Program Overview

Doctor of Philosophy in Ethical Leadership

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Ethical Leadership program at St. Thomas University creates a foundation for implementing organizational effectiveness strategies by combining ethical principles and leadership theories for practical application within diverse working environments.

Program Overview

The Ph.D. in Ethical Leadership at STU is ideal for working professionals who seek to enhance their ability to practice ethical leadership and infuse ethical principles and theories in management, planning, design, evaluation, research, and policy development across a variety of organizational and community settings. The program offers a project-based, cross-disciplinary curriculum, and a broad spectrum of learning experiences to meet individual student needs and to develop a diverse and scholarly community of learners. Students within the program maintain careers within management, government leadership, public service, higher education, business, healthcare, non-profit corporations, and school administration (principals, directors, and supervisors).

Specializations

The Ph.D. in Ethical Leadership degree program offers specialized tracks designed to enhance leadership effectiveness across various industries. Each specialization integrates ethical principles, leadership theories, and practical applications to prepare professionals for high-impact roles in management, government, education, healthcare, business, and nonprofit sectors.

• Criminal Justice
  • The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Ethical Leadership with a specialization in Criminal Justice provides a foundation of integrated theory and practice grounded in criminal justice, history of crime and punishment, current issues in criminal justice, and approaches to change and leadership within the criminal justice system.
  • The courses advance leadership attitudes, behaviors, and administrative practice within criminal justice spaces, included but not limited to service to underrepresented and under-resourced communities, policy revision, development, and evaluation, equality in law enforcement, application of law, and corrections management.
  • The program leverages the Ph.D. in Ethical Leadership to develop leaders in the criminal justice system prepared for leading a more just and egalitarian criminal justice system and the institutions, organizations, and communities that support it.
  • Graduates are prepared for administration positions in criminal justice, in addition to faculty positions in criminal justice serving undergraduate and graduate populations. Graduates will also develop applicable capacities and competence that will aid them in successful law enforcement, legal, and correction positions. With an emphasis in ethical leadership, graduates are prepared to drive equitable change in the criminal justice system, facilitate criminology learning in formal and informal settings, conduct research, and share critical knowledge with organizations and communities.
• Higher Education
  • The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Ethical Leadership with a Specialization in Higher Education provides a foundation of integrated theory and practice grounded and integrated in the history, current issues, and future trends; leadership, organization, and administration; student populations, development, and equity; ethical governance, policy, and finance; and program assessment and data driven decision-making in the field of higher education.
  • The program leverages the Ph.D. in Ethical Leadership to develop higher education leaders prepared for leading 21st century higher education institutions.
  • Graduates are prepared for administrative and faculty positions in postsecondary educational institutions and agencies, across institution types and diverse student populations. With an emphasis in ethical leadership, graduates are prepared to drive equitable change in higher education and society through the research, integration, and application of knowledge.

Career Landscape

Graduates of the Ph.D. in Ethical Leadership are prepared for leadership roles across diverse sectors, including management, government, public service, education, business, healthcare, and non-profits. With expertise in ethical governance, policy development, and organizational effectiveness, they are equipped to drive meaningful change as executives, administrators, consultants, and educators. Their ability to apply ethical leadership principles positions them for high-impact careers that shape institutions, communities, and policies.

In the Classroom

This program integrates ethical theory with real-world application through a project-based, cross-disciplinary curriculum. Students engage in case studies, leadership simulations, and applied research, fostering skills in strategic decision-making, group dynamics, and organizational change. Small, interactive classes encourage collaboration and critical analysis, preparing graduates to navigate complex leadership challenges with integrity and innovation.

Ethical Leadership Fast Facts

• Maximum Accessibility
  • The program consists of eight-week, fully online, self-paced courses designed to give working professionals the flexibility to learn on their own schedule.
• Ease of Application
  • A personalized admissions advisor is provided to every prospective student ensuring consistent and timely communication, while not requiring a standardized test (e.g., GRE, GMAT, etc.) to create ease for the applicant.
• Transfer Credits Accepted
  • Prospective students may transfer up to 12 approved graduate credits beyond a master’s degree, potentially accelerating their program completion.
• Flexible Completion Timeline
  • Full-time working professionals may complete the program in as few as three (3) calendar years, though this is achieved by only a small percentage of students.