Frequently Asked Questions

The PhD Leadership program prepares students to work in nearly any industry.

Our article, What Can You Do With a PhD in Leadership Studies? compares the skills, salary and work environment of potential careers for individuals with a PhD in Leadership Studies.

All SOLES graduate and doctoral students are required to complete an international experience.

To be a great leader today, you must effectively communicate with people of all backgrounds and experiences. The PhD program explores the nuances of leadership from a global perspective across disciplines so that graduates are prepared to be leaders who drive social change and work for the equity and inclusion of all.

The path to a doctoral degree requires commitment and dedication. Students considering a doctorate should take time to reflect on what they hope to achieve. You’ll need to set a realistic schedule and be prepared to work on weekends and holidays amidst your other social and professional responsibilities. This added time commitment can seem overwhelming, which is why passion for the field and topic is so important. It is also important to work with your advisor and peers to learn about managing the workload.

SOLES Student Ambassadors are a great resource to help gain perspective on the expectations and rewards of being a doctoral candidate.

No. Classes are held in-person at the University of San Diego campus weekday evenings from approximately 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Full-time students take two classes per semester (6 units).

This program is a cohort modeled program with a full-time course load for a doctoral student, which is 6 units per semester. Many students will continue to work full-time as classes are in the evening. Other students work part-time at USD or elsewhere.

This is common at the early stages of a doctoral applicant's journey. The admissions committee is interested in learning about one or two research topics that you may want to investigate as part of your research.

In your statement of purpose, it is helpful to reference how the work of SOLES doctoral faculty intersects with those research interests. If accepted to the program, your research will likely change or develop over time with the guidance of your faculty advisor.

Doctoral candidates at SOLES have many free resources to support their academic journey. Visit the Supporting Aspiring Scholars (SAS) page to learn about academic support for doctoral students.

Assistantships will always include an hourly rate and may include scholarships that can be applied towards tuition in any semester within the academic year during which they are awarded. Scholarship funds are taxable and the funds do not provide for the cost of books or fees.

Applicants and current PhD students are informed of available positions and application processes as soon as they open. The hiring process for the next academic year may begin as early as the campus visit day for admitted students and may continue throughout the year.

Hours will vary by position and are typically between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. with occasional nights and weekends.

Yes, however, student assistantships are limited to 25 hours a week and cannot exceed more than 1000 hours in a calendar year. Students should seek counsel and permission from their supervisor before applying for any other paid work.

Yes, contracts are renewable depending on the availability of assistantships.