Organizational Leadership and Learning, Ph.D.

• Proven success: 100% of WMU educational leadership graduates were employed or continuing education within three months of graduation.
• Flexible pathways: Designed for working professionals, the program offers flexible scheduling options and individualized research opportunities.
• Cross-sector relevance: Prepare for leadership roles across business, nonprofit, education, and governmental organizations—wherever effective leadership and learning are essential.
• Expert faculty: Learn from nationally recognized faculty who combine research expertise with real-world organizational experience.
• Research-driven, practice-focused: Gain the skills to lead change, improve systems, and drive innovation through applied research and organizational learning.
• Supportive community: Join a diverse network of peers and mentors dedicated to ethical, inclusive, and globally minded leadership.

The Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership and Learning combines a strong foundation in leadership theory, organizational analysis, and advanced research methods to prepare students for transformational leadership across a wide range of educational and organizational settings.

Students begin with courses focused on leadership systems, organizational change, and the theories that shape effective, ethical leadership in complex environments. Through the professional inquiry and research core, students deepen their understanding of qualitative and quantitative methodologies while engaging in data analytics, program evaluation, and applied research that culminates in a dissertation.

The program also emphasizes organizational analysis, exploring culture, policy, equity, ethics, and large-scale systems change. Coursework integrates both theory and practice, allowing students to examine real-world challenges, design innovative solutions, and lead learning organizations toward meaningful, sustainable improvement.

• Cost of attendance
• Scholarships
• CEHD assistantships
• WMU assistantships
• Grants
• Loans
• Employer-paid tuition
• Military and veterans

• Masters degree from an accredited institution, indicated on an official transcript.
• An overall grade point average of at least 3.0 for all graduate work undertaken beyond the bachelor’s degree.
• Official transcripts as required by WMU.
• Career and professional goals written narrative in which an applicant describes their professional goals, and how this doctoral program fits with those goals.
• Graduate reference forms completed by the different individuals who can address an applicant’s ability to successfully complete doctoral-level work.
• A professional curriculum vitae or resume.
• A complete application is due by January 15 for a Fall start or September 15 for a Spring start