Ph.D. in Leadership Studies
Program Information
The Basics
Degree: Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership Studies
Specializations Available:
- Higher Education Leadership
- K-12 Public/Private School Leadership
- Nonprofit Leadership and Management
- Organizational Leadership/Consulting
- Individualized program
Approximate Time to Completion:
- Full Time: 4 - 5 years
- Part Time: 5 - 6 years
Units: 63 Graduate Units
Class Schedule
Each class typically meets once per week at 5:30 or 6:00 p.m. for 2 hours and 50 minutes. Some classes are offered on weekend days. Summer and intersession classes typically hold more frequent class meetings. Most doctoral students take 1-2 classes per semester as well as summer and intersession coursework.
Enrollment
This program enrolls approximately 20 new students each year.
Application Deadline
This program admits students for the fall semester. Click here for application deadline information.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available in the form of scholarships, grants, and student loans. Click here for information on financial aid.
What can I do with this degree?
This program prepares students for leadership positions in a wide variety of settings, including (but not limited to) in education, academia, consulting, and the nonprofit sector. Information on where our alumni are employed and their research interests can be found on the department website.
For more program information, visit the department website.
Application Checklist
- The University of San Diego Graduate School Admission Application. This application can be completed online at: www.sandiego.edu/admissions/graduate/apply/application.php
- The application fee of $45. Checks should be made out to the University of San Diego.
- One official sealed transcript from all colleges and universities attended.
- One official score report with the results of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test.
- Three professional letters of recommendation from professors or employers.
- A current resume.
- Statement of purpose. In four single-spaced pages:
- Discuss leadership experiences you have had in the past and/or academic work done relevant to the study of leadership.
- Describe your professional and/or personal goals and indicate how these relate to getting a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Leadership Studies.
- Discuss a specific leadership-related topic that you might want to investigate as part of your Doctoral studies.
- Required documents for international students (if applicable).
- Official score reports for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
- Transcript Evaluation Report.
- Certification of Finances Form and required documentation.
Requirements for Admission
Standardized Testing Requirements
- Applicants must provide scores from the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test. Scores must be less than five years old.
- The University of San Diego’s Institution Code number is 4849. This number must be included on test registration forms in order to have the official results sent to the university. Tests must be taken well in advance of the deadline.
Education Requirements
- Applicants must complete a bachelor’s degree and a master’s or J.D. degree prior to beginning the program.
- The minimum cumulative Grade Point Average is 3.50 (on a 4.00 scale) in all graduate coursework.
Experience Requirements
- Professional experience is strongly recommended.
Interview Requirements
- The most qualified applicants will be invited to a group interview. Not all applicants will be invited to interview. Applicants selected for an interview will be notified via email.
Requirements for International Applicants
Please note that international applicants must submit additional materials in order to be considered for admission. More information on these requirements is available here.
- A Course-by-Course Transcript Evaluation Report from World Education Services (WES) or Education Credential Evaluators (ECE). Transcripts issued directly in English by the academic institution are preferred. Otherwise, all transcripts that are not issued in English must be officially translated by an approved agency.
- The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required and may only be waived if English is the applicant’s primary language or if he or she obtained a bachelor’s degree in the U.S., Great Britain, Canada or Australia.
- TOEFL minimum scores:
- Internet-based test: 83
- Computer-based test: 237
- Paper-based test: 580
- IELTS minimum score:
- Band score 7
- TOEFL minimum scores:
- Certification of Finances Form and required documentation.
Deadline to Apply
All application materials, including transcripts, test score reports and letters of recommendation, must be received by the Office of Graduate Admissions by the deadline in order for your application to be considered. The current deadlines for admission to this program can be found here.
Application Status and Decisions
To confirm that application materials have been received or to check the status of your application, please log in to the MySanDiego portal with your applicant log-in or contact the Office of Graduate Admissions at 619-260-4524. Admissions decision letters are sent via US Mail.
| Send all application materials to: | For questions about this program or the admissions requirements contact: |
Office of Graduate Admissions Phone: (619) 260-4524 |
Office of Admissions and Outreach Phone: (619) 260-7988 |
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