73 Credit Hours

Description

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Leadership degree is multidisciplinary in scope, and online in delivery, with one required on-campus residency in the first year. It is designed for students seeking an advanced degree leading to organizational leadership positions. It integrates research, theory and practice, and provides a breadth of knowledge across the leadership field with in-depth research and study in pivotal areas. Critical thinking, scholarly research, writing, and learning occur within a biblical Christian worldview that supports the entire program. Three tracks are available for students to choose an area of specialty: Organizational Management, Ministry Administration, and Educational Administration.

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Synthesize, evaluate, and contextualize leadership approaches and theories
  • Choose and create an original, scholarly research project culminating in a written, presented, and orally defended dissertation that advances leadership theories and contributes substantively to the body of knowledge in the student's chosen concentration
  • Demonstrate a high level of comprehension of leadership theory through practical individual and organizational application
  • Analyze social, political, economic, religious, and organizational events relative to the influence of leaders and leadership approaches
  • Integrate scholarly research and leadership skills by putting theory into practice

Admissions Requirements

  • A bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a recognized college or university
  • An accredited master's degree or equivalent from a recognized college or university
  • GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • An autobiographical essay
  • A current résumé
  • Official transcripts from all previously attended schools
  • Completed application with Piedmont International University

Degree Requirements

  • The maximum time limit to complete the program is seven years or 150% of the credits, whichever the student reaches first.
  • A minimum of 37 credit hours must be completed at PIU.
  • Up to 50% of the required credit hours can be transferred.
  • Graduation is contingent upon the completion of 73 hours of prescribed courses with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 and no more than one C. Students must complete all coursework, pass the written comprehensive examination, and successfully write, present, and defend their dissertation.