EdD in Organizational Leadership: Organizational Development (Qualitative)
Strategic Approaches to Organizational Change
The online Doctor of Education (EdD) in Organizational Leadership: Organizational Development degree from GCU is designed to help graduates lead and transform organizations. Those seeking a doctorate in organizational leadership can explore how to help organizations achieve success through growth.
This qualitative degree emphasis may be 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
Collaborate With Business Professionals Online
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 dissertation. 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 with whom they will explore 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 to help organizations grow and succeed. In the quantitative doctorate in organizational leadership degree, students are taught to use numerical and statistical data to help effect positive change within their companies.
Applying Leadership Theory to Practice in This EdD Program
Graduates of the Doctor of Education (EdD) in organizational leadership online(See disclaimer 1) 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(See disclaimer 1) EdD in organizational leadership qualitative program. Graduates will be taught to apply what they have studied and practiced to determine how to sustain and grow the best aspects of a traditionally structured 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:
Career Opportunities With an EdD 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 position themselves to potentially 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:
Earn Your Doctorate at an Institutionally Accredited University
GCU is proud to be institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. The College of Doctoral Studies shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Read through our frequently asked questions as you prepare to start your GCU journey.
Is an EdD in organizational leadership and development degree emphasis worth it?
What is the difference between a PhD and an EdD in organizational leadership?
Time to Completion and Dissertation Process
To learn more about time to completion and the dissertation process at GCU, visit our doctoral page.
Program Curriculum
Core Courses
Continuation Courses
Help organizations analyze and assess their current practices as an experienced leader. Advance your skills with a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership, focusing on Organizational Development at GCU.
(See disclaimer §) MOU-Alumni 2000 Doctoral-Feb2026: The Alumni Scholarship for Doctoral Programs is only valid for those applicants who submit a complete application and begin a Doctoral program in February 2026. 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.
Program has residencies that take place on or near GCU's campus.