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A student in a classroom: Pursue an individualized PhD in Organizational Leadership at Regent University.

Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership – Individualized Studies

Meet Your Unique Goals through Regent’s Individualized Ph.D. Program

Customize your doctoral program through Regent’s Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership – Individualized Studies. The program allows you to select courses that best meet your unique professional goals. We’ll prepare you to influence and invigorate organizations around the world as a scholar, teacher, or business leader. Our Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership – Individualized Studies is a research-based terminal degree taught from a Christian worldview. There are no GMAT/GRE requirements. Regent has been ranked among top national universities by the U.S. News & World Report, 2023, and has also been ranked as a Top 10 Military Friendly® School by Military Friendly®, 2023-24. Experience a transformative individualized Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership program and gain insights through an Executive Mentor Program.

Online
60
May 6, 2024
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BECOME A THOUGHT LEADER THROUGH AN INDIVIDUALIZED PH.D.

Join the ranks of leading contributors to the body of knowledge in organizational leadership research.

MAKE GLOBAL CONNECTIONS

Analyze the impact of prevailing world social, cultural, religious, and political conditions and trends on leadership theory and practice.

CUSTOMIZE PROJECTS AROUND REAL ISSUES

Apply the latest theories and use qualitative and quantitative analytical tools to conduct your own research.

ALIGN YOURSELF WITH EXCELLENCE

Regent has been ranked among Top National Universities by the U.S. News & World Report for four years (2019, 2020, 2022 and 2023). Our programs have also been recognized among the Top 5 Best Graduate Online Business (Non-MBA) Programs in Virginia for 9 consecutive years (2015-23). Experience the Regent difference.

Led by our award-winning faculty, this individualized Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership will enrich your academic research, writing, and critical thinking skills.

After completing this Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership – Individualized Studies online, you can:

  • Facilitate learning from the perspective of the learner and the instructor.
  • Enter servant leadership in the field of your choice.
  • Positively impact global organizations and communities from a biblical perspective.

Career Opportunities

  • University Faculty
  • Researcher for Government, Corporations and Think Tanks
  • Executive Leader
  • Consulting
21%
Higher median usual weekly earnings for workers with a doctoral degree versus a master's degree U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021

Choose any four organizational leadership-focused courses from the other Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership concentrations and/or other Regent University doctoral programs with the consultation and approval of the Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership program chair.

2023-24 Semester Check-In Deadlines

All students are expected to check-in for the semester two weeks before the session start date. Students should apply, be accepted, enroll in their first courses, and confirm a plan to pay for their courses prior to this date.

SessionSemester Check-InSession Start Date
Session AFriday, August 11Monday, August 21
Session CThursday, January 4Monday, January 8
Session EFriday, April 26Monday, May 6

Admissions Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.

Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.

Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts

Submit your unofficial transcripts to regent.edu/items.

Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES, AACRAO or NAFSA approved agency.

Step 3: Submit Your Resume

Provide an updated copy of your professional resume or curriculum vitae that includes:

  • Employment history with details of leadership responsibilities, skill sets and results – the committee looks at both quantity and quality of responsibilities
  • School, community and church leadership positions – the committee looks at both quantity and quality of positions
  • Service activities in which you have been involved
  • Academic and non-academic honors and distinctions you have received

Your resume should be submitted to regent.edu/items.

Step 4. Submit a Leadership Essay or Graduate Degree Paper (with Citations)

Leadership specific writing samples play an important role in helping the Admissions Committee evaluate a doctoral applicant’s research, writing and analytical and problem-solving skills. Your essay should be on "The Most Pressing Leadership Issue of Today" and submitted to regent.edu/items.

LEADERSHIP ESSAY

Writing samples play an important role in helping the Admissions Committee evaluate a doctoral applicant's research, writing, analytical and problem-solving skills.

Please provide a separate essay to address the topic with citations: "The most pressing leadership issue of today."

The body (excludes a title page or a reference page) of this writing sample should not exceed one page in length (single spaced, 12-point type).

The Admissions Committee will evaluate the essay based on the following criteria:

  • Thesis Development and Critical Thinking. The thesis expresses the main idea of the paper in one sentence and informs the reader of the paper's focus. Critical thinking is the act of examining, analyzing and evaluating information followed by the drawing of accurate conclusions. Thesis development and critical thinking include the following four key elements: (a) thesis, (b) argument, (c) research and (d) analysis.
  • Organization. The structure or outline of apply@regent.edu using the subject line: SBL Doctoral Application Pieces.
  • Paragraph Development. The structure of each paragraph within the outline is vital to the overall stability of the essay and includes the use of transitions and language within each paragraph.
  • Mechanics. Clarity through spelling, grammar, punctuation and capitalization is vital in any written document.
  • Style (APA, MLA or other acceptable style). At the doctoral level, it is important to adhere to a particular writing style as required by the specific academic or professional publication in which one desires to be published. Therefore, the applicant should compose the essay in APA, MLA or other acceptable style. In addition, the applicant should identify the style being used in the writing sample. It is important that the writing sample exhibit the style’s guidelines in the areas of: (a) in-text citations, (b) reference list, (c) title, (d) headings, (e) sub-headings, (f) numbers, (g) serial content, (h) quotes, (i) punctuation, etc. While these styles typically require double spacing, we request that, in the case of this writing sample, applicants use single spacing so the essay does not exceed one page.

GRADUATE DEGREE PAPER

If you are opting to submit the Graduate Degree Paper, please ensure this is a submission that contains citations.

Your leadership essay or graduate degree paper should be submitted to regent.edu/items.

Step 5: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.


Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.

Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

Part-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA) / Master of Science (MS)$6956$4,170
Master of Business Administration (MBA)$6956$4,170
Doctor in Business Administration (DBA)$1,0203$3,060
Doctor of Philosophy in Business (PhD)$1,0203$3,060
Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership (PhD)$1,0203$3,060
Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL)$1,0203$3,060

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA) / Master of Science (MS)$6959$6,255
Master of Business Administration (MBA)$6959$6,255
Doctor in Business Administration (DBA)$1,0206$6,120
Doctor of Philosophy in Business (PhD)$1,0206$6,120
Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership (PhD)$1,0206$6,120
Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL)$1,0206$6,120

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

PART-TIME STUDENTS

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA) / Master of Science (MS)$6956$4,170
Master of Business Administration (MBA)$6956$4,170
Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership (PhD)$1,0203$3,060
Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL)$1,0203$3,060

Full-Time Students

DegreeTuition Cost Per Credit HourAverage Credit Hours Per SemesterAverage Tuition Per Semester
Master of Arts (MA) / Master of Science (MS)$6959$6,255
Master of Business Administration (MBA)$6959$6,255
Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership (PhD)$1,0206$6,120
Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL)$1,0206$6,120

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)$800 (Fall & Spring)
$650 (Summer)
University Services Fee (Online Students)$650

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

*Rates are subject to change at any time.

“The focus on Christian values and principles adds depth to the whole area of organizational leadership … when you bring it into the context of the church, into the context of Christ working in us as leaders, then we are more able to take on the character of Christ in the leadership environment.”

Frederick Kawuma, Ph.D., 2016

“Regent does a really good job of helping you realize that you are supposed to do something, and I’m appreciative for that exposure and experience.”

Kenneth Chandler, Doctor of Strategic Leadership, 2015

“A dean from another university knew the journey of my life was in the intersection between ministry and the marketplace. He said to me, ‘You need Regent University’s Doctor of Strategic Leadership program.’ And how right he was.”

Chris Holdorf, Doctor of Strategic Leadership, 2019 Executive Director, Global Water Center; Adjunct Professor, Charleston Southern University; Former CEO, National Christian Foundation

“"It will be the principles of servant leadership that I largely learned at Regent that I'll carry with me. These principles defined me as a corporate leader, and I believe they will define my political leadership."”

Scott Rigell, MBA, 1990 Former Representative of Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District; U.S. Marine Corps Reserve veteran; former owner of Freedom Automotive

“I came to Regent after the Navy to prepare for a role in public service. I had some innovative ideas in me, and Regent helped me tap into them more. I know I want to help and influence others for Christ, perhaps as a diplomat working for the U.S. State Department.”

Chad McQueen, MBA, 2015