Program Overview

In the Jesuit spirit of the magis, the Ph.D. in Leadership Studies (DPLS) program believes that individuals are always in the process of becoming better human beings and leaders - that our potential to grow and develop unfolds over the span of a lifetime. In DPLS we have structured our program to accommodate you where you are at in the process or where you are in the world. 

Quick Facts

  • 60 credits
  • Average completion time: 5-7 years, including dissertation 
  • Average class size: 12-15 students
  • Three start dates: Fall, Spring, and Summer

Why Gonzaga

  • This program is designed for working professionals and full-time scholars.
  • It is accessible from anywhere in the world.
  • Immersions provide opportunities to connect with faculty, build community and network with fellow students.
  • The program's transdisciplinary approach supports a wide variety of research and dissertation topics.
  • The curriculum is designed so that students and faculty may explore emergent topics related to the growing field of leadership studies.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the Doctoral Program in Leadership Studies will:

  • Understand principles of contemplation and discernment in order to facilitate personal development and to become more authentic leaders.
  • Understand the role of ethics in leadership and develop ethical reasoning and reflection skills that will enhance positive, healthy relationships and that will move self and others toward the goodness of life.
  • Inspire, create and lead based on respect for and accountability to others, their organizations, and humanity as a whole.
  • Understand organizations as social constructions that are living, dynamic systems. This leads to purposeful thought, words and action regarding the change process at the individual, organizational and global level.
  • Understand and prize diversity and promote global approaches to issues, with special attention to the implications of diversity for individuals, organizations and societies.
  • Become increasingly committed to social justice, and through their participation in community activities, refining the skills relevant to bringing about more humane social institutions.

Questions?
Contact:

Kristie King, Admissions Specialist
Call or Text: (509) 313-6245 or (866) 380-5323
Email: kingk2@gonzaga.edu

Program Attributes

A student focuses on some homework on her computer.

Flexibility

The program is accessible from anywhere in the world, with courses offered in various modes, including immersion-based, on campus, online and independent study. With three opportunities to take courses throughout the academic year (fall, spring, summer), course progression plans can be personalized to accommodate the needs of working professionals and full-time students.

Student having graduation hood placed at commencement

Dissertation Approach

The program's design supports a wide variety of research and dissertation topics. The scaffolded research approach equips students to identify personal areas of interest through the process along four major milestones: candidacy, proposal seminar, proposal defense and dissertation. Our graduates have been honored with national dissertation awards, reflecting the program's strong foundation of scholarship.

Person pointing to a wooden map of on a wall

International Presence

With a program legacy of over 40 years and well over 600 graduates, the Ph.D. in Leadership Studies has achieved national stature and international reach. The faculty come from diverse backgrounds and students of the program represent a broad range of professions and cultures. The program has welcomed students from countries such as Afghanistan, Albania, Canada, Caribbean Islands, China, Germany, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Venezuela and Zimbabwe, as well as Native American Nations and First Nations peoples.