Program Overview

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Executive Ph.D. in Leadership

Prepares you to guide organizations, solve challenges, and make a lasting impact.

Types

Executive Doctoral

Location

Hybrid

Credits

66

Cost

$749/credit hour

Overview

Every company, community, and country needs inspiring and capable leaders. Leaders have the power to shape and guide the future in positive new directions. If you would like to have a powerful and positive impact on the future, consider University of the Cumberlands' executive Ph.D. in leadership. This Executive Doctorate in Leadership program will prepare you with the skills and knowledge it takes to be a successful leader.

This doctor of executive leadership program is ideal for working individuals that need a flexible program to fit their busy schedule, but also one that isn't completely online. This Ph.D. executive leadership program is in a hybrid format and requires a residency component, so you receive the practical training you need. The curriculum will allow you to become an advanced practitioner with community organizations, educational institutions, and businesses.

By the Numbers

$0

Cost of Books

3%

Industry Growth

KY

College of Distinction

100%

Student-Focused

Programs & Requirements

Executive Ph.D. in Leadership Studies

The Executive Doctorate in Leadership program at University of the Cumberlands is a hybrid leadership doctorate designed to help you guide educational organizations into the future. You’ll learn the skills you need to lead with empathy and insight, inspire staff and students, and contribute insightful research to your field. Online coursework and flexible scheduling make it possible to earn your Executive Doctorate in Leadership and set your sights on new goals—even while working full time.

You will participate in a comprehensive study of effective leadership and administrative methods, while gaining an in-depth look at the political factors involved in organizational decision making. Program planning, assessment strategies, and global trends in leadership, along with a dissertation component round out the executive curriculum.

Additionally, if you are a current educator wishing to obtain Kentucky Rank 1 certification via our online leadership doctorate, you can achieve your goals by completing this doctor of executive leadership program and taking additional coursework within the School of Education. Keep in mind that a Ph.D. or Ed.D. alone will not lead to the Kentucky Rank 1 certification without an accompanying planned program from the School of Education that includes the courses required for Rank 1. Our knowledgeable advisors are here to help you enroll in the classes you will need for both your Executive Doctorate in Leadership studies and the Kentucky Rank 1 certification.

Course Requirements

• Strategic Administration & Curriculum and Culture (24 hours)
  • LEAS 730 - The Politics of Organizational Decision-Making
  • LEAC 731 - Learning in Adulthood
  • LEAS 732 - Program Planning and Assessment
  • LEAS 830 - Leadership in Theory and Practice
  • LEAS 833 - Higher Education in America
  • LEAS 835 - The Change Process
  • LEAC 834 - Leadership in Historical Context
  • LEAS 836 - Current Trends in Leadership
• Professional Research (24 hours)
  • DSRT 837 - Professional Writing and Proposal Development
  • DSRT 839 - Advanced Research Methods
  • DSRT 850 - Qualitative Research Methods
  • DSRT 734 - Inferential Statistics in Decision-making
  • DSRT 736 - Dissertation Seminar
  • DSRT 834 - Advanced Statistical Applications
  • DSRT 930 - Dissertation
  • DSRT 931 - Dissertation *
• Specialty Area Content (18 hours)
  • Students pursuing a PhD in leadership studies at Cumberlands are required to complete ONE specialty area.
  • Criminal Justice
  • Education
  • English
  • Health Professions
  • Health Science
  • History
  • Mathematics
  • Missions and Ministry
  • Nursing
  • Student Personnel Services
  • Instructional Technology
  • Public Administration
• Personal Application (1 hour)
  • INTR 799/899 - Applied Learning Practicum

Executive Student Resources

UC's Department of International Graduate Services enjoys providing support resources for our international students. Find tutorials and information regarding offices and policies for the International Graduate Students and programs.

Executive Program Format

Our Executive Programs include hybrid course days designed for international graduate students studying in the U.S., or domestic students seeking a hybrid-format program. We strive to incorporate professional experience and real-world application of course curriculum into our programs to enhance the learning experience. Practical Training is an integral part of program coursework and available to all students. At the University of the Cumberlands our degree programs focus on quality education at an affordable price.

Executive Program students take three (3) courses per semester. The program semester is based on the existing UC semester calendar, with three (3) annual semesters: fall, spring, and summer. Two of the courses each semester focus on the specific program content. Additionally, students will be required to attend an intensive residency weekend as part of their course enrollment each term. The third class includes an Applied Learning Practicum, in which students apply what they are learning in their other two courses to the real world via work or internship experiences.

Residency FAQs

• What are the residency weekend dates?
  • Residency Session dates are determined by the course that you are registered for. It is very important that you make note of the class you registered for, as well as the designated residency weekend for that course as each course will only meet one weekend for the duration of the semester.
• Will I attend residency sessions for the same amount of time?
  • Even though we will only be meeting one weekend per semester, we will have the same number of contact hours with you. This will enable the instructors to make residency weekends much more valuable. This change will allow us to have meaningful projects on residency weekends.
• How do I know which residency to go to?
  • You can view your semester schedule in your self-service portal in your Student Profile. Once you log into your MyUC account, click on Academics, then click on Current Schedule. Your schedule details will indicate the date and location of your residency weekend.
• Are all three days mandatory?
  • Yes, all three days are mandatory, and requests to arrive late or leave early will not be approved. Should you not be in attendance for the full session, you will be counted absent for the entire session. Please plan travel accordingly!
• What is UC's residency attendance policy?
  • Attendance to each executive residency class session is mandatory. Students may make up no more than one (1) residency session throughout the duration of their academic program. Missing a second residency will result in the student being dismissed from the university.
• A missed session will result in the student attending a make-up session, and paying a $300 residency make-up fee. In addition, the student may be asked for documentation from the program department providing an explanation as to why the scheduled residency session was missed. Make-up sessions must be completed prior to the end of the term. Noncompliance with this policy will result in dismissal from the executive program.
• Make-up residency sessions – where are they?
  • Make-up residency sessions will be held at our campus in Williamsburg, KY. You will be contacted with the time and dates after your absence is reported. There will only be one (1) residency make-up session offered each semester. Failure to attend all days of the makeup session will result in receiving a failing grade for the course, as well as potential dismissal from the University, and SEVIS termination.
• What if I can't be there all three days?
  • If you cannot be in attendance for all three days then you will be counted absent for the entire residency weekend and be required to attend the make-up residency and pay the $300 make-up fee.
• When can I register for the next semester?
  • The Department of International Graduate Services will contact you via your UC student email as registration for the next term approaches. Please remember that you are required to register for (one) main class, (one) online class, and Applied Learning Practicum each semester in order to maintain your F1 status – late registration will not be accepted and can result in the termination of your student status.
• Once you register for a class you will want to make note of the residency weekend that your class is scheduled, as that is the only session for that class that will be scheduled for the semester. You will need to be sure to plan your travel accordingly to ensure that you are in attendance for the full residency session.
• Registration is done on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once a course is full, there will not be additional seats added, as we cannot exceed classroom seating capacity; therefore, it is advised that you register for classes as much in advance as possible. As a reminder, students cannot register for future semesters until their current tuition balance is paid in full.
• When will facilities be available to me on residency weekends?
  • *Please note all times are in local time zone*
  • Friday
    • Facility will open at 4:00 p.m.
  • Saturday
    • Facility will open at 7:00 a.m.
  • Sunday
    • Facility will open at 7:00 a.m.
  • We ask that you please take note of the above-mentioned times and schedule your travel accordingly.
• When will residency sessions be in the future?
  • These dates have been set; however, if any changes are made, they will be made prior to registration for that semester. Not all dates are available at each residency location.

Mission & Goals

The mission of this Executive Doctorate in Leadership program is to prepare you to make valuable and innovative contributions in a variety of leadership roles and organizational settings.

• Help you improve colleges and schools through better critical and reflective thinking
• Assist you to become more effective at the college, school district or unit level
• Strengthen your research, analytical and communication skills so you can become a better decision maker
• Improve your content knowledge in a specialty area
• Help you promote public service and ethical leadership in professional and community settings

Leadership Careers & Outcomes

All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

• Management Analysis: $93,000
  • This career allows you to work with a corporate side of a company to work through ways to improve the efficiency of the organization.
• College Professor: $79,640
  • Teach at the college level and pass on your leadership knowledge to another generation.
• Development Manager: $120,130
  • Development Managers organizes and directs programs for organization's staff to allow for enhancement amgonst the organization.
• University Administrators: $96,910
  • Post Secondary Administrators oversee the academics, services for students, and faculty reaserch at colleges and universities.
• Top Executive: $98,980
  • Help organizations meet their goals by planning effective policies and stragesties.
• Administrative Services and Facilities Manager: $99,290
  • Help organizations run more efficiently by organizing and directing activities.

Common Questions

• What is an executive Ph.D. in leadership?
  • An executive Ph.D. in leadership is an advanced doctoral program designed for professionals who wish to develop high-level leadership skills and make significant contributions to their organizations and communities. The program focuses on strategic administration, professional research, and specialty content, preparing graduates to guide organizations and solve complex challenges.
• How long does an executive Ph.D. in leadership take?
  • The program typically takes around three to five years to complete, depending on the student's pace and whether they are studying part-time or full-time.
• Can I get an executive Ph.D. in leadership online?
  • Yes, many institutions offer this degree in a hybrid format, which combines online coursework with required in-person residency sessions. This flexible approach accommodates the needs of working professionals while providing practical training and networking opportunities.
• Is an executive Ph.D. in leadership worth it?
  • Yes, obtaining an executive Ph.D. in leadership can be highly beneficial for career advancement. It provides advanced knowledge and research skills, making you a more competitive candidate for top leadership positions and enhancing your ability to drive organizational success.
• What can I do with an executive Ph.D. in leadership?
  • Graduates can pursue various high-level roles such as management analyst, college professor, development manager, university administrator, top executive, and administrative services and facilities manager. These positions involve strategic planning, improving organizational efficiency, teaching at the collegiate level, and leading educational institutions.
• How to get an executive Ph.D. in leadership?
  • To enroll, you need to meet the standard graduate admission requirements, which typically include a master’s degree in a relevant field, professional experience, and sometimes industry certifications. The application process usually involves submitting transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and sometimes a resume or CV.

Executive Program Admission Requirements

All students in our executive programs are required to meet a standard set of admissions requirements for graduate students.

Faculty

• Dr. Mark Phillips
  • Associate Professor
  • PhD Leadership
• Dr. Kona Jones
  • Adjunct Professor
  • PhD Leadership
• Dr. Bryan Hedrick
  • Adjunct Professor
  • PhD Leadership