Doctorate (EdD) in Organizational Leadership and Development – Qualitative

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Overview

Earn Your Qualitative EdD in Organizational Leadership Online

The online Doctor of Education (EdD) in Organizational Leadership: Organizational Development degree from GCU helps graduates lead and transform organizations. Those seeking a doctorate in organizational leadership learn how to help organizations achieve success through growth.

This qualitative Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership and Development degree emphasis is ideal for leaders and rising executives looking to advance their professional skills through academic learning.

Six domains have been highlighted in the EdD in Organizational Leadership program offered by the College of Doctoral Studies:

Leadership

Learn about leadership in theory and practice

Change

Study and develop strategic approaches to organizational change

Culture

Assess and create dynamic organizational cultures

Scholarship and Research

Analyze, design and conduct future-focused research

Globalization and Worldview

Develop a leadership style and communications strategies to work with a diverse population

Organizational Development Emphasis

Evaluate organizational structures to determine a path to success

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Why GCU

Benefits of the This Qualitative EdD Program

Qualitative doctoral programs allow candidates to contribute to the wealth of knowledge in their field by drawing upon the work of past researchers and performing an original qualitative research study. This study allows the learner to dial into a specific aspect of their field they take interest in and draw out insights based on themes, patterns, interviews and other forms of qualitative study.

Graduates can complete the EdD in Organizational Leadership online courses to work with faculty and business professionals to learn about the science of leadership and determine how to inspire change and growth.

Explore Qualitative vs. Quantitative EdD Options

In the qualitative EdD organizational leadership, you will study descriptive data that focuses on individual experiences and perceptions in order to help organizations grow and succeed. In the quantitative doctorate in organizational leadership degree, students learn to use numerical and statistical data to help effect positive change within their companies.

Coursework

What You Will Be Taught in This EdD Program

Graduates of the Doctor of Education (EdD) in organizational leadership online program study both for-profit and nonprofit organizational structures. They explore how culture, change, communications, diversity and strategy impact the success of organizations.

Corporate social responsibility, ethical decision-making, and the evolution of leadership theories are at the core of this online EdD in organizational leadership qualitative program. Graduates learn to apply what they have studied and practiced to traditional structures to determine how to sustain and grow the best aspects of an organization.

Learners in the doctorate of organizational leadership and development degree emphasis program participate in doctoral residencies and work through dissertation milestones. They apply the work they do in the program to research and practice. To complete the program, you must write and defend a dissertation.

The doctorate in organizational leadership and development emphasis program covers many topics relevant to leadership including:

  • Individual differences versus organizational outcomes
  • Ethical dilemmas
  • Stewardship
  • Corporate social responsibility
  • Opportunities and challenges faced by leaders 
  • Leading global and diverse workforces
  • Leadership behaviors
  • Strategy execution within an organization
Careers

Careers With a Qualitative Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership

Spearheading change is the goal of the doctorate in organizational leadership program. Graduates act as agents of change across many types of organizations. They may pursue advanced positions or find work where they lead operations in a meaningful way.

GCU’s qualitative EdD in Organizational Leadership and Development emphasis program graduates may find work as: 

  • Education administrators in preschool and childcare centers
  • Education administrators in elementary and secondary schools
  • Education administrators in postsecondary environments
  • Distance learning coordinators
  • Fitness and wellness coordinators
  • Operational leaders at the district level
Female EdD degree student smiling in front of blue wall with artwork in classroom
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Read through our frequently asked questions as you prepare to start your GCU journey.

Male EdD graduate presenting leadership and development plans to organization

Make an Impact on Organizational Practices

Help organizations analyze and assess their current practices is the job of an experienced leader. Take charge with the Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Organizational Development degree program at GCU.

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If you are seeking licensure/certification, please refer to the Accreditation and Compliance/State disclosures link for the specific program of interest’s website for your location and/or employment state licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c).

§ MOU-Alumni 2000 Doctoral-July2025: The Alumni Scholarship for Doctoral Programs is only valid for those applicants who submit a complete application and begin a Doctoral program in July 2025. This scholarship cannot be used in conjunction with any other GCU scholarship or awards and only applies to online and evening programs. Please speak to a university counselor for complete details.

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