online phd organizational behavior

Tepper School of Business

Ph.D. Program in Organizational Behavior and Theory

Interdisciplinary approach & methodological rigor.

Understanding human behavior in organizations and solving problems requires the integration of a variety of social science and related disciplines. A distinguishing feature of the Tepper School's OBT Ph.D. program is the broad interdisciplinary training it provides across an array of areas (e.g., psychology, sociology, economics, strategy, and computer and data science). Not only do OBT doctoral students interact with other students and faculty within the Tepper School of Business, through cross-registration in courses and participation in colloquia, OBT doctoral students also have opportunities to interact with students and faculty in departments such as Engineering and Public Policy, Human-Computer Interaction, Social and Decision Sciences, Psychology and a variety of departments at the University of Pittsburgh. A cornerstone of the OBT Ph.D. program is its methodological training and rigor. From computer science courses in machine learning and AI to courses in advanced statistical methods, students develop a deep understanding of analytical methods and tools.

Collaborative Culture

A small number of students are accepted into the group each year, with a total of about 10 OBT doctoral students in residence. Student-faculty relationships are close, which permits the tailoring of the program of study to fit the background and career goals of the individual.

Course of Study

Our program emphasizes preparation for careers in scholarly research, and graduates of the program usually pursue careers in academic or research institutions. During their course of study, students have the opportunity to engage with faculty in doctoral seminars and joint research, meet with visiting scholars, and interact with other faculty and students across campus. We prepare our graduates to be competitive on the academic job market by getting them involved in research from Day 1.  Program requirements include the successful completion of two research-based papers in the first and second years of the program, qualifying exams, a “minor” area requirement and a doctoral dissertation.  

Research Specializations

Diversity, inclusion, and human capital.

Diversity is at the core of many important organizational problems and many of our OBT faculty make important contributions to the growing knowledge base on diversity and its impact on individual, group, and organizational outcomes.

FACULTY RESEARCH INTERESTS

• Rosalind Chow: gender and promotion processes
• Oliver Hahl: gender, race, and cultural capital effects on supply and demand for human capital in markets (i.e., hiring and career outcomes)
• Denise Rousseau: the employment relationship, evidence-based management
• Catherine Shea: gender issues in management, advice seeking, interpersonal dynamics
• Laurie Weingart: gender and non-promotable tasks in the workplace, gender and negotiation, interdisciplinary teams
• Anita Williams Woolley: gender diversity, cognitive diversity and team collective intelligence

Ethics and Justice

Unethical and unjust behaviors are costly to organizations and society. The OBT group in the Tepper School has three members with expertise in the areas of business ethics and social justice (Aven, Chow, and Cohen). The Tepper School is also home to ethics scholar Tae Wan Kim, whose research takes philosophical perspectives on business ethics.

• Brandy Aven: relational attributes of fraud and corruption
• Rosalind Chow: perceptions of and responses to social inequality
• Taya Cohen: interpersonal misconduct, workplace deviance, moral character, guilt, shame, trust and trustworthiness
• Tae Wan Kim: artificial Intelligence ethics, future of work, business ethics

Groups and Teams

The OBT group in the Tepper School houses three scholars who are leaders in the areas of groups and teams (Argote, Weingart, and Woolley) and others whose work is directly relevant (Aven, Chow, Cohen, and Hahl). The Tepper School and Carnegie Mellon more broadly host several other faculty who work in this area (Carley, Kiesler, and Krackhardt). We regularly graduate students who conduct research on groups and teams.

• Linda Argote: learning, transactive memory and knowledge transfer within and between groups
• Brandy Aven: networked teams
• Rosalind Chow: power and status within/between groups, impacts of diversity on group functioning and performance
• Taya Cohen: cooperation and conflict within and between groups, pathways to status and leadership in groups
• Oliver Hahl: perceptions of status, authenticity and identity within/between groups
• Laurie Weingart: conflict in teams, multiparty negotiation, negotiation and group dynamics
• Anita Woolley: collective intelligence, team strategic orientation, team performance

Knowledge Transfer and Learning in a Technologically-Driven World

The OBT group in the Tepper School includes scholars whose work has been foundational to the field of organizational learning (Argote) and includes four other scholars who are substantially engaged in the growing body of work on knowledge transfer and learning (Aven, Hahl, Lee, and Woolley). Reflecting the Tepper School's focus on the intersection of business and technology, faculty research involves responses to rapid change, coordination of work distributed across time and place, organizational learning. Our work also connects to scholars working in related areas in Information Systems (Mukhopadhyay and Singh) and Economics (Epple) at the Tepper School, as well as researchers at Heinz (Krishnan), Engineering (Fuchs), and Computer Science (Carley, Dabbish, and Rose) at Carnegie Mellon, also conduct research relevant to learning.

• Linda Argote: transactive memory systems, knowledge transfer, organizational learning, the effects of technology on learning and knowledge transfer
• Brandy Aven: transactive memory systems, the effects of technology on networked systems for learning and knowledge transfer
• Oliver Hahl: learning and knowledge transfer, effect on firm performance
• Sunkee Lee: organizational learning, effect of the spatial design of workplaces and incentive systems on organizational learning, knowledge transfer, exploration vs. exploitation, learning from own and others’ experiences
• Anita Woolley: learning and collective intelligence in groups and organizations, increasing collective intelligence in human-computer systems

Networks and Organizations

Research on the formation and consequences of social networks in organizations and markets have become central to our understanding of how organizations and markets work. The OBT group in the Tepper School hosts four scholars who work on important areas related to the role of social networks in organizations (Argote, Aven, Hahl, and Shea). Researchers at Heinz (Krackhardt) and Computer Science (Carley) at Carnegie Mellon, also conduct research in areas that inform our knowledge of social networks as well as the methodologies employed to distinguish their antecedents and effects.

• Linda Argote: learning and knowledge transfer through social networks
• Brandy Aven: formation of social networks, persistence (or not) of social networks, learning and deviance within social networks, knowledge sharing in social networks
• Oliver Hahl: identity in social networks, perceptions of brokers in networks, organizational networks and individual performance
• David Krackhardt: social network analysis theories and methods, informal organizations
• Catherine Shea: social network cognition, network formation, experimental methods in social networks

Entrepreneurial and Organizational Strategy

The “Carnegie School” has long influenced research on strategy, particularly by looking at the microfoundations of strategic selection, implementation, and performance. The OBT group in the Tepper School hosts four scholars who work on important areas in firm strategy (Argote, Aven, Hahl, and Lee) that all tie back to the Carnegie School’s foundations in the Behavioral Theory of the Firm . Additionally, scholars in Economics and Marketing (Miller, Epple and Derdenger) at the Tepper School and in the Engineering and Public Policy school at Carnegie Mellon (Fuchs and Armanios) also collaborate in research with Tepper faculty and students research in areas that inform organizational theory, entrepreneurial strategy, firm strategy selection and implementation, and firm performance.

• Linda Argote: organizational learning and capability development, micro foundations of strategy and firm performance, behavioral theories of strategy
• Brandy Aven: entrepreneurial strategies, entrepreneurial teams, behavioral theories of entrepreneurship and strategy
• Oliver Hahl: identity-based strategies, categories, diversification, status and authenticity in markets, human capital management and firm performance, microfoundations of strategy and firm performance, behavioral theories of strategy
• Sunkee Lee: organization design, exploration/exploitation, incentives, spatial design, response to performance feedback, firm acquisition behavior and performance, microfoundations of strategy and firm performance, behavioral theories of strategy

P lease visit our Ph.D. Student Profiles page t o view the profiles of our current doctoral candidates.

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Organizational Behavior

• Technology & Operations Management
• Program Requirements

Scholars in the doctoral program in Organizational Behavior at Harvard Business School are prepared to pursue an interdisciplinary inquiry into issues that are broadly related to the functioning of individuals within groups, at either the micro or macro level. Graduates of our program go on to become the leading researchers and thinkers in organizational behavior, shaping the field and advancing theoretical understanding in posts at schools of management or in disciplinary departments.

The Organizational Behavior program is jointly administered by the faculty of Harvard Business School and the Department of Sociology in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and students have the opportunity to work with faculty from both the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and Harvard Business School.

Curriculum & Coursework

Our program offers two distinct tracks, with research focused either on the micro or macro level. Students who choose to focus on micro organizational behavior take a psychological approach to the study of interpersonal relationships within organizations and groups, and the effects that groups have on individuals. In macro organizational behavior, scholars use sociological methods to examine the organizations, groups, and markets themselves, including topics such as the influence of individuals on organizational change, or the relationship between social missions and financial objectives.

Your core disciplinary training will take place in either the psychology or sociology departments, depending on the track that you choose. You will also conduct advanced coursework in organizational behavior at HBS, and complete two MBA elective curriculum courses. Students are required to teach for one full academic term in order to gain valuable teaching experience, and to work as an apprentice to a faculty member to develop research skills. Upon completion of coursework, students prepare and present a dossier that includes a qualifying paper, at least two other research papers, and a statement outlining a plan for their dissertation. Before beginning work on the dissertation, students must pass the Organizational Behavior Exam, which presents an opportunity to synthesize academic coursework and prepare for an in-depth research project.

Research & Dissertation

Examples of doctoral thesis research.

• Cross-group relations, stress, and the subsequent effect on performance
• Internal group dynamics of corporate boards of directors
• Organizational mission and its effect on commitment and effort
• Psychological tendencies and collaboration with dissimilar others

Aurora Turek

Justine Murray

Jaylon Sherrell

“ In HBS’s Organizational Behavior program I receive outstanding, rigorous training in disciplinary methods and also benefit from the myriad resources that HBS has to offer. HBS scholars are looking to apply their research to real-world problems, come up with interventions, and make a real difference. ”

Current Harvard Sociology & Psychology Faculty

• George A. Alvarez
• Mahzarin R. Banaji
• Jason Beckfield
• Lawrence D. Bobo
• Mary C. Brinton
• Joshua W. Buckholtz
• Randy L. Buckner
• Alfonso Caramazza
• Susan E. Carey
• Paul Y. Chang
• Mina Cikara
• Christina Ciocca Eller
• Christina Cross
• Fiery Cushman
• Frank Dobbin
• Samuel J. Gershman
• Daniel Gilbert
• Joshua D. Greene
• Jill M. Hooley
• Rakesh Khurana
• Alexandra Killewald
• Talia Konkle
• Max Krasnow
• Michèle Lamont
• Ellen Langer
• Joscha Legewie
• Ya-Wen Lei
• Patrick Mair
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• Katie A. McLaughlin
• Richard J. McNally
• Jason P. Mitchell
• Ellis Monk
• Matthew K. Nock
• Orlando Patterson
• Elizabeth A. Phelps
• Steven Pinker
• Robert J. Sampson
• Daniel L. Schacter
• Theda Skocpol
• Mario L. Small
• Jesse Snedeker
• Leah H. Somerville
• Elizabeth S. Spelke
• Tomer D. Ullman
• Adaner Usmani
• Jocelyn Viterna
• Mary C. Waters
• John R. Weisz
• Christopher Winship
• Xiang Zhou

Current HBS Faculty

• Teresa M. Amabile
• Julie Battilana
• Max H. Bazerman
• David E. Bell
• Ethan S. Bernstein
• Alison Wood Brooks
• Edward H. Chang
• Julian De Freitas
• Amy C. Edmondson
• Robin J. Ely
• Alexandra C. Feldberg
• Carolyn J. Fu
• Amit Goldenberg
• Boris Groysberg
• Ranjay Gulati
• Linda A. Hill
• Nien-he Hsieh
• Jon M. Jachimowicz
• Summer R. Jackson
• Leslie K. John
• Jillian J. Jordan
• Rakesh Khurana
• Joshua D. Margolis
• Edward McFowland III
• Kathleen L. McGinn
• Tsedal Neeley
• Michael I. Norton
• Leslie A. Perlow
• Jeffrey T. Polzer
• Ryan L. Raffaelli
• Lakshmi Ramarajan
• James W. Riley
• Clayton S. Rose
• Arthur I Segel
• Emily Truelove
• Michael L. Tushman
• Ashley V. Whillans
• Letian Zhang
• Julian J. Zlatev

Current Organizational Behavior Students

• Jennifer Abel
• Yajun Cao
• Hanne Collins
• Grace Cormier
• Megan Gorges
• Bushra Guenoun
• Elizabeth Johnson
• Caleb Kealoha
• Kai Krautter
• Justine Murray
• C. Ryann Noe
• Dominika Randle
• Elizabeth Sheprow
• Jaylon Sherrell
• Yoon Jae Shin
• Erin Shirtz
• Samantha N. Smith
• Tiffany Smith
• Channing Spencer
• Yuval Spiegler
• Emily Tedards
• Aurora Turek
• Julie Yen

Current HBS Faculty & Students by Interest

Recent placement, nicole abi-esber, 2023, elliot stoller, 2023, ariella kristal, 2022, leroy gonsalves, 2020, alicia desantola, 2019, catarina fernandes, 2019, rachel arnett, 2018, evan defilippis, 2023, hayley blunden, 2022, lumumba seegars, 2021, karen huang, 2020, stefan dimitriadis, 2019, elizabeth hansen, 2019, erin frey, 2018, jeff steiner, 2023, ahmmad brown, 2022, yanhua bird, 2020, jeffrey lees, 2020, alexandra feldberg, 2019, martha jeong, 2019.

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In the field of organizational behavior we research fundamental questions about the behavior of individuals, groups and organizations, from both psychological and sociological perspectives.

A distinguishing feature of Stanford’s PhD Program in organizational behavior is the broad interdisciplinary training it provides. Our students benefit from their interactions with scholars from many disciplines within the Graduate School of Business, as well as from Stanford University’s long-standing strength in the study of psychology, organizations, and economic sociology.  The program is broken down into two broad subareas: Macro Organizational Behavior and Micro Organizational Behavior .

Cross-registration in courses, access to faculty, and participation in colloquia are available in other Stanford departments, such as sociology and psychology . Strong relations with these departments mean that students can build their careers on the foundation of strong disciplinary training in psychology and sociology, respectively.

A small number of students are accepted into the program each year, with a total of about 20 organizational behavior students in residence.

The doctoral program places a heavy emphasis on training students through active engagement in the process of doing research. In addition to formal seminars with invited presenters, our faculty and students exchange research ideas and advice at informal weekly lunches and lab meetings. Students work as research assistants and are expected to conduct independent research early in the program. 

Macro Organizational Behavior: Organizational Theory and Economic Sociology

The Macro OB track is dedicated to training students who will be leading researchers in the fields of organizational theory and economic sociology. Our faculty members are among the foremost scholars who bring a sociological approach to the study of organizations and markets.

The training provides a deep grounding in the study of:

• Organizations as social systems
• The dynamics of change in organizations
• Industries and markets
• The relationships between organizations and their environments

Faculty study a range of topics, such as:

• The role of identity and categories in organizational processes
• Organizational culture and its dynamics
• Change in cultural categories and markets
• Social movements and their influence on firms and markets
• Firm strategies and the effects of long-run histories of strategic interaction
• The impact of workforce demographic change and labor market inequality
• Organizational learning processes
• Social networks
• Entrepreneurship and firm formation processes

Micro Organizational Behavior

The study of how individuals and groups affect and are affected by organizational context. Drawing primarily on psychological approaches to social science questions, this area includes such topics as:

• Decision-making
• Moral judgment
• Social norms
• Negotiation and bargaining
• Cooperation and altruism
• Group processes
• Stereotyping and injustice
• Personality
• Power, status and influence

There is also a formal institutional link between the behavioral side of marketing and the micro side of organizational behavior, which is called the Behavioral Interest Group. The Stanford GSB Behavioral Lab links members of this group. This lab supports work across field boundaries among those with behavioral interests.

Preparation and Qualifications

All students are required to have, or to obtain during their first year, mathematical skills at the level of one course each of calculus and linear algebra, probability, and mathematical statistics.

Macro Organizational Behavior Faculty

William p. barnett, robert a. burgelman, glenn r. carroll, julien clement, amir goldberg, helena miton, hayagreeva rao, sarah a. soule, jesper b. sørensen, micro organizational behavior faculty, justin m. berg, jennifer eberhardt, francis j. flynn, michele j. gelfand, deborah h. gruenfeld, michal kosinski, brian s. lowery, ashley martin, david melnikoff, dale t. miller, benoît monin, charles a. o’reilly, jeffrey pfeffer, emeriti faculty, michael t. hannan, roderick m. kramer, joanne martin, margaret ann neale, jerry i. porras, recent publications in organizational behavior, social norm change: drivers and consequences, bayesianism and wishful thinking are compatible, changes in social norms during the early stages of the covid-19 pandemic across 43 countries, recent insights by stanford business, why investors throw money at eccentric ceos, psst — wanna know why gossip has evolved in every human society, unlocking the “iron cage” of corporate conformity.

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Select one of the options below:

Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change Ph.D. (In-Person)

Colorado State University’s organizational learning, performance, and change Ph.D. program in Denver develops both research and practical expertise, helping you understand workplaces on a deeper level and enhance them with long-lasting solutions.

Earn your Ph.D. in organizational development in a classroom setting in Denver

Develop the skills to improve organizational effectiveness, enhance your decision-making, and develop analysis and research expertise. Designed for working executives, researchers, and academics, the program offers the unique structure of bi-weekly Saturday meetings held face-to-face in downtown Denver.

Strongly grounded in organizational, strategic, and change management theory, the Ph.D. in Education and Human Resource Studies – Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change Specialization – focuses on a combination of sociological, systems, psychological, and economic approaches to performance improvement strategies.

Become an expert in organizational leadership and change management

CSU's renowned faculty , known for their research and industry practice, teach to their specialties in several areas, including:

• Scenario planning
• Systems leadership
• Political, social, and relational aspects of the workplace
• Socialization and onboarding
• Workplace learning
• Constructivist inquiry

Practical, growth-oriented activities are built into the curriculum to ensure educational relevance and applicability in today's challenging business and institutional environments.

Strong theory-to-practice models ensure that you will acquire advanced research competencies, the ability to manage change effectively, and the skills to improve the performance and effectiveness of your organization immediately.

Build your professional network

As a student, you enter the Ph.D. in organizational leadership program in a cohort and complete courses based on an established plan of study. The same group of students goes through the program together, offering a cohesive support structure and built-in professional network. The cohort structure fosters support and allows you to network with other students seeking to create and administer organizational learning opportunities.

Health and Human Science Matters Podcast

Find out how CSU’s research is making an impact by tuning into the Health and Human Science Matters Podcast , a collection of lively, engaging conversations with members of the college community.

Hear OLPC Ph.D. students explain how the program has helped enhance their decision-making skills, improve their organizational effectiveness, and develop analytical and research expertise.

OLPC Ph.D. Students

See how the program has helped Zachary, Victor, Erin, Gretchen, and Dea become effective managers, leaders, and facilitators in businesses and organizations.

EDOD 706 – Organizational Learning, Performance, Change

This course covers the history, development and current status of organizational learning, performance and change theory, research and practice (praxis). Students will learn the overall issues in the discipline and to orient themselves to the critical problems and emerging opportunities and challenges. Theoretical foundations are covered as well as philosophies informing theory and research to practice and integration in this applied discipline.

EDOD 761 – Evaluation and Assessment in OLPC

This course focuses on the importance of assessing and evaluating the effectiveness of organization change interventions for stakeholders. Various models of assessment and evaluation are presented, their similarities and differences, strengths and weaknesses, and appropriateness for use in specific types of interventions are explored. Students select a model and apply it to a change intervention they have been involved with and develop basic assessment and evaluation skills, including financial skills for analyzing financial benefits of interventions.

EDOD 766 – Scenario Planning in Organizations

This course focuses on the theory and practice of scenario planning. Foundational texts, theories, and research are covered to provide a background and orientation to scenario planning. Basic organizational strategy concepts are also covered. In teams, students are required to apply scenario planning in an organization they have access to under the guidance of the professor. In this applied learning model, students will gain a perspective of theory applied in practice and making the necessary adjustments to improve performance with scenario planning in organizations.

EDOD 768 – Workforce Development

This course focuses on two major aspects of workforce development: first how to develop a workforce inside a specific organization, and second, the dynamics and trends of workforce development as a national and international industry or discipline. The course first focuses on the practical tools for developing, managing and leading a micro-workforce in a given company, including the dynamics that are in play. In addition, major trends and research themes that cut across a variety of disciplines and are relevant to national and international workforce dynamics are examined.

EDOD 769 – Theory and Practice of Change

Examination of the history, nature, theory and informing research on organization development and change management in organizations. Different types and models of organization development, organizational change theories and models are examined along with their implications for effecting and managing change in different performance/organization settings.

EDOD 772 – Theory Building in Applied Disciplines

This course focuses on a general methods approach to theory building in applied disciplines. Foundational texts, perspectives, approaches and research are covered to provide a background and orientation. Students apply principles in the initiation of a new theory in some domain of interest, and use course principles to critique existing theories.

EDOD 773 – Systems Leadership

This course focuses on a systems approach to leadership in organizations. Foundational texts, perspectives, approaches and research are covered to provide a background and orientation. Students apply principles in the examination of leadership practices in an organization to which they have access. Applied learning dominates the course, exposing students to real examples of leadership and leadership development practices in a variety of systems and settings.

EDOD 792A – Research Seminar – Initiating your Research

This course is positioned at the conclusion of program content courses. The premise is to begin more seriously entertaining dissertation topics and ideas from a variety of research methodologies, perspectives and practical approaches. Instructors will lead students through the consideration of their potential research topics from 2-3 different research design approaches to illustrate the pros and cons of each.

EDOD 792B – Research Seminar – Applied Research

Edrm 700 – quantitative research methods.

The basics of quantitative research including foundations, philosophies, and different premises of knowledge creation are covered in the context of organizational research.

EDRM 701 – Applied Linear Models – Educational Research

A specific quantitative technique and set of analysis tools are covered for predictive approaches to regression. Includes bivariate regression, multiple regression, linear regression and other analysis techniques based on the general linear model.

EDRM 702 – Foundations of Educational Research

Philosophical, theoretical, and ethical foundations of educational research.

EDRM 703 – Applied Longitudinal Data Analysis

A specific quantitative technique and set of analysis tools are covered for longitudinal research studies.

EDRM 705 – Qualitative Data Analysis

Basic methods of data collection and analysis are covered for qualitative research studies. Topics include interview techniques, interview structuring approaches, data collection and categorization including using software and manual techniques. Major analysis techniques are covered including the constant comparative method among others.

EDRM 706 – Analysis of Variance – Educational Research

A specific quantitative technique and set of analysis tools are covered for a variety of research designs involving the comparisons of two groups.

EDRM 707 – Quantitative Data Collection Methods/Analysis

Basic methods of data collection and analysis are covered for quantitative research studies. Topics include overview of survey design, data normality, standard assumptions, skewness, kurtosis, and an introduction to some of the major quantitative research designs and analysis methods.

EDRM 708 – Narrative Inquiry

Edrm 772 – proposal development.

This course features time spent on developing and critiquing possible dissertation proposal ideas. The purpose of the course is to provide significant opportunities for students to make progress on their dissertation research proposals and for professor feedback on dissertation structure, design, review of relevant literature, and analysis method selection.

The organizational learning, performance, and change Ph.D. program holds classes in downtown Denver, but also utilizes online learning tools to facilitate collaboration and supplement coursework. Faculty work closely with students as mentors on coursework, the application of theory, and the development and completion of dissertation research.

The small cohort size of approximately 20 students, the fact that faculty are experienced change agents and researchers, and the use of discussion, projects, and papers all enhance the student-faculty relationship. The student-student relationship is also vital to add a personal dimension to the small group activities that are an integral part of the program.

The program is very selective and looks for a diverse group of students. Applicants must have significant work experience, a strong belief in the application of research to define problems and discover solutions, and the drive to apply solutions for the betterment of individuals within organizations and the organizations themselves. Throughout the program, faculty will challenge students to publish and present their finalized projects, papers, and research within relevant publications and at conferences.

Susan A. Lynham, Ph.D.

Dr. Lynham is an associate professor at Colorado State University and Chair of the Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change (OLPC) Program in the School of Education.

She earned her M.A. degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of St. Catherine, Minnesota. Her M.Ed. and Ph.D. degrees in Human Resource Development are from the University of Minnesota, where she graduated in 2000. Susan has over 20 years practical experience in human resource development (HRD), with a special passion for organization development (OD), and has consulted and presented nationally and internationally in these areas. She has also taught at a number of academic institutions during her career, including the University of Minnesota, Louisiana State University, and Texas A&M University.

Susan focuses her teaching and research expertise in the areas of responsible leadership, scenario planning based leadership development, national human resource development, constructivist inquiry, and theory development in applied disciplines. She is an engaged member of the HRD scholarly community, both locally and abroad. As such she has served as an elected board member of the Academy of Human Resource Development, is the past Editor-in-Chief of the Academy of Human Resource Development journal Advances in Developing Human Resources, and serves on the editorial board of a number of core journals in the field.

A native of South Africa, Dr. Lynham enjoys regular visits to her home country—for purposes of both pleasure and work! The diversity of her background enables her to study and practice her field across a spectrum of national cultures, and contexts of complexity.

Thomas J. Chermack, Ph.D.

Tom is a Professor in organizational studies at Colorado State University, where he serves as chair of the university’s Ph.D. program in Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change (OLPC). Tom teaches courses on scenario planning, human expertise, analysis in organizations, change management, and organization development. With a focus on the theoretical foundations and outcomes of scenario planning, Tom's research has won several awards for excellence based on demonstrating the benefits of scenario planning.

Tom is also the founder and Director of the Scenario Planning Institute , an organization that documents scenario planning activity, tracks research, facilitates seminars, and consults with organizations nationally and internationally.

In addition to his academic activities, Tom maintains his passion for serving industry and public clients as an advisor through Chermack Scenarios, a scenario planning consultancy. Tom facilitates scenario planning projects that yield insights resulting in an enhanced ability to navigate environmental uncertainties.

Connect with Tom for questions about the practice of scenario planning. He can be reached through the following links:

[email protected] | (612) 387-1951

linkedin.com/in/thomasjchermack

When will the next cohort begin?

The next application term is for Fall 2024.

Where and when do classes meet?

Fall 2024 cohort classes will take place at CSU Spur campus in Denver. Class sessions will meet eight Saturdays per semester. Students enroll in two courses, one held in the morning and one in the afternoon with an hour break in between.

Do I have to write a dissertation?

Yes, this degree requires you to complete a dissertation. You will work directly with your advisor to identify your topic of interest.

Do I need to take the GRE or GMAT in order to apply to this program?

If i have to drop a semester, is that a problem.

The OLPC Ph.D. is delivered in a cohort model where students begin and end the program together. Students are encouraged to commit to the full duration of the program to ensure they stay on track and are able to complete coursework in eight semesters. If you are required to skip a semester, your graduation will be delayed until appropriate arrangements can be made with your advisor to make up the coursework.

How much do books cost?

Books typically cost $200-$250 per semester.

What are typical assignments, and how much time is spent preparing outside of class?

Much of the coursework is centered on completing projects, case studies, papers, reading assignments, and presentations. Students work on individual and group assignments, and it is recommended that 10-15 hours per week is spent outside of class.

Are assistantships or scholarships available?

No, but federal financial aid is available. Learn more about federal financial aid »

I am looking for a new job. How will this program help me?

The OLPC Ph.D. program prepares students for advanced positions in business, education, government, nonprofit, consulting, and more. The program offers students the opportunity to network with seasoned professionals who value collaboration and advanced learning. The cohort model ensures greater cohesiveness and the development of professional networks which lead to greater opportunities for advancement.

As a student in CSU’s organizational learning, performance, and change Ph.D. program, you will receive a degree from a regionally accredited, renowned research institution while taking courses at times and locations that fit your busy life. Additionally, you can expect a program that offers:

• Scholar-Practitioner Training: Our focus is on developing students into high-level scholars and industry experts by ensuring research is grounded in ongoing professional practice.
• Expert Instruction: Renowned faculty , known both for their research and industry practice, teach to their specialties in the areas of scenario planning and systems leadership.
• Practical Experience: Apply what you learn in the program to your workplace, and initiate practical solutions while receiving faculty support.
• Convenience: Our program combines bi-weekly Saturday meetings held in downtown Denver with supplementary online coursework designed to allow you to maintain your already busy schedule.
• An Interdisciplinary Approach: We deliver course content focused on systems, psychological, and economic approaches to performance improvement strategies.
• Tools to Enact Change: Faculty teach a systematic approach to examining individual, group, and process segments within organizations, allowing you to produce highly relevant, customizable, and long-term change solutions.
• A Cohort Model: The same group of students goes through the program together, offering a cohesive support structure and built-in professional network.

Learn more about CSU's rankings and accolades.

Requirements

The OLPC Ph.D. requires students to complete 48 credit hours, plus a dissertation and faculty advising credits, for a total of 60 credits. Students enter the program in a cohort and complete courses based on an established plan of study.

For more information on the steps required to complete a doctoral program, read the School of Education Doctoral Process guide .

This program hones a rare combination of applied expertise and research skills. The first four semesters provide students with cutting-edge tools and processes for organization development, including Systems Leadership, Evaluation and Assessment, and Scenario Planning. These courses feature our leading faculty and provide students with skills they can immediately apply to their work. The following semesters focus on research skills. In these courses students will gain expertise to carry out applied research and contribute to the generation of new knowledge in their chosen area.

Faculty assist students in developing and refining their dissertation research at the start of the second year of the program, and students can explore a few potential topics with faculty advice and input. Students then complete a dissertation enabling them to advance their expertise in research design, analysis, and execution in a relevant area that will add significantly to academic and professional literature.

Students take two courses per semester, and each course meets eight Saturdays per semester at the CSU Extended Campus - Denver. All courses within the Plan of Study are required.

Plan of Study

• EDOD 706 – Organizational Learning, Performance, Change (3 cr.)
• EDOD 768 – Workforce Development (3 cr.)
• EDOD 761 – Evaluation and Assessment in OLPC (3 cr.)
• EDOD 769 – Theory and Practice of Change (3 cr.)
• EDOD 766 – Scenario Planning in Organizations (3 cr.)
• EDOD 771 – Social, Cultural and Political Foundations of the Workplace (3 cr.)
• EDOD 772 – Theory Building in Applied Disciplines (3 cr.)
• EDOD 773 – Systems Leadership (3 cr.)
• EDRM 702 – Foundations of Educational Research (3 cr.)
• EDOD 792 – Seminar: Human Resource Development (1-18 cr.)
• EDRM 700 – Quantitative Research (3 cr.)
• EDRM 704 – Qualitative Research (3 cr.)
• EDRM 705 – Qualitative Data Analysis (3 cr.)
• EDRM 707 – Quantitative Data Collection Methods/Analysis (3 cr.)
• EDRM 792B – Seminar: Proposal Development (1-3 cr.)

Fall and Spring – subsequent years

• EDRM 792A – Seminar: Research Methodology (1-18 cr.)
• EDOD 799 – Dissertation (1-18 cr.)

Next Application Deadline: March 15, 2024

Note : The department will begin accepting applications in Fall of 2023.

Start your application online and upload materials directly into the online system. You can save your progress and return any time.

1 Review Admission Requirements

• An undergraduate and a master's degree from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution or a CSU recognized international institution is required.
• Minimum 3.00 GPA
• Ten to twelve years of advanced experience in a related discipline

Meeting the minimum requirements does not ensure admission to the degree specialization. Admission is based on a number of factors, including prior academic and professional experience, your personal statement, and fit with the program.

2 Prepare Application Materials

Prepare the materials below and upload when you apply online.

• Your purpose for pursuing graduate education and how it will contribute to your long-term goals and career plans;
• Why you have selected Colorado State University as the place to pursue your graduate studies; and
• A description of teaching, research/creative, or other academic work you have engaged in relevant to the qualifications.
• Dissertation topics are areas of interest that may develop into the focus of your dissertation research.
• Please provide a one-page statement for each of your three areas of interest with each topic/area of interest clearly indicated.
• Previous or current college/university instructors
• Previous or current professional supervisors
• Colleagues who can verify the specific impact of your professional or intellectual expertise
• Letters from friends, co-workers, relatives, or character witnesses will be considered supplemental to the three required references
• Record of all collegiate work, including institution names, attendance dates, and degrees earned
• Record of all professional employment, including dates of service
• List of special skills or competencies, including certifications and licensures
• List of publications, exhibitions, prizes, awards, or other recognition
• List of service activities, including community or charity

3 Complete Online Application

Complete the online graduate application and pay the nonrefundable application processing fee (payable online). As soon as you have completed the required information, please submit your application. Your application will not be reviewed until it is complete and all required materials have been received.

• Select "Education and Human Resource Studies / Organizational Learning Performance and Change (Ph.D.) - Denver" when choosing the program of study.

4 Request Transcripts

Request one official transcript of all collegiate work completed from all institutions attended. Transcripts from Colorado State University are not required. Transcripts must be received directly from the originating institution to be considered official.

Please Note: Students may be unconditionally admitted and registered in their first semester of courses with an unofficial transcript. Official transcripts must be submitted, prior to or during your first semester, before you can register for your second semester of graduate work. Failure to meet this condition will result in your dismissal from the Graduate School.

Electronic (preferred): Digital Transcripts must be submitted by the originating institution using a secure service such as parchment, eScrip-Safe, the National Student Clearinghouse, or e-Quals. Transcripts received via emails are considered unofficial. Use institution code 4075 for Colorado State University or [email protected] if the secure service requires an email address.

Mail (if necessary) Graduate Admissions Colorado State University – Office of Admissions 1062 Campus Delivery Fort Collins, CO 80523-1062

Check Your Application Status

View your application status at any time to ensure your application checklist is complete or to check on updates.

Selection Timeline : Applications received by March 15 will be reviewed immediately and applicants will be notified of a decision within 2-4 weeks after March 15. Applications received after March 15 will be reviewed on a rolling admissions basis.

For International Applicants

Proof of English language proficiency is required for applicants from countries or United States territories where there are official languages other than (or in addition to) English. This includes the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto Rico.

Learn more about English language proficiency requirements .

We love learning about your goals and answering any questions you have.

Program Details

• An undergraduate and a master's degree from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution

Application Dates

Request information.

By providing your information, you consent to receive calls, emails, and/or text messages from CSU Online. Consent not required to purchase goods or services. For more info, call 1-970-491-5288 . We respect your privacy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

• Accreditation
• Dates & Deadlines
• Faculty & Staff Resources
• Classroom Locations
• p (970) 491-5288
• e 2545 Research Blvd. Fort Collins, CO 80526
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• Equal Opportunity

• Harvard Business School →
• Doctoral Programs →
• PhD Programs
• Accounting & Management
• Business Economics
• Health Policy (Management)

Organizational Behavior

• Technology & Operations Management
• Program Requirements

Scholars in the doctoral program in Organizational Behavior at Harvard Business School are prepared to pursue an interdisciplinary inquiry into issues that are broadly related to the functioning of individuals within groups, at either the micro or macro level. Graduates of our program go on to become the leading researchers and thinkers in organizational behavior, shaping the field and advancing theoretical understanding in posts at schools of management or in disciplinary departments.

The Organizational Behavior program is jointly administered by the faculty of Harvard Business School and the Department of Sociology in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and students have the opportunity to work with faculty from both the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and Harvard Business School.

Curriculum & Coursework

Our program offers two distinct tracks, with research focused either on the micro or macro level. Students who choose to focus on micro organizational behavior take a psychological approach to the study of interpersonal relationships within organizations and groups, and the effects that groups have on individuals. In macro organizational behavior, scholars use sociological methods to examine the organizations, groups, and markets themselves, including topics such as the influence of individuals on organizational change, or the relationship between social missions and financial objectives.

Your core disciplinary training will take place in either the psychology or sociology departments, depending on the track that you choose. You will also conduct advanced coursework in organizational behavior at HBS, and complete two MBA elective curriculum courses. Students are required to teach for one full academic term in order to gain valuable teaching experience, and to work as an apprentice to a faculty member to develop research skills. Upon completion of coursework, students prepare and present a dossier that includes a qualifying paper, at least two other research papers, and a statement outlining a plan for their dissertation. Before beginning work on the dissertation, students must pass the Organizational Behavior Exam, which presents an opportunity to synthesize academic coursework and prepare for an in-depth research project.

Research & Dissertation

Examples of doctoral thesis research.

• Cross-group relations, stress, and the subsequent effect on performance
• Internal group dynamics of corporate boards of directors
• Organizational mission and its effect on commitment and effort
• Psychological tendencies and collaboration with dissimilar others

Aurora Turek

Justine Murray

Jaylon Sherrell

“ In HBS’s Organizational Behavior program I receive outstanding, rigorous training in disciplinary methods and also benefit from the myriad resources that HBS has to offer. HBS scholars are looking to apply their research to real-world problems, come up with interventions, and make a real difference. ”

Current Harvard Sociology & Psychology Faculty

• George A. Alvarez
• Mahzarin R. Banaji
• Jason Beckfield
• Lawrence D. Bobo
• Mary C. Brinton
• Joshua W. Buckholtz
• Randy L. Buckner
• Alfonso Caramazza
• Susan E. Carey
• Paul Y. Chang
• Mina Cikara
• Christina Ciocca Eller
• Christina Cross
• Fiery Cushman
• Frank Dobbin
• Samuel J. Gershman
• Daniel Gilbert
• Joshua D. Greene
• Jill M. Hooley
• Rakesh Khurana
• Alexandra Killewald
• Talia Konkle
• Max Krasnow
• Michèle Lamont
• Ellen Langer
• Joscha Legewie
• Ya-Wen Lei
• Patrick Mair
• Peter V. Marsden
• Katie A. McLaughlin
• Richard J. McNally
• Jason P. Mitchell
• Ellis Monk
• Matthew K. Nock
• Orlando Patterson
• Elizabeth A. Phelps
• Steven Pinker
• Robert J. Sampson
• Daniel L. Schacter
• Theda Skocpol
• Mario L. Small
• Jesse Snedeker
• Leah H. Somerville
• Elizabeth S. Spelke
• Tomer D. Ullman
• Adaner Usmani
• Jocelyn Viterna
• Mary C. Waters
• John R. Weisz
• Christopher Winship
• Xiang Zhou

Current HBS Faculty

• Teresa M. Amabile
• Julie Battilana
• Max H. Bazerman
• David E. Bell
• Ethan S. Bernstein
• Alison Wood Brooks
• Edward H. Chang
• Julian De Freitas
• Amy C. Edmondson
• Robin J. Ely
• Alexandra C. Feldberg
• Carolyn J. Fu
• Amit Goldenberg
• Boris Groysberg
• Ranjay Gulati
• Linda A. Hill
• Nien-he Hsieh
• Jon M. Jachimowicz
• Summer R. Jackson
• Leslie K. John
• Jillian J. Jordan
• Rakesh Khurana
• Joshua D. Margolis
• Edward McFowland III
• Kathleen L. McGinn
• Tsedal Neeley
• Michael I. Norton
• Leslie A. Perlow
• Jeffrey T. Polzer
• Ryan L. Raffaelli
• Lakshmi Ramarajan
• James W. Riley
• Clayton S. Rose
• Arthur I Segel
• Emily Truelove
• Michael L. Tushman
• Ashley V. Whillans
• Letian Zhang
• Julian J. Zlatev

Current Organizational Behavior Students

• Jennifer Abel
• Yajun Cao
• Hanne Collins
• Grace Cormier
• Megan Gorges
• Bushra Guenoun
• Elizabeth Johnson
• Caleb Kealoha
• Kai Krautter
• Justine Murray
• C. Ryann Noe
• Dominika Randle
• Elizabeth Sheprow
• Jaylon Sherrell
• Yoon Jae Shin
• Erin Shirtz
• Samantha N. Smith
• Tiffany Smith
• Channing Spencer
• Yuval Spiegler
• Emily Tedards
• Aurora Turek
• Julie Yen

Current HBS Faculty & Students by Interest

Recent placement, nicole abi-esber, 2023, elliot stoller, 2023, ariella kristal, 2022, leroy gonsalves, 2020, alicia desantola, 2019, catarina fernandes, 2019, rachel arnett, 2018, evan defilippis, 2023, hayley blunden, 2022, lumumba seegars, 2021, karen huang, 2020, stefan dimitriadis, 2019, elizabeth hansen, 2019, erin frey, 2018, jeff steiner, 2023, ahmmad brown, 2022, yanhua bird, 2020, jeffrey lees, 2020, alexandra feldberg, 2019, martha jeong, 2019.

Organizational Behavior

The Ph.D. program in organizational behavior is an interfaculty program offered by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) at Harvard University and faculty at Harvard Business School (HBS). The program trains scholars who are able to draw on the concepts and methods of psychology and sociology in conducting research on behavior and management within complex organizations and prepares students for careers as researchers and teachers. Program graduates will be comfortable working either in disciplinary departments or in professional schools—especially schools of management.

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• PhD in Psychology
• Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Industrial/Organizational Psychology Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology

The workplace is constantly evolving. Capella University offers an online PhD in Psychology, Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychology program that equips you to lead through change by assessing and solving real-world problems, enhancing culture and well-being and designing effective organizations.

You’ll be prepared with the knowledge and skills you need to pursue your professional goals.

Relevant, real-world learning

Your psychology coursework allows you to conduct research in consultation with Capella faculty.

Complementary coursework approach

Get direct, intensive experience with virtual residencies that enhance your online coursework and help you complete your program successfully.

Scholar-practitioner faculty

Learn the latest in theory and practice from experienced doctoral faculty actively engaged in their professions.

Apply today with no application fee.

At a glance

• 7 Core courses
• 7 Specialization courses
• 3 Virtual residencies
• 4 Dissertation courses
• 84 Total quarter credits (24 Max transfer)

Reduce your tuition by $5,000

Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $5K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.

Courses and skills

Explore industrial/organizational psychology courses.

• This program requires a total of 84 quarter credits
• You’ll need to complete seven core courses, seven specialization courses, three virtual residencies and four dissertation courses

View all courses in catalog

What you'll learn

The PhD in Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology is for students interested in the application of psychology in the workplace and other organizational settings. The curriculum provides students the opportunity to pursue coursework in coaching psychology, consultation psychology, industrial psychology and organizational psychology. Students in this specialization are interested in leader development, coaching psychology, group and team dynamics, organizational change management, systems planning, industrial/organizational assessment, employee motivation/performance improvement, strategic planning, professional development, and administrative and human resource management (including employee support services). This specialization is not designed or intended to meet licensure requirements for any licensed profession.

This specialization is designed to help you gain the following skills related to this field:

• Evaluate and apply critical thinking in response to behavior in the workplace
• Synthesize theoretical and research findings from the discipline of I/O psychology
• Evaluate ethical principles and standards of psychology to academic and professional activities
• Examine, respect and respond to individual differences and diversity in the practice of I/O psychology
• Communicate psychological concepts effectively, using the professional standards of the discipline

Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career opportunities.

Tuition and learning format

How much does the phd in psychology cost.

The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.

A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.

• Based on the quarter system; 1-3 courses per 10-week quarter
• 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
• Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
• Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term

$555  per credit, 72  coursework credits, 24 max transfer credits

Learn more about GuidedPath »

Tuition breakdown

Program phases.

$555 Per quarter credit

72 coursework credits

Per quarter credit

Dissertation

$2,780 Per quarter

Per quarter

Resource kit fee

$175 Per quarter

Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, and other instructional materials.

Application fee

$0 no application fee

no application fee

Tuition and program length are unique to you

Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors, including:

• Academic performance
• Complexity of your dissertation
• Number of quarters spent working on practicum
• Prior coursework
• Scholarships and finances
• Unexpected life events
• Employer and/or military benefits

About cost scenarios

The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2024–25 Capella tuition rates and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing and pricing information is current as of Jan. 1, 2024. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price. You are responsible for paying your own travel costs related to residencies, including plane, hotel, and food expenses.

To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.

Cost Scenarios

*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.

Get the details

Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.

Scholarships and savings

Are there scholarships available for doctoral degrees.

Your education is an investment in your future. There are  more ways to save  than you might think.

$5K toward your doctorate

Apply for a $5K scholarship Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details .

Employer & association discounts

If your employer or organization is a Capella network partner, you may be eligible for a discount. Ask your employer what offers are available.

10% Military discount If you’re an active-duty military service member, spouse, dependent, or veteran, you may be eligible for discounts on tuition at Capella. Get details .

Accredited and recognized

Capella is accredited by the higher learning commission..

Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services and fiscal stability. See all our  accreditations  and  recognitions .

How to apply

What are the phd in psychology admission requirements.

Applicants must provide the following information for  admission  to Capella programs and specializations:

• Admission application – no application fee required
• A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
•  Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• A valid, government-issued form of photo identification

GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.

International student requirements

If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.

In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:

• Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
• Transcript evaluation

Learn more about  international student admissions .

Faculty and support

What support does capella offer online students.

Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of doctoral students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces that build on one another to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have support from faculty, staff and online resources along the way.

Professional doctoral faculty

Work with faculty members who have years of experience and specialize in their areas of expertise throughout each phase of your program, including literature review and implementation planning.

Enrollment counselors

These specialists can provide details about your chosen doctoral program. They help you understand the differences among specializations and help you identify which is the best fit for you. They can also help you with the admissions process.

Academic coaches

Through quarterly appointments and as-needed counseling sessions, these specialists introduce you to Capella and help you tailor your program to your personal goals and experiences.

Articles and resources

Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.

What’s it like to be a doctoral student?

What does it take to earn a doctoral degree? Learn more about the experience and explore each step of the journey.

Helping Professions Program Guide

Explore paths and programs that leverage your unique interests to help build a better world.

Career exploration

What can you do with an phd in psychology, industrial/organizational psychology.

Your education can help you reach your personal and professional goals. Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to consider with a PhD in Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology.

Related job titles to explore*

• Behavioral scientist
• Data analytics manager
• Director of human resources
• Director of organizational development
• Employee relations manager
• Human resources business partner
• Human resources recruitment and placement specialist
• Learning and development program manager
• Psychology professor

Employment settings to explore*

• Administrative management and general management consulting services
• Colleges, universities and professional schools
• Employment placement agencies
• Executive offices
• Other general government support
• Research and development in the social sciences and humanities

*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals. Educational and professional requirements for faculty positions vary widely by employer. Understanding your target employers’ particular requirements is key in deciding on a doctoral program.

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Top 10 Online Phd/Doctorates in Organizational Leadership 2024

Find your perfect school.

Reviewed by: Melissa Anderson , MS.Ed . / Reading level: Grade 10 / First covered: December 2018 / Updates : 3

Key Takeaways:

• Our #1 ranking college for an online Ph.D in organizational leadership is the University of the Cumberlands , followed by Johnson University .
• The demand for organizational leaders is rising, with a projected 6% job growth through 2032 due to the need for enhanced workplace training and education.
• Selection criteria for the top programs were based on affordability and accreditation , with tuition caps set at $25,000 annually to ensure value.

In this article, we profile the top 10 PhD or doctorate in organizational leadership online programs.

Featured Programs

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a six percent employment growth for all training and development managers through 2032, a faster than average growth compared to all other occupations. Organizational leaders fall under this umbrella of occupations. Thanks to a constant demand for workplace training and education, job growth remains favorable. But the highest leadership positions require education. Thankfully, online PhD organizational leadership and online doctorate in leadership programs are now available from reputable institutions.

Top 10 Online PhD or Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Online Programs Methodology

We looked at approximately 22 accredited colleges and universities offering at least one online doctorate in organizational leadership. School selection was then narrowed by tuition, filtering out those with tuition costs exceeding $25,000 per year. Finally, we applied our site-wide graduate methodology . Below is our list of the top 10 PhD or doctorate in organizational leadership online programs.

#10—Regent University

Virginia beach, virginia, phd in organizational leadership.

Tuition : $16,128

Regent University offers one of the more flexible doctoral degree in organizational leadership online programs. This affordable PhD features five available concentrations:

• Ecclesial Leadership
• Entrepreneurial Leadership
• Individualized Studies
• Human Resource Development
• Organizational Leadership

Courses required for the degree include:

• Group Behavior
• Contemporary Perspectives in Organizational Leadership Theory
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Organizational Behavior

Students may enroll in the school’s executive mentorship program for expert assistance with coursework and other program requirements. Regent University is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. U.S. News & World Report has ranked its online graduate programs in business among some of the best in the nation.

• Mentorship program
• Dynamic curriculum
• Competitive admissions
• Large class sizes

#9—Liberty University

Lynchburg, virginia, online phd in organization and management leadership.

Tuition : $7,740

The online PhD in leadership and management from Liberty University is a fully online, transfer friendly program that emphasizes organizational leadership. The comprehensive 60-credit hour curriculum for the program features core courses such as:

• Understanding the Organization
• Risk Management Process and Practice
• Leading Organizational Change
• Managing the Contemporary Organization

A dissertation is also required as a culminating element of the program. Through the dissertation process, students will review the current theoretical research in the field and contribute their findings to the existing body of knowledge in organizational leadership. Liberty University is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The university has received recognition from U.S. News & World Report for its high-quality online graduate programs in business.

• Fully online program
• High acceptance rate
• Limited tech support
• Larger class sizes

#8—Concordia University- Chicago

River forest, illinois, phd in leadership: organizational leadership.

Tuition : $10,458

Concordia University- Chicago offers a Leadership PhD online with a specialization in Organizational Leadership. The curriculum for the program focuses on contemporary organizations and features core doctoral courses like:

• Organizational Change
• Philosophical and Theoretical Foundations of Leadership
• Policy Analysis
• Applied Ethics and Organizational Leadership

Students enrolled in the organizational leadership specialization will take additional classes, including:

• Change Innovation and Transformative Leadership
• Leading the Knowledge Enterprise
• Follower-Leader Relationship

In addition to coursework, students will also have the opportunity to research organizations from a strategic standpoint. Both a comprehensive exam and a doctoral dissertation are required for program completion. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited Concordia University-Chicago to award online degrees at the doctorate level. The school has been ranked among the top regional universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report.

• Nationally ranked regional university
• More diverse
• Low graduation rate

#7—Indiana Wesleyan University

Marion, indiana.

Tuition : $9,731

Indiana Wesleyan University offers an inexpensive distance learning PhD in organizational leadership. Designed to be completed within 48 months of online study, the program features 24 online classes. Sample course titles include:

• Global Perspectives on Leadership
• Change, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship
• Leadership and Personal Development
• Organization Theory and Design

The curriculum for the program also includes opportunities for students to hone scholarly research skills. Four of the required courses for the program are dedicated to dissertation preparation. The curriculum is less flexible than some other online PhD in organizational leadership programs as some synchronous courses may be required. Students must also attend a mandatory summer session on campus. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited Indiana Wesleyan University at the institutional level. U.S. News & World Report has ranked it among the top 15 regional universities in the Midwest.

• Top-ranked regional university
• Small class sizes
• Less flexible
• Less diverse

#6—Indiana Institute of Technology

Fort wayne, indiana, phd in global studies: organizational leadership.

Tuition : $10,026

Indiana Tech is home to one of the best value online PhD programs in organizational leadership. This terminal degree is technically a PhD in Global Studies with a specialization in Organizational Leadership. Though all coursework for the program is available online, doctoral students are required to visit campus annually for mandatory immersion experiences. Courses specific to the Organizational Leadership concentration include:

• Multinational Management
• International Strategy and Decision Making
• Strategic Branding and Public Relations
• Managing Financial Performance and Accountability

An 18-credit hour research core and dissertation are required for completion of this 66-credit hour program. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited Indiana Tech to award this and other online degrees. U.S. News & World Report has lauded the university for its top online graduate business programs.

• Required on-campus visits
• Somewhat selective

#5—Columbia Southern University

Orange beach, alabama, doctor of organizational leadership.

Tuition : $3,640

In terms of the best online doctoral programs in leadership, the DOL in organizational leadership is a contender due in part to its low cost. The 61-credit hour curriculum for the program is comprehensive, featuring major course titles such as:

• Leadership and Organizational Communication
• Strategic Management and Planning
• Designing Organizations for Competitive Advantage
• Advanced Global Leadership

As a capstone requirement, online students must complete a dissertation and defend it virtually. This is an opportunity to showcase primary and secondary research skills learned through the curriculum. Columbia Southern University is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

• Fully online, including dissertation defense
• Highly affordable
• Less prestigious business school

#4—Eastern University

St. davids, pennsylvania.

Tuition : $14,418

The low-cost doctoral degree program from Eastern University is one of the more diverse online PhD programs in organizational leadership in our ranking. The cohort-based program features three distinct concentrations:

• Educational Administration
• Business Management
• Nonprofit and Public Administration

Despite their chosen concentration, online students will take foundational courses such as:

• Models of Organizational Behavior
• Historical and Cultural Perspectives of Organizational Leadership
• Leadership in Global Contexts
• Leadership, Justice, and Servanthood

In addition to online coursework, students are required to attend three mandatory residencies per year. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education has accredited Eastern University to award PhDs. U.S. News & World Report has identified the school’s undergraduate and graduate-level online business programs among some of the best nationwide.

• Cohort-based
• Multiple required residencies

#3—University of Arizona

Tucson, arizona, online phd in organizational development and leadership: organizational leadership.

Tuition : $12,718

The University of Arizona-Global’s low-cost leadership PhD online is a research-focused program with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership. Once enrolled, doctoral students will take courses specific to the emphasis, including:

• Leadership and Organizational Cultures
• Advanced Seminar: The Leader As Coach
• Theories and Models of Instructional Systems Design
• Strategic Talent Development

This four-year program is created for working professionals, enabling students to take one accelerated course at a time. A dissertation is required on a topic of research interest. The WASC Senior College and University Commission has fully accredited the University of Arizona to award online doctorates. Its online business programs have been ranked among some of the very best in the country by U.S. News & World Report.

• Top-ranked public school
• 3 on-campus workshops required

#2—Johnson University

Johnson, tennessee, online phd in leadership studies: organizational leadership.

Tuition : $9,990

The affordable online doctorate in leadership studies from Johnson University features a concentration in Organizational Leadership. The interdisciplinary curriculum for the program features core courses such as:

• Ways of Knowing and Leadership Development
• Leadership and Personal Ethics
• Intercultural Behavior, Worldview, and Communications
• Global Leadership, Systems, and Policy

The remaining courses will be related to advanced topics in organizational leadership. A dissertation is required at the culmination of the program. Prospective students are encouraged to apply for program-specific scholarships. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges has accredited Johnson University at the institutional level. U.S. News & World Report has named it one of the top regional universities in the South.

• Top regional university

#1—University of the Cumberlands

Williamsburg, kentucky, phd in leadership studies.

Tuition : $4,260

The most affordable accredited online PhD in organizational leadership can be found at the University of the Cumberlands. The program is flexible as well, enabling students to complete the program fully online. Core courses include:

• Current Trends and Issues in Leadership
• The Politics of Organizational Decision-Making
• Leadership in Theory and Practice
• Leadership in Historical Context

Students are also required to complete one of more than a dozen available specialties, including:

• Health Science
• Instructional Technology
• Public Administration

Twenty-four credit hours of required coursework are also devoted to professional research courses. The University of the Cumberlands is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can i do with a phd or doctorate in organizational leadership online degree.

With a PhD or doctorate in organizational leadership online degree, you’ll have many career prospects. Doctor of Education degrees, or an Ed.D., will open doors to jobs in education, while the Ph.D. will offer a development, training, or business platform. Depending on your career focus, you should expect a favorable employment outlook.

Some career opportunities include:

Business professor: Postsecondary professors at four-year institutions hold a Ph.D. or doctorate in the field they teach. A Ph.D. with a concentration in organizational leadership will make you eligible for this role.

Education administrator: Educational administrators hold many titles. Deans, presidents, provosts, and vice presidents in education are important roles of secondary institutions.

Management analyst: Management analysts are found in any organization or business. Job details include finding problems and addressing issues that negatively impact efficiency in the organization. The more education you have in business and organizational leadership, the greater the responsibility and leadership capability you will be able to offer. This position is also commonly referred to as a management consultant.

Operations research analyst: If you enjoy collecting data and researching methods, the operations research analyst position may suit you well. This position helps to improve an organization’s infrastructure and design by analyzing issues and efficiency.

Training and development manager: Training and development managers look for ways to improve the skills and knowledge of employees. This is usually a hands-on role with direct interaction among the organization’s staff.

How much money will I earn with a doctorate in organizational leadership online degree?

PayScale, a global compensation research company, reports that individuals with a doctorate or PhD in organizational leadership earn an average salary of $130,000. Individuals with an EdD in organizational leadership earn $103,000 on average per year.

Top organizational development managers, according to PayScale, earned $127k per year, while the lowest ten percent earned $61k.

Experience seems to impact earnings the most, as the more experience an individual has, the greater the compensation package. Overall, earnings have a positive trend with experience. Individuals with less than five years of experience can expect to earn an average total compensation of $80,000. The total compensation includes salary, bonuses, and profit sharing.

Mid-career organizational development managers with five to ten years of experience can expect to earn a total compensation of $94,000. Experienced organizational development managers with ten to twenty years of experience can expect to earn $99,000 per year. Mid-career and experienced managers generally oversee small to large teams and are responsible for employees. Those with more than twenty years of job experience can expect to earn a total compensation of $107,000 per year.

What is the job outlook for those with a doctorate in organizational leadership online degree?

Generally, the more educated an individual is in a particular field, the more likely they are to find a job. Training and development managers and organizational development managers are responsible for enhancing the knowledge of their employees. They are required to be educated so that they can train their organizational teams.

Employment of training and development managers is expected to grow by six percent through the year 2032, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This growth is slightly faster than the average for all occupations. With the constant need for workplace training and development, job prospects should be favorable over the next several years.

Most job openings will stem from the need to replace organizational and development managers that leave the occupation. Individuals who retire will need to be replaced.

New technologies and industry innovations will promote the need for training and development managers. These managers will have attained the skills necessary to educate teams to carry out newly evolved industry practices. Learning technology is expected to be increasingly important to organizations with remote workers. Also, as companies become more reliant on social media and mobile learning, experts will be needed to train employees.

Individuals with a PhD or doctorate in organizational leadership online degree will offer a special set of skills needed to lead in a variety of organizations.

How long does it take to earn a PhD or doctorate in organizational leadership online degree?

The length of time it takes to complete a PhD or doctorate in organizational leadership online degree depends on the program. The average time is between three and five years. Accelerated online programs may take less time, approximately three years, while part-time programs require additional time.

When considering an online PhD program, it is important to assess the number of years it takes to complete the degree requirements. If you want to earn a PhD in as little time as possible, full-time enrollment and accelerated options are available. However, if you are unable to take on a full load of study due to outside obligations such as work or family responsibilities, part-time options are available. Most part-time programs take three to five years to complete.

It is possible to find programs that take three years, though shorter options are not typically found. If you hold a master’s degree in organizational leadership, some programs may be willing to accept transfer credits, thus reducing the time it takes to complete the degree. The three-year average completion time consists of two years of study followed by one year of research and dissertation preparation. This is the typical format of most PhD or doctorate in organizational leadership online degree programs.

What is the difference between an Ed.D. and Ph.D. in organizational leadership online degree?

An Ed.D. or Doctorate in Education is a terminal degree that emphasizes the application of research and knowledge to real world organizational or educational issues. Unlike the Ph.D. or Doctorate of Philosophy, Ed.D. candidates use existing research to inform decision-making and practices that lead to improvement in the area of study. The Ph.D. focuses on the development of new research as opposed to existing research.

Another difference between the Ed.D. and Ph.D. in organizational leadership online degree is coursework or program requirements. The Ed.D. offers coursework such as the application of theory to educational problem solving or training and leadership from different perspectives. Most Ed.D. programs require the completion of 45-60 credits and are designed for students who have already earned a master’s degree in education.

Ph.D. coursework varies among programs, but most organizational leadership specializations cover topics that will enhance research acumen and techniques. Ph.D. candidates work with data and statistics as they conduct their own research projects and complete a dissertation. Most Ph.D. programs take four to six years to complete and require a dissertation or thesis.

Individuals who want to be involved in a research-based career should consider the online Ed.D. These programs typically prepare candidates for less research-intensive careers, such as executives in education or school districts.

• National Center for Education Statistics
• PayScale.com
• US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Related Resources

• What Is A Master’s in Organizational Leadership?
• 10 Best Value Online Doctorate Programs
• Top 10 Online Doctorate in Accounting Programs
• Top 50 Online MBA Programs

This concludes our list of the top 10 online PhD/Doctorate in organizational leadership programs.

Organizational Behavior

PhD in Psychology

Doctoral research in Organizational Behavior prepares graduates to implement organizational theory and research in order to achieve organizational effectiveness and improve individual work life.

Program Highlights

• All Organizational Behavior research graduate students are encouraged to gain practical experience through projects, internships, or jobs, often at CGU’s research centers and affiliates, such as the Claremont Evaluation Center or the Health Psychology and Prevention Science Institute.
• All Organizational Behavior research students who request financial aid receive fellowships. DBOS also regularly hires students for paid teaching assistantships.
• DBOS offers a certificate program and professional development workshops in Evaluation & Applied Methods for those seeking continuing education.

Program At-a-glance

required units

degree awarded

Spring, Fall

program start

5-7 years | full time*

estimated completion time

Regina Burch

Assistant Director of Admissions

Where You Can Find Our Alumni

Centre For Addiction & Mental Health

Vanderbilt University

Graduate Fellow

Lanterman Development Center

Chair of Psychology

The Advocacy and Learning Associates

CEO and Owner

University of Georgia

Executive Director and Professor

Davidson Consulting Ltd.

Evaluation and Organizational Consultant

Delaware Division of Alcohol and Drug Services

Deputy Director

Loma Linda University

Associate Professor of Nursing and Psychology

U.S. Department of State

Foreign Affairs Officer

Michelle Bligh

Interim Executive Vice President & Provost Professor of Organizational Behavior

Research Interests

Leadership, Organizational Culture, Charismatic Leadership

William Crano

Stuart Oskamp Chair of Psychology

Social Influence, Effects of persuasive information on drug addiction and HIV/AIDS, Minority and majority relationships to health information

Stewart I. Donaldson

Distinguished University Professor Executive Director, Claremont Evaluation Center Executive Director, The Evaluators' Institute (TEI)

Positive Organizational Psychology, Health/Well-Being & Positive Functioning Across Cultures, Program Design & Re-Design, Culturally Responsive Theory-Driven Measurement & Evaluation

Cindi Gilliland

Professor of Practice in Organizational Psychology

Social Innovation, Resilience & Well-Being, Diversity and Inclusion

Stephen Gilliland

University Professor

Organizational Justice, Employee Attitudes and Motivation, Leadership

M. Gloria González-Morales

Associate Professor of Psychology Director, Center for Academic & Faculty Excellence

Work stress; work-life issues; workplace victimization and incivility; relational practices and cultures; diversity; positive organizational interventions to enhance well-being and performance.

Michael Hogg

Professor of Social Psychology

Self and Social Identity; Intergroup Relations and Group Processes; Influence and Leadership; Uncertainty, Radicalization and Extremism

Jean Lipman-Blumen

Professor of Organizational Behavior Former Thornton F. Bradshaw Professor of Public Policy

Achieving styles, Crisis management, Gender roles, Leadership, Organizational behavior

Jeanne Nakamura

Associate Professor Director, Quality of Life Research Center

Engagement, Mentoring, Positive Aging

Becky Reichard

Full Professor

Development of those not typically represented in leadership roles (e.g., women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+), Psychological mechanisms underlying the process of leader development (e.g., feedback, goal striving, self-views, implicit theories, leader development readiness), Development of leadership through experiences outside of the work context (e.g., global, sports, volunteering, crisis)

Paul J. Zak

Professor of Economic Sciences, Psychology & Management Director, Center for Neuroeconomics Studies

Neuroeconomics, Neuroscience of Narratives, Neuromanagement

Extended Faculty

Claremont McKenna College

Jennifer Feitosa

Culture, Diversity, Organizational Psychology, Statistics, Teams, Teamwork, Workplace Issues and Trends

Allen Omoto

Pitzer College

Social psychology; volunteerism and prosocial action; environmental concerns; lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues; sense of community; civic engagement and civil society

Ronald Riggio

Human resources management, innovation, leadership, Non-verbal communication, organizational psychology

Organizational Behavior Core Courses (16 units) Doctoral Seminar in Organizational Behavior (4 units) Doctoral Seminar in Organizational Theory (4 units) Doctoral Seminar in Organizational Development & Change (4 units) Advanced Topics in Organizational Behavior (4 units)

Organizational Behavior & Related Electives (32 units) Students are often encouraged to take elective courses in the School of Educational Studies, the Drucker School of Management, the Division of Politics & Economics, the Center for Information Systems & Technology, the School of Arts & Humanities, and the Institute of Mathematical Sciences.

Statistics & Methodology (20 units) Research Methods (4 units) Directed Research Seminar: Organizational Behavior (two 2-unit courses) Intermediate Statistics (2 units) Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) (2 units) Applied Multiple Regression (2 units) Categorical Data Analysis (2 units) PSYCH 315 Sequence: 4 additional units of Advanced Methodology

Field/Teaching Experience (4 units) Supervised Teaching Seminar (4 units) or Field Placement (4 units)

Transdisciplinary Core Course (4 units) All PhD students are required to enroll in a transdisciplinary core course from the “TNDY” course sequence during their first three semesters at Claremont Graduate University.

Portfolio In addition to 72 units of coursework, all students must complete a portfolio that represents a cohesive set of experiences balancing training in their area of specialization.

PhD Completion

• PhD qualifying exam
• Dissertation proposal
• Dissertation and oral defense

In the Field Opportunities Under the supervision of professionals with expertise in your particular areas of interest, you can participate in fieldwork, research, and paid internships at a range of corporations and organizations, including:

• Southern California Edison Company
• Kaiser Permanente
• Orange County Rapid Transit District
• Riverside County Department of Mental Health
• Claremont Evaluation Center
• Institute for Research on Social Issues

Application Guidelines

CGU operates on a priority deadline cycle. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit complete applications by the priority dates in order to assure maximum consideration for both admission and fellowships.

Spring 2024 Priority Deadline – November 1, 2023 Final Deadline (International) – November 15, 2023 Final Deadline (Domestic) – December 1, 2023 Classes begin – January 16, 2024

Fall 2024 Priority Deadline – February 1, 2024 Final Deadline (International) – July 5, 2024 Final Deadline (Domestic) – August 1, 2024 Classes begin – August 26, 2024

Application Checklist

The Claremont Graduate University online application is hosted online by Slate Technolutions via a secure web server. You will create a username and password so that you can return to continue your application over several sessions and check your status after submission. After you submit your application, it is made available for review by our faculty and staff.

Begin your application

The application fee is non-refundable.

Applicants must submit a sealed, official transcript from every undergraduate and graduate institution that has granted the applicant a degree. Electronic transcripts sent to [email protected] are also accepted. For undergraduate coursework, applicants are required to submit proof of a completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Unofficial copies of transcripts are accepted for review purposes, but official copies will be required upon admission.

Applicants currently earning a degree that will be completed prior to attending CGU are required to submit a transcript showing work in progress for evaluation purposes. Once the degree has been granted, a final official transcript documenting the degree conferred must be submitted to CGU.

International applicants are advised to review the International Transcript Guidelines for additional information on submitting international transcripts.

Applicants must submit an up-to-date copy of their resume.

A valid score on one of the following examinations TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson PTE scores is required of all non-native English-speaking applicants. The examination is not required for the following applicants:

• Citizens or permanent residents of countries where English is the sole official language of instruction, e.g., Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Canada (except Quebec), England, Ghana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, New Zealand, Nigeria, Scotland, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad, Tobago, Uganda, and Wales (see the CGU Bulletin for a complete list of accepted countries).
• Applicants who hold an undergraduate or advanced degree, or will have earned such a degree prior to enrolling at CGU, from an institution in the US or in countries where English is the sole official language of instruction (see above).
• Applicants who have successfully completed an academic English pre-master’s or intensive graduate bridge program from a nationally recognized, regionally accredited four-year college or university in the United States in the last two years, with submitted evidence of successful completion, and subject to curriculum approval.

CGU’s school code for the TOEFL exam is 4053 .

International applicants are encouraged to visit our International Applicants page for more information, including score requirements.

When filling out the online application, please enter references acquainted with your potential for success who will submit a written recommendation on your behalf. In most academic departments, references from faculty members who can speak to your academic ability are preferred; applicants with substantial work experience may request professional references. Please do not enter family members as references.

You will be required to input information for your recommenders (whether they are submitting online or not) in the “Recommendations” section of the online application. Please follow the directions in this section carefully before clicking on “Recommendation Provider List” to input the names and contact information for each recommender. You will have an opportunity to indicate if the reference writer will be submitting online. These reference writers will receive an email from CGU with instructions on submitting an online recommendation.

Recommenders who are indicated as offline will not receive an email from CGU with instructions to submit. These reference writers can submit via traditional mail and should use the supplemental New Student Recommendation Form. Recommenders can also email their letter of recommendation to the Office of Admissions at [email protected] .

Download the Recommendation Form

Please submit a 2-3 page statement of purpose that details your academic and/or professional achievements, your specific areas of research interest within your desired field of study, why you are a strong candidate for graduate studies at CGU, and your career goals.

Tuition and Fees

Estimated tuition (california residents, non-residents, international).

*Based on 2023-2024 tuition rates.

STUDENT FEES (PER SEMESTER)

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Organizational Behavior

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You will choose between two tracks with research focused on either micro-organizational behavior, with a psychological approach to how interpersonal relationships within organizations and groups impact individuals, or on macro-organizational behavior that uses sociological methods to examine organizations, groups, and markets.

Examples of projects students have worked on include exploring issues related to diversity and inclusion in both professional and academic settings, researching the psychology of persuasion and political depolarization, and examining the ways in which workplace dynamics are shaped by gender and power.

Graduates have accepted positions at such prestigious institutions as University of Southern California, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and MIT. Others have gone on to careers in organizations such as the Federal Reserve Bank, National Committee for Quality Assurance, and The Bridgespan Group.

Students in organizational behavior are enrolled in and receive their degree from the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) and work with faculty from both the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and  Harvard Business School  (HBS). Harvard Griffin GSAS has offered PhD programs in collaboration with HBS since 1916. In addition to organizational behavior, Harvard Griffin GSAS and HBS collaborate on the programs in Business Economics , Business Administration , and Health Policy (Management Track) . 

Areas of Study

Micro-organizational track | Sociology track | Unspecified

Students in organizational behavior specialize in micro-organizational behavior or sociology, receiving core disciplinary training in either psychology or sociology and gain knowledge of existing research and theory about organizations through advanced coursework in organizational behavior. The sociology track deals with the macro aspects of organizational behavior, focusing primarily on organizational processes and structures and on organizations in relation to their environments. Students also become familiar with some of the more micro issues emphasized within the micro-organizational behavior track, which is for students who wish to concentrate on the psychological aspects of organizational behavior. The primary focus is on the psychology of individuals as they engage in decision-making, interpersonal relations, and small group activities. Students also become familiar with some of the more macro issues emphasized within the sociology track.

Additional information on the graduate program is available from the Department of Organizational Behavior , and requirements for the degree are detailed in Policies .

Admissions Requirements

Please review admissions requirements and other information before applying. You can find degree program specific admissions requirements below and access additional guidance on applying from the Department of Organizational Behavior .

Academic Background

Applicants with bachelor’s degrees in the social sciences, engineering, sciences, and business are encouraged to apply.

Standardized Tests

GRE General or GMAT: Required iBT TOEFL preferred minimum score: 100 IELTS preferred minimum score: 7.5

Theses & Dissertations

Theses & Dissertations for Organizational Behavior

See list of Organizational Behavior faculty

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Questions about the program.

Top 9 Online PhD in organizational Psychology

Industrial organizational psychology is an area of psychology focused on human behavior in the workplace. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage for Industrial and organizational psychologists to be $105,310. I/O psychology is a lucrative career for professionals with the right training and experience. Earning an online PhD in industrial and organizational psychology gives students the knowledge and skills needed to understand problems based on the scientific understanding of human behavior in the workplace and then solve them.

Featured Schools

For current I/O psychology practitioners, earning an online PhD in industrial organizational psychology allows them to continue their education while holding their current jobs. Students don’t need to relocate or take time away from their obligations to attend class. Working students and those with family or professional obligations benefit from the flexibility that an online program can offer. Whether the PhD student decides to ultimately work within an organization, conduct research, or teach at the collegiate level, earning an organizational psychology PhD  can open doors to career advancement.

Methodology

To create our ranking of the top online PhD industrial organizational psychology programs, we used information gathered from the National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator. We identified accredited colleges that offer doctoral degrees in industrial organizational psychology. We narrowed our focus to regionally accredited institutions offering the degree in either an online or hybrid format. Information regarding student to faculty ratios, and courses/specializations were noted, and colleges were ranked by average in-state graduate student tuition.

Ranking the Top 9 Online PhD in Industrial Organizational Psychology

Average Graduate Tuition Rates

• Less than $10,000 per year= 5 Points
• $10,000 to $15,000 per year= 4 Points
• $15,001 to $20,000 per year= 3 Points
• $20,001 to $25,000 per year= 2 Points
• Greater than $25,001 per year= 1 Point

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

• 15:1 or less= 5 Points
• 16:1 to 20:1= 3 Points
• Greater than 20:1= 1 Point

#9 – Adler University – Chicago, Illinois

Online doctorate in industrial/organizational psychology.

School Profile Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1 Average Graduate Student Tuition: $40,530 Points: 4 Adler University offers a top affordable PhD in organizational psychology online that prepares students to be forward-thinking organizational experts. Required courses include:

• Advanced Organizational Development and Change
• Job and Task Analysis
• Advanced Human Factors

Students complete a unique 200-hour civic-minded internship that spans four courses. Applicants should have a cumulative 3.0 GPA in their master’s degree and submit a writing sample to be considered for the program. Graduates are successful in diverse fields such as:

• corporate enterprise

#8 – Keiser University – Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Industrial and organizational psychology, phd.

School Profile Student to Faculty Ratio: 16:1 Average Graduate Student Tuition: $29,632/year Points: 4 Keiser University offers a cost-effective online PhD in I/O psychology that follows a cohort model. Cohort students complete two residencies during the program, attending workshops and presentations and engaging with faculty face-to-face. Courses include:

• Personnel Psychology
• Interventions in Social Systems
• Organizational Applications

Graduates will be able to contribute to the field through scholarship, research, and independent learning.8

#7 – Capella University – Minneapolis, Minnesota

Doctor of philosophy in psychology-industrial/organizational psychology online.

School Profile Student to Faculty Ratio: 32:1 Average Graduate Student Tuition: $14,784/year Points: 5 The top affordable online PhD in organizational psychology from Capella University is a relevant, real-world program with online courses and face-to-face residencies. Students will learn the latest theories and best practices that will help them advance team performance within their organization.

Capella offers several ways to save on the cost of tuition. The Capella Progress Reward is a $20K scholarship students can apply for to offset expenses. Capella also offers discounts to specific employers and organizations. Graduates of this top PhD industrial organizational psychology online program can apply their skills to a variety of settings including:

• research organizations
• the military.

#6 – William James College – Newton, Massachusetts

Leadership psychology doctorate online.

School Profile Student to Faculty Ratio: 7:1 Average Graduate Student Tuition: $34,800 Points: 6 William James College features a high-value online leadership psychology doctorate degree with concentration areas in:

• educational leadership
• leading non-profits and NGOs
• neuroscience of leadership psychology

This 98-credit hour program can be completed in four to six years. Courses are conducted online except during residencies. Residencies are four-day intensives that allow students to work together on theory and practice in I/O psychology. Students will attend three residencies and complete a 600-clock hour practicum and a 300-hour internship.

#5 – The Chicago School of Professional Psychology – Chicago, Illinois

Online phd in business psychology-i/o psychology track.

School Profile Student to Faculty Ratio: 8:1 Average Graduate Student Tuition: $22,554/year Points: 7 The Chicago School of Professional Psychology offers a high-quality online PhD in industrial/organizational psychology through their business psychology program. Students with their master’s degree can complete their degree in three years. Students with a bachelor’s can expect to finish in five years. Hands-on experience is key and students who enter the program post-baccalaureate will complete two internship experiences to develop professional skills. Course offerings include:

• Adult Development and Work
• Systems Theory
• Virtual and Global Leadership

The Chicago School is committed to keeping school affordable and has a variety of financial aid opportunities available.

#4 – Grand Canyon University – Phoenix, Arizona

Phd in psychology – industrial and organizational psychology – qualitative research.

• social and organizational principles to business and industry
• probability, descriptive and inferential analyses of data and statistical testing

Courses are offered in eight-week sessions and students can access course content at any time. Students can complete two or three hands-on doctoral residencies to support their dissertations. Independent research opportunities are available to better understand how memory, reasoning, and motivation play a role in the workplace.

#3 – Northcentral University – San Diego, California

Industrial-organizational psychology specialization phd.

School Profile

Student to Faculty Ratio: 1:1 Average Graduate Student Tuition: $16,881/year Points: 8 Northcentral University offers a cost-effective PhD in industrial-organizational psychology that aligns with the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology’s (SIOP) guidelines for education and training. Northcentral offers unmatched flexibility, allowing students to complete their degree around personal and professional obligations. There are no scheduled lecture hours and no group assignments. Courses include:

• Work Motivation and Attitudes
• Recruitment, Selection, and Training
• Organizational Development

Students interact one-on-one with their professors and receive personalized mentoring. This 60-credit hour program can be completed in about 48 months.

#2 – Liberty University – Lynchburg, Virginia

Ph.d. in psychology – industrial/organizational.

Website Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1 Average Graduate Tuition Rate: $7,847/year Points: 8 Liberty University is a non-profit Christian university offering a high value online PhD in I/O psychology. Students gain research and professional skills to make a significant impact in their organization. Classes are completed online, and students can save money by transferring in up to 50% of the degree total. Courses include:

• Organizational Behavior and Development
• Theories and Research in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
• Psychological Research and Biblical Worldview

Various start times throughout the year allow students to begin the program when it is most convenient. An online I/O psychology PhD degree from Liberty is affordable. Unlike many other schools, Liberty has not raised tuition rates in six years.

#1 – Touro University Worldwide – Los Alamitos, California

Online doctor of psychology in human and organizational psychology.

School Profile Student to Faculty Ratio: 9:1 Average Graduate Student Tuition: $9,000/year Points: 10 Our top online PhD in organizational psychology is at Touro University Worldwide. Touro offers a 66-credit hour program that takes about three years to complete. Courses are offered in eight-week sessions and there are no on-campus residency requirements. Students will study organizational psychology, leadership psychology, and industrial psychology. Courses include:

• Applied Social Psychology
• Applied Media Psychology
• Applied I/O Psychology

Graduates have the knowledge and skills needed to design effective evidence-based solutions to touch challenges in the workplace.

Related Resources:

• 30 Great Scholarships, Grants & Awards for Industrial-Organizational Psychology
• What are the Prerequisites for Master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
• Top 10 Bachelor’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology 
• Top 25 Campus Based Industrial-Organizational Psychology Master’s Degree Programs
• Top 15 Industrial/Organizational Certificate Programs

• Undergraduate
• Master of Accounting
• Full Time MBA
• Evening Executive MBA
• Weekend Executive MBA
• Charlotte Executive MBA

PhD in Organizational Behavior

Organizational behavior.

Our Organizational Behavior (OB) PhD Program prepares you to conduct high-impact research on a broad range of topics critical to businesses and managers. Since 2018, our students have secured job placements at many top research schools.

Our faculty have expertise in a wide range of research areas such as leadership (including ethical leadership), emotions, team dynamics, decision-making, motivation, power and influence, negotiations, employee well-being, creativity, voice, and cross-cultural issues. They use cutting-edge methodological approaches including lab experiments, experience sampling, meta-analyses and qualitative interviews.

Through your coursework and research alongside innovative, supportive and passionate faculty, you will learn the necessary skills to become a high-quality researcher and faculty member at a top research university.

While direct research experience is not required, familiarity with academic research in organizational behavior or psychology is a plus to ensure you are prepared for the rigors of conducting research.

We do not narrow our search to students who graduated from a “top” university or have achieved a specific score on a standardized test. We take a holistic approach. We aim to admit students who demonstrate passion for exploring organizational questions and the motivation to put in the work to learn the complex skills and methodological approaches needed to become a high-quality scholar.

We have found the most successful students are self-directed, enjoy problem-solving and are unafraid – if not excited – about digging into some of the most complex challenges facing organizations.

We look for students who are friendly, collaborative and seek a welcoming and intellectually stimulating academic environment.

We welcome potential applicants from all experiences and backgrounds. The UNC Kenan-Flagler OB PhD Program prides itself on a diverse and inclusive student body. Our thriving and collaborative culture (both with faculty and between students) is a focal point to our department. Join us!

Typical course schedule by year

During the first two years of the PhD Program, you will focus on coursework that develops the tools you need to produce high-quality research. Sample classes include:

• Introduction to Organizational Behavior
• Introduction to Social Psychology
• Research Methods
• Dependent Variables
• Groups and Teams
• Interpersonal Processes
• Negotiation, Conflict and Diversity

After the second year, you are required to successfully complete comprehensive exams which covers all of the OB and leadership courses you take in the first two years of the PhD Program.

• Complete a third-year paper
• Full-time research
• Dissertation and oral defense are expected prior to the end of your fifth year.
• Prepare for the job market

We encourage you to attend bi-weekly brown bag lunches organized by PhD students as well as our field’s annual conference – The Academy of Management.

We believe the best scholars are crafted through impactful mentoring relationships. When you begin the program, you will be assigned to one (or two) faculty members with overlapping research interests. These advising relationships are aimed at being both professionally and personally productive for you. From day one you will begin working on research projects (whether self-directed or ongoing faculty projects) alongside these faculty members as they seek to teach you the skills you need to conduct high-quality work and develop your own research identity.

If you ask a UNC Kenan-Flagler OB student the classic question “Who do you work with?” be prepared for a long answer involving multiple faculty. We encourage our students to work with several faculty members to take advantage of the diverse skill sets, theoretical perspectives and research approaches they offer. These collaborations happen informally as you progress and grow within the program and give you flexibility and breadth of resources as you pursue your research passions.

As part of our larger mission to make academia an inclusive place where people of all identities and life experiences can thrive, we view it as a moral imperative to foster a diverse PhD student body that represents the next generation of scholars.

Ensuring that all feel welcome to pursue a doctoral degree is not only the right thing to do – it also is important for producing better science. Identities and life experiences shape the questions that we ask about the world and the knowledge that we produce.

We believe that our understanding of organizational behavior is incomplete if our scholarly community does not reflect the rich diversity of identities, experiences and perspectives that are found in the broader population. Inviting people of all walks of life to enter into our intellectual community can therefore result in better scholarship because it opens the door for new questions to be asked and new truths to be uncovered.

We strive to be a community where every student feels supported in their scholarly journey. We encourage all interested individuals to apply to the program, especially those who belong to historically underrepresented populations. We look forward to learning from you and welcoming you!

View our current Organizational Behavior PhD students .

Related Research

Ashamed to take a break.

UNC Kenan-Flagler researchers show that employees feeling bad that they took breaks can lead to unethical, costly behavior.

You can be too careful

Researchers show what happens when leaders focus too much on preventing errors.

What’s race got to do with it?

Research shows that Black women negotiators receive more favorable offers and outcomes compared with white women and Black men.

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PhD in Psychology Further Your Understanding of Psychology

Degree Options

View Degree Options

100% online, 8-week courses

Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total

Understand the Human Experience from a Biblical Worldview with an Online PhD in Psychology

Do you want to deepen your knowledge in psychology and use your research to contribute to the field of understanding human behavior? Liberty University’s PhD in Psychology can provide rigorous research training that can better prepare you for a career in academia and research. An online PhD in Psychology is ideal for students who want to bring new knowledge of human behavior to the field and find new ways to help people heal, grow, and thrive.

Liberty’s PhD in Psychology is designed to prepare you to evaluate research and to understand the truth about human behavior from a biblical worldview. Our mission is to  Train Champions for Christ , and we fulfill this mission by training professionals to use science and biblical values to understand the full breadth of the human experience. Our unique, biblically-based approach to this field can help prepare you to make a positive impact on those you work with.

With Liberty’s PhD in Psychology, you can take part in optional face-to-face on-campus intensives that will allow you to meet faculty and other students while you develop your professional and research skills.

What Will You Study in Our PhD in Psychology Degree?

Liberty’s online PhD in Psychology is designed to build on your previous study and experience in human psychology and develop you into a researcher and psychologist who demonstrates ethical and academic excellence while integrating biblical values into your practice.

Through this program, you will:

• Learn how an appreciation of biblical values enhances psychiatric practice by putting human value at the forefront of technique and theory.
• Develop a grounded critical approach to psychiatric research and theory while integrating a biblical worldview into approaches to current issues in psychology.
• Master psychiatric research and writing techniques that can establish your work in the study of human behavior.
• Complete dissertation research through your program with mentorship from your professors so that you have the option to present research at conferences.

Through this program, you will be encouraged to become a thought leader on a variety of topics related to the human experience. Our goal is to help you venture into the world of psychiatric research and practice and offer insights based on biblical foundations of truth that can help people heal and thrive.

Featured Courses

• PSYC 510 — Research Methods and Statistics in Psychology I
• PSYC 710 — Psychological Research and Biblical Worldview
• PSYC 716 — Theories and Research in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
• PSYC 775 — Teaching of Psychology

Degree Information

• This program falls under the  School of Behavioral Sciences .
• View the  Graduate Behavioral Sciences Course Guides   (login required).
• View the  PhD in Psychology Dissertation Handbook
• The online PhD in Psychology is a non-clinical, non-licensure program.

Why Choose Liberty’s Online Degree?

To help you meet your educational goals in a way that fits your life, our online PhD in Psychology provides scheduling flexibility and keeps affordability in mind. Our PhD in Psychology’s online format allows you to take your classes from home without traveling to campus. However, this program still provides a community of psychology professionals and the ability to take optional intensive courses to allow you to connect in person.

Throughout this program, Liberty incorporates a biblical worldview into your instruction. This perspective in your research and practical training in psychology can help you develop professional and academic excellence without compromising an ethical appreciation for human life. Additionally, our caring faculty are devoted to helping you grow personally and academically.

With our online PhD in Psychology, you can learn effective clinical techniques, essential behavioral theory, and develop your research and writing expertise. You can be equipped with a thorough understanding of human thought and behavior while developing your own research to further the field.

Earning a PhD in Psychology online with Liberty means that you will be trained to engage with research and psychiatric practice critically and biblically. If you are interested in becoming a thoughtful, articulate, and research-focused professional, then this is the program for you.

Ranked in the Top 10% of Niche.com’s Best Online Schools in America

• What Sets Us Apart?
• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
• No Standardized Testing for Admission
• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Potential Career Opportunities for PhD in Psychology Graduates

• Corporate psychologist
• Program or department head
• Project manager

Degree Options for Our PhD in Psychology Program

Focus your studies in psychology with a specialization.

Behavioral Health Leadership

Through the  PhD in Psychology – Behavioral Health Leadership , you can hone your research and leadership skills as you prepare to pursue administrative and management positions in mental and behavioral health organizations.

View the Degree Completion Plan .

Developmental Psychology

Through the online  PhD in Psychology – Developmental Psychology , you can learn about research theory related to human development, including cognitive development, social development, and language development.

General Psychology

The online PhD in Psychology – General Psychology provides an in-depth study of advanced psychiatric research and practice while giving you room to customize your course content.

Industrial/Organizational Psychology

In the online  PhD in Psychology – Industrial/Organizational Psychology  track, you will study human behavior in organizations and the workplace. You will focus on deriving principles of individual, group, and organizational behavior and applying that knowledge to developing solutions for challenges in the workplace.

Social Psychology

In the online  PhD in Psychology – Social Psychology  track, you can learn about research and theory related to social processes and relationships, attitudes, and other constructs related to social psychology.

In the online  PhD in Psychology – Theology  track, you can learn how to study the Bible and integrate that study of the Bible with research in psychology to further your understanding of psychological concepts.

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

Tuition & Aid

Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years – and counting.

Eligible current and former military service members and their spouses may qualify for a special rate of $300/credit hour ( learn more ) .

All Tuition & Fees

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Financial Aid Forms & Eligibility

Scholarship Opportunities

Admission Information for Our PhD in Psychology

Admission requirements.

• A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required) .
• Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing.
• Contact information  for 2 recommenders is required (approved recommenders are the student’s former college professors or supervisors).
• Statement of Purpose  is required (1,000-1,500 words, double spaced).
• Departmental approval is required.
• Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy .

Preliminary Acceptance

If you are sending in a preliminary transcript for acceptance, you must:

• Be in your final term and planning to start your doctoral degree after the last day of class for your master’s degree.
• Complete a Master’s Self-Certification Form confirming your completion date. You may download the form from the Forms and Downloads page or contact an admissions counselor to submit the form on your behalf.
• Submit an official transcript to confirm that you are in your final term. The preliminary transcript must show that you are within 6 credit hours of completion for a 30-48 credit hour master’s degree or within 9 credit hours of completion for a 49+ credit hour master’s degree.
• Send in an additional, final official transcript with a conferral date on it by the end of your first semester of enrollment in the new doctoral degree.

Transcript Policies

Official college transcript policy.

An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to [email protected] .

Admissions Office Contact Information

(800) 424-9596

(888) 301-3577

Email for Questions

[email protected]

Email for Documents

[email protected]

Liberty University Online Admissions Verification

1971 University Blvd.

Lynchburg, VA 24515

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

• Active Duty
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/Retirees
• Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want – at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour . Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work toward your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession – for less.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there opportunities to interact in-person with peers.

You can meet faculty and fellow students in person through optional on-campus intensives.

Can I have an impact through this degree?

Through your dissertation, you can contribute to the understanding of human experience and behavior.

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• What Will You Study?
• Potential Careers
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• Tuition & Aid
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