Leadership PhD programs prepare students to work in nearly any industry. Most often, students seeking a doctorate in leadership studies are interested in a career in academia, but it’s not the only option.
Because of its multidisciplinary nature, a leadership degree instills graduates with the listening, introspection and critical thinking skills required in a wide range of fields. Read on to learn more about how a PhD in Leadership will prepare you to drive innovation and foster positive change in your preferred profession and your community.
What are the Benefits of Studying Leadership?
Leadership PhD programs are designed to give candidates the skills, theoretical frameworks and hands-on practice necessary to positively impact organizations and communities. As an academic field, leadership studies draws upon theories and applications from psychology, political science, sociology and management to better understand the qualities and nature of leadership.
This multidisciplinary approach prepares students to be effective leaders in many industries, including government, research and analytics, training and development, consulting, academia and more.
What Career Can I Have With a PhD in Leadership Studies?
A doctorate degree in leadership studies instills graduates with the listening, introspection, emotional intelligence and critical thinking skills necessary for success in a wide range of fields. Students emerge from a leadership PhD program prepared to address problems, seize opportunities, drive innovation and foster positive change.
A PhD in Leadership Studies prepares graduates for a variety of careers, including:
- CEO
- Superintendent of a School District
- Chief of Police
- Leadership Consultant
- Chief of Staff
- Professor
- College President
- Dean of Students
- Foundation President
- Education Researcher
- Human Resources Management
Use the chart below to compare the skills, salary and work environment of potential careers for individuals with a PhD in Leadership Studies.
| University Professor | School Principal | CEO | |
| Mean Annual Salary (2021) | $79,640 | $98,420 | $179,520 |
| Key Skills | Critical thinking, resourcefulness, interpersonal skills, speaking and writing skills. | Communication, critical thinking, decision making, interpersonal, leadership and problem-solving skills. | Communication, decision making, leadership, time management and problem-solving skills. |
| Work Environment | Post-secondary educators may work in colleges, universities, professional schools and junior colleges. | Elementary and secondary school principles oversee all school operations, including daily school activities. | CEOs and other top executives work in nearly every industry for large and small organizations. Travel is common. |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
In the pursuit of a PhD in Leadership Studies at SOLES, students choose an existing specialization or create their own specialty based on their goals and interests.
Each specialization offers students a path to a leadership position within their industry or a career in academia as a researcher, faculty member or administrator.
Choosing the Best Specialization for Your Goals
In each specialization at SOLES, students take a customized track of courses that suits the unique way each student seeks to drive positive change in the world.
In addition to the option to create an individualized specialization, SOLES offers the following specialized programs:
- Higher Education Leadership
- Nonprofit and Philanthropic Leadership
- Coaching and Organizational Consulting
- Educational Leadership for Innovation and Social Justice
The specialization you choose can help you determine what you will do with your doctoral degree.
Higher Education Leadership
The importance of forward-thinking leaders in higher education cannot be underestimated. Students who specialize in higher education leadership are prepared to work in colleges and universities as members of the faculty, researchers or a variety of leadership roles. Alumni in this specialization have gone on to serve in roles including:
- Assistant Dean
- Associate Vice President of Student Life
- College President
- Dean of Enrollment Services
- Dean of Students
- Professor
- Vice Chancellor
Nonprofit and Philanthropic Leadership
Students in the nonprofit and philanthropic leadership specialization develop a thorough understanding of leadership in the for-profit, governmental, and nonprofit/nongovernmental organization (NGO) sectors. The skills developed in this specialization prepares students to both lead organizations and teach related courses at the college level. Alumni in this specialization have gone on to serve in roles including:
- Professor
- Executive Director
- Foundation President
- Nonprofit Organizational Consultant
- Program Director
Coaching and Organizational Consulting
Students who focus their PhD in leadership and coaching learn to become effective agents of change in any industry. The coaching and organizational consulting specialization gives students the skills to conduct original research and use empirical evidence to improve their practice and lead innovation. Alumni in this specialization have gone on to serve in roles including:
- CEO
- Chief of Police
- Leadership Consultant
- President
- Professor
Educational Leadership for Innovation and Social Justice
Students in the educational leadership for innovation and social justice specialization deepen their leadership capacity and expand professional opportunities to address the needs of students. The program requires students to demonstrate significant interest and experience related to K-12 education, and prepares graduates for careers as education administrators, faculty members and more. Alumni in this specialization have gone on to serve in roles including:
- Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum
- Director of Assessment
- Executive Director
- Head of School
- Superintendent of a school district
- Teacher Education Department Chair
Find Your Leadership Style in the Leadership PhD Program at USD SOLES
A doctorate in leadership is the perfect way to take your career to the next level — whether that’s by pursuing something new in academia or advancing to a leadership position within your industry or organization.
A PhD in leadership studies from USD SOLES will prepare you to become an ethical leader who drives meaningful change in your industry or community. The possibilities of what you can do with a PhD in leadership studies are nearly endless. After all, great leaders are needed everywhere.
If you’re ready to learn more about how you can become an effective leader and agent of change, our latest guide is for you. Download Inclusive Leadership for Social Change: A Guide to USD’s PhD in Leadership Studies today to learn more.
