Jobs With a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership
A Ph.D. in organizational leadership can help you transform businesses using a variety of change-management techniques and tools, explains Harvard University. A doctoral degree in business is required to teach at the highest levels at colleges and universities, but it can open many more doors for you in the business world as well.
With a Ph.D. in organizational leadership, you can work in research, explore leadership dynamics in a global workplace or move into the executive office faster than if you only hold an MBA. Workplace options range from universities and research facilities to government and nonprofit organizations.
Education Program Director
With a doctorate in organizational leadership, you can become a program director in the field of education. Work for a university or run a nonprofit organization that provides leadership seminars and workshops. As the director, you can design the curriculum and choose the various speakers and participants. You can get started by signing up for one of the in-person or online doctoral programs in leadership or other similar Ph.D. programs for working professionals offered by credible providers.
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Work directly with business leaders and executives who are looking for additional training in organization leadership. In your capacity as director, you'll also have the opportunity to collect research from your programs to create projects for future publishing.
College or University Dean
Most university and college leaders have a Ph.D. before taking the helm as dean. As dean of a department or for the entire school, you serve as the leader and will draw on your extensive education in the field of leadership. Responsibilities of a dean include supervising a large staff, which requires exceptional management skills. You also are the primary communicator for the institution and must build important contacts within the business community and among alumni and donors.
Nonprofit or Corporate CEO
Business boards of directors increasingly understand the need for effective leadership at the top. Through the Ph.D. program in organizational leadership, future CEO's learn how to manage at a higher level. You'll study real solutions to organizational challenges.
As a CEO with this educational advantage, you'll be able to offer the most up-to-date and best practices for corporate leadership. At the same time, you can fulfill company goals and objectives with insight you gleaned during your coursework, such as moving the company to a global level or increasing productivity and profits. You'll be able to apply your knowledge to nonprofits, as well.
Organizational leadership skills can help you more effectively guide an organization through changes, successfully develop strategies and interventions to mentor upcoming management leaders, and build teams while working with an increasingly diverse workforce.
Entrepreneur/Business Owner
Small business owners gain confidence to grow their businesses after studying for a doctorate in organizational leadership. When you take courses that emphasize entrepreneurialism, you develop the skills to take your business to a global marketplace.
You'll study the dynamics behind human resource development, the ethics of various business models, finance and marketing. Through your studies, you'll develop in-depth understandings of how organizations are run most efficiently and effectively so that you can turn your coursework into a profitable venture for you and your employees.
Earning Potential for These Jobs
What you can earn with a Ph.D. in organizational leadership varies greatly, depending on whether you take a job as a teacher/professor/dean, working for a government agency or nonprofit, or working for a corporation or as an entrepreneur. Your Ph.D. might have more impact on your salary in the academic world, which often pays teachers based on their degree. ZipRecruiter, for example, had entry-level organizational leadership jobs averaging $51,000 in May of 2022. OnlineSchoolsCenter.com had these jobs for people with Ph.D.s starting around $100,000.
- Harvard Business School: Executive Education
- Online Schools Center: What career can I expect with my online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership and what sort of salary can I earn in this field?
Linda Ray is an award-winning journalist with more than 20 years reporting experience. She's covered business for newspapers and magazines, including the "Greenville News," "Success Magazine" and "American City Business Journals." Ray holds a journalism degree and teaches writing, career development and an FDIC course called "Money Smart."