10 Most Affordable Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Online

10 Most Affordable Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Online

Staff picture
Staff
Updated August 15, 2023

GradSchoolHub.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Discover a program that is right for you.

Finding high quality and affordable online PhD in Organizational Leadership programs requires research. Not all programs offer accreditation, rigor, or research opportunities. Choosing a quality program offered by an accredited institution can greatly impact your future employment. There are a number of organizational leadership doctorate online programs designed to fit the needs of graduate students who have a strong work ethic, desire to delve into research, and want to earn a degree outside of the traditional classroom.

If you are on the lookout for cheap online organizational leadership PhD programs, this list is for you. Below you will find regionally and nationally accredited programs designed with the working student in mind. Our list includes high quality online organizational leadership PhD programs and organizational leadership doctorate online degrees, some of which have earned rankings from major publications like U.S. News and World Report. This ranking was created to help you choose an affordable doctorate in organizational leadership that will best fit your personal and professional career aspirations.

Organizational Leadership PhDs for You

These top schools offer a variety of online graduate degree programs. Figuring out where to apply? Consider one of these online Master’s or PhD programs.

Most Affordable Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Online

  • Aspen University
    Location

    Denver, CO

    Tuition

    $7125

    For those interested in earning a doctor of education degree instead of an online PhD in organizational leadership, Aspen University offers an EdD in Leadership and Learning with a concentration in organizational leadership. This program highlights the courses and curriculum in organizational leadership PhD online programs but emphasizes leadership in education. Graduate students focus their studies on collaborative and ethical leadership, reflective scholarship, and transformational leadership. Classes are delivered entirely online and taught by Aspen instructors. Admission to the PhD program requires evidence of a master's degree with an overall GPA of 3.0 and official transcripts of all accredited institutions attended. Aspen is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), a governing body listed by the U.S. Department of Education.

  • Colorado State University
    Location

    Fort Collins, CO

    Tuition

    $9000

    One of the most affordable organizational leadership PhD online degree programs on our list is offered by Colorado State University. This organizational leadership PhD online program develops both research and practical expertise and takes just under four years to complete. A total of sixty credits are required, with courses that cover topics like evaluation and assessment in organizational learning, performance, and change; scenario planning in organizations; systems leadership; and theory building in applied disciplines. A research methodology course and dissertation must also be completed to satisfy the PhD requirements. Admission requirements include a master's degree from a regionally accredited institution, a minimum 3.00 GPA, and GRE or GMAT scores received within the past five years. Colorado State is accredited and has received regional recognition from major publications like U.S. News and World Report.

  • Colorado Technical University
    Location

    Colorado Springs, CO

    Tuition

    $12439

    For those interested in earning an online PhD in organizational management or leadership, Colorado Technical University offers a unique degree program with a focused concentration in executive leadership. The online PhD consists of 96 credits, twenty of which come from the concentration area. Some of the online courses offered include application of action research, leadership theory and development, management and ethics, management theory, and principles of research methods and design. Students also take a series of doctoral research courses applicable to dissertation preparation. These courses include dissertation discussion and conclusion, dissertation findings, and dissertation research process. Post-doctoral certificate options are also offered. Accreditation and affordability draw students to the online organizational management PhD program. Also, the school boasts recognition from major publications like U.S. News and World Report.

  • Indiana Wesleyan University
    Location

    Marion, IN

    Tuition

    $10937

    Indiana Wesleyan University's organizational leadership PhD online program is designed for graduate students to complete their degree in just 40 months. Online coursework and some onsite class visits make up the blended format of this program. There is also a residency requirement, which includes an on-campus three week long summer session where students are required to be in attendance at events, workshops, or classes every day. Course requirements include globalization and multiculturalism, governance and ethics, organizational learning, organizational theory and research, and personal authenticity. Dissertation application and research are also required. Indiana Wesleyan offers affordability and accreditation. Also, the school has received recognition from U.S. News and World Report as the 29th best regional university in the Midwest and 64th best value school.

  • Johnson University
    Location

    Knoxville, TN

    Tuition

    $8400

    One of the most affordable organizational leadership doctorate online programs on our list is the PhD in Leadership Studies from Johnson University. While not a standard organizational leadership PhD online program, the leadership studies degree program offers four focus areas so that students may tailor their degree in organizational leadership. This concentration emphasizes both for-profit and non-profit organization (non-educational) contexts. The program may be completed entirely online using asynchronous learning methods that require students to learn independently but not alone. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award doctoral degrees. Also, in recent years, Johnson University has received recognition from major publications like U.S. News and World Report.

  • Liberty University
    Location

    Lynchburg, VA

    Tuition

    $8430

    A closely related alternative to the organizational leadership doctorate online degree is the Doctor of Business Administration in Leadership offered by Liberty University. This 100% online doctorate degree consists of 60 total hours that include a series of organizational design, leadership, and management courses. Some of the online classes include leadership theory, leading organizational change, organizational design and structure, and servant leadership. Doctoral candidates must also complete and defend a dissertation, which includes extensive research. Liberty University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top national university. The school and its graduate programs are accredited, and the online graduate business programs are ranked #92 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed nationwide by U.S. News.

  • Piedmont International University
    Location

    Winston-Salem, NC

    Tuition

    $6140

    Piedmont International University offers another type of online PhD in organizational management that emphasizes leadership in the various organizations. Three concentration options are available so that PhD students may tailor their degree toward an area of interest. These concentrations include educational administration, ministry administration, and organizational management. Piedmont's organizational management PhD online program is one of the most affordable on our list. The program is also designed to be completed in as little as three years. Piedmont currently maintains national accreditation and is a member of the Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools a governing body approved by both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education in America.

  • Southeastern University
    Location

    Fort Lauderdale, FL

    Tuition

    $12719

    Southeastern University offers an accredited program designed for individuals interested in seeking an online PhD in organizational leadership degree. The program combines online coursework with periodic one-week intensive classes designed to equip students with the skills needed to become influential thought leaders in organizations. A total of 60 credits must be earned, and courses include leadership theory, organizational systems and management, and situational and transformational leadership. Students must also complete a series of research design and methodology courses, including advanced qualitative research methods and advanced quantitative research methods. Near the end of the program, students undergo a dissertation sequence and take the comprehensive exam. The school has earned accreditation and received rankings with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the South.

  • University of Louisville
    Location

    Louisville, KY

    Tuition

    $12442

    University of Louisville offers an affordable organizational leadership doctorate online program with a specialization in human resources and organization development. This uniquely designed program can be completed partially online and at the main campus. Students work closely with a mentor and faculty who assist with research. Students take classes and work with professors who are experts in the fields of leadership and HR. Depending the student's interest, customizable coursework in areas of business, management, and education allow students to tailor their degree. A comprehensive exam is required near the end of the program. The University of Louisville is ranked and accredited. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 165th best national university and 87th top public institution.

  • University of the Cumberlands
    Location

    Williamsburg, KY

    Tuition

    $5970

    University of the Cumberlands offers the most affordable online PhD in organizational leadership program on our list. The online PhD in Leadership offers a series of courses that explore various areas of leadership and organizational management. Throughout the program, students participate in a comprehensive study to learn effective leadership skills, teaching, and administrative methods. Concentration options are also offered and allow students to take specialty classes in an area of interest, such as business, criminal justice, education, information security, or psychology. The program requires a minimum of 66 hours beyond the earned master's degree. The institution is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Also, University of the Cumberlands is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a top national university. The school is our #1 most affordable pick for organizational leadership PhD online programs.

Our Methodology, Explained

Grad School Hub compiles rankings based on public data released from educational, commercial, and government databases. Sources such as the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics play a significant role in how we source our educational data. After collecting insight for each institution, we organize information into five weighted categories.
Metric Data Used Percentage
Academic Quality Full-time faculty percentage, student-to-faculty ratio, student retention and graduation rates 30%
Affordability Tuition rates, median student debt, and financial aid 10%
Reputation Admission and enrollment rates 30%
Program Offerings Number of program options 20%
Online Enrollment Score Portion of learners taking at least one online course 10%
A more comprehensive evaluation of how each category is determined and scored is accessible on our Ranking Methodology page.

Other Online Phd in Organizational Leadership Programs:

Regent University

Online PhD in Organizational Leadership

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,226

For more information: Regent University

Walden University

Online DBA in Leadership

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $13,555

For more information: Walden University

St. Thomas University

Online Ed.D. in Leadership and Innovation

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,076

For more information: St. Thomas University

Concordia University

Online PhD in Organizational Leadership

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $14,688

For more information: Concordia University

Capella University

Online PhD in Leadership

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $15,003

For more information: Capella University

Creighton University

Online PhD in Interdisciplinary Leadership

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $16,424

For more information: Creighton University

Northcentral University

Online PhD in Organizational Leadership

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $17,781

Abilene Christian University

Online Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $19,890

For more information: Abilene Christian University

Northeastern University

Online Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $22,913

For more information: Northeastern University

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

Online PhD in Organizational Leadership

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $26,179

For more information: The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

University of Southern California

Online Ed.D. in Organizational Change and Leadership

Graduate Tuition/Fees: $42,305

For more information: University of Southern California

Finding the Right Online PhD in Organizational Leadership Program

A lot of research is required to find a quality online PhD in organizational leadership program. Not all online programs are created equal. Accreditation, affordability, and other aspects are important to consider before applying to an online PhD program. Once you've verified regional or national accreditation, tuition and fees, and in some cases, program rankings, you should determine fit. A program that meets your professional goals and includes coursework that you find engaging and beneficial to your career offers a good fit.

Organizational Leadership Career Outlook

According to the United States Department of Labor – Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in organizational management and management analyst careers are expected to grow 12 percent through the next nine years, faster than the average for all occupations. As demand for services provided by organizations increases, so will organizational leadership and management positions. Organizations will continue to seek ways to improve efficiency and control costs, and will seek out highly qualified organizational leaders.

Anticipated growth will be particularly strong in smaller consulting companies that specialize in certain types of business, such as human resources and information technology. Government organizations are also expected to recruit the services of organizational leaders and management analysts as they search for ways to reduce spending and improve the efficiency of their agencies. While jobseekers face strong competition for these positions, especially those with government agencies, earning a doctorate degree in organizational leadership will help set you apart from your competition. Also, earning an online PhD in organizational leadership from a regionally accredited and ranked college or university will help improve your likelihood of securing a job when you finish your degree.

Similar Industries

The Importance of Accreditation

Accreditation status is critical when selecting a PhD organizational leadership online degree program. Colleges and universities in the United States receive accreditation from U.S. Department of Education recognized agencies. These agencies conduct an extensive review of the institution's educational programs and student services and issue accreditation credentials to those schools that adhere to stringent guidelines.

Legitimate online degree programs are accredited by either the Department of Education or the nonprofit Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). While researching PhD organizational leadership online degrees, you will encounter programs with either regional or national accreditation. While both accreditations are signs of a program's quality, it is important to know that employers look favorably on regional accreditation. The regional accreditation process can be more rigorous than national accreditation. While it is more common for online programs to have national accreditation, there are a large number of colleges and universities that are regionally accredited.

Specialization Options in Organizational Leadership

Some online organizational management PhD programs offer specialization options so that students may tailor their degree toward areas of interest or to meet career goals. Popular specialization options include human resources management, information technology, international business, marketing, and operations management and supervision.

Earning a specialization in an area of interest, such as human resources management or operations management and supervision, means taking additional classes that focus only on aspects of the concentration. In HR, students take classes that emphasize the various personnel and administrative needs of organizations, such as benefits and compensation, employee orientation, and recruitment. A specialization in marketing might mean taking classes that explore consumer behavior, global advertising, market research, and strategic marketing. No matter which specialization you choose, employers look favorably upon additional expertise.

What Do Organizational Leaders Earn?

Earning potential is often commensurate with education and experience, especially for organizational leadership careers. The median annual wage for organizational managers and management analysts was $81,330 in May 2016, with the lowest ten percent earning less than $46,560 and the highest ten percent earning more than $149,000. While a bachelor's degree is typical for entry-level employment, an MBA, DBA, or PhD is required to advance.

Individuals with a PhD in organizational leadership, or closely related degree, advance at a quicker rate than lesser degreed colleagues. At the senior level, the majority of managers have a master's degree at minimum. Also, employers value education and seek job applicants who have earned a quality education. Earning a PhD organizational management online degree means you are an expert in your field, with or without experience.

Working While Completing an Online PhD in Organizational Leadership

While most traditional PhD programs discourage students from working while earning their degree, online programs are more flexible. Depending on outside obligations and program requirements, students may choose to earn an online PhD in organizational leadership while gaining valuable work experience. In fact, many of the PhD organizational leadership online programs on our list are specifically designed for working professionals.

Enrollment counselors are available to assist graduate students with time management and provide tips for obtaining a work-life balance while earning a PhD. Also, working while earning your doctorate might provide you with the combination of education and experience you need to land your dream job.

Additional Resources

See All Posts

GradSchoolHub.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Discover a program that is right for you.

Explore different options for you based on your degree interests.