Ph.D. in Leadership - ABD
- Hybrid; fully remote option available.
- Up to 42 transfer credits accepted.
For professionals who have completed all coursework for a Ph.D. but have yet to finalize their dissertation, Alvernia University offers a unique Ph.D. in Leadership - All But Dissertation (ABD) Completion Program. This program helps individuals achieve their doctoral goals and enhance their leadership skills to create lasting impacts in their organizations and communities. Please see admissions requirements below for additional items required for A.B.D. applicants.
- Program Length:
- 4-6 Years
- Course Length:
-
7 Weeks
- Cost:
-
$900 Per Credit
Anthony Kuklinksi '23, MAOL '25, Ph.D. in Leadership candidate
The product Alvernia develops has made it so that when a student graduates and walks out the door, they are ready to face real life situations and go right into a workplace and do the best that they can possibly do. I just really, really love this school.
This Program is Right for You if ...
You have completed all doctoral coursework but have yet to finish your dissertation.
You seek a flexible, supportive environment to complete your doctoral journey.
You are committed to using your research and expertise to impact your fields.
You aspire to advance your career by earning a Ph.D. in Leadership.
Your Future Starts Here
Take the First Step Toward Your Degree
Success Stories
Nicole Reeser-Mazur ’01 Ph.D. ’24 overcame a life-threatening brain aneurysm to complete her doctorate in educational leadership thanks to her resilience and Alvernia’s support in a time of need. Read her story and many more inspiring tales of perseverance and triumph.
Admission Requirements
- A.B.D. Applicant Guidelines
A.B.D. Applicants should indicate in their application that they are applying for the A.B.D. Pathway; you will be asked to provide a portfolio containing the following items for review by the Director and faculty for admission into the program:
- Official master's and doctoral transcripts; send to gradandadult@alvernia.edu
- Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Evidence must be provided that the applicant has qualified for “candidate” status in a research doctoral program. Evidence may include one of the following items:
- a transcript with a passing grade on a qualifying exam at their previous university.
- if a qualifying exam is not listed on the official transcript, then a letter of reference is required from the previous university stating that the applicant has achieved “candidate” status
- an alternative method to established in consultation with the program director, such as a modified exam or peer-reviewed publication(s).
- A writing sample or publication of at least 3,000 words in APA format.
- Example: A draft research proposal for review by the Director and a select group teaching in the program.
After all the required application materials have been received, each applicant will be contacted to arrange for a personal interview. The Director will review the applicant’s portfolio and faculty comments to prepare an academic plan. Upon a candidate's acceptance into the program, the student will be responsible for working with the chair to establish a dissertation committee.
- Financing Your Education
There are options to assist in financing your education and making the tuition affordable. Visit our financial aid page for a detailed overview of the process, including a link to complete the FAFSA application, as well as more information about the tuition payment plan and the tuition deferment program we offer. Alvernia’s Title IV code for the FAFSA is 003233. The Office of Student Financial Services is available to help with any questions you may have. Call 610-796-8201 or email sfs@alvernia.edu.
- Career Outlook
After earning your Ph.D. in Leadership, you can pursue a variety of careers, including:
- Institutions of higher education
- Institutions of secondary education
- Corporations
- Nonprofit organizations
- State/local government
- Tenured/tenure-track college faculty
- VP/dean/associate Provost
- Superintendent/principal/school administrator
- CEO/COO/manager
- Executive director/director/program manager