Program Description/Overview
This multidisciplinary program prepares students for leadership roles. It equips professionals, practitioners, researchers, and facilitators to develop leadership at all levels, in any organization, worldwide.
The program targets experienced professionals and leaders aiming to advance their careers, knowledge, and expertise. Following a professional practice model, it emphasizes core competencies integrating theory, research, and practice to train leaders for local and global careers. Students are rigorously trained to apply leadership theory to practice. Throughout the program, students are expected to learn, apply, and teach leadership principles, addressing a global need for skilled leaders and effective leadership.
Students are grounded in leadership theory and complete courses that enable personal leadership development through a coaching model. Practicum courses allow them to apply acquired knowledge and leadership models.
Diversity and international competencies are central to the program, with professors and students from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. Cohorts often include accomplished professionals, some with international and military experience. This network enhances graduates’ lifelong career opportunities. Many students publish books, conference papers, or journal articles, bolstering their professional stature.
The program typically requires three (3) years of full-time study, with a practical timeline of four (4) years for students unable to maintain full-time enrollment.
Practical Training
The California School of Management and Leadership (CSML) graduate programs require practical training from the first term until graduation. Practical training develops applied skills through supervised training and client projects.
Domestic students should contact the CSML Professional Development (CPD) Coordinator for guidance. International students must schedule an appointment with the Designated School Official (DSO) at least two weeks before starting Curricular Practical Training (CPT). International students may begin CPT only after receiving their Form I-20 with DSO endorsement. CPT must align with the student’s major field of study. For details, email ISSO@alliant.edu or view the CSML CPT Application Process for International Students.
Effective August 2024, students in the PhD in Leadership program may transition to the updated PhD in Organizational Leadership.
Training Model
The program integrates multidisciplinary and global perspectives for managers and leaders to enhance practical and theoretical capabilities.
The curriculum combines insights from Business and Psychology, preparing students for executive leadership roles, consulting, or academic positions in teaching, research, or administration.
Focus Areas:
1. Research: The curriculum includes 60 units emphasizing leadership theory, research methods, and methodology.
2. Application: Nine units focus on practical application, including practicums and internships.
Internship, Practicum, and/or Dissertation Information
Practical Training: CSML programs integrate practical training from the first term through graduation, supporting professional and applied skill development.
Students in on-ground programs participate in curricular practical training. Online students engage in applied experiential learning. The CSML Practical Training Coordinator supports students in securing opportunities. International students should consult the International Students Office (ISSO).
Career and Professional Development (CPD) Goals:
- Showcase real-world experience through resumes and discipline-specific knowledge.
- Align training with program objectives to apply knowledge innovatively.
- Provide personalized job fairs, projects, and listings.
- Promote multicultural competence and collaborative teamwork.
- Enhance professional literacy and communication skills.
- Encourage research, conference participation, and scholarship.
- Empower students to take control of their career paths with resources and guidance.
- Deliver authentic practical experiences to differentiate students in the job market.
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 to ensure qualified doctoral candidacy.
In addition to classroom instruction, all students in the on-ground program are required to get practical training experience in an approved setting for a minimum of 45 hours in every academic term throughout the program.
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