Coursework
Ph.D. in Leadership Studies
Department of Leadership Studies
Program of Study
Overview
Collaborative leadership calls for a style that employs both personal and professional skills such as the ability to establish mission and direction; elicit and cultivate cooperation; and empower institutions, organizations and communities to achieve greater levels of quality, effectiveness, and flexibility.
History
For over 30 years, the University of San Diego's School of Leadership and Education Sciences has provided doctoral candidates the conceptual and practical tools needed to make consequential contributions in a variety of academic and professional disciplines. The program is grounded in a theoretical framework designed to challenge our students' perspectives of successful leadership practices and strategies, and provide them with the ability to affect positive and sustainable change in our global community.
Doctoral Program
In 1982, we awarded our first Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership Studies and now boast over 300 alumni of that program. In 2006, we received approval to offer the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Leadership Studies. The leadership doctoral program is characterized by a rich diversity of people who share a commitment to upholding the highest standards of intellectual inquiry and academic freedom. The program includes a common core of studies in leadership theory and practice, as well as courses, internships, projects, and independent studies oriented toward the specific needs of each participant.
By offering an education rooted in critical analysis and reflection, our candidates have the opportunity to:
- Inspire a clear, mutual vision; one that integrates individual and organizational aspirations for sustained performance and continuous improvement;
- Develop skill sets that empower them to mobilize the forces of inclusion and diversity for the attainment of organizational objectives;
- Apply theoretical concepts to organizational systems; thinking critically to assess current and/or continuing problems, and employ acquired tools of inquiry to facilitate positive change;
- Develop new levels of insight and self-awareness regarding their strengths and challenges as a leader;
- Become part of a collaborative community that allows doctoral candidates to learn from their peers, support one another, and develop habits and practices that facilitate future professional growth;
- Develop the resources and flexibility to pursue a dynamic range of dissertation topics;
- Take advantage of paid graduate assistantships offered in: assessment, nonprofit leadership and management, teaching leadership, community college leadership, and global education;
- Benefit from the small class size and personalized attention from dedicated faculty; and
- Use the applied learning opportunities available from our institutes and centers:
International Experience
At SOLES, all masters and doctoral students participate in an international experience designed to support the growth of cultural competency. Our goal is to inform best practices in working with culturally diverse populations locally, nationally and globally.
For many students, this experience will include a one- to two-week, faculty-led course abroad. For students who prefer to stay in southern California, this experience may be fulfilled through research or coursework on international issues. Service trips and site visits across the border in Tijuana are offered regularly.
Courses with an international component include:
- Community Models of Leadership: From Noticing to Mindful Action in Sri Lanka (Summer 2012)
- International Education and School Change in Chile (Intersession 2013)
- Nonprofits and Civil Society in Guatemala (Intersession 2013)
- Exercising Leadership for the Common Good in South Africa (Summer 2013)
- Models of Participatory Leadership in Mondragon, Spain (Summer 2012, 2013)
Curriculum
Leadership Core Curriculum (18 units)
This component offers an interdisciplinary and multicultural opportunity to study leadership. The six courses (18 units) are designed to enable the doctoral student to explore, understand, and critique theories, concepts, competencies, and values/ethics related to leadership. In the process, students are encouraged to develop and to critically explore specific strategies for implementing these philosophies. Generally, students take LEAD 600 and LEAD 602 at the outset of the program.
| COURSE NUMBER | COURSE TITLE | GRADUATE UNITS |
|---|---|---|
| LEAD 600 | Leadership Theory | 3 |
| LEAD 601 | Organizational Theory and Change | 3 |
| LEAD 602 | Leadership, Inquiry and Research I | 3 |
| LEAD 603 | Ethics and Leadership | 3 |
| LEAD 604 | The Policy-Making Process | 3 |
| LEAD 605 | Adult Development | 3 |
Research and Evaluation (15 units)
The purpose of the research and evaluation component is to enable the student to develop research knowledge and skills and apply these to a successful completion of a doctoral dissertation.
| COURSE NUMBER | COURSE TITLE | GRADUATE UNITS |
|---|---|---|
| LEAD 606 | Leadership, Inquiry and Research II | 3 |
| LEAD 607 | Applied Statistics and Quantitative Research Methods | 3 |
| LEAD 608 | Qualitative Research Methods | 3 |
Advanced Research (3 units)
Students must take one of the below advanced research courses as part of their research component.
| COURSE NUMBER | COURSE TITLE | GRADUATE UNITS |
|---|---|---|
| LEAD 612 | Advanced Qualitative Research Methods | 3 |
| LEAD 613 | Advanced Quantitative Research Methods | 3 |
Research Elective (3 units)
Students may choose one of the below courses to complete their research requirement. Additional courses may be approved by the department.
| COURSE NUMBER | COURSE TITLE | GRADUATE UNITS |
|---|---|---|
| LEAD 582 | Survey Research Methods | 3 |
| LEAD 612 | Advanced Qualitative Research Methods | 3 |
| LEAD 613 | Advanced Quantitative Research Methods | 3 |
| LEAD 579 | Action Research Methods | 3 |
| LEAD 579 | Grounded Theory and Ethnography | 3 |
| LEAD 579 | Special Topics in Research | 3 |
Area of Specialization (18 units)
An important aspect of the doctorate in Leadership Studies is the Area of Specialization requirement which enables each student to design an 18-unit sequence of courses that will help the student develop knowledge and skills in a specific area of interest. Students are encouraged to take an Internship (LEAD 698) as part of their Area of Specialization Component.
Listed below are examples of courses relevant to our four areas of specialization. Please note that these lists are neither prescriptive nor exhaustive. Students select their specialization coursework in consultation with their faculty advisor and may choose to pursue an individualized specialization by selecting coursework in multiple areas of specialization.
Examples of courses relevant to PK-12 Public/Private School Leadership
- LEAD 552: School Law (or LWFC 530 Education Law in the School of Law)
- LEAD 581: Special Topics in Leadership Studies (e.g., Spotlight Series, ELDA Summer Institute)
- LEAD 620: Seminar on the Law and Politics of Educational Policy Development
- EDUC 501: Family, School, and Community Partnerships
- EDUC 511: Educational Reform
- EDUC 581: Multicultural and Philosophical Foundations of Education
- LWVL 520: Child Rights and Remedies (School of Law)
- LEAD 698: Internship
Examples of courses relevant to Higher Education Leadership
- LEAD 530: Creative Leadership - Assessment, Challenge & Support (1 unit)
- LEAD 535: Models of Participatory Leadership
- LEAD 565: Dynamics of Race, Gender and Culture in H.E.
- LEAD 569: Meaning Making and the Collegiate Experience
- LEAD 571: History, Theories and Philosophies of Higher Education
- LEAD 573: Economics of Education
- LEAD 575: The Community College
- LEAD 576: Community College Leadership
- LEAD 577: Higher Education Policy
- LEAD 578: Higher Education Administration
- LEAD 580: Consulting to Groups
- LEAD 585: Leadership for Change
- COUN 515: Multiculutral Counseling
- COUN 525: Group Dynamics
- LEAD 698: Internship
Examples of courses relevant to Nonprofit/Philanthropic Leadership
- LEAD XXX:* Nonprofit and Philanthropic Studies: A Seminar on the Field’s Emerging Research and Knowledge Base
- LEAD XXX:* Contemporary Issues in the Nonprofit/Nongovernmental Sector
- LEAD 609: Evaluation Theory and Methods
- LEAD 501: Nonprofit Sector and Management Fundamentals
- LEAD 613: Advanced Quantitative Research
- LEAD 612: Advanced Qualitative Research
- LEAD 582: Survey Research
- LEAD XXX:* Nonprofit Research Practicum**
* These courses require permission from the Nonprofit Program Coordinator
Examples of courses relevant to Organizational Leadership/Consulting
- LEAD 530: Creative Leadership - Assessment, Challenge & Support (1 unit)
- LEAD 535: Models of Participatory Leadership
- LEAD 579: Situational Leadership
- LEAD 580: Consulting to Groups
- LEAD 585: Leadership for Change
- LEAD 698: Internship
- LEAD XXX: Purpose-Based Consulting (Modules I, II, and III)**
**Course has not been assigned a permanent course number yet and will run as LEAD 579 until a number is assigned.
Dissertation (12 units)
| COURSE NUMBER | COURSE TITLE | GRADUATE UNITS |
|---|---|---|
| LEAD 610 | Dissertation Seminar | 3 |
| LEAD 695 | Dissertation | 9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the program take me?
Full-time students complete their degree in 4-5 years. Part-time students complete their degree in 5-6 years.
How many units are included?
This program consists of 63 Graduate Units.
When are classes scheduled?
Each class typically meets once per week at 5:30 or 6:00 p.m. for 2 hours and 50 minutes. Summer and intersession classes typically hold more frequent class meetings. Students typically take 1-3 classes per semester and may take summer and intersession coursework.
Please note that electives taken in other departments may not follow this class schedule.
Can I work while completing this program?
Yes. Classes are scheduled in the evenings and occasionally on weekends. Many students work full-time or part-time while completing this program.
