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.
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
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.
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-Nov2025: The Alumni Scholarship for Doctoral Programs is only valid for those applicants who submit a complete application and begin a Doctoral program in November 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.
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:
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:Â
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.
Read through our frequently asked questions as you prepare to start your GCU journey.
An EdD in Organizational Leadership and Development degree equips individuals with the skills needed to be strong leaders, critical thinkers and confident decision makers at the highest level. With a Doctor of Education degree, you may qualify for a leadership role in higher education. A doctorate in organizational leadership may also allow graduates the versatility to seek high-level management positions in nearly any industry.
A Doctor of Education (EdD) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) are the same level of education, but have different purposes. The EdD in Organizational Leadership is designed for those who want to directly apply their knowledge and skills to the success of their business or organization. On the other hand, a PhD degree program is geared for those who want to pursue roles in academia or research.
