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Degree Overview
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The California School of Management and Leadership (CSML) and the California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) have partnered to create the Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership Degree Program—a comprehensive lineup of theoretical, strategic, and organizational studies within a multitude of disciplines. This program helps you define your leadership philosophy, prepares you to take the reins within the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, and become the agent of change you want to be, wherever your path takes you.
Faculty and Admissions
Get the information you need in order to start your Alliant experience. Browse our diverse list of faculty members, or see the latest admission requirements for your desired program.
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Degree Highlights
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Hands-on Training
Your internship and practicum—both a key part of your leadership PhD degree—can be done as projects in a variety of methods, including your current workplace—in a format with remote, online engagement designed for the working professional.
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Executive-in-Residence Program
Over the course of the PhD in Leadership program you will have the opportunity to take part in a six-month executive-in-residence mentorship program, where you will be matched with an executive mentor you to offer invaluable professional development along with networking opportunities.
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Accelerated Timeline
An accelerated timeline allows for the PhD Leadership program to be completed in three to four years. You will begin with two years of coursework, and move on to your dissertation research, which typically takes one to two years to complete.
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“Studying at Alliant connects you to a supportive research/scholar community that values diversity and inclusion.”
Leila Naderi
PhD in Leadership Alumna
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Degree Information
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Accreditation
Alliant International University’s California School of Management and Leadership (CSML) is pleased to announce it has received accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) for its PhD in Leadership, Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA), MBA, MS in Data Analytics, and BS in Business Administration (BSBA) degree 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.
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Links and Downloads
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Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the career outlook for graduates of the PhD in Leadership degree program?
The PhD in Leadership degree program will afford its graduates a strong career outlook. The three primarily fields that graduates of this program enter in to—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.
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What kind of job can I expect to get with this degree?
In addition to the three career fields mentioned above, our PhD in Leadership graduates have a bevy of career options available to them because of the wide-ranging applications of the curriculum. Some of these other career options include: school principal, management analyst, executive positions such as CEO and CIO, medical and health services, conflict resolution, sales management, and entrepreneurship, just to name a few.
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What should I expect the dissertation process to be like?
The dissertation process for the PhD in Leadership program will occupy the final two years 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 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.
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What scholarship and financial aid options are available to me?
Private and public scholarships can help you meet the cost of your education. Alliant International University is pleased to be able to offer a significant number of 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.
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When does the PhD in Leadership degree program start?
The PhD in Leadership program is offered as an 8-week term program and is open for enrollment during each of those respective enrollment periods. You can find a copy of our 8-week term academic calendar here.
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How long does it take to complete the PhD in Leadership degree program?
The PhD in Leadership degree is a 60-credit program and takes a minimum of 3 years to complete, across 18 terms.
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Degree Campus Locations
These are the Alliant campus where this program is waiting for you to make your impact. Click the image to learn more about campuses, and what specific Californian wonders there are to explore.
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Online Programs
Get the Alliant experience on your own schedule. See the variety of classes Alliant offers, and transform your 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.