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Executive Ph.D. in Leadership Studies

Leaders have the power to shape and guide the future in positive new directions. If you would like to have a powerful and positive impact on the future, consider University of the Cumberlands' executive Ph.D. in leadership. This Executive Doctorate in Leadership program will prepare you with the skills and knowledge it takes to be a successful leader.

This doctor of executive leadership program is ideal for working individuals that need a flexible program to fit their busy schedule, but also one that isn't completely online. This Ph.D. executive leadership program is in a hybrid format and requires a residency component, so you receive the practical training you need. The curriculum will allow you to become an advanced practitioner with community organizations, educational institutions, and businesses.

About The Programme

The Executive Doctorate in Leadership program at University of the Cumberlands is a hybrid leadership doctorate designed to help you guide educational organizations into the future. You’ll learn the skills you need to lead with empathy and insight, inspire staff and students, and contribute insightful research to your field. Online coursework and flexible scheduling make it possible to earn your Executive Doctorate in Leadership and set your sights on new goals—even while working full time.

You will participate in a comprehensive study of effective leadership and administrative methods, while gaining an in-depth look at the political factors involved in organizational decision making. Program planning, assessment strategies, and global trends in leadership, along with a dissertation component round out the executive curriculum.

Additionally, if you are a current educator wishing to obtain Kentucky Rank 1 certification via our online leadership doctorate, you can achieve your goals by completing this doctor of executive leadership program and taking additional coursework within the School of Education. Keep in mind that a Ph.D. or Ed.D. alone will not lead to the Kentucky Rank 1 certification without an accompanying planned program from the School of Education that includes the courses required for Rank 1. Our knowledgeable advisors are here to help you enroll in the classes you will need for both your Executive Doctorate in Leadership studies and the Kentucky Rank 1 certification.

Course Details

Core Courses - 24 Credits

LEAS 730 The Politics of Organizational Decision-Making (3 Credits)
LEAC 731 Learning in Adulthood (3 Credits)
LEAS 732 Program Planning and Assessment (3 Credits)
LEAS 830 Leadership in Theory and Practice (3 Credits)
LEAS 833 Higher Education in America (3 Credits)
LEAS 835 The Change Process (3 Credits)
LEAC 834 Leadership in Historical Context (3 Credits)
LEAS 836 Current Trends in Leadership (3 Credits)

Professional Research - 24 Credits

DSRT 837 Professional Writing and Proposal Development (3 Credits)
DSRT 839 Advanced Research Methods (3 Credits)
DSRT 850 Qualitative Research Methods (3 Credits)
DSRT 734 Inferential Statistics in Decision-making (3 Credits)
DSRT 736 Dissertation Seminar (3 Credits)
DSRT 834 Advanced Statistical Applications (3 Credits)
DSRT 930 Dissertation (3 Credits)
DSRT 931 Dissertation (3 Credits)

* If the dissertation is not completed at the end of DSRT 931, the candidate repeats DSRT 931 as needed, for three (3) credit hours each term, until the dissertation is completed and defended.

Specialty Area Content - 18 Credits

Students pursuing a PhD in leadership studies at Cumberlands are required to complete ONE specialty area.

Criminal Justice
Education
English
Health Professions
Health Science
History
Mathematics
Missions and Ministry
Nursing
Student Personnel Services
Instructional Technology
Public Administration

Courses in the following business department masters programs will matriculate as the Doctoral specialty if the program is completed as a second Masters:

MBA
Master of Science in Global Blockchain Tech.
Master’s in Project Management
Master’s in Strategic Management
Or other approved electives

Courses in the following information systems department masters programs will matriculate as the Doctoral specialty if the program is completed as a second Masters: