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

Lead the Way with an Online 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.

Completely online with full- or part-time options.
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

Pathway to Complete Your Doctorate in Strategic Leadership and Administrative Studies at Marywood University

If you have achieved all but your Dissertation (ABD), the Ph.D. Program in Strategic Leadership and Administrative Studies at Marywood University offers you a path to complete your doctoral program without retaking or repeating the courses that you have already taken either at Marywood University or any other accredited university, and regardless of when you have taken these courses. With all the time, money, and efforts you have dedicated to completing these courses, why not take just one last step with us and get your well-deserved doctoral degree?

Marywood University offers a fully online program with 9 credits and 9 online dissertation credits (a total of 18 credits). This pathway is specifically designed for career professionals who are seeking to complete their doctoral studies and earn their Ph.D. without taking time off from their careers.

In as little as two years of study, you can add a “Ph.D.” to your list of professional accomplishments.

Support your personal growth and satisfaction, as well as your career accomplishments and professional aspirations—apply today to earn your well-deserved doctoral degree from an accredited, reputable university.

Program of Study
SLAS 6002: Ethical Leadership (3 credits)
SLAS 6012: Pre-Dissertation Seminar (3 credits)
SLAS 6013: Qualifying Seminar (3 credits)
SLAS 7000: Dissertation (min of 9 credits)

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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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.

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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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