Leadership Programs

Finish what you started. Lead with purpose.

Whether you're ready to finish your Ph.D. or take the next step with a Master of Arts in Leadership, Alvernia’s graduate programs are grounded in ethics and built for working professionals. With flexible formats, expert mentorship, and plenty of opportunities for real-world application, your path to purpose starts here.

Ph.D. in Leadership Program & All But Dissertation (A.B.D.) Completion Pathway

Already started your doctorate? Alvernia’s A.B.D. customized completion pathway helps you cross the finish line with confidence.

• Transfer up to 42 credit hours toward the 60-credit Ph.D. program
• Flexible hybrid format: four in-person meetings per term; the rest online
• One-on-one faculty advisor to chair your dissertation committee
• Dedicated admissions counselor to guide the transfer exception process

Just getting started? The executive design of the Ph.D. in Leadership program provides a traditional experience that allows students to complete the program in as little as three years by completing coursework and while working on their dissertation.

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership

Strengthen your ability to lead teams, drive strategy and create impact across sectors with Alvernia's Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership program:

• 100% online format tailored for working adults
• Ethical leadership and communication at the core
• Designed for nonprofit professionals, educators, healthcare and business leaders
• Additional 9-credit post-master’s degree opportunities are available for graduates of the program in the areas of organizational change, sustainability, and corporate leadership.

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Getting Started

Real Stories from Alvernia Leaders

Tara Simmons – Ph.D. in Leadership Candidate
“Alvernia was an essential part of helping me to design, build and grow my business. My experience at Alvernia has been nothing short of supportive and inspiring.”
Read Tara's Story

Nicole Reeser-Mazur – Ph.D. in Leadership Graduate
“I was a little rusty. [The program] is very patient with you and works with you so you can get started again.”
Read Nicole's Story

Dr. Brandon Danz – Ph.D. in Leadership Alumnus
“Alvernia University’s doctoral program gave me an essential foundation for this role. After this immersive, research-focused experience in leadership theory, I feel better equipped to plan, curate, monitor, and evaluate my leadership skills.”
Read Brandon’s Story

Ph.D. in Leadership Application Instructions

A new cohort starts each fall and spring semester. Along with your completed application accompanied by $50 non-refundable application fee, you’ll need to provide a few supporting materials. Because there’s lead time required for some items, here’s a step-by-step process that seems to work best for candidates:

• While you wait for your transcripts to be processed, you can begin your online application, which lets you build, edit and save sections of your application along the way.
• Order your official transcript(s). Official transcript(s) indicating that the applicant has earned a Master's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Personal Statement. One-page statement that summarizes the value of the program of doctoral study for your personal or professional growth and development.
• Writing Sample. Upload a copy of your Master's thesis/paper or published work. Alternatively, you may provide a written response to the following question: What do you think is a major or current issue, in your area of expertise, that has a significant impact regarding the community?
• Professional Resume.
• Three letters of recommendation. Letters are accepted from professors, employers, or supervisors familiar with the applicant’s professional experiences.
• Interview with the Ph.D. Program Director and Faculty member. After all the required application materials have been received, each applicant will be contacted to arrange for a personal interview.
• Test scores (GRE, GMAT, or MAT) may be needed in consideration of an applicant with a Master's degree GPA below 3.25.
• International applicants may have additional requirements and can review the application process for international students.

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership Application Instructions

Along with your completed application accompanied by $50 non-refundable application fee, you’ll need to provide a few supporting materials. 

• Complete your online application through the Graduate Programs application portal.
• Order your official transcript(s). Request the college or university send transcript(s) to gradandadult@alvernia.edu.
• Request two professional or academic letters of recommendation.
• Submit a Personal Statement reflecting on your goals for the program.
• Submit your Professional Resume.
• A minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher is recommended - submit additional supporting documentation of your potential to succeed if needed.

Financing Your Education

There are options to assist in financing your education and making the tuition affordable. Visit our Student Financial Services page for a detailed overview of the process, and visit our FAFSA page to stay up to date on the latest from federal student aid. 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 Master of Arts or 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
   

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the range of jobs available with a degree from Alvernia's Leadership programs is projected to grow faster than average for all occupations. The median annual wage in those professions in 2023 ranged from $80,000 to over $200,000.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

• Students in the program present at international conferences, publish in peer-reviewed journals and co-author books with faculty mentors.
• As part of the unique Sustainability Immersion Program, students have the option to participate in a one-week leadership program that immerses them in the community in which the experience is located.  Students gain firsthand knowledge of what it takes to successfully collaborate across a community to create real change.  This program is regularly run in New Brunswick, Canada.

Accreditation Statements

• Alvernia's Leadership programs are accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
• Alvernia is an accredited institution and a member of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.