Dr.  Hannah Ball , Tayah Wozniak (Ph.D. '22) , & Cailin M. Kuchenbecker  (Ph.D. Candidate ’24)

Coursework & Credit Requirements

Full-time students coming into the program with a Master’s degree will need to complete a minimum of 36 credit hours of coursework and are expected to graduate within three years. Additionally, students will register for up to 18 hours of research during their third year in the program. Thus, students entering with a Master’s degree, or the equivalent, must complete a minimum of 54 total credit hours.

Students admitted without a master’s degree will need to complete the Health and Strategic Communication master’s degree as an integral part of the Communication Ph.D. program, in addition to the doctoral work. Thus, students entering without a Master’s degree, or the equivalent, must complete a minimum of 66 credit hours of coursework in addition to 18 credit hours of research.

Area of Emphasis

Our Ph.D. program has 3 Areas of Emphasis (AoE). These AoE’s mirror the specialties of the current faculty: Interpersonal Communication, Health Communication, and Media and Communication Technology.

• Interpersonal Communication: Involves the study of both the processes and effects of social interaction. Communication in personal and family relationships are two important contexts in which interpersonal theories are applied.
• Health Communication: Health communication is a multidisciplinary field of study and practice that applies communication evidence, strategy, theory, and creativity to promote behaviors, policies, and practices that advance the health and well-being of people and populations.
• Media and Communication Technology : Deals with the content, history and effects of various media, including mass media, and new communication technologies (i.e., social media, digital media)

Program Timeline

• Student Enters the Program
• Formal Advisor Chosen
• Complete Committee

Summer Semester Y2

• Completes Comps or Preliminary Papers
• Complete Coursework
• Prospectus Defense
• Dissertation credits 
• Dissertation 

Required Coursework

Coursework requirements have been organized into five separate areas. The first is the Core Theory Courses, followed by Core Methods/Stats classes, Electives in Primary Area, Electives in Secondary Area, as well as Dissertation and Research.

All students will take one (1) Core Communication Theory course (COM 700). Students will take an additional two (2) Core Theory courses (6 credit hours). These two courses will be representative of the student’s primary and secondary areas of emphasis.

Students will declare a primary area of emphasis no later than the beginning of the second semester of their program. Similarly, students will declare a secondary area of emphasis no later than the beginning of their third full semester in the program (summer and interterm semesters do not count as full semesters).

Students will take a minimum of four (4) Research Methods/Statistics courses (12 credit hours). All students will take Introduction to Research Methods (HCOM595), Quantitative Research Methods (COM695), and Qualitative Research Methods (COM696). Students must then choose one additional research methods course based upon their research interests and discussion with their Dissertation Advisor.

Area 1. Core Theory Courses (Area Credits = 9; Total credits = 9)

• Communication Theory (COM 700)     
• Theories of Health Communication (HCOM 580)
• Theories of Interpersonal Communication (HCOM 570)
• Mass Communication Theory (COM 571)
• Organizational Communication (COM 572)
• Courses listed above
• Qualitative Research Methods (COM 696)
• Quantitative Research Methods (COM 695)
• Advanced Quantitative Methods (COM 795)
• Multivariate Research Methods (COM 797)  OR  Advanced Qualitative Research Methods (COM 796)

Area 3. Electives in Primary Area (Area Credits = 12; Total credits = 30)

Courses listed for Area 1 requirements can be double counted to fulfill Area 2 requirements but can only be counted once toward the 36 credit hour requirement.

With approval of the Ph.D. Director, up to 6 credit hours of coursework from the student’s master’s degree can be applied toward fulfillment of the Ph.D. in Communication.   Area 4. Electives in Secondary Area (Area Credits = 9; Total credits = 36)

Courses listed for Area 1 requirements can be double counted to fulfill Area 4 requirements but can only be counted once toward the 36 credit requirement.

With approval of the Ph.D. Director, up to 6 credit hours of coursework from the student’s master’s degree can be applied toward fulfillment of the Ph.D. in Communication.   Area 5. Dissertation Proposal and Research (Area Credits = 18; Total credits = 54)

Application Requirements and Deadlines

• A bachelor's degree and/or master's degree from accredited institutions. Official transcripts must be submitted from all degree-granting (bachelor's and master's degrees) colleges and universities attended.*
• 3.000 is the minimum recommended undergraduate and graduate cumulative grade point averages.
• Two letters of recommendation are required, including one from an academic source (i.e., graduate-level professor) who can describe academic and professional abilities.
• 2-4 page personal statement addressing interest in the Ph.D. in Communication at Chapman University, research and career goals.
• Writing sample from previous academic coursework or paper submitted to academic conference or publication (10-12 page minimum requirement).
• Current curriculum vitae showing relevant education, research, publications, grants, coursework, teaching experience, work experience.
• Verbal: 152
• Quantitative: 146
• Analytical Writing: 4.0
• Interview with Graduate Director or Graduate Coordinator

* If a student is admitted without an approved M.A./M.S. degree in Communication or related field, students will need to complete the M.S. degree program first, prior to beginning their doctoral work.

Application Deadlines

Early decision applications are due January 15th. Applications received after January 15th will be considered on a space available basis. All other applications must be submitted by March 15th. Because the number of students is limited, meeting the following minimum requirements does not guarantee admission.

Our Students

Tess Buckley '22:  Read More

Erin Craw '22:  Read More

Rikishi Rey '22: Read More  

Tayah Wozniak '22:  Read More

Information Sheet

• MS in Health & Strategic Communication
• Ph.D. in Communication
• Graduate Application
• Financial Aid
• Admission Deadlines
• Information Sessions

• Best Online Doctorate In Organizational Leadership

Best Online Doctorate In Organizational Leadership Of 2024

Updated: Mar 5, 2024, 3:11pm

Leadership influences the decisions, direction and culture within an organization. Leaders determine how their organizations change, evolve and succeed over time.

With a doctorate in organizational leadership, you’ll hold the highest degree available in the field. Organizational leadership studies the potential impacts of leadership and the strategies that can take an organization to new heights.

A doctorate in organizational leadership typically comes in two forms: a research-driven Ph.D. or a practice-focused Doctor of Education (Ed.D.). In this guide, we examine both types of doctoral degrees and help you choose between them. We also rank the top 10 online doctorates in organizational leadership across the country and highlight what makes each special.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

• Over 3,868 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
• 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
• All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
• Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

Our Methodology

We ranked 60 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online doctorates in organizational leadership in the U.S. using 15 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes and student experience. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites.

Data is accurate as of June 2023. Note that because online doctorates are relatively uncommon, fewer schools meet our ranking standards at the doctoral level.

We scored schools based on the following metrics:

Student Outcomes :

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability :

• In-state graduate student tuition
• In-state graduate student fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Percentage of students in federal student loan deferment

Student Experience :

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• More than 50% of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility :

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

We chose the 10 best schools to display based on those receiving a curved final score of 91% or higher.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

• Best Online Accounting Degrees
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Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Programs

Should you enroll in a doctorate in organizational leadership online, accreditation for online doctorates in organizational leadership, how to find the right online doctorate in organizational leadership for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online doctorates in organizational leadership, indiana wesleyan university, concordia university-chicago, eastern university, indiana institute of technology, johnson university, saint edward’s university, wilmington university, franklin university, national university, city university of seattle.

Graduate Tuition

$890/credit

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

In 1998, nearly 80 years after its founding, Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) introduced its online learning division. One of more than 160 online programs, the online Ph.D. in organizational leadership focuses on leading in a global and multicultural environment. The program concludes with a dissertation, including 12 credits of research and a presentation.

IWU’s online courses combine asynchronous and synchronous delivery and span 10 to 11 weeks, allowing students to graduate in as little as 48 months. IWU also offers a tuition guarantee that locks in tuition rates when students enter.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
• School Type: Private
• Application Fee: Free
• Degree Credit Requirements: 60 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part-time, full-time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Leadership and personal development, global perspectives on leadership
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for an in-person residency

$753/credit

Founded as a teacher’s seminary in 1864, Concordia University Chicago (CUC) still incorporates Christian values into its programs. For aspiring business leaders, CUC offers two online doctoral degrees in organizational leadership: a research-based online Ph.D. in organizational leadership and a more practical online Ed.D. in organizational leadership.

Both tracks include a comprehensive examination and a dissertation, but the Ed.D. program features two fewer research courses. At CUC, online students take courses in eight-week sessions and pay locked-in tuition rates.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
• Degree Credit Requirements: 61 to 67 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Promoting and leading change, follower-leader relationship
• In-Person Requirements: No

$1,115/credit

Located in Pennsylvania, Eastern University is a Christian institution with about 7,000 students. The school’s online Ph.D. in organizational leadership prepares learners to bring change to their businesses and communities. The interdisciplinary program features three specialization tracks and takes around five years to complete.

Along with asynchronous online classes, students complete three residencies per year at the St. David’s campus. This online doctorate in organizational leadership holds accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

• Application Fee: $75
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Leadership theory and practice, models of organizational behavior
• Concentrations Available: Business management, educational administration, nonprofit and public administration
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for three annual residencies

$928/credit

In Indiana Institute of Technology ‘s online Ph.D. in global leadership, learners have a choice of six start dates and five specializations, including organizational leadership and organizational leadership/higher administration.

Along with online research, global leadership and specialization courses, students complete a weekend residency each year, plus a dissertation and defense. They can also participate in an optional global practicum opportunity. Those with an M.B.A. can transfer up to 15 credits into the program.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 66 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Global leadership development, global talent management
• Concentrations Available: Organizational leadership, organizational leadership/higher education administration
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, for an annual weekend residency

$715/credit

Located in Tennessee, Johnson University offers an online Ph.D. in leadership studies with six specialization tracks, including a specialization in organizational leadership. In this cohort-based program, you’ll learn about leading in personal, organizational and global systems. You’ll also take research and ethics courses and have the option of joining one of the annual research summits.

Online courses in this ACBSP-accredited doctorate in organizational leadership run asynchronously in seven-week sessions.

• Application Fee: N/A
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Leadership studies and theory, leadership and personal ethics

$932/credit

Founded in 1885 in Texas, the Catholic Saint Edward’s University runs eight online graduate programs, including an online Ed.D. in organizational leadership and change. In this program, students learn how to lead modern organizations and encourage innovation and transformation.

The online doctorate features seven-week, accelerated courses that blend asynchronous and synchronous delivery, plus a practice-based dissertation. Full-time learners can graduate within 39 months.

• Application Fee: $50
• Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated, part-time, full-time
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Socially conscious leadership, managing leadership

$696/credit (in-state)

In addition to delivering its Delaware campus programs since 1968, Wilmington University (WilmU) offers more than 130 online programs. In the online Ed.D. in organizational leadership, students learn to lead organizations through change and innovation. The program features a choice of three concentrations, plus a 120-hour consulting internship and practical dissertation project.

At WilmU, full-time students can complete a doctorate in organizational leadership in about three years.

• Application Fee: $35
• Degree Credit Requirements: 54 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Talent development and workplace learning, personal mastery and communities of practice
• Concentrations Available: Strategic leadership, workplace learning, talent development,
• In-Person Requirements: Some field experiences may be required and completed locally

$748/credit (in-state)

For more than 115 years, Franklin University has supported adult learners on its Ohio campus. The school expanded that support with its online programs, including an online Ed.D. in organizational leadership with a focus on practical and data-driven leadership.

Franklin offers multiple start dates throughout the year and allows Ed.D. students to graduate within three years. The program provides students with practical decision-making and ethical leadership skills, along with guidance and mentorship throughout the dissertation process.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 58 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Change management and organizational development, teaching in higher education

$976/credit

Founded in San Diego, California, in 1971, National University (NU) runs more than 190 programs, including 45 fully online programs. In the online Ph.D. in organizational leadership, courses cover data analysis, leadership and research. Students also complete a research dissertation and presentation.

At NU, classes start every month and run for four weeks, allowing you to complete the doctorate in less than 45 months.

• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Theoretical frameworks, strategies for conflict resolution

$785/credit

Since its founding in 1973, the City University of Seattle has developed more than 60 on-campus and online programs. In its online Ed.D. in leadership with a concentration in organizational leadership, students complete leadership, research and specialization courses, plus a comprehensive exam and dissertation.

Learners can specialize in areas like global leadership or nonprofit leadership. The City University of Seattle features start dates each quarter, plus three optional residencies at the Seattle or San Diego campuses.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 90 credits
• Notable Major-Specific Courses: Leading organizational change, ethical organizational leadership
• Concentrations Available: Specialized study options

An online doctorate in organizational leadership makes perfect sense for many students, but not everyone thrives in a virtual learning environment. But before you decide to attend online colleges , think about the following:

How do you learn best?

Online learning and on-campus programs feature the same material and award the same credentials but through different delivery formats. Online learning typically features less structure and interactivity. As a result, online students usually need better self-discipline and time management skills than on-campus students.

What are your scheduling needs?

Online organizational leadership degrees offer more flexible scheduling options than on-campus programs. Some classes run asynchronously, allowing you to study when you can while still meeting project deadlines. Other classes run synchronously with convenient evening or weekend schedules.

What’s your budget?

Online programs can help you save money on your education, particularly when it comes to travel and housing costs. The flexibility of online learning can also help you maintain a healthy work and school balance.

College accreditation comes in two major categories: institutional and programmatic. The accreditation process reviews schools and programs to provide quality assurance to prospective students and employers.

Institutional accreditation should be considered mandatory because it can impact your financial aid eligibility, transfer credits and employment opportunities. Look for a college accredited by an official accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or the U.S. Department of Education.

The importance of programmatic accreditation, which validates educational quality in specific degree programs and departments, varies depending on your area of study. Programmatic accreditation is common among business programs, including doctoral programs in organizational leadership. A couple of the programs on our top-10 list hold accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

For this ranking, we evaluated 60 universities offering online doctoral degrees in organizational leadership; these degrees are common. Here’s how to narrow down your options:

Consider Your Future Goals

The right online doctorate in organizational leadership should help you meet your unique career goals. Before choosing a program, think about what you want to get from the program, such as practical field experience, mentorship or a professional network.

If you’re aiming for a research or teaching position, consider a Ph.D. in organizational leadership. If you want to advance your business career, consider a more practice-focused doctorate, such as an Ed.D. in organizational leadership.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Along with working out the scheduling and academic requirements of an online doctorate in organizational leadership, you should understand the financial investment required.

Among the programs on this list, total tuition averages approximately $54,100. Some universities offer graduate assistantships, fellowships and even fully funded Ph.D. programs to relieve some of the financial burden.

Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®), which will help you qualify for federal loans and grants. Many scholarship programs also require candidates to complete the FAFSA for eligibility.

Should I get a doctorate in organizational leadership?

If your dream career includes teaching at the postsecondary level or leading and transforming an organization, a doctorate in organizational leadership could be the best choice. Compared to a business program with an operations focus, organizational leadership focuses more on leadership strategies.

What is an Ed.D. in organizational leadership?

An Ed.D. in organizational leadership delivers practical training for career-focused students. Compared to a research-based Ph.D., an Ed.D. typically takes a shorter time to complete as well.

Is organizational leadership a real degree?

Yes, a doctorate in organizational leadership is a real degree that explores leadership theories and strategies and their effects on organizations. As an academic discipline, organizational leadership is versatile and capable of preparing students to lead in many different organizations and industries.

How long does it take to get a doctorate in organizational leadership?

The length of a doctorate in organizational leadership depends on the program and degree type. Typically, doctorates take about three to five years to complete, with Ed.D. programs falling on the shorter end of the scale and Ph.D. programs on the longer end.

How long is a Ph.D. in organizational leadership?

A Ph.D. in organizational leadership usually takes about four to five years to complete, but that depends on the amount of time you take to complete your dissertation. While part-time studies will extend your time in school, applying for transfer credits or accelerating your courses will save you time.

For nearly a decade, Doug Wintemute has specialized in helping students and professionals make sound education and career decisions. In addition to Forbes Advisor, his work has been featured on many online publications, including ZDNet, Bankrate and NurseJournal.

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We have no residency requirements, no GRE/GMAT

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Allowing you to earn your degree anywhere

100% Online Learning

Complete your Doctor of Criminal Justice online

National and Northcentral have merged, and this program is now offered by NU.  Learn more .

Our online PhD in Organizational Leadership program allows you to examine leadership in a multitude of dimensions. Upon completion of the program, you will have gained the knowledge to evaluate major theories and contribute to the body of knowledge in the field of organizational leadership. Fully accredited by Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), a leading accreditation association for business education, this program is aligned with best practices that contribute to continuous improvement of business education.

A challenging, fulfilling, in-depth study of leadership

NU’s Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership program offers a uniquely flexible and individualized approach to your education. With a class size of one, you’ll get valuable one-to-one interaction with our all-doctoral faculty. Plus, there are no entrance exam requirements, saving you time and money.

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*The Ph.D. OL program is accredited by ACBSP; however, the Health Services, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, and Information Technology specializations are not.

As a leading accreditation association for business education, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) “develops, promotes, and recognizes best practices that contribute to continuous improvement of business education.” The Association emphasizes the importance of “learning how to learn,” balancing teaching and research activities to enhance the quality of classroom instruction and contribute to student learning. To learn more about the ACBSP, visit their website.

Course Details

Course listing, course name.

This course is the first step in transitioning from knowledge consumer to knowledge producer. Scholar-practitioners will learn to use business theory, advance scholarly inquiry, aid business practices, and form realistic program completion goals. Preparation will be done in the context of an examination of modern trends in business theory.

In this course, students have the opportunity to gain foundational knowledge in 15 different areas important to business and management including accounting, finance, law, ethics, marketing, global business, information systems, research, leadership, strategic management, operations management, human resources, organizational behavior, and micro and macroeconomics. This course serves as a foundation for success in future courses. 

Capacity building, an integral aspect of organizational leadership, involves investing in the right people for the right roles, and implementing the necessary systems to optimize their success. In this course, students will learn theories and best practices having to do with leadership’s role in building and maintaining organizational capacity.

The Theory and Practice of Organizational Leadership course focuses on theories of leadership as they apply to organizational success. In this course, students will learn about various theoretical and applied leadership theories and practices. Students will also identify theories and practices appropriate for their own use in their own organizations.

In this course, students gain a deep understanding of the complexity of organizational ethics and ethical leadership through critical analysis and research regarding ethical principles. Students will research and evaluate consequences of unethical leadership, and how to build and maintain a culture of ethics. Students will assess ethics as they pertain to the globalization of organizations.

Communication is never more important than during times of change. Leaders play an integral role in leading organizational change by helping others understand the need and purpose of change through effective communication. In this course, you will examine leadership theories which underpin communication strategies and practices to successfully manage organizational change.

Coaches and consultants (internal and external) have become an important part of organizational reality. In this course, students will examine coaching and consulting theories and application.  Students will also explore their skills in adapting their styles to particular organizational contexts, through both effective communication and astute analyses and recommendations.

Leadership strategies are often unique to a specific organizational sector (corporate, governmental, nonprofit, etc.). In this course, you will examine cross-disciplinary leadership theories and strategies for their appropriateness to particular sectors. You will also evaluate the role of leadership in organizational development, organizational culture, and organizational change.

In this course, you will engage in the process of scholarly literature reviews and academic writing. With an emphasis on how to (a) conduct effective literature searches, specifically in preparation for the dissertation, (b) develop a plan for writing comprehensive, critical, and synthesized reviews of research literature, and (c) critically review and write about underlying theory/conceptual frameworks, you will develop a foundation for future research. The overarching goal of this course is for you to conduct an exhaustive search of the peer-reviewed research literature in your topic area and identify potential areas of inquiry for your dissertation.

In this course, you will cultivate a statistical mindset through learning and nurturing skills needed to perform and interpret univariate inferential statistics.  The course will facilitate building your statistical confidence in assessing and performing statistics. The course will cover univariate parametric and non-parametric statistical tests, interpretation of statistical output, and introduce skills needed to select statistical tests based on quantitative research questions.

In this course, you will learn advanced statistical principles and how to apply them to quantitative research in the study of organizations. You will be provided an overview of advanced statistical concepts used in empirical research, including inferential analysis. Advanced computations will be performed using commonly used statistical software. The focus involves helping you build independent scholarly skills with an emphasis on understanding multivariate data; the use, comprehension, and evaluation of sophisticated statistical concepts, and presentation of statistical results.

During this course, as a  scholar-practitioner, you will build the skills essential for designing quantitative studies; analyzing the data collected in these studies, and interpreting the results of data analyses. You will explore designs and statistical techniques to use with their envisioned dissertation research.

During this course, you will examine qualitative methods for studying human behavior including grounded theory, narrative analysis, ethnography, mixed methods, and case studies. You will explore designs and methodologies to use with your envisioned research.

The Pre-Candidacy Prospectus is intended to ensure you have mastered knowledge of your discipline prior to candidacy status and demonstrated the ability to design empirical research as an investigator before moving on to the dissertation research coursework. You will demonstrate the ability to synthesize empirical, peer-reviewed research to support all assignments in this course. The Pre-Candidacy Prospectus is completed only after all foundation, specialization, and research courses have been completed.

Students in this course will be required to complete Chapter 1 of their dissertation proposal including a review of literature with substantiating evidence of the problem, the research purpose and questions, the intended methodological design and approach,  and the significance of the study. A completed, committee approved (against the minimum rubric standards) Chapter 1 is required to pass this course successfully. Students who do not receive approval of Chapter 1 to minimum standards will be able to take up to three supplementary 8-week courses to finalize and gain approval of Chapter 1.

Students in this course will be required to work on completing Chapters 1-3 of their dissertation proposal and receive committee approval for the Dissertation Proposal (DP) in order to pass the class. Chapter 2 consists of the literature review. Chapter 3 covers the research methodology method and design and to includes population, sample, measurement instruments, data collection and analysis, limitations, and ethical considerations. In this course, a completed, committee-approved Chapters 2 and 3 are required and, by the end of the course, a final approved dissertation proposal (against the minimum rubric standards). Students who do not receive approval of the dissertation proposal will be able to take up to three supplementary 8-week courses to finalize and gain approval of these requirements.

Students in this course will be required to prepare, submit, and obtain approval of their IRB application, collect data, and submit a final study closure form to the IRB. Students still in data collection at the end of the 12-week course will be able to take up to three supplementary 8-week courses to complete data collection and file an IRB study closure form.

In this dissertation course students work on completing Chapters 4 and 5 and the final Dissertation Manuscript. Specifically, students will complete their data analysis, prepare their study results, and present their findings in an Oral Defense and a completed manuscript. A completed, Committee approved (against the minimum rubric standards) Dissertation Manuscript and successful Oral Defense are required to complete the course and graduate. Students who do not receive approval for either or both their Dissertation Manuscript or defense can take up to three supplementary 8-week courses to finalize and gain approval of either or both items as needed.

The PHD-OL allows students to select courses from a broad range of electives to fit their personal and professional goals. Students must complete a minimum of 9 credit hours at the 7000 or 8000 level for the elective requirements. Students may choose from courses across the University.

Degree Requirements

The University may accept a maximum of 12 semester credit hours in transfer toward the doctoral degree for graduate coursework completed at an accredited college or university with a grade of “B” or better.

The PhD-OL degree programs have the following graduation requirements:

• A minimum of 48 credit hours of graduate instruction must be completed through the University
• Grade Point Average of 3.0 (letter grade of “B”) or higher
• Satisfactory completion of the PhD-OL Pre-Candidacy Prospectus
• University Approval of Dissertation Manuscript and Oral Defense completed
• Submission of the approved final dissertation manuscript to the University Registrar, including the original unbound dissertation manuscript and an electronic copy
• Official documents on file for basis of admission: a conferred master’s degree from an accredited academic institution
• Official transcripts on file for all transfer credit hours accepted by the University
• All financial obligations must be met before the student will be issued their complimentary diploma

Program at a Glance

Total Credit Hours:  60 Credit Hours Courses:  20 Courses Recommended Completion Time:  38 Months Next Start Date:  Every Monday Classroom Size:  One

Program Learning Outcomes

At National University, you can earn your Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership online, when it’s convenient for you. And although you attend class online, you still receive the personal support and guidance you deserve thanks to our one-to-one learning model. We also have no residency requirements, no GRE/GMAT requirements, and no group projects. This offers the flexibility you need to fit higher education into your busy schedule.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of National University’s PhD in Organizational Leadership program, you’ll be able to:

• Evaluate theories of organizational leadership for their academic and practical value
• Assess an organization’s potential for positive change
• Contribute to the body of knowledge in the field of organizational leadership
• Formulate strategies  to solve contemporary organizational issues

Career Potential

Leadership professionals with specialized knowledge and skills are in demand and can pursue a broad range of career opportunities. According to Emsi labor market analytics and economic data* some of the top occupations in the filed include:

• General and operations managers
• Human resources managers
• Directors of diversity and inclusion
• Computer and IT managers
• Management analysts and consultants
• Financial and marketing managers
• Educational administrators
• Business transformation specialists

Emsi also confirms some of the top employers for professionals who have earned this degree include Amazon, Boeing, and many others across a wide variety of industries including:

• Management /Business Consulting (Guidehouse, Accenture, Deloitte)
• Finance (Wells Fargo, Citigroup)
• Healthcare (Anthem, Highmark Health, Humana)
• Biotech/Pharma (Pfizer, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
• IT/Computer (Microsoft)

Organizational Leadership at the master’s or PhD education level often leads to director-level positions responsible for senior management and organizational oversight responsibilities. There are also a variety of niched career fields that offer excellent opportunities for graduates with academic backgrounds in:

• Organizational change
• Leadership studies
• Strategic planning
• Project management

*SOURCE: Emsi Labor Analyst- Report. Emsi research company homepage at  https://www.economicmodeling.com/company/  (Report viewed: 4/18/2022). DISCLAIMER: The data provided is for Informational purposes only. Emsi data and analysis utilizes government sources to provide insights on industries, demographics, employers, in-demand skills, and more to align academic programs with labor market opportunities. Cited projections may not reflect local or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Current and prospective students should use this data with other available economic data to inform their educational decisions.

Enrolling in a university is a big decision. That’s why our dedicated admissions team is here to guide you through the admissions process and help you find the right program for you and your career goals.

To that end, we’ve simplified and streamlined our application process, so you can get enrolled in your program right away. Because we accept and review applications year round, you can begin class as soon as next month, depending on your program and location of choice.

Learn more about undergraduate, graduate, military, and international student admissions, plus admissions information for transfer students. You can also learn more about our tuition rates and financial aid opportunities.

To speak with our admissions team, call  (855) 355-6288  or request information, and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply  start your application today

Weekly Course Starts

Finish Your Dissertation!

Dissertation Completion Pathway (DCP) is a 100% online pathway helping students “All But Dissertation” finish their doctoral degree.

• Block transfer of credit from your previous institution
• Flexible monthly start dates
• Highly trained faculty providing feedback each week on your dissertation
• Strategic support and targeted resources to help you finish

Why Choose National University

• Four-Week Courses
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We’re proud to be a Veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners. Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 240,000 alumni worldwide.

“National University has impacted my career. You can immediately apply what you learn in class to your business.”

-Francisco R., Class of 2016

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Frequently Asked Questions

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Organizational Leadership is a research-based degree that prepares students for leadership roles in various organizations. The program provides students with advanced knowledge and skills in leadership, organizational behavior, change management, and other topics. It typically requires students to complete coursework, research, and a dissertation on a topic related to organizational leadership. Graduates are prepared for leadership positions in a variety of fields and can pursue careers in business, government, or non-profit organizations.

The length of a PhD program in Organizational Leadership can vary depending on your course load and personal circumstances. This program will take around 45 months (just under 4 years) to complete. Students also complete a dissertation in their chosen field.

If you’re looking to level up your career and become a top-tier leader, a doctorate in Organizational Leadership is the perfect choice. This program will equip you with all the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in leadership roles across a diverse range of industries. With a doctorate in Organizational Leadership, you’ll be ready to take on any challenge and make a real impact in the world. Graduates can work as top-level executives, management consultants, HR directors, and organizational development specialists, and more. This degree can also open up opportunities for those interested in teaching and research in academia.

The Key Grant Scholarship

Do you qualify for a needs-based scholarship? Learn more about the NU Key Grant Scholarship and other scholarship opportunities to unlock the door to your dreams!

The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)

As a leading accreditation association for business education, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) “develops, promotes, and recognizes best practices that contribute to continuous improvement of business education.” The Association emphasizes the importance of “learning how to learn,” balancing teaching and research activities to enhance the quality of classroom instruction and contribute to student learning. To learn more about the ACBSP, visit their website .

Program Disclosure

Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.

Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.

NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.

All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.

National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.

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By submitting your information to National University as my electronic signature and submitting this form by clicking the Request Info button above, I provide my express written consent to representatives of National University and National University affiliates (including City University of Seattle) to contact me about educational opportunities. This includes the use of automated technology, such as an automatic dialing system and pre-recorded or artificial voice messages, text messages, and mail, both electronic and physical, to the phone numbers (including cellular) and e-mail address(es) I have provided. I confirm that the information provided on this form is accurate and complete. I also understand that certain degree programs may not be available in all states. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary.

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Online Doctorate of Education in Leadership Studies

Total Credit Hours

Cost per credit hour, application deadline: october 11, 2024.

Priority Registration Deadline is September 6, 2024

Spring 2025 classes start on January 20, 2025

Enhance Your Leadership Today with LSU Shreveport's Ed.D. in Leadership Studies

The online Doctorate of Education in Leadership Studies is offered through LSU Shreveport. The Leadership Studies program fosters scholarly inquiry and a working understanding of critical components of leadership. Throughout the program, students explore leadership theory focusing on practical data-driven results; understanding group dynamics and motivation; the mentoring and coaching process for cultivating future leaders; building efficient learning and development opportunities; the use of power, politics, and influence in organizations; and data collection, analysis, and research techniques to inform practice.

The program offers three concentrations:

Leadership Studies is designed to help students explore the strategies that drive leadership to lead organizations through a dynamic vision, and prepare for the future with solid and proven leadership strategies. This concentration focuses on providing practical approaches for leading people and organizations in an ever changing world.

Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management focuses on providing students with the ability to assess and avoid risks, remove communication barriers between activated teams, emergency disaster managers and communication specialists, and enhance emergency management skills for those operating in federal or state positions, hospitals, colleges and universities, research institutions, nonprofit organizations, and private industry.

Health Communication & Leadership is designed to improve your ability to lead organizations in the health sector. This concentration allows students to develop the tools to integrate technology into leadership practices, enhance communication skills, and examine ways in which leaders drive organizations in different health settings.

The Leadership Studies program provides working professionals with relevant and practical research skills to utilize leadership theories for transformational change and knowledge to identify and solve problems of practice through collaboration with key stakeholders. Students will be given the opportunity to develop these attributes through engaging courses, research endeavors, and interactive networking experiences.

*An important note to take into account is the misconception that this degree is in educational leadership when, in reality, it is not. Teachers might not qualify for this degree due to their limited leadership experience. On the other hand, K-12 Principals and Superintendents are eligible for application given their relevant experience.

Ranked #11 in the Nation as one of the most affordable Doctorate of Education programs for 2024 by EdDPrograms.org.

Flexible Format

Designed to be flexible and convenient, featuring accelerated course work and multiple start dates per year.

Real-World Experience

Opportunities to engage in faculty-driven research projects for publication and presentation are encouraged.

Continuous Support

Receive dedicated coach support from application to graduation.

"The Doctorate of Leadership Studies provides a fantastic opportunity for students to interact with and learn from other high-quality leaders from around the world who are experts in their industries. In their classes, students will be given opportunities to reflect on, research, and discuss real-world leadership scenarios using case studies in addition to drawing upon their own experiences to promote their leadership skill development."

Grace M. Hildenbrand, Ph.D. Assistant Professor- Department of Leadership Studies

Explore This Program

Cost online doctorate of education in leadership studies.

The EdD in Leadership Studies online program offers affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition. All fees are included in the total tuition.

Total credit hours per program: 63 credit hours

Cost per credit hour: $411

Total cost with fees: $25,841

The total cost above does not include transfer credit or financial aid. Cost per credit hour and fees are subject to change. Fee schedules may vary by program depending on course-specific fees for proctoring and/or books. Please contact a Student Success Coach for more information.

Course Listings Online Doctorate of Education in Leadership Studies

Students in the EdD in Leadership Studies online program must complete 63 credit hours of coursework.

Common Leadership Core (36 credit hours)

Concentration Core (12 credit hours)

Students will select one concentration. 

Leadership Studies Concentration

Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management Concentration

Health Communication & Leadership Concentration 

Research Core (15 credit hours)

Admission Requirements Online Doctorate of Education in Leadership Studies

The Doctoral Program in Leadership Studies is a competitive admissions program. Each year the program receives applications from a diverse group of professionals spanning industries which include, but are not limited to, healthcare, for/non-profit institutions, military, law enforcement and first responders, education, and a variety of other professions.

The following items should be sent directly to the LSUS Office of Graduate Admissions:

• The LSUS Graduate Studies Application for Graduate Admission, complying with all applicable guidelines and standards official copies of transcripts of all prior college work attempted.
• Master's degree from regionally accredited college or university with a minimum cumulative graduate GPA of 3.5/4.0. Applicants with a cumulative graduate GPA between 3.0 and 3.49 may be considered for admission following the formal review process and an admission decision by the Department Chair of Leadership Studies.
• All official transcripts from institutions where coursework has been attempted.

Items Required:

• Resume/CV (3-5 years minimum of management/supervisor/leadership experience)
• Professional recommendation letters from three sources
• How the degree fits within the applicant's professional and personal goals
• The applicant's professional experience and how the applicant believes this will contribute to the program
• The coursework, professional experience, or other professional development that has prepared the applicant for conducting doctoral level research
• The applicant's area of research where there is a strong interest (leadership, health communication and leadership, or disaster preparedness and emergency management) and to explain the potential study that the applicant may want to develop. * Please provide explicit details on this requirement*

Applicants who are selected to continue to the next round of review will be contacted for an interview via Online Video Service (Zoom, Skype, Adobe Connect, etc.) Final notification of admission status will be provided upon the completion of reviews and selection of applicants.

Questions regarding the application process may be directed to the Leadership Studies Department.

Please note: The Ed.D. program is a competitive admissions program and as such, not all applicants who apply will be admitted. The program accepts approximately 35 new students per year .

* An important note to take into account is the misconception that this degree is in educational leadership when, in reality, it is not. Teachers might not qualify for this degree due to their limited leadership experience. On the other hand, K-12 Principals and Superintendents are eligible for application given their relevant experience.

Career Opportunities Online Doctorate of Education in Leadership Studies

• Chief Executive Officer
• Training and Development Manager
• Chief Human Resources Officer
• College President
• College Faculty
• Chief Learning Officer
• Health Care Clinic Director
• Health Administrator
• Hospital Communications Director
• Director of Emergency Response

What Will I Learn? Online Doctorate of Education in Leadership Studies

In the online EdD in Leadership Studies, students will be given the opportunity to develop these attributes through engaging courses, research endeavors, and interactive networking experiences.

Topics covered in this degree include:

• Leadership theory focusing on practical data-driven results
• Group dynamics and motivation
• The mentoring and coaching process for cultivating future leaders
• Building efficient learning and development opportunities
• The use of power, politics, and influence in organizations
• Data collection, analysis, and research techniques to inform practice

Why Choose This Program? Online Doctorate of Education in Leadership Studies

As a 100% Online program, courses are available from anywhere in the world. Courses are offered in an accelerated format, year-round, at one course per 7-week session. We offer 1-course or 2-courses per session. Students can choose which they would like to pursue. At 2-courses per session, all core and concentration courses may be completed in 4 semesters (8 sessions) and the time to completion is just over 2 years. Otherwise, at 1-course per session, completion takes approximately 3.5 years. 

This degree offers small class sizes, access to faculty, weekly Zoom meetings for class, cutting edge curriculum with opportunities to network worldwide with professionals from diverse industries and opportunities for research and conference presentations.

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UNC Online / Online Doctoral Programs / The Online Ed.D. concentration in Organizational Learning and Leadership

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Ed.D. CONCENTRATION in Organizational Learning and Leadership | Online University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Ed.D. CONCENTRATION in Organizational Learning and Leadership | Online University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Ed.D. CONCENTRATION in Organizational Learning and Leadership | Online

Step up as a leader of tomorrow with the knowledge, skills and experiences needed to empower those around you and guide organizations to achieve transformational goals. Step up as a leader of tomorrow with the knowledge, skills and experiences needed to empower those around you and guide organizations to achieve transformational goals. Step up as a leader of tomorrow with the knowledge, skills and experiences needed to empower those around you and guide organizations to achieve transformational goals.

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Answer a few quick questions to determine if the Ed.D. concentration in Organizational Learning and Leadership program is a good fit for you.

No GRE/GMAT scores required

• Top-ranked school — Join the #25 best school of education in the U.S. 1
• No master’s degree required — Apply with your bachelor’s degree and three years of leadership experience.
• Flexible schedule — Study part time to pursue your educational goals while you advance your career. 

Achieve Organizational Goals Through Human-centered Leadership

The online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Organizational Learning and Leadership offered by the UNC School of Education empowers working professionals with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to achieve organizational goals through a human-centered approach to leadership.

Through flexible and collaborative online classes, aspiring leaders learn to implement and foster high-quality practices and cultures to achieve organizational goals and exceed expectations for professional growth.

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The online ed.d. at a glance.

No master’s or GRE required

54 credit hours

36 months to complete

Ed.D. concentration in Organizational Learning and Leadership Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to equip students with the tools they need to empower the people around them to deliver on their organization’s goals and mission.

The 54-credit hour program consists of 17 courses, including a capstone project that asks students to explore a relevant organizational challenge based on their experiences.

An optional in-person immersion experience is available each spring semester to enrich the academic journey for students.

Learning Outcomes

The online Ed.D. concentration in Organizational Learning and Leadership prepares students to create organizational cultures that welcome diverse perspectives, lead organizations toward equitable practice, and empower people within their organization to succeed. Students will learn to:

• Apply a wide array of styles, strategies, and theories to effectively lead organizations to learn, improve, and change.
• Create an organizational culture where diverse voices and perspectives are invited, considered, and empowered to contribute to learning and improvement. 
• Recognize and attend to organizational context through its stakeholder groups and organizational networks to effectively manage organizations within complex systems and improve those systems for the better.
• Assess organizational structure and context including key organizational resources, internal and external stakeholders and the relationships among them, and the sources of organizational power to change systems for the better.
• Collect, analyze, and use data and evidence to evaluate and reflect on the process of organizational learning and make ethical and effective choices for organizational advancement.

Admissions — Online Ed.D. CONCENTRATION in Organizational Learning and Leadership

The online Ed.D. program offers three start dates per year: January, May, and August. The UNC School of Education seeks applicants with a genuine interest in leadership and who are passionate about empowering people in their organization. A master’s degree and GRE/GMAT scores are not required.

Admissions Requirements: 

• Minimum of three years of management or leadership experience in a professional work setting
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• A minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0; less than 3.0 will require an explanation to accompany your application

See admissions criteria and application requirements.

Learn about tuition & financial aid options.

The Online Experience

A complex world calls for flexible learning designed to meet the needs of a global workplace. In the online Ed.D. concentration in Organizational Learning and Leadership, students will find an intuitive platform, comprehensive support, and top-notch education designed for real people with real lives.

• Attend weekly face-to-face classes , held on Zoom, that allow for rich discussion and debate with peers and faculty.
• Complete interactive assignments , using a customizable platform that follows best practices for online learning. 
• Meet faculty and peers at optional in-person immersions , where you’ll network and apply what you’ve learned. 
• Access full-spectrum career services , including interview prep, one-on-one coaching, self-assessments, and salary resources.
• Connect with a student success advisor , who will serve as your dedicated partner throughout the program.

UNC School of Education Faculty

UNC School of Education faculty members in the Ed.D. concentration in Organizational Learning and Leadership are committed to empowering the next generation of responsible and passionate organizational leaders. Our exceptional faculty members have expertise in organizational change and implementation science, evaluation, and leadership, making the Ed.D. concentration in Organizational Learning and Leadership a unique program where faculty provide students with the tools needed to be successful in the pursuit of a doctorate degree and in accessing professional opportunities. This program was designed and launched to help students acquire the skills needed in leadership within organizations and directly apply them in the field, making a difference across multiple industries in organizations.

Sample Course Descriptions

The 54-credit lockstep curriculum is composed of 17 courses which include a culminating series of capstone seminars. Each term is 13 weeks long. Courses and/or descriptions subject to change.

Foundations of Leadership 

This course engages in a systematic examination of leadership in practice and how these examples result in successful leadership practices relative to theories of leadership, ethical frameworks, and a student’s personal strengths and abilities. From these reflections, each student will develop an intellectually rigorous, personal statement of leadership.

Foundations of Inquiry — Quantitative

Quantitative data is a resource for problems and identifying solutions. In order to make informed decisions in organizational leadership, it is crucial to be able to understand quantitative information about organizations and interpret data. In their career as an organizational leader, students will likely participate in quantitative analysis of data as well as be expected to review and understand a variety of quantitative studies which may influence decision-making in their workplace. Individuals who are able to discern and understand patterns and trends in quantitative data are valuable employees; they should also be able to formulate research questions and identify problems of practice for organizational improvement. This course will prepare students for all of these tasks.

Foundations of Inquiry — Qualitative

Foundations of Inquiry – Qualitative Methods is a graduate-level course designed to support students in developing an understanding of qualitative research methods and designs. The focus of this course is on the creation of research questions, the development of qualitative designs, employment of data collection approaches, and analysis procedures to address those problems. Given the allocation of time, the course will not include the full breadth of data collection methods or in-depth analysis techniques.

Leading Organizations Toward Equitable Practice 

This course will provide the foundational knowledge for creating, sustaining, and leading an inclusive culture within organizations. Students will learn to incorporate multiple stakeholders’ voices within and outside the organization through an equity-minded leadership lens. The course will place a strong emphasis on collaboration and coalition building within organizations to create an effective organizational culture in which all stakeholders can thrive.

Applied Quantitative Methods

This course will focus on quantitative/qualitative forms of inquiry, highlighting the types of questions quantitative/qualitative data are best positioned to answer and common forms of data collection and analysis. To foster each student’s development as a scholar-practitioner, the courses will provide them with the foundational knowledge to be a discerning consumer of qualitative and quantitative research and help them find the tools to answer their own well-formed practice-based research questions.

Organizational Theory

This course is designed to acquaint the student with theories of organization so that the student can begin to see principles which lie behind system architecture in which people, structures, duties, skills and role relationships can be juxtaposed and configured and re-configured as a matter of matching organizational functioning to the tasks facing a variety of educational organizations. It is also a course which will consider the structure and use of power in organizational life to force bureaucratic change, internally or externally. An expected outcome will be that the student begins to understand how structure, culture, context, and power interact within and without educational and other organizations.

Applied Qualitative Methods

Change leadership and systems improvement.

In this course, students are introduced to and apply knowledge, skills, tools, and dispositions drawn from improvement science, organizational theory, change agency/psychology of change, strategic doing, relational leadership, team science, cycled learning, and collective impact that support the development of learning systems (in government, health care, education, social services, and industry) capable of bringing about their own continuous transformation. Students will engage with faculty from across campus in interprofessional learning opportunities, including panel discussions, interviews, case study, project-based learning, tool application, and team-based activities.

Program Evaluation

This course introduces the concepts, principles, and methods underlying the evaluation of interventions, practices, and programs in organizational contexts. Students will study different approaches to evaluation design, data collection and analysis, and the reporting of results. The course will also consider the ethics and use of evaluation in organizations. Students will apply this learning to the design and implementation of a practice-based evaluation.

Prerequisites: Foundations of Inquiry (Quant and Qual)

Design Thinking for the Public Good 

In this course, students learn to apply the mindsets, methods, and processes associated with design thinking (i.e., human-centered design) to solve real-world problems. Design thinking is a creative problem-solving process that prioritizes co-design, convergent and divergent thinking, as well as rapid prototyping. Students will also practice equity-advancing design and liberatory co-design and will collaborate with community members to design solutions (e.g., programs, products) that are desirable, feasible, viable, and promote equity and justice.

Human Resource Management 

In this course, students will be introduced to the basic principles and techniques of human resource management. Students will learn about effective human resource management practices, including leadership skills, employment planning, recruiting, selecting, and rewarding employees, employee compensation plans, and employee training and evaluation. By applying the principles, elements, and techniques learned in this course, students will be better positioned to contribute to the success of the organization.

Learning Analytics

This course is an introduction to learning analytics. Learning analytics are data produced when individuals use an educational technology designed to inform and to influence future learning. Through assignments involving learning by teaching, product evaluations, research reporting, and proposal/design projects, students will learn about various theoretical frameworks, digital learning platforms, and research and evaluation approaches relevant to the study and production of learning analytic solutions. Readings will include scholarly and popular media that span education, psychology, computer science, information science, business, policy, and other domains.

Implementation and Equity

Applying lessons from implementation practice and research, students in this course learn the skills and competencies to tailor implementation frameworks and strategies to different settings to meet the unique needs of communities and to improve outcomes reliably and at scale. Equitable implementation occurs when strong equity components (including explicit attention to culture, history, values, and needs) are integrated into principles, tools, and cultures of work to facilitate the implementation of co-designed solutions for scale and sustainability.

Advanced and Applied Leadership Practices 

This course is centered on the development of theory in leadership from both a modernist and postmodernist perspective. It is designed to provide the student with the basis for understanding the range of theories that have and continue to influence conceptual thought and practice in educational and organizational leadership. Since the practice of leadership in schools and organizations is both an applied science and an art, the course is far-ranging in its scope. At issue is not only the content of what is considered educational and organizational leadership, but the boundaries of the “field” itself.

Capstone Seminars I, II & III

The Ed.D. capstone projects are a series of doctoral seminars rooted in a problem of contemporary organizational practice. Through each capstone project, students will demonstrate the ability to: (a) identify a problem of practice in a field setting; (b) apply a theory or conceptual model to the problem of practice; (c) study the problem using inquiry skills developed in coursework, be it quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods in nature; (d) make meaningful recommendations for addressing the problem derived from their study of a problem; and (e) compose and present arguments and evidence in a logical, systemic, and coherent fashion.

Optional In-Person Immersion 

Each spring, an optional in-person immersion in the Ed.D. concentration in Organizational Learning and Leadership provides a dynamic learning opportunity that fosters community building, connects students with program faculty, and offers a platform for exploration, exposure to real-world leadership practices, and networking with peers from other programs within the UNC School of Education.

Key aspects of the immersion experience include:

Community building

Development of a strong and supportive community among students through team-building exercises, group discussions, and campus events — enhancing academic and professional networks for lifelong benefit.

Familiarity with program faculty

Build rapport with program faculty in an informal setting, gaining insights into teaching philosophies and research expertise, fostering a supportive learning environment and encouraging open communication.

Exploration of opportunities

Explore various academic and professional opportunities within the program, UNC School of Education, and the University, aiding in the alignment of the academic journey with professional goals.

Mentoring connections with leaders in practice

Connect with industry leaders in organizational learning and leadership through guest speakers, interactive discussions, and insights-sharing sessions, enriching understanding and networking in the field.

Capstone Project

The capstone experience in the Ed.D. concentration in Organizational Learning and Leadership is the culmination of the academic rigor and practical learning acquired throughout the program. The capstone is designed to showcase the student’s ability to apply theoretical knowledge, empirical research, and innovative thinking to address complex challenges within organizational learning and leadership. While the capstone project comes later in the program, the curriculum has been designed carefully to scaffold student work toward the capstone throughout the program. It provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate their expertise to make lasting improvements and impact in an organization. The capstone includes a three-semester course sequence in which students identify a problem of practice — a complex and/or pervasive problem within the organization in which they work or within another organization’s practice — and, using lessons from past coursework, explore ways to solve it. Their research results in a written capstone report that details the organizational challenge, their process and findings, and their decision-making — all of which their capstone committee will review. During capstone seminars, students explore best practices for working on large analytic projects, receive personalized guidance and feedback on their efforts from instructors, and learn from their peers as they both give and receive feedback on projects.

Key aspects of the capstone experience include:

Problem identification

The journey begins with the identification of a significant problem or challenge within an organizational context. This problem should be real and impactful, reflecting the complexities and nuances that leaders often face.

Literature review

Students will conduct an in-depth review of relevant literature and theoretical frameworks. This phase helps them establish a solid theoretical foundation for addressing the identified problem and provides insight into existing research and best practices.

Research methodology

Choosing appropriate research methods and data collection techniques is a crucial component of the program and is offered through a series of research methods courses. Whether the capstone involves qualitative or quantitative research, surveys, interviews, case studies, or a combination of methods, the methodology should align with the challenge being studied.

Data collection and analysis

Students will gather and analyze data to gain insights into the problem. This phase involves rigorously analyzing data to draw meaningful conclusions and patterns that will inform potential solutions.

Human-centered approach

One of the distinguishing features of this capstone is the emphasis on a human-centered approach. Students will focus on understanding the needs, perspectives, and experiences of individuals within the organization, recognizing that the success of any intervention or solution depends on the engagement and well-being of its members.

Solution generation

Based on research findings, students will generate innovative solutions and strategies that address the identified problem. These solutions are designed to be practical, actionable, and tailored to the specific organizational context.

Implementation Plan

A well-thought-out implementation plan is crucial for translating ideas into action. Students will develop a detailed roadmap for executing their proposed solutions, considering factors such as change management, resource allocation, and timelines.

Evaluation and impact

After implementing the solutions, students will evaluate the effectiveness and measure the impact on the organization. This stage often involves revisiting the research data to assess whether the problem has been successfully mitigated and whether new challenges have arisen.

As a final step, students will reflect on their journey, lessons learned, and the combination of their academic and practical experiences. The reflection process contributes to the development of critical self-awareness and a deeper understanding of their role as organizational leaders.

Organizational Leadership Careers

This program prepares graduates to pursue a variety of organizational roles across multiple industries. Whether working alongside HR to develop talent and support employees in healthcare settings, working directly with members of leadership in higher education to drive positive change, or implementing new systems and practices to achieve greater efficiency in a nonprofit, graduates will be expert leaders, ready to achieve goals to fulfill their organization’s mission and make a difference. Examples of roles this program prepares graduates for include, but are not limited to, high-level leadership as a: 

• Business and management consultant
• Human resources manager
• Project manager or coordinator
• Medical and health service manager
• Sales and marketing manager
• Leadership coaching or development
• Business or organization executive
• Nonprofit administrator

Become a Human-Centered Leader in Your Organization

Gain the skills to positively change lives with the online Ed.D. concentration in Organizational Learning and Leadership from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Let’s get started.

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	Sep 14, 2024   2023-2024 University Catalog     2023-2024 University Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG] Website URL: https://www.cla.purdue.edu/communication Department/School Head: Marifran Mattson Academic Programs: Communication studies at Purdue University celebrate a long and distinguished history, having offered graduate degrees since 1947. Our campus-based M.A. and Ph.D. programs focus on five areas: organizational communication; interpersonal communication; public relations; health communication; and media, technology and society. Our fully online M.S. program focuses on strategic communication for industry professionals. Master’s and Ph.D. Programs (Campus-based)   Masters of Communication. Students can earn either an MA or an MS in Communication from the Brian Lamb School of Communication. Students have an option to choose a thesis track or a non-thesis track. The program is designed to be flexible and students can tailor the program to meet their individual interests. Our graduate program is organized along five instructional units: Health and Risk Communication Interpersonal Communication Organizational Communication Media Technology & Society Public Relations Students take courses both within and outside of the school and within and outside their areas of specialty. All admitted students in the campus-based program receive funding. Ph.D. in Communication . The Brian Lamb School of Communication offers a Ph.D. in Communication. The program is designed around these five instructional units: One of the defining features of the program is its flexibility. Students design their own course work to create a program that is tailored and unique to each individual student. All admitted students in the campus-based program receive funding. Concentrations (Areas of Study): Health and Risk Communication: Issues of health have become increasingly critical and complex, generating the need for individuals who can communicate effectively about health. The health communication program at Purdue seeks to fulfill this growing need for trained health communicators by exposing students to the theory, research, and practice. Interpersonal Communication: Scholarship in interpersonal communication focuses on the study of fundamental processes that occur in all social interactions (interpretation, message production), the codes (verbal and nonverbal) through which everyday interactions are accomplished, and the functions that people pursue in these interactions (persuading, informing, providing support, etc.) We also investigate how communication shapes, and is shaped by, human relationships, including friendships, romances, families, and work relationships. Media, Technology & Society: Graduate work in Media, Technology, and Society covers research on media and technological processes, their consequences, and the role that mass communication plays in both public and private life. Courses focus on local, national, and global media systems and audiences, as well as emerging information and communication technologies and environments. Organizational Communication: Organizational communication examines the relationships between communication and organizing through the study of discourse, meanings, symbols, and information flow. Public Relations: Purdue’s public relations program emphasizes negotiation and maintenance of relationships among organizations and their social, political, and economic environments. The program emphasizes the integration of public relations theory and research into practice to develop an understanding of the interactions between organizations and their publics. The Public Relations unit at Purdue prepares students to cultivate and sustain mutually-beneficial relationships between organizations of all types and their strategic publics both as practitioners and researchers. Master’s Program (Online/Distance):  Online MS in Communication: The online MS program in communication, along with the graduate certificate in strategic communication management, is specifically designed for full-time professionals working in the industry. The program focuses on strategic communication concepts, such as public relations, integrated communication, and organizational communication, and helps students develop communication leadership skills necessary for professional success. Students in this program get an education in strategic communication planning, crisis communication, global communication, social media, communication research methods, and related areas. The program is entirely asynchronous, and students typically take courses one at a time in 8-week blocks. This online program is not designed for students desiring to prepare for full-time research/teaching positions or Ph.D. programs. https://www.cla.purdue.edu/academic/communication/graduate/onlineprograms/index.html Strategic Communication/Public Relations Health Communication Branding and Marketing Communication Management Communication and Leadership   Online MS in Corporate Training and Communication: The online MS in Corporate Training and Communication is a unique interdisciplinary collaboration between the College of Education’s MS in Learning Design and Technology and Brian Lamb School of Communication’s MS in Communication. The program is designed to better prepare professionals to design, implement, assess, and evaluate training and communication effectiveness in the corporate environment. Students will graduate ready to create optimal learning materials integrating technology, and with strong communication skills that are needed and valued in every industry. Students will gain vital knowledge through courses covering current best practices in communication across cross functional teams, with an emphasis on the latest tools, techniques, strategies, and processes for educational training. The program is entirely asynchronous, and students typically take courses one at a time in 8-week blocks. https://www.cla.purdue.edu/academic/communication/graduate/onlineprograms/index.html Combined Degree Programs: (Undergraduate Degree / Master’s Degree) The Combined BA/MS in Communication is designed for current undergraduate Communication students to help them accelerate their graduate degree. Students in the program can take up to 12 credit hours that count toward both their Bachelor’s and Master’s degree beginning in their junior year. The Master of Science in Communication degree is entirely online, so students can live and work anywhere after earning their bachelor’s degree. https://cla.purdue.edu/communication/combined-degree/ Graduate Certificates (Degree or Non-Degree Students): Strategic Communication Management: The certificate program is a fast-paced way for you to broaden your skillset with a greater understanding of impactful communication. The courses within the certificate program quickly instill within you the skills and confidence to meet your organization’s communication needs across a variety of platforms. Communication and Leadership: Through courses focused on the application of communication and leadership across various industries and professional settings, this communication and leadership certificate delivers valuable skills in cross-cultural teams, techniques for collaboration, and appropriate communication for superiors and subordinates. Regular Graduate Faculty by Rank: Josh Boyd, Robert X. Browning, Sabine Brunswicker,  Bart Collins, John O. Greene, Sorin Matei, Marifran Mattson, Melanie Morgan, Felicia Roberts, Glenn Sparks, Howard Sypher, Ralph Webb  Associate Professor Stacey Connaughton, Seungyoon Lee, Jane Natt, Torsten Reimer, Assistant Professor Emily Buehler, Gaby Byrd, Charles Catalano, Tonantzin DeAztlan-Smith, Jeremy Foote, Jennifer Hoewe, Ilwoo Ju, Evan Perrault, Brett Sherrick, Hwanseok Song, Diana Zulli Communication, PHD Communication/Gerontology, PHD Branding and Marketing Communications Concentration, (Graduate) (OL) Communication, MA Communication, MS Management Communication and Leadership Concentration(Graduate)(OL) Communication and Leadership, Post Baccalaureate Certificate (OL) Communication and Leadership, Post Baccalaureate Certificate Strategic Communication Management, Post Baccalaureate Certificate Strategic Communication Management, Post Baccalaureate Certificate (OL) COM 50000 - Introduction To Graduate Studies In Communication COM 50200 - Classroom Communication COM 50300 - Cross Cultural Communication COM 50700 - Introduction To Semiotics COM 50800 - Nonverbal Communication In Human Interaction COM 51200 - Theories Of Interpersonal Communication COM 51800 - Theories Of Persuasion COM 52000 - Small Group Communication COM 52700 - Introduction To Cultural Studies In Communication COM 53100 - Special Topics In Mass Communication COM 55800 - Historical Trends In Mass Communication Research COM 55900 - Current Trends In Mass Communication Research COM 56500 - Sociolinguistics COM 57400 - Organizational Communication COM 57600 - Health Communication COM 58200 - Descriptive/Experimental Research In Communication COM 58500 - Qualitative Methods In Communication Research COM 59000 - Directed Study Of Special Problems COM 59700 - Special Topics In Communication COM 60000 - Foundations Of Human Communication Inquiry I COM 60100 - Foundations Of Human Communication Inquiry II COM 60111 - Seminar In Strategic Communication COM 60211 - Seminar In Global Strategic Communication COM 60311 - Seminar In Crisis Communication COM 60411 - Seminar In Communication Research Methods COM 60511 - Strategic Communication And Professional Writing COM 60611 - Seminar In Financial And Investor Relations COM 60711 - Strategic Communication And Fundraising Management COM 60811 - Leadership And Global Strategic Communication COM 60911 - Strategic Public Relations COM 61000 - Special Topics In Public Relations COM 61011 - Strategic Communication And Ethics COM 61200 - Seminar: Special Topics In Interpersonal Communication COM 62100 - Seminar: Special Topics In Rhetorical Theory COM 62111 - Seminar In Strategic Communication And Social Media COM 62411 - Focus Groups And Interviewing For Strategic Communication COM 62511 - Survey Design, Analysis, And Reporting For Strategic Communication COM 63200 - Seminar: Special Topics In Mass Communication COM 64011 - Seminar In Advertising COM 64100 - Integrated Marketing Communication COM 64200 - Persuasive Communication COM 64400 - Strategic Personal Branding COM 64500 - Healthcare Communication COM 64600 - Strategic Corporate Branding COM 65000 - Communication And Leadership COM 65100 - Organizational Culture And Internal Communication COM 65200 - Communication Education And Training COM 65500 - Health Advocacy COM 67400 - Seminar: Special Topics In Organizational Communication COM 67600 - Seminar: Special Topics In Health Communication COM 68200 - Seminar: Special Topics In Quantitative Research COM 69500 - Curricular Practical Training COM 69800 - Research MA Or MS Thesis COM 69900 - Research PhD Thesis University Navigation University Navigation Search Search Button Gonzaga Home Student Life College & Schools College of Arts & Sciences Center for Lifelong Learning Online Graduate Programs School of Business Administration School of Education School of Engineering & Applied Science School of Law School of Leadership Studies School of Health Sciences Future Students Current Students Military & Veterans Parents & Families Faculty & Staff Our Community Basketball Fans Search Button Toggle Menu Online Programs M.A. Communication & Leadership M.A. in Organizational Leadership Ph.D. in Leadership Studies M.A. in Theology & Leadership Graduate Nursing Degrees M.A. in Sport & Athletic Administration M.Ed in Educational Leadership M.Ed in Educational Leadership with Principal Certification Ed.D. in Educational Leadership Master of Science in Cybersecurity Master of Science in Data Science Master of Engineering Management Transmission & Distribution Engineering Program Admissions About gonzaga online, student support. Master's in Communication & Leadership Information EMAIL, CALL OR TEXT (866) 380-5323 Expand your Skills  Gonzaga's Online Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership Studies prepares you for a future in any industry. Our online master's degree is designed for working professionals and equips you with the expertise to understand your audience, create messaging and use influence to deploy strategy and get results.  Our graduates leave our program with the following skills: Content Creation Crisis Communication Data Visualization Digital Storytelling Disinformation Management Intercultural Competence Marketing Strategy Public Relations Strategic Communication Develop your Brand With our degree you will gain the confidence to pursue your career goals.  Our graduates create and hone their own brand.  Many take on leadership positions, get new jobs, start their own businesses and even change careers. Some of the career opportunities that may be available to you: Marketing Manager  Media Executive Public Relations Director Nonprofit Director Social Media Manager Content Strategist Policy Advocate College Professor Extend your Reach Not only will you be learning from expert faculty, but with fellow professionals who have diverse backgrounds and work experience. Gonzaga University also has a vast alumni network. Our graduates work at some of the top companies in the world: Ben & Jerry's American Airlines McCann Worldgroup Optional Concentrations Change Leadership Gain the tools to lead change through all levels of your organization. College Teaching Design a teaching philosophy and prepare yourself to teach on the college level with this optional concentration. Digital Media Strategies Develop and distribute your message using various digital platforms and understand the metrics to measure success. Global Leadership Build your negotiation skills and raise your cultural sensitivity with this optional concentration. Servant Leadership Explore in-depth the writings of Robert Greenleaf in this first of its kind, optional concentration. Strategic & Organizational Communication Identify problems, design solutions and think strategically with this optional concentration. Study Abroad | Domestic Immersions Study Abroad Travel to Belgium, Colombia or Italy Domestic Immersions Experience campus | Connect with faculty & fellow students. Customize your courses. Arts & Culture Careers & Outcomes Diversity & Inclusion Faculty Voices Faith & Mission Global Impact Health & Wellness Service & Community Impact Sustainability Colleges & Schools Informatics and Applied Technology School of Engineering & Applied Sciences Putting Her Fears Aside How coml helped rebekah willhite embrace her dyslexia and become an advocate and teacher., recent stories, pursuing your passion. How a COML alumna gained the skills and confidence to start a music festival. Preparing for the Future Grad student credits COML program for growth in her high-stress career while building a pathway to... Communication in a Time of Uncertainty Law Enforcement Officer gains new communication tools and better understanding with Gonzaga's... Testimonials Juan daniel garcia | community advocate | alumnus. “When I think about what I am taking away from the program. I have gotten more in return than I could ever repay.” Amber Killingbeck| Marketing & Events Coordinator | Alumna "I was really looking for a program that had a lot of interesting, required courses and electives, so I feel like I really got my money’s worth. I feel like I now have that competitive edge because I have a master's degree from Gonzaga.” Carrie Braun | Orange County California Sheriff’s Department | Alumna "Every time I'm learning a new concept or hearing a theory, I can very easily tie that to something that I am currently dealing with or that I've dealt with in the past." Raul Candelaria | Alumnus “I am absolutely convinced that if I hadn’t gone to Gonzaga University and attended the COML program and graduated from that program, then I would never have gotten into Howard University’s PhD program.” Communication & Leadership Studies Program Facts Online Option Average Completion Time Accelerated BSN Doctor of Education Doctorate of Business Administration Accreditation and Rankings Student Testimonials Faculty Profiles Ed.D. Dissertation Ed.D. Faculty Mentors Nursing Clinical Placement Services Student Services and Support Program Offerings by State Tuition and Financial Aid Marymount in the News Message from the President Get My Guide 5 Ways an Organizational Leadership Doctorate Can Support Your Career Progression Schools, non-profit organizations and businesses need change agents with strong leadership skills to drive organizational efforts to the next level. Recent research has identified long-term shortages of effective leadership in education and industry . Experienced professionals with organizational leadership degrees address this shortage while advancing their careers. If you are an aspiring leader with a master’s degree, a good next step for your career is an organizational leadership doctorate. A Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) can set you apart as you pursue change within your community or organization. The skills obtained in a doctoral program focused on leadership and organizational innovation will add value to your career in adopting research-based skills to inspire others through innovative approaches, problem solving, and driving initiatives. What Can I Learn in a Doctoral Program in Organizational Leadership? The Ed.D. is the highest level of education for those who want to understand research-based leadership best practices. Ed.D. programs may focus on educational leadership, innovation and organizational leadership. University members of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) follow guiding principles , including: Creating opportunities for collaboration and communication with diverse communities Seeking practical solutions for equity, ethics and social justice challenges Supporting field experiences for real-world analysis and problem-solving The typical Ed.D. program requires at least four years of study, with streamlined online options available through some universities. Doctoral candidates learn leadership skills and how to best navigate organizational challenges from experienced faculty. A doctoral program in organizational leadership adds to the toolkits of future leaders by exploring topics like: Administering Social and Human Capital Models of Leadership and Coaching Program Evaluation and Decision-Making Course projects are applied to real-world organizational challenges through the completion of a dissertation. For example, the CPED recommends a Dissertation in Practice ( DiP ) to apply theory to a “complex problem of practice.” Faculty mentoring and taught skills to conduct extensive scholarly research bring new organizational solutions to life. How can an Ed.D. Help My Career? Influential leaders demonstrate strong interpersonal and organizational skills in their daily work. A 2023 survey found that respondents viewed trustworthiness, honesty and strong work ethic as essential traits for today’s leaders. Graduates of organizational leadership programs know how to model these traits while deploying the following skills. 1. Knowledge of Leadership Models and Best Practices Organizational and community leaders don’t use one leadership method throughout their careers. An effective leader deploys models based on their organization’s needs. Doctoral courses incorporating the study of differing leadership models helps you approach differing situations with a wholistic lens and solidify an effective path forward. Leaders should also know the current best practices set by industry groups and professional associations. These standards provide the foundation for effective and efficient work in a classroom, board room, or council meeting. Graduates of organizational leadership programs know how to model best practices while achieving organizational goals. 2. Fostering Organizational Change Organizational change involves significant shifts in areas like strategy, structure and culture. Employees, patrons and other stakeholders need clarity on the organization’s goals before full implementation. Poor communication, ineffective training and a lack of transparency can add stress to change. A doctoral program in organizational leadership trains aspiring leaders to be transformative leaders. Graduates know how best to pursue the four I’s of transformative leadership - inspiration motivation, idealistic influence, intellectual stimulation and individualized consideration. They can also place their organization’s change efforts in community and global contexts. 3. Managing Organizational Conflict and Crisis There are abundant opportunities for conflict within and between organizations in every industry. Leaders face interpersonal conflicts within their teams based on differing styles and goals. Budget constraints, pressure from competing organizations and global economic changes may lead to crises in addition to internal differences. Ed.D. graduates can identify, analyze and develop strategies to diffuse organizational strife as it emerges. Doctoral coursework explores best practices for crisis management and conflict resolution. With this knowledge, you can not only deal with current challenges but emerge with greater resilience against future conflicts. 4. Practicing Ethical Leadership Ethical leadership creates a transparent and accountable organizational culture across all levels of an organization. Organizational leaders demonstrate attributes like respect and integrity through one-on-one, group and public interactions. The 2021 LRN Benchmark of Ethical Culture found that organizations with strong cultures outperform the competition in employee loyalty, innovation and adaptability. Strong organizational cultures are built on foundational elements like: Leadership modeling of ethical behavior Recognizing team member achievements Open and honest communication by employees and leaders Organization-wide accountability to high standards of conduct Aspiring organizational leaders build the foundations for ethical leadership through Ed.D. programs. They learn about the value of diversity in the workplace and changing social demographics. Ed.D. graduates defuse toxic workplace cultures before they emerge and understand ethics through social justice frameworks. 5. Integrating New Technology into Existing Processes Upgrading hardware, adopting cloud-based platforms and other innovations can be challenging for organizations. Without proper training from technology experts, employees, students and volunteers may see their daily workflows disrupted. New technology integration can be disruptive and expensive if it creates data vulnerabilities or lacks compatibility with existing infrastructure. Organizational leadership programs prepare leaders for strategic planning and communication related to new technology. Ed.D. candidates understand the impacts and long-term benefits of innovation on all stakeholders. Marymount University’s Online Ed.D. in Leadership and Organizational Innovation is the best place to learn these lessons. Strengthening Leadership Skills at Marymount University The Online Ed.D. in Leadership and Organizational Innovation supports students in taking their next career steps. This 100% online program can be completed in less than three years of study. A 48-credit curriculum focuses on the leadership skills you need to affect change , including: Ethical Leadership & Social Justice Leading an Organization: Theory, Practice & Reflection Transformative Leadership: Leading Organizational Change Online Ed.D. candidates complete DiPs as part of their studies. This innovative approach to dissertations applies academic research and leadership theories to real-world situations. Experienced faculty members guide students through the DIP process as Lead Doctoral Faculty Mentors ( LDFMs ). A Marymount University degree is valuable in the job market thanks to its strong national reputation. U.S. News & World Report placed Marymount in its top National Universities rankings for 2024. Marymount is also a 2024-2025 College of Distinction for Business and Education . An Online Ed.D. in Leadership and Organizational Innovation from Marymount University supports your efforts to inspire and carry out change within your organization or community. Connect with an enrollment advisor to get started. Learn More About The Online Ed.D. Program at Marymount Campus Life ...a student. ...a veteran. ...an alum. ...a parent. ...faculty or staff. Class Schedule Crisis Resources People Finder Change Password UTC RAVE Alert Leadership and decision-making doctoral program (phd). The multidisciplinary Leadership and Decision-Making Doctoral Program (PhD) is designed to equip participants with an understanding of the relationship that learning plays in the leadership process; develop reflective practitioners in a variety of organizations; and focus on the interwoven nature of leadership, decision-making, and learning; emphasizing the proficiency that individuals will need as they pursue the challenges of organizational change.  The Leadership and Decision-Making curriculum is work/experience embedded, meaning that everyone pursuing the degree is typically actively working and engaged in a professional practice of some type. The PhD is designed primarily for professionals who are passionate about applying theory to practice and creating new/improved knowledge related to the professional practice. Participants will demonstrate competency in the following program domains: Leadership and Learning, Research and Measurement, Organizational Effectiveness and Innovation, Decision-Making, and Communication.  Each participant is required to successfully complete a one-credit hour foundational course during the initial Summer semester. Following successful completion of the foundational course, each participant is required to enroll in a sequence of core courses (6 credit hours per semester) year round (Fall, Spring, and Summer) until the core is completed. All required courses are offered via hybrid delivery (face-to-face and Virtual Classroom). Core courses include 4-6 face-to-face meetings per course per semester  (on the UT-Chattanooga campus on weekends) and material work in the Virtual Classroom (online) through discussions and readings. Once the core program has been completed, each participant works to complete elective requirements, the Comprehensive Assessment, Pre-Dissertation Seminar, and Dissertation research. The PhD Dissertation focuses on research that applies to the candidate’s professional practice and demonstrates ways this new knowledge can contribute to the field and literature. Admission Information We are not currently accepting applications to the PhD Leadership and Decision-Making program. Due to the cohort nature of the program, applications are accepted during a prescribed timeframe, typically December through February for the incoming Summer cohort. The next opportunity to apply will be December 2024 through February 2025 for the Summer 2025 cohort. New cohorts are admitted in Summer only . We look forward to receiving your application to a future cohort!  To request to add your name to our list of prospective applicants, please select the Inquiry Form link below. Inquiry Form Quick Links:  Graduate School Financial Aid Learning and Leadership Doctorate's Program Applied leadership & learning. Hunter Hall #412 Dept 4141 651 McCallie Avenue   423-425-5445 [email protected] Receive job alerts that match your preferences. Kristiania University College Phd fellowships in communication and leadership. Kristiania University College is offering up to five fully funded PhD fellowships in Communication and Leadership for a fixed-term period of three (3) years beginning in August 2025. During this time, the successful applicant will be employed at Kristiania University College and included in a team of researchers with ambitious plans to further develop research and pedagogical activities at the university college.  We invite applicants to apply with research proposals in a broad range of research areas and encourage everyone to examine the different areas here: https://www.kristiania.no/en/research/phd/available-phd-fellowship-positions/   About Kristiania University College Kristiania University College is Norway's largest independent comprehensive university college with 18,000 students. Our mission is to strongly contribute to Norway's social and economic development through problem-driven and applied knowledge development and dissemination, in close cooperation with the public and private sectors. Students can choose from a large portfolio of study programmes at the bachelor’s and master’s levels that are offered in Oslo, Bergen and online. Among these are study programmes in management, organization, marketing, communication, computer science, information technology, health sciences, innovation, and creative arts. The two PhD programmes at Kristiania University College offer advanced graduate work in most of these fields. For more information about the PhD programmes, see here: https://www.kristiania.no/en/research/phd/ About the positions The PhD position is a three-year fulltime position that involves 30 ECTS credits of required course work. This is equivalent to one semester of study. The remaining time is allocated to the development and completion of an independent research project, which takes the form of a written dissertation. The three-year employment period granted to the successful candidate may be reduced if the candidate has previously been employed in a PhD position. The successful candidate is expected to live and work in the Oslo region during the employment period and to take an active part in scholarly and social activities at Kristiania. Description of the subject areas The PhD program in Communication and Leadership is interdisciplinary, which means integrating Communication and Leadership to give more comprehensive perspectives. The degree of interdisciplinarity will, however, vary from PhD project to PhD project. This implies that all PhD projects will have aspects of both Communication and Leadership but may address mainly the discipline of Communication, mainly the discipline of Leadership or more fully integrating the two disciplines with a higher degree of interdisciplinary approach. Communication and Leadership can also be combined with other fields such as Health leadership and communication, leadership and communication with the arts etc. The successful candidate will take part in research groups within relevant areas at Kristiania, and applicants must enclose a project description with topics or research questions within one or more of the research areas outlined here: https://www.kristiania.no/en/research/phd/available-phd-fellowship-positions/ For more information about Kristiania’s research groups see: https://www.kristiania.no/forskning/forskningsgrupper/ Applicants are encouraged to contact relevant research groups at Kristiania for more information. Qualifications and personal qualities Required qualifications: Master’s degree (120 ECTS or equivalent) in a relevant subject area with a grade B or better on the master’s thesis and for the master’s degree in total. The master’s thesis must be a minimum of 30 ECTS or equivalent. The relevance of the subject areas is dependent on the type of project candidates propose. Relevant 180 ECTS bachelor’s degree Proficiency in both written and spoken English (interviews, and all communication will be in English) Strong methodological skills Personal qualities: Curiosity and a strong motivation to carry out independent research Good communication and cooperation skills Excellent analytical skills The ability, desire and capacity to work independently, systematically, and purposefully Orientation toward the completion of projects and the attainment of goals Emphasis will be placed on personal suitability for the position. Your application must include: A research proposal of maximum 10 pages. All applicants are required to follow Kristiania’s template for PhD research proposals ( https://www.kristiania.no/contentassets/94aaaa1c686e4534a526c4fcc0d820bd/research-proposal-template-and-requirements.pdf ) A short cover letter (maximum 2 pages), describing the applicant’s qualifications, motivation, and research interests. Official Transcripts and Diplomas in a Scandinavian or English language. If the original is in another language than these, then both the original and an English translation should be submitted. Curriculum Vitae Master’s thesis Any relevant publications The names and contact information of two reference persons. (One should preferably be the main supervisor/advisor of your master’s thesis.) Kristiania University College will only process applications submitted through our electronic recruitment system. All documents must be uploaded in this system for your application to be considered. The documents must be in English or a Scandinavian language. Translations must be authorized, and you must be prepared to present originals during a potential interview. Kristiania conducts document verification to ensure a genuine evaluation and fair competition for you as a candidate. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Evaluation of the applicants All complete applications from qualified applicants will be assessed by an expert committee. The following will be considered: The project's scientific quality, including originality and innovation, as well as relevance to the topics listed above, will be particularly emphasized. The applicant’s academic and personal ability to complete the project within the time frame Results from the master's degree and the master's thesis Knowledge of theories and methods within the relevant field of research Ambitions to conduct high-level research Good collaboration skills and an ability to join interdisciplinary academic communities The applicant’s desire and motivation to complete a PhD at Kristiania Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews. An exciting job in a dynamic professional environment in an organization with high ambitions A pleasant and stimulating working environment with good colleagues Opportunities for professional development Good insurance and pension schemes Corporate sports teams and training facilities Modern workspace in downtown Oslo The starting salary is 532,200 NOK per year.  Kristiania University College welcomes and encourages diversity. Women and persons with minority background are particularly encouraged to apply.  We use Semac background checks in our recruitment process. Application deadline   October 31, 2024. All application submitted withing this date will be assessed, but we will assess the applications continuously. Contact information If you have any questions regarding the positions, please contact Audra Diers-Lawson ( [email protected] ) For more information about Kristiania: https://www.kristiania.no/ Only applications received through our application portal within the deadline will be considered. Kontaktpersoner: Audra Diers-Lawson [email protected] Job details More jobs from this employer. PhD fellowships in Applied Information Technology Kristiania University College is offering up to six fully funded PhD fellowships in Applied Information Technology​ for a fixed-term period of three (3) years beginning in August 2025. During this time, the successful applicant will be employed at... About the employer KPC offers vocational programmes within the areas of design, communication and technology. It aims to provide practical and career-oriented programme. Find similar jobs This might interest you. 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Communication (PhD) In 2021, QS World University Rankings named USC Annenberg among the foremost schools for studying communication and media in the world. 14. doctoral candidates in our 2023 cohort Our small cohorts create an intimate group of contemporary researchers with whom to study. 40%. of students are international About half of our 2021 PhD cohort is ... Ph.D. Program in Communication, Information, and Media The Ph.D. program in Communication, Information, and Media provides doctoral training in theoretical and research skills for scholarly and professional leadership in the fields of communication, library and information science, and media studies. Leadership Communication Doctoral Program The Leadership Communication doctoral program is grounded in community-engaged scholarship. Students explore the intersection of theories and methods of leadership, communication, and other areas of inquiry related to collaborative change. Through the study and practice of leading change, students produce original research that helps make ... PhD in Communication Applicants for the Communication (PhD) degree program must hold an accredited bachelor's degree and a master's degree in communication, or a related field, with a cumulative GPA of 3.30 or higher, unless the applicant demonstrates comparable experience. The degree does not have to be in the field of communication or be research-based, as many ... Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) Liberty University. Lynchburg , VA. #4 Top 20 Best Military Friendly Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #6 15 Best Self-paced Online Colleges Ranked for 2024 #8 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2024 #13 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees. Other Rankings. PhD in Communication and Leadership PhD program description. Subject to change. Communication and Leadership are instruments of coordination, cooperation and decision making, and as such, they are vital to address organisational, societal, and global challenges. In order to understand, explain and develop skills for handling the fundamental changes in societal and organisational ... Curriculum The program requires completion of 76 semester units and an approved dissertation; most candidates complete the degree program in four to five years. In the first year, students take four required core classes: two in communication theory, one in quantitative methods and one in qualitative methods, as well as one elective each semester. Beyond the required core, students Online PhD in Communication Degree Online PhD in Communication Master the Art of Human Connection. Online PhD in Communication. Apply FREE This Week* Next start date: Sep 16 Request Information. 60. Credit Hours. View Courses. 100% ... Communication Ph.D The Ph.D. in Communication at the University of Cincinnati gives students the opportunity to investigate the power of communication to shape our personal identities and impact our social, organizational, mediated, and political lives. Given our location in the heart of the urban core of Cincinnati, as well as the mission of our department to ... Ph.D. in Communication Online In the field of Communication, a Ph.D. program equips students with the necessary skills to contribute to the ever-changing landscape of communication theory and practice. Instead of focusing on ... Ph.D. in Communication Interview with Graduate Director or Graduate Coordinator * If a student is admitted without an approved M.A./M.S. degree in Communication or related field, students will need to complete the M.S. degree program first, prior to beginning their doctoral work. Application Deadlines. Early decision applications are due January 15th. Best Online Doctorate In Organizational Leadership Of 2024 Organizational leadership studies the potential impacts of leadership and the strategies that can take an organization to new heights. A doctorate in organizational leadership typically comes in ... Online PhD in Organizational Leadership, PhD-OL Earn your PhD in Organizational Leadership online at National University. NU offers a PhD-OL as well as PhD-BA in organizational leadership. Learn more. ... In this course, you will examine leadership theories which underpin communication strategies and practices to successfully manage organizational change. OLB-7007 - Leader as Coach ... Ph.D in Communication Studies in United States Communication Sciences and Disorders. Ph.D. / Full-time / On Campus. 26,547 EUR / year. 4 years. Louisiana State University Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States. Ranked top 5%. Online Doctorate of Education in Leadership Studies The Doctoral Program in Leadership Studies is a competitive admissions program. Each year the program receives applications from a diverse group of professionals spanning industries which include, but are not limited to, healthcare, for/non-profit institutions, military, law enforcement and first responders, education, and a variety of other professions. The Online Ed.D. in Organizational Learning and Leadership In the online Ed.D. concentration in Organizational Learning and Leadership, students will find an intuitive platform, comprehensive support, and top-notch education designed for real people with real lives. Attend weekly face-to-face classes, held on Zoom, that allow for rich discussion and debate with peers and faculty. Brian Lamb School of Communication (Graduate) Academic Programs: Communication studies at Purdue University celebrate a long and distinguished history, having offered graduate degrees since 1947. Our campus-based M.A. and Ph.D. programs focus on five areas: organizational communication; interpersonal communication; public relations; health communication; and media, technology and society. Online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership The Online Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Organizational Leadership is a 66 credit-hour post-bachelor's program. 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 ... Master's in Communication & Leadership Expand your Skills. Gonzaga's Online Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership Studies prepares you for a future in any industry. Our online master's degree is designed for working professionals and equips you with the expertise to understand your audience, create messaging and use influence to deploy strategy and get results. 5 Ways a Leadership Doctorate Supports Career Progression Doctoral candidates learn leadership skills and how to best navigate organizational challenges from experienced faculty. A doctoral program in organizational leadership adds to the toolkits of future leaders by exploring topics like: ... Poor communication, ineffective training and a lack of transparency can add stress to change. A doctoral ... Leadership and Decision-Making Doctoral Program (PhD) The multidisciplinary Leadership and Decision-Making Doctoral Program (PhD) is designed to equip participants with an understanding of the relationship that learning plays in the leadership process; develop reflective practitioners in a variety of organizations; and focus on the interwoven nature of leadership, decision-making, and learning; emphasizing the proficiency that individuals will ... PhD fellowships in Communication and Leadership The PhD program in Communication and Leadership is interdisciplinary, which means integrating Communication and Leadership to give more comprehensive perspectives. The degree of interdisciplinarity will, however, vary from PhD project to PhD project. This implies that all PhD projects will have aspects of both Communication and Leadership but ... assignment essay homework paper phd report review speech thesis