Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership

Lead with Vision. Influence Organizations. Transform Communities.

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Organizational Leadership at Southwest Baptist University prepares experienced professionals to become scholar-practitioners who lead organizations through complex challenges, strategic change, and ethical decision-making.

Designed for working professionals, this doctoral program equips leaders with the advanced research, leadership, and organizational development skills needed to improve performance and drive meaningful change across industries.

Grounded in a Christian worldview, the program emphasizes servant leadership, ethical decision-making, and responsible stewardship while preparing graduates to influence organizations in business, nonprofit, healthcare, education, and government.

Why Earn Your Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership?



Advance Your Leadership Impact Develop the strategic leadership skills needed to guide organizations through innovation, change, and growth.	Become a Scholar-Practitioner Learn to apply research to real organizational challenges, bridging theory and practice to improve leadership effectiveness.



Lead with Purpose Integrate faith, ethics, and leadership principles to create healthy organizational cultures and meaningful societal impact.	Designed for Working Professionals Flexible coursework allows students to pursue doctoral study while continuing their careers.

Program Highlights

Degree: Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Organizational Leadership

Format: Online

Credits: 49 credit hours

Completion Time: 3 years

Dissertation: Applied research focused on organizational leadership challenges

Doctoral programs in organizational leadership emphasize leadership theory, research methods,
and organizational change strategies to prepare professionals for executive leadership and academic roles.

What You Will Learn

Students in the Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership will develop expertise in:

Strategic leadership and decision-making
Organizational culture and change management
Human resource and talent development
Data-driven organizational improvement
Ethical and faith-based leadership
Applied research and program evaluation
Graduates will be prepared to lead organizations in complex and rapidly changing environments.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership pursue leadership roles such as:

Executive Director or CEO
Organizational Development Consultant
Nonprofit or Ministry Leader
Corporate Leadership Executive
Higher Education Administrator
Leadership Development Specialist
Organizational Strategy Advisor

The program prepares leaders to serve in corporate, nonprofit, healthcare, education, government, and ministry settings.

Who Should Apply?

This program is designed for:

Experienced professionals seeking senior leadership roles
Organizational leaders who want to influence strategy and culture
Nonprofit or ministry leaders seeking advanced leadership training
Educators and administrators pursuing leadership positions
Professionals interested in applied research and consulting

Applicants must have a completed master’s degree from an accredited institution and should have professional leadership experience.

The SBU Advantage

Faith-Integrated Leadership

As a Christ-centered institution, Southwest Baptist University prepares students to lead with integrity, humility, and service. Students explore how biblical principles inform leadership, ethical decision-making, and organizational stewardship.

Graduates are equipped to become servant leaders who influence organizations and communities for the greater good.

Dissertation and Applied Research

Students will complete a doctoral dissertation focused on solving a real organizational leadership challenge. This process allows students to contribute new knowledge to the field while addressing practical leadership problems in their professional context.

Ed.D. Organizational Leadership (49 credit hours)

Ed.D. Graduate Business CORE Requirements (31 hours)

LDR 7233	Risk Management	3
CIS 7153	Applied AI for Problem Solving	3
BUS 7043	Ethics & Critical Thinking in Business Administration	3
BUS 7003	Strategic Human Resource Leadership	3
LDR 7223	Financial Management of Nonprofit Organizations	3
EAD 8033	Advanced Research and Ethics	3
EAD 8043	Advanced Statistics and Instrument Design	3
EAD 8022	Dissertation Development 1	2
EAD 8032	Dissertation Development 2	2
EAD 8073	Directed Research	6
Total Hours		31

Organizational Leadership and Development

BUS 5203	Advanced Data Analytics	3
LDR 5103	Organization as Learning Communities	3
LDR 5113	Strategic Thinking	3
LDR 5123	Developing Dynamic Teams	3
LDR 5153	Leading in Active Learning Environments	3
MGT 5013	Managerial Communications	3
Total Hours		18

Nonprofit Leadership

BUS 5203	Advanced Data Analytics	3
LDR 5143	Nonprofit Leadership	3
LDR 5133	Emotional Intelligence	3
LDR 5213	Governance & Admin of Nonprofit Organizations	3
LDR 5153	Leading in Active Learning Environments	3
MKT 5023	Advanced Strategic Marketing & Competitive Positioning	3
Total Hours		18

NOTE: This is a proposed guideline. Please check the catalog and see your advisor for your final degree requirements.
Southwest Baptist University reserves the right to make changes to degree plans without advanced notice or obligation.
The student is responsible for understanding and completing all general education, degree, departmental and graduation requirements.

Sample Ed.D. Organizational Leadership Course Plans

Graduate Plans by Concentration

Ed.D. Organizational Leadership and Development

Ed.D. Organizational Leadership Nonprofit Leadership

SBU Discover Core Curriculum

Learn More About Earning your Ed.D. Degree

If you are ready to continue your education with an Ed.D., apply today or contact us to learn more about the application and admissions process, cost and financial aid, and more.

Talk to Admissions

To learn more about the Ed.D. program and the admissions process, contact Ashton Rogers at (417) 327-5556 or arogers@sbuniv.edu.

Apply Now