EdD Organizational Leadership

The University of La Verne’s Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership program is renowned for developing scholarly practitioners who understand and apply theory to practice in a variety of venues, including education, business, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. The doctoral program is recognized for its exceptional completion rate and the success of its graduates who have distinguished themselves in their professional fields.

The EdD program consists of 54 units or 18 courses that focus on leadership core topics and research. University of La Verne’s faculty are committed to helping students succeed and provide hands-on organizational experience.

Courses are offered through a hybrid format to provide maximum convenience and flexibility, and Learning Groups meet at several locations throughout Southern California and virtually.

The EdD curriculum includes a different aspect of leadership focus for every year of study. Year one builds the base through topics on personal/interpersonal development and leadership theory. Year two builds on the personal to include working with others in teams and groups. Year three expands further to look at organizations and systems and change management. In the third year of study, students also begin to focus on their dissertation. Overall, students study the personal and interpersonal areas of leadership, learn to build leadership in groups and teams, and develop organizational skills over the course of three years.

Though offered through the La Verne Campus, the program is delivered through a combination of in-person and virtual coursework. Students attend some classes on-campus but also participate in virtual learning sessions, which accommodate busy, working professionals.

In addition to the hybrid learning format, the program also has faculty-led Learning Groups with students grouped by geographic region (virtual groups exist, too). Learning Groups are smaller units of 8 to 12 students that combine all three cohort years together. Each Learning Group is led by a qualified and experienced group leader who is part of the EdD program. The Learning Groups meet during the semesters to build community, provide peer support, and connection points to support each student on their doctoral path. The group leader also provides coaching and advisement throughout the program.

Classes such as Conflict Management, Decision Making, and Organizational Development teach key leadership skills that prepare professionals for real-life applications outside of the classroom. More than 80 percent of students in this program experience job advancement before graduation. Hundreds of graduates now hold superintendent roles or positions in higher education. Graduates have also gone on to pursue careers in healthcare, law enforcement, and industry.

Since 1976, the University of La Verne’s EdD in Organizational Leadership has prepared individuals to be value-centered, visionary, and authentic leaders who inspire trust and collaboration.