Ph.D. IN
LEADERSHIP AND POLICY A Powerful Educational Experience The Ph.D. program focuses on bringing social justice and empowerment of those in need to the forefront of research, and provides a course of study in which professionals from various disciplines become change agents. This program is designed to enhance the research and policy leadership acumen of practicing professionals who are already established in their respective career paths. It prepares them for an enriching life of research and scholarship.
Curriculum The Ph.D. program requires 60 credit hours beyond a master’s degree, with at least 48 of those credit hours completed at Niagara University. The programs two main components are 30 credits of leadership and policy core study, and 30 credits of research core study. There are 21 required credits (seven courses) in the Leadership and Policy Study Core of the Doctor of Philosophy Program. Students, in consultation with their adviser, are able to select nine additional credit hours (three courses) in a concentration area within the field of leadership and policy. All candidates for the Ph.D. complete required courses as cohort members, and have the opportunity to work individually toward their dissertation topic.
FLEXIBILITY
AFFORDABILITY
QUALITY
Cohort members fulfill the doctoral residency in the first year of study by completing nine credit hours in the fall, and nine in the spring. Classes are on Friday evenings and Saturdays to accommodate professional schedules.
Scholarships and grantin-aid may be available to qualified doctoral candidates via the university, the college, endowments and research project grants. Support through candidate-employer contracts may be an option for some Ph.D. candidates.
The Ph.D. program prepares doctorate-level qualified leaders who can implement systemic change in organizations, communities, and other contexts. It offers an innovative and interdisciplinary model, for a unique experience.