Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership

Program Description/Overview

This is a multidisciplinary program designed to develop and prepare students for a role in leadership. The program trains professionals, practitioners, researchers, and facilitators of learning who can apply their knowledge to developing leadership at all levels in any organization in any part of the world.

This program for experienced professionals and leaders who would like to progress to a higher level in their careers and in their own knowledge and expertise. The program follows a professional practice model, emphasizing core competencies that integrate theory, research, and practice in training leaders for local and global careers. Students are rigorously trained in applying leadership knowledge base to practice. Throughout the program students are expected to learn, to apply, and to teach in order to make a difference in a world desperately in need of qualified leaders and of widely diffused leadership.

In addition to becoming thoroughly grounded in the theory, students go through a series of courses that allow them to assess and create a development plan for their own leadership capabilities in a coaching model format of teaching and learning. Students are also required to complete practicum courses that allow them to apply the knowledge and models that they gained in the program.

This program has a strong focus on diversity and on international competencies, with professors and students having diverse backgrounds and coming from different countries. Cohorts in the program include accomplished professionals who are working in successful positions, some with international backgrounds and several are former US military. This creates a network of professionals that enhances life long career opportunities of the graduates. Many of our students publish, either writing books or conference papers or journal articles which further enhances their professional stature.

It is expected that this program will take a minimum of three (3) years full-time study, however, a more practical time frame is four (4) years due to the fact that working students will not be able to take every class when offered. Additional terms may be needed to complete the dissertation.

Program Learning Outcomes/Goals

Overarching Program Goals

1. Academic Goals: Through a thorough grounding in established and emerging leadership theory and practice, training in research methodology, participation in the collective doctoral community learning experiences, the doctoral students will successfully create new knowledge in the field of leadership studies and disseminate that knowledge through a published dissertation. This kind of new knowledge creation meets the academic research competency requirements of a PhD and also develops the conceptual skills that are necessary for executive-level leadership within organizations.
2. Applied or Practitioner Goals: This doctoral program also puts emphasis on applied and practitioner aspects of leadership.  Authentic and mindful leadership, increased insight into the many dimension of leadership, and the formulation of a personal philosophy of leadership are taught in the program.  In addition, the two Practicum courses provide an opportunity for students to apply their leadership knowledge and skills to solving problems in the context on an organization in a global context. These applied and practitioner goals will help to further the leadership career aspirations of our doctoral students.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Apply knowledge of leadership theories, research methods, and research design to evaluate literature or conduct original research to advance the field of leadership.
2. Apply leadership theory to initiate transformative solutions and propose opportunities for improvement in a global organizational context.
3. Choose culturally appropriate communication and build productive relationships with people of diverse cultural and international backgrounds.
4. Value greater self-awareness regarding personal strengths and areas for development to enhance leadership competencies.
5. Create new knowledge through critical evaluation and relevant application of leadership theories and communicate it with clarity and impact utilizing written and oral communication channels.
6. Develop a set of ethical standards and model them in decision-making in the practice of leadership with colleagues, other students, and the general public in a local and global environment.
7. Demonstrate a strategic leadership approach with an emphasis on successful completion of tasks in virtual, cross-functional, and/or interdisciplinary teams.

Training Model

The program is designed to provide a multidisciplinary and global perspective for managers and leaders to improve their practical and theoretical capabilities to create new knowledge and apply leadership to create innovation and solve problems in organizations in the 21st century.

The program encourages an interdisciplinary and trans-disciplinary approach integrating theories and insights principally from Business and Psychology. The program prepares students for executive positions in leadership; leadership consulting, or academic positions in teaching, research or administration in Higher Education institutions.

The two focus areas:

1. Research (evolving and new theories and models): The major part of the curriculum and doctoral experience, supported by 50 units of course work, focuses on core leadership concepts, research methods, and methodology. 
2. Application:  The second focus of the curriculum is on application.  It is supported by 10 units of course work including practicums and internships

Program-Specific Admission Requirements

1. GPA: Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0
2. Recommendations: Each candidate must provide two written confidential recommendations from those who can attest to the applicant’s abilities, interests, and proven accomplishments in education.
3. Resume
4. Personal essay: A two-page personal essay describing any one of the following is required:
   1. Describe your personal objectives in applying to the program. Also discuss why you are attracted to studying at Alliant International University.
   2. Write a brief autobiographical sketch, highlighting your leadership experience in general.
   3. In a few paragraphs, focus in detail on one specific, important leadership experience in your career. Describe the situation you faced, your actions, the results of your leadership, and any lessons you learned about leadership and/or yourself.
   4. Although we recognize that your specific areas of interest may change over the course of your training, please describe a research topic related to leadership that you might like to explore during your studies at the University. Please be as specific as possible.
5. Interview: Upon receipt of all admissions documentation, the applicant will be required to interview if qualified

International students will also have to satisfy additional requirements below:

1. Official TOEFL Score (550, 213, 75 IBT), or
2. IELTS 6.0 or above

Programmatic Accreditation

The program is currently in candidacy status for global business accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Internship, Practicum, and/or Dissertation Information

Students are required to participate in two internship courses as part of their learning experience within the program. The internship is designed to develop professional practice related skills in student’s area of interest through a variety of work experiences which could involve independently conducted projects or an internship in professional and organization settings which include their own workplace. There are also two practicums designed to provide students with in depth supervised practical learning experiences. If a student is unable to secure a practicum site, another option such as a project will be made available to them to ensure they meet the course requirements through an applied project designed with the instructor.  (International students need to meet their international student advisor for details). International students should choose the internship option after one (1) academic year in the program. Students should contact the International Students Office for details if they want to do the internship prior to completion of one (1) academic year.

Credit Units

Total Credit Units: 60

Total Core Credit Units: 60

Total Elective Credit Units: N/A

Total Concentration Credit Units: N/A

Degree Requirements

A comprehensive exam is required.

Curriculum Plan

Gainful Employment

For important information about the educational debt, earnings, and completion rates of students who attended this program, please visit https://www.alliant.edu/media/gainful-employment-disclosure/Doctor_Philosophy_Leadership.html.