Doctor of Philosophy in Strategic Leadership and Administrative Studies (PhD)

Lead the Way with a Ph.D. in Strategic Leadership & Administrative Studies.

With an emphasis on applied and evidence-based research, the Ph.D. in Strategic Leadership and Administrative Studies (SLAS) offers students an interdisciplinary doctoral program designed for professional adults by accommodating their contemporary busy lifestyles, while also providing a cutting-edge, innovative, and cost-effective quality education. Our outstanding and experienced faculty, including Fulbright Scholars, uses dynamic teaching methods designed for learning adults and effective graduate studies.

Full or part time enrollment; completely online courses, including dissertation sessions and defense; option of selecting a few in-person, equivalent Foundation courses at other departments with the Program Director’s approval.
Outstanding and experienced faculty, including Fulbright Scholars
Open enrollment throughout the academic year

Established in 1996, Marywood's doctoral program is completely online with an executive-type curriculum structured for the development of strategic leadership and administrative skills in interdisciplinary research-oriented doctoral studies.

Foundation Courses (21 credits):

SLAS 6001 Administrative and Leadership Theories

SLAS 6002 Ethical Leadership

SLAS 6003 Policy Analysis and Organizational Dynamics

SLAS 6004 Program Assessment and Evaluation

SLAS 6005 Organizational Budget and Finance

SLAS 6006 Administrative Law

SLAS 6007 Equity and Inclusion

Research Courses (18 credits):

SLAS 6008 Qualitative Research Design

SLAS 6009 Quantitative Research Design

SLAS 6010 Advanced Quantitative Research

SLAS 6011 Statistical Analysis

SLAS 6012 Pre-Dissertation Seminar

SLAS 6013 Qualifying Seminar

Dissertation (minimum of 9 credit hours):

SLAS 7000 Doctoral Dissertation

Electives (12 credits): Waived through Advanced placement

Our Ph.D. program prepares students to address the most complex challenges of the modern era and provide leadership in any professional setting, but a doctoral degree from Marywood is particularly useful in the areas of:

Institutions of higher education
Secondary institutions of education
City, county, state, and federal government
Global governance
Nonprofit organizations
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
Secondary and higher education institutions
Police departments and federal law enforcement agencies
Relief agencies (local, county, and national levels)
Emergency response agencies (local, county, and national levels)

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I thoroughly enjoyed my experience as a Marywood PhD student. This is the first academic program I was part of to be held on/completed online. It was an enjoyable experience and very user-friendly. All faculty and staff within the PhD in Strategic Leadership in Administrative Studies program have been consistently supportive and available throughout the semesters.
Charles Salvo '22 Read All Testimonials

ABD Pathway

Marywood University offers a pathway to ABD students who had completed all their doctoral courses at other accredited institutions of higher learning but were unable to start or complete their dissertations. The pathways consists of three courses (Ethical Leadership, Pre-Dissertation Seminar, and Qualifying Seminar) plus 9 online dissertation credits (a total of 18 credits). Applicants who lack research courses in their prior doctoral programs must take additional research courses at our program, including qualitative, quantitative, advanced quantitative research, and statistical analysis.

Dissertation Course

All students are required to write and successfully defend a dissertation in order to graduate. Pre-requisites: The successful completion of all coursework.

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D2D: Earn Your Second Doctorate Degree with Just 27 Credits

Students who already hold their doctorate degrees from other accredited institutions can complete their second doctorate degree at our program with only 27 credits. These credits include six Research courses (18 credits) and nine (9) Dissertation credits.

Outcomes & Opportunities

Published FacultyDirector of Ph.D. program, Dr. Dawoody, is a published author »

100% ONLINE Completely online or part-time options

Journalof Applied Professional Studies

Host of the scholarly peer-review »

Success Stories From Our Alumni »

Top Employers

Technology Companies
Consulting Firms
Automotive Manufacturers
Universities

Top Career Paths

Chief Executive Officer
Training/Development Manager
Business Professor
Education Administrator

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Admission Requirements

If you have any questions about this program, we're here to help.

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Master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
Completed application
Official, sealed transcripts

The program is only 60 credit hours and consists of 15 courses, 2 seminars, and 9 dissertation credits. Up to 12 eligible master-level credits are considered for transfer.

For students interested in the ABD pathway, a doctoral degree/program from a regionally accredited college or university is required to be considered.

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Credit Transfer Policy

The Ph.D. program in Strategic Leadership and Administrative Studies (SLAS) accepts the transfer of qualified master-level credits to the program as electives. The following conditions must apply:

Up to 12 graduate credits (4 eligible courses) from an accredited institution can be transferred to the program.
A student must be enrolled in the program before applying for credit transfer and all credit transfer applications must be approved by the Program Director.
Transferred credits must be related to the program's field of study. Practicum, field-studies, internships, and clinical courses are not considered.
Grade of any transferred course must be B or higher.
All approved transferred credits will be accepted as electives.

Facilities & Technology

Even though the program is online, for those that would like to connect in person, faculty is on campus for your needs. You also have access to all the services and campus amenities, so we hope to see you around campus!

The front of the McGowan Center with a metal fence serving as a railing over an edge

McGowan Center for Graduate and Professional Studies

1201 University Avenue
Map & Directions

The McGowan Center for Graduate and Professional Studies, located on the corner of University and North Washington Avenues, contains classrooms and related clinical/professional space for Communication Sciences and Disorders, Psychology and Counseling, Education, and Business students. Market Marywood is also located here.

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Learning Commons

201 Morgan Road
Map & Directions

With the Learning Commons, the library takes on a new form—a 21st Century library that focuses on actively empowering the learner. It is a scholars’ gathering place, where students from all disciplines converge, collaborate, and expand their horizons ever further. Learning Commons Hours: Mon-Thurs: 8am-12am Fri: 8am-7pm Sat.: 9am-7pm Sun.: 11am-12am

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Scholarships & Tuition

Scholarships

Fulbright Program

Sponsored by the United States Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Fulbright Program provides funding for students, scholars, teachers, and professionals to undertake graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and teaching in elementary and secondary schools. The flagship international educational program sponsored by the U.S. Government, the Fulbright Program is designed to increase mutual understanding between the peoples of the United States and the people other countries.

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