PhD in Leadership | Alliant Intl University

Doctorate in Leadership Overview

If you are a prospective student searching for a respected and accredited graduate school, you’ve come to the right place. In this unique doctoral program, you’ll reap the benefits of the collaboration of two esteemed colleges: the California School of Management and Leadership (CSML) and the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP). Throughout the leadership program in California, you’ll explore a comprehensive lineup of theoretical, strategic, and organizational studies from the perspective of two distinctly different disciplines.

How would you describe your leadership style? Are you the leader you want to be? In this program you’ll explore different leadership types, such as authentic, transactional, transformational, cross-cultural, and others, and will define and refine your own style. You’ll study the cultural, organizational, and behavioral aspects of leadership, from both a theoretical and a practical perspective. You’ll also learn how truly great leaders attract followers, and do their part in coaching those followers in success. By the time you have graduated from the PhD program, you will have further developed your unique leadership philosophy and be prepared to apply it to make your mark in the world.

If you're ready to learn more about the theories and application of great leadership, this in-person doctoral program provides a challenging curriculum taught by top faculty members. You’ll study alongside and network with colleagues and peers who will help you hone your leadership skills and prepare you to make an impact and shape tomorrow’s leaders by your example. As a student of our PhD program, you will be set up for success and you will learn essential leadership skills that will help you reach your personal and professional goals.

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Faculty and Admissions

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PhD Program Highlights

Hands-on Experience

Your internship and practicum are key to the program, and can be completed at your current workplace or in an online format. You’ll also participate in a six-month executive-in-residence mentorship program where you are provided with invaluable professional development guidance and networking opportunities.

Increased Impact

By networking within your cohort, you’ll share invaluable and unique experience and insights that will advance your expertise. This education and experience, where you explore various leadership visions, skills, models and methods, puts you in the position to make a powerful impact in organizations and society.

Accelerated Timeline

An accelerated timeline allows for the program to be completed in three to four years. You’ll begin with two years of coursework, then move on to your dissertation research, which typically takes one to two years to complete. Since classes are in the evenings and on weekends, you can work while you learn.

“Studying at Alliant connects you to a supportive research/scholar community that values diversity and inclusion.”

Leila Naderi

PhD in Leadership Alumna

Doctoral Degree Information

Accreditation

Alliant’s California School of Management and Leadership (CSML) has received accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) for its Leadership PhD programs, Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA), MBA, BS in Business Administration (BSBA), and MS in Data Analytics programs.

ACBSP accreditation certifies that the teaching and learning processes offered within CSML’s programs meet the rigorous educational standards established by said accrediting body, which is a leading specialized accreditation body for business education across the country. ACBSP’s mission is to promote continuous improvement and recognize teaching excellence through its recognition of business education programs throughout the world. Learn more here.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the career outlook for graduates of the PhD in Leadership degree program?

The higher education degree program will afford its graduates a strong career outlook. The three primary fields that graduates of this program enter into—Human Resource Management, Training and Development, and Post-secondary Teaching—all show good growth rates into 2024 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with 9%, 7%, and 13%, respectively. As well as these documented career paths, there are significant additional opportunities for entrepreneurship, corporate leadership, and consulting. Graduates can often find themselves in an educational leadership or an organizational leadership role.
What should I expect the dissertation process to be like?

The dissertation process for the doctorate in Leadership program will occupy the final year-and-a-half of your curriculum. Starting in your 11th term, you will first begin your dissertation work while completing your leadership internship. Then from your 12th term, through your final 18th term, you will focus solely on the research, development, and completion of your dissertation before its ultimate presentation before an academic review board. The doctoral dissertation process accounts for 12 of the 60 credits in this program, and is done at the rate of a single dissertation class per term, starting at Term 11.
What scholarship and financial aid options are available to me?

Private and public scholarships can help you meet the cost of your education, and Alliant International University offers institutional scholarships for many of our students. Learn more about these scholarship opportunities here. Additional Financial aid is available for those who qualify in the form of loans, grants, federal work study, and military aid. Learn more in our Financial Options Guide.
When does the Doctorate in Leadership degree program start?

The program is offered as an eight-week term program and is open for enrollment during each of those respective enrollment periods. You can find a copy of our eight-week term academic calendar here.
How long does it take to complete the degree program?

The doctorate degree is a 60-credit program and typically takes three years to complete, across 18 terms. If you're ready to earn your higher education in leadership theory, our university will teach you the skills you need for your future career. Whether you choose our in-person or online program, we can guarantee that you'll be studying applicable core courses through a challenging curriculum that’s taught by our top faculty members. At Alliant International University we provide our students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they'll need when taking on leadership roles in the future.

Degree Campus Locations

This Doctorate Degree in Leadership program is waiting for you to make your impact at our college campus in San Diego, California. Click the image to learn more about the campus, and what specific Californian wonders there are to explore.

Online Programs

Get the Alliant experience on your own schedule by learning through an online program. See the variety of core courses Alliant offers, and transform your leadership education into impact.

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Why Alliant

At Alliant, our mission is to prepare students for professional careers of service and leadership and promote the discovery and application of knowledge to improve the lives of people in diverse cultures and communities around the world. Our Vision is an inclusive world empowered by Alliant alumni.

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Why CSML

With a focus on hands-on practice, technological innovation, and a global outlook—CSML is where the world meets you in your classroom.