Doctoral
Ph.D. in Leadership - ABD (All But Dissertation) Pathway
Alvernia offers a Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership - ABD (All But Dissertation) pathway for students who have completed doctoral coursework elsewhere, allowing them to transfer up to 42 credits, receive expert mentorship and finish their dissertation in a supportive academic environment.
- Tuition:
-
$750 Per Credit
- Transfer Credits Accepted
Information
- ABD Candidacy Status: Students must have completed coursework and moved to ABD in their prior program, proof of candidacy is required in application materials.
- Individualized review after admission: The Ph.D. Program Director reviews each student's prior doctoral coursework, research preparation, and dissertation progress before establishing an academic plan.
- Up to 42 transfer credits: Students may transfer up to 42 credits toward the 60-credit Ph.D. in Leadership; transfer is not automatic and depends on the relevance of prior doctoral work.
- Alvernia coursework requirement: Every ABD student must complete at least 6 credits of coursework at Alvernia, in addition to 12 dissertation credits.
- Additional coursework may be required: The Program Director can require further coursework when a student has gaps in research methods, leadership theory, or other areas necessary for dissertation readiness.
- Previous dissertation work may continue: Students can potentially continue a dissertation topic or research project begun at their previous institution, but it must be reviewed and approved at Alvernia.
- Prior proposal approval does not transfer: Approval of a proposal, prospectus, research protocol, or other dissertation work by the previous university does not constitute Alvernia approval.
- Alvernia proposal approval required: After completing required coursework, students must work with an Alvernia dissertation chair and committee to develop and receive formal approval of an Alvernia dissertation proposal before conducting dissertation research.
A Ph.D. program with a dissertation is more than a degree - it's a transformative journey that develops scholars, thought leaders, and problem-solvers. Unlike coursework-only doctorates or master’s degrees, a dissertation nurtures innovative thinking, research proficiency, and the ability to apply theory to real-world leadership challenges. It prepares graduates not just to consume knowledge but to create novel findings from original research. Students present and publish their work and use it to influence change in their fields. At Alvernia, our dissertation process empowers students to produce work that is both academically rigorous and deeply relevant to their professional passions. That’s the hallmark of true doctoral scholarship and the foundation for a strong academic program.
- Institutions of higher education
- Corporations
- Nonprofits
- State/local government
- Tenured college faculty
- VP/dean/associate provost
- Superintendent
- CEO/COO/manager
- Executive director
- Admissions Requirements
Start dates available in the fall (August), spring (January), and summer (May). Along with your completed application accompanied by $50 non-refundable application fee, you’ll need to provide a few supporting materials. 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. Because there’s lead time required for some items, here’s a step-by-step process:
- Order your official master's and doctoral transcripts; send to gradandadult@alvernia.edu
- The Program Director will do a preliminary review of unofficial transcripts, however, we must have official copies on file to enroll you.
- 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.
- 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).
- Submit 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.
- Submit your current Curriculum vitae (CV)
- Request three letters of recommendation. Letters are accepted from professors, employers, or supervisors familiar with the applicant’s professional experiences.
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.
- Order your official master's and doctoral transcripts; send to gradandadult@alvernia.edu
- 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.
- 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 University's Ph.D. in Leadership program is 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.
Ph.D. in Leadership Program
Alvernia University's 60-credit Ph.D. in Leadership program is designed for professionals seeking expertise in leadership research, theory, and practice. The program's flexible hybrid format allows students to balance doctoral studies with career responsibilities.
Contact Us
For more information about Alvernia’s Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership - A.B.D. (All But Dissertation) pathway program, contact the Graduate Admissions Office at 610-796-5187 or gradandadult@alvernia.edu. Or reach out to program director Nicholas Nicoletti, Ph.D. at 610-796-8355 or nicholas.nicoletti@alvernia.edu.
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