Ph.D. in Leadership and Organizational Development

Cultivating visionary leaders for lasting impact, the Carroll University doctoral program in Leadership and Organizational Development is committed to fostering the highest levels of scholarship, research, and practice. Grounded in an interdisciplinary approach, we cultivate innovative thinkers who lead with respect, compassion, and resilience in complex organizational environments.

About the Program

The PhD in Leadership and Organizational Development will equip you with a sophisticated understanding of leadership dynamics, organizational behavior, and the strategic skills required to navigate the complexities of contemporary workplaces. It is a professionally focused degree that maintains the rigor of a doctoral degree while preparing leaders for navigating the complexities related to leadership within various organizational contexts.

Students working in K-12 systems may choose to complete three additional courses leading to licensure as a District Administrator/Superintendent in the state of Wisconsin as approved by the Department of Public Instruction. The PhD in Leadership and Organizational Development positions District Administrator and Superintendent candidates to step into open roles prepared
to lead effectively.

Fast Facts

The PhD in Leadership and Organizational Development is a 54-credit program, including a dissertation based on original research. Candidates begin working on their dissertation in the first semester in the program and continue to do so throughout the program coursework.
Can be completed in as little as three years. The typical completion time is between 4-7 years, depending on how long candidates take to complete their dissertation.
The unique cohort model starting each fall will support and encourage students throughout the program.
Hybrid coursework, with asynchronous online requirements and once per month in-person meetings on weekends, to accommodate working professionals.
- Designed for leaders in business, education, government, non-profits, and more.
Add-On 7-credit District Administrator License Specialization is available. Eligible non-PhD candidates can pursue the District Administrator License as a 21-credit stand-along licensure program.

Cohort Meeting Dates for 2026-27

Instructor and student exchanging information in a classroom setting

How The Program Works

Graduates of the doctoral program will be poised to impact many areas of the community including education, non-profits, government, and business.

Design and engage in valid research processes that allow for accurate analysis and understanding to make appropriate and ethical decisions.

Demonstrate effective facilitation, coaching, and mentorship skills in the context of adult learning, leadership, and organizational development.

Analyze and interpret organizational needs, including the impact of leadership on organizational culture, motivation, and employee engagement.

Diverse group of students engaged in study in a library setting,

Demonstrate an understanding of theoretical frameworks and models related to adult learning, leadership, and organizational development.

Diverse group of students listening to speaker in a group setting.

Exhibit the knowledge, skills and disposition necessary to assume leadership roles in diverse organizations.

Two seated students in professional attire engaged in conversation.

Engage in self-awareness, self-reflection, and critical consciousness to address the challenges of learning and developing organizations in diverse contexts.

Admission Criteria

Minimum GPA 3.0
Hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution.

*For District Administrator License (in addition to the above)

Hold a master’s degree in education from an accredited institution.
Hold a valid DPI WI principal license (#5051).

Application Process

STEP 1: Submit the Graduate Studies Application
STEP 2: Complete and submit the following within the application status portal after submission of your application:

Personal Statement - Define your goals and objectives for the pursuit of graduate studies.
Personal Statement should address the following questions:
• What experiences have influenced your choice to pursue a PhD in Leadership and Organizational Development?
• What competencies do you possess that will support your completion of the graduate program and meeting your goals? Provide behavioral examples of these competencies.
Resume or Curriculum Vitae
Three Professional References - Suggested authors include work supervisors, professional colleagues, or faculty. These should be from individuals able to comment on your competencies as they relate to your ability to excel in leadership work, and aptitude to complete a doctoral program.
*A submission link will be sent to your reference once you enter contact information within your application.
Official Post-Secondary Transcripts - From all institutions attended
- Official transcripts must be sent from the institution to gradinfo@carrollu.edu or mailed to:

Carroll University
Office of Admission
100 N. East Avenue
Waukesha, WI 53186

STEP 3: Complete candidate interview – by invitation only.

Curriculum (54 credits)

Year 1 | Summer
LEA 8301: Introduction to Leadership and Organizational Development (3 credits)

Year 1 | Fall
LEA 8303: Leading from Within: A Journey of Self Discovery and Leadership Potential (3 credits)
LEA 8601: Research Methodology I: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Research Methods (3 credits)

Year 1 | Spring
LEA 8304: Ethical Leadership
LEA 8602: Research Methodology II: Writing the Literature Review (3 credits)

Year 2 | Summer
LEA 8401: Organizational Development and Learning (3 credits)
LEA 8603: Writing a Research Proposal (3 credits)
LEA 8502: Budget Development and Finance (3 credits)

Year 2 | Fall
LEA 8402: Leading a Learning Organization (3 credits)
LEA 8604: Research Data Analysis Techniques (3 credits)

Year 2 | Spring
LEA 8403: Strategic Organizational Change (3 credits)
LEA 8605: Applied Research Seminar (3 credits)

Year 3 | Summer
LEA 8501: Principles and Practices of Community Engaged Leadership (3 credits)
LEA 8302: Leading Dynamic Teams (3 credits)

Year 3 | Fall
LEA 8503: Leadership in Cross-Cultural Contexts (3 credits)
LEA 8606: The Dissertation I (3 credits)

Year 3 | Spring
LEA 8504: Transformative Learning Leader (3 credits)
LEA 8607: The Dissertation II (3 credits)

Years 4-7 | Summer, Fall, & Spring
LEA 8801: Continuous Enrollment (1 credit)

Visit our catalog to learn more about each course.