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Doctorate in Leadership Overview
If you are searching for a respected and accredited graduate school, you've come to the right place. In this unique doctoral program, you will 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 strategic 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 leadership skill and style. You'll study the cultural, organizational, and behavioral aspects of leadership, from both a theoretical and a practical perspective. You'll also learn in your PhD leadership studies 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 and earned your graduate degree, you will have further developed your unique leadership skill and philosophy and be prepared to apply it to make your mark in the world as an organizational leader or educational leader.
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. During your PhD leadership studies, 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 the PhD program you'll learn essential leadership skills that will help you reach your personal and professional goals.
Program Highlights
Hands-on Experience
Practical Training Throughout the program. You will participate in gaining hands-on experience throughout the program. As you learn about your specific area of interest, you can apply that knowledge to real-world projects within your own organization, working on consulting projects, or solving real issues for partner organizations.
Increased Impact
By networking within your cohort, you'll share invaluable and unique experience and insights that will advance your expertise in strategic leadership. This education and experience, where you explore various leadership courses, visions, skills, models and methods, puts you in the position to make a powerful impact in organizational development and societal change
Accelerated Timeline
An accelerated timeline allows for the higher leadership program to be completed in three to four years. You'll begin with two years of leadership studies and 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.
A Message from the Program Director
Cory Scott, Assistant Professor and Program Director, California School of Management and Leadership
Admissions
Learn About Admissions Requirements
Faculty
Get to Know Our Diverse Faculty
Doctoral Degree Information
Accreditation
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 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.
Links and Downloads
Frequently Asked Questions
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 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 PhD in Leadership degree program start?
The leadership 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. Some leadership studies covered in our core courses touch on organizational leadership, cross cultural and international management, and ethics in organizations. At Alliant we provide our students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they'll need when taking on leadership roles in the future.
Studying at Alliant connects you to a supportive research/scholar community that values diversity and inclusion.
Why Alliant
At Alliant, our mission is to prepare students for professional careers of service and leadership and to promote the discovery and application of knowledge to improve lives. We offer an education that is accredited, focused on practical knowledge and skills, connected with diverse faculty and alumni, and aimed at the student experience.
Why CSML
CSML is a business management school that trains you to have a competitive edge in the technology and quantitative fields. CSML offers management and leadership degrees where you can learn to guide and mentor the next generation of professionals and make your mark as an innovator in the modern business world.
