Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership

PhD in Organizational Leadership
Admissions Criteria

The Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership Program is intended for "reflective practitioners," individuals who will pursue this degree online while continuing in their current responsibilities. Potential students include managers in business, educational administrators, nonprofit and community leaders, church and denominational leaders, adjunct faculty, and others. The delivery methodology chosen for the program reflects the needs of these students.

Admitted students will have earned a master's degree from a regionally accredited institution and will have graduated with at least a 3.2 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. International students from foreign institutions will be considered on a case-by-case basis, contingent upon specialized, national, or other accreditations of their institutions.

Students are required to complete the GRE , MAT or GMAT and submit official scores to the university as part of their admissions file. Test scores provided must be within the last five years.

Students whose first language is not English will be required to complete the TOEFL exam. The Ph.D. program's minimum TOEFL requirement is 577 (paper version), 233 (computer version), and 90 (internet version). Detailed information for international applicants can be found HERE.

Because this is a leadership program designed for reflective practitioners, students will be expected to demonstrate via resume and supporting documents, at least five years of professional practice in a leadership capacity. This will provide both a context for the learning that takes place in the program and a means of contributing to the learning of one's cohort members. Professional practice could include teaching experience, mid-level to executive-level management within a for-profit or not-for-profit organization, public service in an elected or appointed position with legal or fiduciary responsibilities, company proprietorship, ministry experience that requires professional credentials, and educational administration. The program is not designed for those who wish to move into entry-level management positions or to acquire professional standing, as these are assumed.

There are no specific prerequisites to be admitted into the program but students would be advised to have graduate level courses in statistics, research design and finance prior to the beginning of their program. Applicants who do not have this background may be asked to strengthen their background through additional course work prior to the beginning of their first research methods course.

Transfer of Credits: A maximum of nine credits of doctoral level work in the concentration may be transferred at the discretion of the Admissions Committee.

Complete applications are being accepted for consideration for the September 2013 cohort. Deadline: February 1st, 2013.

Phase one: Submission and review of application

Only completed applications will be considered. Admission information for application follows: (Download Materials):

Application-Available in hard-copy and internet versions.
Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education
Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae.
Letters of Recommendation-Three letters of recommendation with at least one from an academic source. Letters must be accompanied by recommendation forms (Download Materials). The recommendations should focus on ability to do academic work and the candidate's potential for leadership. Recommendations are accepted via email, fax, mail, and/or as a PDF directly from the recommender.
Statement of Purpose-a four-page essay addressing how the program goals coincide with the student's personal and professional objectives. The essay will be evaluated on the basis of content, presentation, and evidence of doctoral-level writing ability.
Leadership Record-Write a one or two page narrative description of your five years of leadership experience. The record will be evaluated on the basis of degree of supervisory responsibilities, entrepreneurial initiatives, professional credentials and the level of management position(s) within the respective organizations.
Writing Sample-A copy of a research thesis or other research project that showcases the student's prior work. It should demonstrate the applicant's abilities in research, writing, analysis, and critical thinking. Work should be written using APA format.
DOLE Form- Disclosure of online learning abilities.
GRE, MAT or GMAT scores.
A non-refundable $75 Application Fee is required for all applicants.

Completed applications will be reviewed by the Program Director and members of the Faculty Review Committee.

Phase two: Interview

Following successful completion of phase one, students who are provisionally accepted will be contacted for an interview. The purpose of the interview is to provide an opportunity for the student and committee to expand on questions arising from the application. Interviews will be conducted online via skype or other available form of audio with webcam capabilities. Students who successfully complete Phase Two will be selected for full admission to the cohort to begin in the Fall Semester of the academic year.

If we can be of further assistance to you, please contact us at: aschreib@eastern.edu or call 484-654-2365.

The current cost per PhD credit for the 2012-2013 academic year is $875/credit. Please note that there are no scholarships available to PhD students at this time. However, since students are considered full-time graduate students (18 credits per year), low interest student loans may be available for US citizens. Click HERE or call the Financial Aid Office (610-225-5201) for further information.

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