Organizational Leadership Doctorate: Behavioral Health
Organizational Leadership Doctorate: Behavioral Health
journey today.
Grand Canyon University’s qualitative Doctor of Education (EdD) in Organizational Leadership: Behavioral Health is an intensive exploration of leadership styles and principles, supervision and intervention methods. You will have the opportunity to grow your understanding of organizational leadership excellence within the context of behavioral health. This EdD degree program is designed to teach you advanced skills that can be applicable in your practice and may help you enhance your career qualifications.
The College of Doctoral Studies developed this program specifically for those who desire to be a leader in a behavioral health organization. There is a focus on servant leadership and professional ethics in the behavioral health field. Licensed counselors, therapists, social workers and psychiatric nurses are welcome to apply to the EdD degree program.
Online Learning for Busy Professionals
This EdD program is offered through online1 classes taught by knowledgeable instructors. Our digital learning platform affords you the opportunity to collaborate with peers and benefit from intellectually stimulating discussions on a more flexible schedule. This EdD program focuses on research as opposed to a Doctor of Behavioral Health (DBH), which is a clinically focused degree program.
Qualitative vs. Quantitative
In our qualitative program, you can personally examine events to better understand an observed phenomenon. In doing this, you have the opportunity to develop expertise in the development of a research study and gain insight into how and why people think, believe and behave the way they do. This differs from GCU’s quantitative program which focuses on developing expertise in the creation of a sampling plan and in the collection of data.
Organizational leadership considers the roles of individuals in achieving organizational objectives. You will study these business principles and practices while expanding your understanding of leadership interventions in the behavioral health field. The qualitative organizational leadership program includes courses such as strategic planning and change, behavioral health management and entrepreneurship.
Develop Knowledge of Business Theories for the Health Industry
Throughout the program, you will work to develop various skills that can help prepare you for potential leadership positions in the field.
To advance those skills, the academically rigorous coursework delivers an in-depth look at the following topic areas:
You are required to complete a dissertation with original research that contributes to the body of knowledge in the behavioral health field. As part of the dissertation process, you will attend two in-person residencies. While attending residency, you have the opportunity to build professional networks, present your scholarly work and receive systematic feedback from peers and mentorship of faculty.
An EdD is the pinnacle of achievement that demonstrates a graduate’s dedication to academic excellence in the field. Practitioners who earn their qualitative EdD in Organizational Leadership: Behavioral Health may be able to position themselves for potential leadership positions across a variety of settings.
Some of these settings include:
Hospitals
Clinics
Public health agencies
Faith-based organizations
Inpatient or outpatient treatment programs
GCU has proudly held institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. Our accreditation status reflects our ability to offer programs that meet high educational standards and are proven to provide quality learning to our students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Take a moment to review the following frequently asked questions and answers for more detailed information and insight on this EdD program.
With this degree, you can position yourself to pursue potential leadership positions in areas such as private practice, academia, healthcare administration, research or corporate wellness program development. You can use your advanced knowledge of this field and modern research skills to positively impact the well-being of your community and contribute to the knowledge base in the field.
Both degrees aim to enhance the quality and effectiveness of behavioral health services. An EdD with a behavioral health focus hones in on leadership and policy in relation to behavioral health. In contrast, a DBH is centered on clinical and operational advancements within healthcare settings.
Advance Your Leadership Impact
Empower organizations to deliver exceptional behavioral healthcare by enhancing your leadership skills.
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.
1 Program has residencies that take place on or near GCU's campus.