Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership

Fulfill a lifelong goal. Make an original contribution. Gain the confidence and credentials to teach, publish, consult, or lead. Alvernia University's doctoral program is designed to help you pursue your passions.

In Alvernia University's Doctor of Philosophy program, you will acquire advanced theoretical and practical knowledge, along with leadership skills that will position you as an expert in your field. Although our doctoral program is designed to develop accomplished scholar-practitioners, there are some distinct differences in the three area of concentrations of the program. Students are forever changed by their Alvernia University doctoral program experience.

Get your Ph.D. degree on time and on target.

With three semesters a year, our Ph.D. program lets you earn your degree at a faster pace than traditional programs. To help fit a student's busy lifestyle, classes meet once a week per semester. Classes meet on Monday night during the first year, and then rotate to Tuesday for the second year, and Wednesday for the third year (5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.).

All students are admitted for the doctoral program beginning end of August.  It is expected that students will complete their program in five to five-and -a-half years with a limit of seven years.  Students typically spend approximately two-and-a-half to three years on course work, and another two to two-and-a-half years on their dissertation.

Customize what you study.

Alvernia University's Doctor of Philosophy program offers three areas of concentration to help you carve yourself a course of study that fits your individual needs and interests.

• Corporate Leadership will prepare professionals for leadership positions within various fields of business. Through coursework in advanced research and scholarship in corporate leadership, this program will enable executives to continue to develop their leadership talents, and research capabilities and understand their transformative role and responsibilities as servant leaders. Exploring global issues, opportunities and the challenges of leading a workforce with individuals from diverse backgrounds will contribute to their effectiveness and ability to be visionary agents of change.
• Educational Leadership will prepare educators to meet the challenges of contemporary school leadership at all levels of administration including higher education. Through course work in advanced research and scholarship, this program will enable individuals to develop their leadership talents and research capabilities, as well as to understand their responsibilities as agents of change within an increasingly complex and demanding educational system that is expected to meet the needs of all children. Individuals will contribute to the knowledge base as leaders responsible for creating and improving learning communities in our global society.
• Community Leadership will prepare professionals for leadership positions as agents of change in government and community organizations. Coursework will include advanced research and theories of leadership, critical analyses regarding the impact of social welfare policies and procedures, entrepreneurial strategies, research-based assessment of programs, and evidencebased management. This program will enable leaders in government and community organizations to act as agents of change and to contribute to a greater understanding regarding community leadership.

View the curriculum required for this degree, read about the Ph.D. program in our Doctor of Philosophy Brochure (PDF), view our admission criteria, request more information or apply today to get ahead.