Our program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering a diverse array of coursework, research, and practical engagements designed to develop the essential leadership skills needed for effective management within complex organizational systems.
The program culminates in an intensive Organizational Practice Dissertation, where candidates demonstrate their ability to apply leadership principles to real-world challenges through an in-depth organizational case study and presentation to academic and professional audiences.
Requirements for the Degree
A grade of less than “B-” is not acceptable for credit in this program, and the courses in which the grade was earned will not count toward the doctoral degree. USD's policy on repetition of courses will be enforced.
I. Coursework - 48 units
All courses are required for all students; courses taken at other institutions may not be substituted. Students will progress through coursework in a cohort.
Course Code Course Title | Units | |
|---|---|---|
LEAD 670A | Self, Groups and Systems: Systems Thinking and Organizational Dynamics | 1 |
LEAD 670B | Self, Groups and Systems: Systems Thinking and Organizational Dynamics | 1 |
LEAD 670C | Self, Groups and Systems: Systems Thinking and Organizational Dynamics | 1 |
LEAD 671A | Foundations of Organizational Leadership | 1 |
LEAD 671B | Foundations of Organizational Leadership | 1 |
LEAD 671C | Foundations of Organizational Leadership | 1 |
LEAD 672A | Critical Thinking and Research Methods I | 1 |
LEAD 672B | Critical Thinking and Research Methods I | 1 |
LEAD 672C | Critical Thinking and Research Methods I | 1 |
LEAD 673 | Human Relations for Leaders | 3 |
LEAD 674A | Organizational Assessment and Performance Improvement | 1 |
LEAD 674B | Organizational Assessment and Performance Improvement | 1 |
LEAD 674C | Organizational Assessment and Performance Improvement | 1 |
LEAD 675A | Leading Change in Complex Organizations | 1 |
LEAD 675B | Leading Change in Complex Organizations | 1 |
LEAD 675C | Leading Change in Complex Organizations | 1 |
LEAD 676A | Sustainable Organizational Leadership | 1 |
LEAD 676B | Sustainable Organizational Leadership | 1 |
LEAD 676C | Sustainable Organizational Leadership | 1 |
LEAD 677A | Organizational Consulting | 1 |
LEAD 677B | Organizational Consulting | 1 |
LEAD 677C | Organizational Consulting | 1 |
LEAD 678A | Critical Thinking and Research Methods II | 1 |
LEAD 678B | Critical Thinking and Research Methods II | 1 |
LEAD 678C | Critical Thinking and Research Methods II | 1 |
LEAD 680 | Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leadership | 3 |
LEAD 681A | Policy as System Level Change | 1 |
LEAD 681B | Policy as System Level Change | 1 |
LEAD 681C | Policy as System Level Change | 1 |
LEAD 682A | People and Structure | 1 |
LEAD 682B | People and Structure | 1 |
LEAD 682C | People and Structure | 1 |
LEAD 691A | Collaborative Learning Module | 1 |
LEAD 691B | Collaborative Learning Module | 1 |
LEAD 691C | Collaborative Learning Module | 1 |
LEAD 692A | Collaborative Learning Module | 1 |
LEAD 692B | Collaborative Learning Module | 1 |
LEAD 692C | Collaborative Learning Module | 1 |
LEAD 693A | Proseminar I | 1 |
LEAD 693B | Proseminar I | 1 |
LEAD 694 | Proseminar II | 4 |
II. Continuous Enrollment
After completing all required 48 units, candidates must register for a minimum of 1 unit of LEAD 696 - Proseminar Continuation each semester (Spring, Summer and Fall) to maintain candidacy until the final, approved dissertation is submitted to the Office of the Registrar and the Dissertation Presentation has been completed.
III. International Requirement
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. This program has a minimum of one embedded course taught in an international location that will meet this requirement.
IV. Advancement to Candidacy
Students advance to candidacy after completing the first required 33 units, including all six Collaborative Learning Modules, and have submitted written permission from an official representing the organization central to their study.
V. Dissertation
Students must submit the approve written dissertation to the university.
Students must present their dissertation study to both academic and professional communities.
Questions?
Connect with the Office of Admissions and Outreach team to learn more information about SOLES master's and doctoral programs. Additional information for international applicants is also available.