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PhD in Leadership About the Program
The Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership degree program provides advanced education in the theory, practice and research of leadership across a broad range of organizational and community settings. The program serves the needs of candidates already in leadership roles and those aspiring to leadership. The program focuses on the development of fresh, innovative ways to think about models, issues and challenges in the field of leadership, and on adding to the body of research-based knowledge in the field. Students will explore and critically analyze various areas of leadership, develop a specialized study program, and create a research-based dissertation.
Customize your Degree
You have options and choices in shaping your plan of study to work best for your goals and interests.
Prepare for new Careers
Prepare for career opportunities in educational, community and religious organizations that require research skills developed in the context of leadership, administration, teaching and psychology.
Publish your Research
During the program, students will prepare and present their research in a variety of settings, such as at national/regional professional meetings, by submitting papers for publication and in completing a doctoral dissertation.
Faculty advisors work closely with each student to develop a selection of courses that integrate the student's academic and professional objectives with the degree specialization. Courses are chosen to help students expand upon their reflective, critical, integrative, analytical, communicative, and teamwork skills. Students take a 18-unit core, 27-unit specialization, 9 units in diversification, and 33 units in the area of research and dissertation.
For more information, please contact Dr. David Penner at dpenner@lasierra.edu or School of Education at education@lasierra.edu
Core 18 Units
The core classes establish an understanding of leadership and a focus on theory, research, and applications. All students are expected to take these courses, which draw each student into thinking and researching in the area of leadership. The core provides students with the opportunity to learn, reflect, integrate, and apply these perspectives in organizations or communities, in a collaborative team setting, or as the creative and visionary leader of a unique initiative. The concepts of inquiry, reflection, and transformation in the context of a rapidly changing society are brought into focus as the student progresses through the leadership studies program core.
| Course Code | Course Name | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| LEAD 687 | Organizational Behavior & Leadership | 3 |
| LEAD 688 | Moral and Ethical Leadership | 3 |
| LEAD 695 | Leadership, Culture and Climate | 3 |
| LEAD 704 | Leadership Orientation | 0 |
| LEAD 724 | Foundations of Leadership Studies | 3 |
| LEAD 744 | Theoretical and Philosophical Perspectives on Leadership | 3 |
| LEAD 794 | Leadership as Relationship (capstone) | 3 |
Specialization 27 Units
Educational Administration
Instructional Leadership
Educational Psychology
Diversification 9 Units
- Education Administration
- Instructional Leadership
- Educational Psychology
- Marketing, Management, and Finance
- Religion, Church, and Ministry
Research, Dissertation and other Requirements 33 Units
The PhD in Leadership program culminates in a well-rounded base of research skills, enabling each student to participate in the preparation of research findings for presentation and publication before graduation. The research courses introduce the student to the critical skills and methods required for effective postgraduate research. Students will not only learn to analyze the research of others, but to build their own scholarly experience through sharing their findings.
In the process of writing a dissertation, students will further their capacity in investigative methods and materials. The dissertation research agenda is developed during the final stages of the research classes. The committee guides the student in developing high standards in research methods, analysis, and presentation of findings at the defense.
In addition to research classes and a dissertation, each student will submit a research article to a scholarly publication and present research findings at regional or national conferences. The Research Projects course will assist students in preparing for this requirement.
Application Process
Gain a highly marketable education as you enter the doctoral world with La Sierra University’s specialized PhD program in Leadership. Apply online today at www.lasierra.edu/apply.
Admission Requirements
- Master’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university
- Minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Analytical Writing GRE Score 4.0 or higher
Financial Aid
Application Deadline
Applying before September 1 gives prospective students the best chance for admission for the upcoming Fall quarter. Finalists will be called for an interview. Orientation will take place in September.
What you need to Submit
- Fill out the online application for admission
- Official transcripts of all previous higher education study
- GRE Scores with a score of at least 4.0 in Analytical Writing, no older than 5 years
- Your current curriculum vitae
- Your master’s thesis, published journal article, or other substantial academic paper
- A personal statement