EdD in Organizational Leadership (Quantitative)

What Is an EdD in Organizational Leadership?

Take the opportunity to make an impact on your educational community by earning an online education doctorate in organizational leadership at Grand Canyon University. Equip yourself with the skills needed to inspire, influence and lead your educational organization or community.

The EdD in Organizational Leadership program can help you to develop the skill set needed to work from both a business and education perspective to create an effective organization functional for both external and internal stakeholders. These courses evaluate specific methods of responding to external entities while maintaining an environment that helps internal members potentially excel and improve learning for their students.

Choosing to Specialize in a Quantitative EdD in Organizational Leadership

Quantitative doctoral degrees give you the opportunity to design, collect and analyze your own original research in order to advance your knowledge in your field. GCU’s leadership doctorate involves completing your own research and drawing impactful conclusions through statistical analysis of data. This differs from GCU’s qualitative EdD, which will draw themes from existing and original research.

What You Can Learn

As a student in this program, you can employ quantitative methodology to design, collect and analyze information in a scholarly dissertation. The program is designed to provide support throughout the dissertation process, starting at the very beginning of the program. Courses incorporate consideration and preparation for the dissertation into every course in the degree program, allowing you to work on it steadily throughout the program.

The program aims to equip you with actionable skills in three primary domains of research, leadership theory and application, and organizational development emphasis. Courses will give you the opportunity to advance in your knowledge of leadership dynamics through in-depth research that can allow you to facilitate your abilities as a leader and evolve into a strategic professional. Through coursework and your own research, you will be taught to identify and analyze prevailing social, cultural and political conditions surrounding modern education with the goal of moving your organization forward.

The EdD in Organizational Leadership program’s classes strive to equip you with the skills to:

Assess behavior and implement behavioral theory to manage employees
Encourage creativity inside learning organizations
Motivate innovative behavior to increase educational effectiveness
Evaluate organizational structure and employ methods to modify these structures
Apply research to explain events, dynamics and behaviors in an organization

By developing these skills, you can formulate your own personal philosophy of leadership by examining the various ethical and moral frameworks concerning leadership. The program allows you to examine leadership and organizational structure through different perspectives and theories in order to extract your own actionable methods of leadership and organization.

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Careers With An EdD in Organizational Leadership

After completing this doctoral education degree, you may be able to position yourself for a wide variety of education jobs, including:

Preschool and childcare administrator
Elementary or secondary school administrator
Administrator in postsecondary environments such as a university or college
Distance learning coordinator

Fitness and wellness coordinator
Operational leader at the district level
District administrator
Dean of an academic program

By completing your quantitative Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership with an Emphasis in Organizational Development, you can use your skills to help make an impact on the field of education and help your organization thrive.

Alumni Doctoral Degree Scholarship

Now Available

GCU alumni enrolling in a doctoral program for the first time may be eligible for a $2,000 scholarship.^§

If seeking licensure or certification, applicants to the program are responsible for contacting their state department of education for licensure requirements and program approval. In addition, fingerprint and background clearance is required.

^§MOU-Alumni 2000 Doctoral-Apr2024: The Alumni Scholarship for Doctoral Programs is only valid for those applicants who submit a complete application and begin a Doctoral program in April 2024. 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.

Time to Completion and Dissertation Process

To learn more about time to completion and the dissertation process at GCU, visit our doctoral page.

Course List

Major:

60 credits

Degree Requirements:

60 credits

Core Courses

RES-815: Introduction to Research Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course introduces doctoral learners to the principle elements of research, scholarly writing, and effective argumentation. Learners are made aware of the dispositions and expectations of doctoral researchers as well as the University’s overarching values and beliefs regarding research and the responsibility of scholars to contribute new knowledge to their respective fields of study. Learners begin the process of identifying a researchable dissertation topic and are acquainted with appropriate scholarly resources that support the development of the dissertation.

RES-820A: The Literature Landscape: Organizational Leadership Total Credits: 3

Course Description

In this course, learners are introduced to the critical reading of scholarly qualitative and quantitative literature at the doctoral level. Learners also explore the concept of synthesizing the scholarly literature to identify problems and problem spaces that emerge to form a researchable topic of study. The application of scholarly argumentation from the extant literature to defend the need for a research study is discussed.

LDR-800: Ethical Dilemmas and Stewardship Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course examines multiple ethical frameworks, principles, and theories as they apply to the study and practice of leadership. Corporate social responsibility will be addressed from the perspective of ethical decision making. Prerequisite: RES-815.

LDR-825: Strategic Planning and Change Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course provides an overview of the impact of leadership and the effects of behaviors on the formulation and execution of strategy within an organization. Topics include the increasing importance of resilience and change in today’s global and turbulent economy.

RES-831: Foundations of Research Design 1 Total Credits: 3

Course Description

In this course, learners are introduced to key components of qualitative and quantitative research designs and the means to critically appraise the application of research designs as observed in the scholarly literature. The University's core research designs are presented. Consideration is given to the initial selection and defense of a research design to address a problem that emerged from the extant literature.

RES-832: Foundations of Research Design 2 Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to the sampling, data collection, and data analysis methods employed in qualitative and quantitative research designs. Learners explore the alignment of sampling, data collection, and data analysis methods to the research topic, research questions, and research design. The course positions learners to select qualitative or quantitative designs for their dissertation studies. Prerequisite: RES-831.

RSD-851: Residency: Dissertation Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This residency allows learners to continue developing their skills as academic researchers. Learners will have hands-on experience applying quantitative and qualitative design principals to develop the foundational elements for their potential dissertation studies. Prerequisite: RES-850, RES-825, RES-831, or RCS-831.

ORG-807: Stakeholders: Roles in Organizations Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course examines the roles of stakeholders in a variety of organizational structures and discusses how the type of organization may affect the role of the stakeholder. Learners explore the stakeholder’s role in sustaining organizational effectiveness.

ORG-812: Organizational Theory, Structure, and Process Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course examines organizational structure and its influence on organizational effectiveness and success. Learners evaluate organizational structure and explore methods for modifying structures. Open-systems theory is discussed. Research skills from RES-850 and ethical considerations are applied in the context of the course topics.

ORG-817: Systems Thinking: Building Organizations That Last Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course examines the shift from a traditional organizational structure to a learning organization. It looks at the unintended consequences of leadership decisions in the context of leading innovation.

RES-842: Designing a Quantitative Study 1 Total Credits: 3

Course Description

In this course, learners explore the basic components of quantitative research design. Attention is given to variables, instrumentation, and sources of data. Reliability and validity of instrumentation is discussed in the context of GCU core quantitative research designs.

RES-844: Designing a Quantitative Study 2 Total Credits: 3

Course Description

In this course, learners interact with statistical tests and statistical analysis software in the context of designing a quantitative research study. Alignment of statistical tests to research questions, hypotheses and design is stressed as is determining the feasibility of a quantitative research study. Ethical aspects of research are discussed. Prerequisite: RES-842.

LDR-804: Leading Across Cultures Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course explores the opportunities and challenges facing leaders in the global environment. The course topics focus on aspects of leading global and diverse workforces, and on theories of leadership and leadership development in diverse and global cultures.

RSD-884: Residency: The Quantitative Dissertation Total Credits: 3

Course Description

In this residency, learners orally present and defend an expanded design of their preliminary dissertation research from RSD-851. Emphasis is placed on developing the quantitative dissertation. Practicum/field experience hours: None. RES-844.

ORG-827: Strategic Decision Making Total Credits: 3

Course Description

The course analyzes decision-making paradigms and strategies through the lens of critical incident analysis, cross-cultural decision making, and collective leadership. Alignment of strategy, vision, and decisions is discussed.

DIS-955: Dissertation I Total Credits: 3

Course Description

In this course, learners apply the skills of the practitioner-scholar. They are self-motivated and committed to reflective practice. They actively seek input from other scholars while continuing to design independent research under the guidance of the dissertation committee. Prerequisite: RES-871, RES-885, RSD-883, or RSD-884.

RES-874: Quantitative Data Collection and Statistical Mechanics Total Credits: 3

Course Description

In this course, learners focus on data collection, data preparation and management, and the analysis of quantitative data to produce written research findings, results, and implications. Learners continue to work with their respective dissertation chairs and apply information from this course to move ahead in the dissertation process. Prerequisite: RES-844.

DIS-960: Dissertation II Total Credits: 3

Course Description

In this course, learners apply the skills of the practitioner-scholar. They are self-motivated and committed to reflective practice. They actively seek input from other scholars while continuing to design and/or conduct independent research under the guidance of the dissertation committee. Prerequisite: DIS-955.

RES-884: Quantitative Data Analysis, Results, and Findings Total Credits: 3

Course Description

In this course, learners focus on the interpretation of quantitative data to produce written research findings, results, and implications. Learners continue to work with their respective dissertation chairs and apply information from this course to move ahead in the dissertation process. Prerequisite: RES-874.

DIS-965: Dissertation III Total Credits: 3

Course Description

In this course, learners apply the skills of the practitioner-scholar. They are self-motivated and committed to reflective practice. They actively seek input from other scholars while continuing to design and/or conduct independent research under the guidance of the dissertation committee. Prerequisite: DIS-960.

Continuation Courses

The course identified above represent the minimum academic course requirements only. Most students will also need to take one or more of the following Research Continuation Courses to complete a dissertation. Research Continuation Courses are 3-credit courses charged at the standard doctoral per credit rate.

DIS-966E: Research Continuation I Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DIS-965.

DIS-967E: Research Continuation II Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DIS-966 or DIS-966E.

DIS-968E: Research Continuation III Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DIS-967 or DIS-967E.

DIS-969E: Research Continuation IV Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DIS-968 or DIS-968E; RSD-951.

DIS-970E: Research Continuation V Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DIS-969 or DIS-969E.

DIS-971E: Research Continuation VI Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DIS-970 or DIS-970E.

DIS-972E: Research Continuation VII Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DIS-971E.

DIS-973E: Research Continuation VIII Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DIS-972E.

DIS-974E: Research Continuation IX Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DIS-973E.

Continuation Courses

The course identified above represent the minimum academic course requirements only. Most students will also need to take one or more of the following Research Continuation Courses to complete a dissertation. Research Continuation Courses are 3-credit courses charged at the standard doctoral per credit rate.

DIS-966E: Research Continuation I Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DIS-965.

DIS-967E: Research Continuation II Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DIS-966 or DIS-966E.

DIS-968E: Research Continuation III Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DIS-967 or DIS-967E.

DIS-969E: Research Continuation IV Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DIS-968 or DIS-968E; RSD-951.

DIS-970E: Research Continuation V Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DIS-969 or DIS-969E.

DIS-971E: Research Continuation VI Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DIS-970 or DIS-970E.

DIS-972E: Research Continuation VII Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DIS-971E.

DIS-973E: Research Continuation VIII Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DIS-972E.

DIS-974E: Research Continuation IX Total Credits: 3

Course Description

This course emphasizes the finalization of the dissertation and provides learners with individualized support for completing their dissertation journey. Learners continue to work directly with their dissertation chair and committee members based on their individual progress plan for completing their dissertation. Prerequisite: DIS-973E.