The PhD in Leadership program combines elements of all three programs of the Marshall Goldsmith School of Management: Organizational Psychology, International Relations, and Business/Management.
Overwhelming evidence supports the contention that leadership can be taught. It is possible to explore, identify, and enhance one’s leadership strengths, preparing for leadership opportunities and demands. The Leadership PhD, unites theory, research, and application, and educates citizens of the world who are philosophically and technically prepared to live, lead, and solve problems in varied sectors.
The program builds on the unique strengths of the Marshall Goldsmith School of Management:
- The international heritage and top reputation of our legacy institutions United States International University and the California School of Professional Psychology;
- An MGSM-branded edition of Ken Shelton’s Leadership Excellence magazine, featuring articles by MGSM faculty and students alongside the writing of Warren Bennis and comparable authorities;
- And most of all, MGSM’s connection with Marshall Goldsmith and students’ exposure to the Thought Leaders affiliated with Dr. Goldsmith.
Program alumni include a Lieutenant Governor of California, numerous educational leaders, and top military officers. The program has attracted many international participants.
Through a broad, multidisciplinary course of study, the Leadership PhD Program provides a thorough grounding in established leadership theory and practice, whilst allowing for consideration of the latest thought and the current climates in the worldwide leadership arena. The Program emphasizes the latest communications technologies and their use for leading within and across the varied sectors of our society (public, private, non-profit, educational, and media). Attention is given to cross-cultural and cross-border issues, for example, the movement of industries near the US-Mexico border under modern free trade agreements.
The PhD in Leadership will enhance the competencies and the capacities of leaders; leaders who are skilled in both the hard and soft leadership and management skills, and who possess the future-oriented vision to lead effectively in the 21st Century.
In this challenging program of study, key elements of organizational psychology, politics, and business are included as the basis upon which leadership is established and the more common contexts in which leadership takes place. Leadership in extra-organizational contexts, the leadership of ideas, and leading social change movements are also considered.
Equal attention is given personal values and behaviors, immediate and ongoing enhancement of conceptual and applied leadership skills, increased insight into the many dimensions of leadership, and the formulation of a personal philosophy of leadership.
A series of advanced seminars deal with areas of inquiry that are crucial to the development of leadership: The leader with a commitment to the future and to a vision; the leader as a motivator and a conveyor of ideas; the leader evidencing tenacity to see any problem through, even in extremely adverse circumstances; the leader dealing with stress; the leader as conflict manager; the leader as counselor, coach, conciliator; the leader as architect, with others, of a planned future; the leader as manager; and the leader’s family and other close personal relationships. Leadership is dealt with as both art and science, and as the dynamic union of vision and technical facility. Management is dealt with as the means by which leadership vision is translated into action and sustained through to success.
Students will develop a dissertation topic under guidance from MGSM faculty. Coursework will further prepare students for dissertation-writing by providing in-depth instruction in qualitative and quantitative research techniques. A comprehensive exam and the selection of a dissertation committee will precede the dissertation proposal defense. The committee, under the supervision of the Program Director, will pass or fail the dissertation document and subsequently pass/fail a final oral defense.
This program targets experienced leaders. Applicants must have demonstrated leadership ability in the career world and possess a master’s degree in a related field.
The PhD in Leadership Program includes:
- Executive-format, on-site weekend courses. This track uses a cohort model, and is compatible with full-time employment, being designed to be in harmony with the very busy lives of professionals who are fully engaged.