Organizational Leadership, DBA/DOL

Program Director, Nisha Manikoth, Ed.D.; manikoth@hood.edu; 301-696-3818

The Doctorate in Organizational Leadership is a 60-credit program of graduate study and applied research for:

• Persons holding a master’s degree and currently employed in business, non-profit sector, military or government who are seeking additional leadership development as part of personal, career and professional growth program

• Educators and administrators in public and private education and higher education with interest in leadership development to advance their career; and

• Professionals already holding advanced degrees who desire to extend their preparation in leadership development

The courses are designed for working professionals and scheduled in the evening and weekends for those who work full-time.  A cohort moves through the four-year program.

Procedure for Applying

Once a year in the fall, a new cohort begins their program of study.  Admission dates for Doctoral Program in Organizational Leadership (DBA/DOL) open a year prior (previous fall semester.  All applications must be completed by June 15, but we encourage applicants to apply early as the program is competitive and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates admitted to the program will be notified after interviews and applicant review is complete. Candidates advanced to the next phase will complete a campus or virtual interview as part of the admission process.

Application Requirements

• Master’s degree in any discipline

• Master's degree in Business or related field required for DBA

Applicants will be accepted into the program based on selection criteria that include graduate coursework, grade point average, personal statements, area of research interest, resume, letters of recommendation, and experience. 

Those interested in applying must:

• Complete the online application at www.hood.edu/graduate

• Submit official e-transcripts of all graduate work completed for Master’s degree with a minimum of 3.25 GPA. Electronic transcripts should be sent to the Hood graduate Admission or emailed to gofurther@hood.edu. Master's transcripts only are required.

• Minimum of eight to ten years of progressive professional work experience

• Current resume or CV

• Two letters of Recommendation - including one from your employer that speaks to your professional work experience and leadership skills and another individual who can attest to your leadership skills

• Personal essay of 400 to 500 words:

  • What attracts you to the Doctorate in Organizational Leadership?

• Select one of the following prompts and write an essay of 500 to 750 words:

  • What is the role of leadership in an organization as it focuses on challenges and issues of the 21^st century?

  • Leadership is often defined as the “art of influence.”  What are the lessons you have learned from a leader you admire?

  • Compare and contrast your leadership styles with that of a leader you admire and respect. 

• Candidate must provide one of the following admission elements

  • Standardized Test Scores (SLLA, GRE, GMAT or MAT) OR

  • Evidence of master’s level culminating research experience (capstone project, thesis, field work or action research project

• Successful completion of a graduate level research methodology/statistics course

For additional admission information, see Graduate Admission

The doctoral program in organizational leadership is administered by the Departments of Education and Business Administration, by the director of the Doctoral Program in Organizational Leadership, assisted by the Program Advisory Council and Administrative Committee for DOL.