Forbes has ranked Eastern University’s Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership third on its list of the Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Programs for 2024. The list ranked 60 accredited, nonprofit universities offering the degree program at a doctoral level.

Eastern University’s Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership equips students to serve as transformational change agents in business and beyond, offering three specialization tracks so that students can customize the curriculum to their interest and expertise. The program offers a unique, faith-centered, scholarly development experience through rigorous online coursework, in-person residencies, and individualized research coaching leading to professional presentations and publications.

Eastern’s program is flexible for working professionals. It helps students expand their professional network with global peers from diverse industries and develop advanced qualitative and quantitative research skills. The cohort model allows for individualized mentoring from dedicated faculty as students progress through the program together, often developing life-long relationships.   

Dr. Heewon Chang, Professor and Chair for the Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership program, emphasized the caring nature of this community.

“This program has created a community dedicated to shaping leaders to reach their full potential,” said Dr. Chang. “The faculty are deeply invested in the rich network of students and alumni who have also returned their support to the program since the beginning.”

Forbes’s methodology examines 15 data points from reliable, third-party data sources in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes, and student experience. Data points such as graduation rate, median earnings 10 years after graduation, tuition, student-to-faculty ratio, and more inform the ranking. Among the top 10 schools, Eastern ranked No. 1 in graduation rate, showcasing a commitment to ensuring its students cross the finish line with value-added theoretical and practical education of excellence.

“We are honored to be recognized for the excellence of our online doctoral program,” said Dr. Christa Lee-Chuvala, Dean of The College of Business & Leadership. “We are committed to supporting working professional leaders for entry into the world of research and scholarly contribution, equipping them to develop research insights that advance leadership practices in their current workplace or future careers.”

Learn more about how Eastern University’s Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership prepares organizational leaders from various public and private contexts to effectively engage in the transformation of their organizations.