Leadership Studies, PhD

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Graduate Coordinator: Sydney Richardson Email: sdrichardson1@ncat.edu Phone:(336) 285-2342
Department Chair: Geleana Alston Email: gdalston@ncat.edu Phone: (336)285-2150

The doctoral program in leadership studies prepares tomorrow’s leaders to solve societal challenges through the study of theoretical and practical knowledge in leadership studies. Through its commitment to civic engagement, transformative research and creative scholarship the program produces critically minded scholars who are social justice advocates capable of transforming organizations to maximize human potential.

Additional Admission Requirements

Three additional professional letters of recommendation from professors or employers. The recommendation letters should be submitted by the same individuals who complete the recommendation form included in the standard Graduate College application.
A current resume or curriculum vita
Statement of Purpose: In two double-spaced pages explain how earning a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies fits in with your academic/professional and personal goals; describe one or two of the key research topics that you may want to investigate as part of your research agenda; and discuss a key leadership lesson you have learned from your leadership experiences within or outside your profession.
Master’s or J.D. from a college or university recognized by a regional or general accrediting agency.
Minimum cumulative Grade Point Average of 3.50 (on a 4.00 scale) in all graduate coursework.
At least five years of professional work experience at the executive or managerial level
Interview: After initial review of all applications, the most qualified candidates will be invited for a group interview with the Leadership Studies faculty.

Program Outcomes

Demonstrate understanding of major leadership theories in Leadership Studies, and the ability to analyze and critique these theories, and apply these theories in diverse settings.
Effectively demonstrate decision making skills and a repertoire of knowledge needed to lead, organize, and engage diverse local, national, and global communities.
Able to use a range of perspectives from interdisciplinary fields of study particularly to provide leadership that addresses societal challenges.
Articulate an understanding of the role of ethics in leadership and develop ethical reasoning as well as reflection skills that promote social justice.
Demonstrate the ability to design, analyze, critique, and conduct research using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research techniques.

Degree Requirements

Take Core Courses:

LEST 800 - Leadership Theories 3 Credit(s)
LEST 802 - Decision Making Theor/Strat 3 Credit(s)
LEST 810 - Ethics & Social Responsibility 3 Credit(s)
LEST 818 - Strategic Planning Orga Dynam 3 Credit(s)

Credits Hours: 9

Select 9 Credits

in LEST or related areas with approval of advisor

Dissertation:

LEST 997 - Dissertation 3 to 1 Credit(s)

Pass

qualifying exam, preliminary exam, dissertation defense

Total Credit Hours: 48 (Post Master’s)

Dissertation Research:

A student may not register for dissertation credits before passing Qualifying Examination. No more than 12 dissertation credits are counted toward the total credit hours requirement for the degree.

Qualifying Examination:

The Qualifying Examination is given to assess the student’s competence in a broad range of relevant subject areas. Only students with unconditional status and in good academic standing may take the Qualifying Examination. A student who wants to retake the Qualifying Examination must apply to retake the Qualifying Examination by the posted deadline. No student is permitted to take the Qualifying Examination more than twice. A student not recommended for re-examination or who fails the exam on a second attempt may be dismissed from the doctoral program.

Preliminary Oral Examination:

The Preliminary Oral Examination is conducted by the student’s dissertation committee and is a defense of the student’s dissertation proposal. Passing this exam satisfies requirements for Ph.D. Candidacy. Failure on the examination may result in dismissal from the doctoral program. The student’s Advisory Committee may permit one re-examination. At least one full semester must elapse before the re-examination. Failure on the second attempt will result in dismissal from the doctoral program.

Admission to Candidacy

Students will be admitted to candidacy upon successful completion of the Qualifying Exam and the Preliminary Oral Exam.

Final Oral Examination:

The Final Oral Examination is conducted by the student’s dissertation committee. This examination is the final dissertation defense presentation that is scheduled after a dissertation is completed. The examination may be held no earlier than one semester (or four months) after admission to candidacy. Failure on the examination may result in dismissal from the doctoral program. The student’s Advisory Committee may permit one re-examination. At least one full semester must elapse before the re-examination. Failure on the second attempt will result in dismissal from the doctoral program.

Submission of Dissertation:

Upon passing the Ph.D. Final Oral Examination, the Ph.D. student must have the dissertation approved by each member of the student’s dissertation committee. The approved dissertation must be submitted to The Graduate College by the deadline given in the academic calendar and must conform to the Graduate College’s guidelines for theses and dissertations.