The Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development encompasses five specialties: Evaluation, Human Resource Development, P-12 Educational Administration, Postsecondary Educational Administration, and Sport Administration. Each prepares graduates to understand and perform basic and applied research in their specialty area. To learn more, just click on the area of specialization.
I chose to study at U of L because of the faculty, many of whom are renowned researchers in human resource development. I was constantly impressed with the level of dedication and time that faculty invest in their students; not only to guide them towards to degree completion, but to prepare them for careers afterwards. I came into this program looking to learn more about human resource development and continue working as a practitioner, but fell in love with research and teaching, and now am a faculty member myself. My experiences in the doctoral program were positive and truly rewarding and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in human resource development.Dr. E. Kobena Osam, Assistant Professor, Northern Kentucky University
Ph.D., Educational Leadership & Organizational Development (Human Resource Development), 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed my doctoral journey at the University of Louisville. From start to finish, there was a consistent message of unlocking new truths through innovative research practices. I am especially thankful for the collaborative spirit and the critical feedback given by my dissertation committee. I am proud to be a U of L alumnus and draw regularly upon the skills that were honed in my doctoral studies to inform my work as an educational leader.Dr. Robb Smith, Superintendent, Bellevue Independent School District
Ph.D., Educational Leadership & Organizational Development (P-12 Administration), 2019
The ELEOD doctoral experience was transformative. I was taught how to look deeply at data relevant to my interests and given the opportunity for challenging ideas and debate. The experience has guided me as a professional and contributed significantly to who I am today.Dr. Cara DiMattina-Ryan, Chief Strategy Officer, Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area, Austin, Texas
Ph.D., Educational Leadership & Organizational Development (Higher Education Administration), 2018
My experience in U of L’s Educational Leadership and Organizational Development Ph.D. program was outstanding, particularly working with the faculty members in the Sport Administration track. They took a very hands-on approach to teaching me what it takes to be an effective faculty member. Not only did I learn to be an effective researcher, writer, and teacher, but I also experienced first-hand what great mentorship is. To this day, I still remain close to the faculty at Louisville, collaborating with them on research, connecting with them at academic conferences, and even guest speaking to current doctoral students in the program. Great people make great academic programs and Louisville has some of the best in our field.Dr. Nels Popp, Assistant Professor of Sport Administration, Co-Director, Center of Research and Intercollegiate Athletics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
Ph.D., Educational Leadership & Organizational Development (Sports Administration), 2007
My time in the Educational Leadership and Organizational Development Ph.D. program at the University of Louisville prepared me to be a strong leader in higher education. Specifically, the lessons I gained through the program’s coursework were practical, enhanced my knowledge and skillsets exponentially, and provided me with necessary application tools to be a successful practitioner. What I am most appreciative of is the support of the faculty in the ELOD program, my dissertation committee, and the many transformative conversations I engaged in with faculty and other students throughout my journey. The ELOD program is certainly a community of excellence of which I am proud to have been a part.Dr. Nadine Petty, Executive Director of the Center for Diversity & Enrichment, University of Iowa
Ph.D., Educational Leadership & Organizational Development (Higher Education Administration), 2017
I am really grateful for my time at Louisville. I learned so much about different methodologies, practices, and critical thinking. The program forces you to analyze what information is important and how to discern a scope of study, which in my case, has applied to both research and work settings. There are so many faculty at U of L that are content experts in different areas, so for anyone interested in those, finding a U of L faculty member that can oversee your research and help support your personal and professional goals is key. As a graduate, I’m happy to talk with anyone thinking of joining the Louisville family to discuss how it might work for you.Dr. Amanda Bowers, Director of Institutional Effectiveness & Assessment, Motlow State Community College
Ph.D., Educational Leadership & Organizational Development (Higher Education Administration), 2018
I am so glad that I chose to pursue my doctoral education at the University of Louisville. I really believe that the training and rigor I received stacks up against any other program in the country. The rigor throughout the classwork and dissertation process gave me the skills to be a productive researcher, but it was the expertise and commitment of the faculty that set me up to use those skills to make an impact in my field. As challenged as I felt in the program I felt even more supported and that is why I continue to work with so many of the colleagues, mentors, and friends I gained while at U of L. I can’t recommend the program strongly enough. It has been a big part of my success and I am confident it always will be.Dr. Matt Berry, Scholarship and Policy Director, Evolve502, Louisville, Kentucky
Ph.D., Educational Leadership & Organizational Development (Higher Education Administration), 2014
The Educational Leadership and Organizational Development doctoral program at the University of Louisville served an instrumental role in helping me develop the foundational skills to succeed as a faculty member at a research-intensive institution. I continue to draw upon the theoretical and practical knowledge I gained during my doctoral studies at U of L to help organizational leaders find better ways for achieving their respective goals, while also advancing scholarly knowledge through my research.Dr. Per Svensson, Assistant Professor, Louisiana State University
Ph.D., Educational Leadership & Organizational Development (Sports Administration), 2015
Adam Stieglitz is the Director of Operations and co-founder of the Andean Alliance for Sustainable Development. He received his bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Miami and a master’s degree in Public Administration from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey, California. His research interests include exploring effective ways of bridging academia with community development in order to promote social change. Adam is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Organization Development with an emphasis in Evaluation at the University of Louisville.Dr. Adam Stieglitz
Ph.D., Educational Leadership & Organizational Development 2022
The advisor and members of the Program Committee help the individual design a program of study. Normally this should be done almost immediately after admission. The student has no "official contract" until the program is signed by the three members of Program Committee.
The program requires a minimum of 90 semester hours beyond the baccalaureate degree. Courses from previous graduate work may be counted toward the 90 hours. At least 45 of the 90 hours must be earned at UofL. These 45 hours will include the 18 hours fulfilling residency and the 12 hours required for dissertation credit.
Professional Specialization (42 hours). Each student will choose one of five specializations. The particular coursework in any student's program will vary according to specific specialization requirements, program Committee decisions, and individual background and interests.
Knowledge Development and Utilization (27 hours). Each student will carry out a substantial, creative project of scholarly quality. In developing dissertation topics, students are required to select topics that enable them to demonstrate the ability to conduct inquiry into processes and problems of educational institutions or community organizations. This component includes:
Electives (21 hours). This component allows considerable flexibility in planning a program.
Meeting Course and Program Requirements and Residency. Students should meet with their advisor to plan the scheduling of courses for several semesters at a time. Students must be enrolled (= registered) at the University of Louisville for a minimum of 18 hours within a 12-month period to meet the residency requirement. These hours must be completed during or after formal admission to the doctoral program.
There are two time limits for completion of the doctoral program: (1) Within five years after admission into the doctoral program students must complete all coursework and pass the comprehensive exams; and (2) the student must complete all other requirements for the degree within four years after passing the comprehensive examination and being admitted to candidacy. A doctoral degree student must have been admitted to candidacy not later than the end of the ninth month prior to the awarding of the degree, that is:
The PhD in Educational Leadership and Organizational Development has five specialties as described under Specialties.
The LEAD Department PhD Admissions Committee evaluates an applicant’s potential to succeed in the doctoral program, including academic writing and analysis, theory and conceptual processing, and overall program readiness. This evaluation of an applicant is conducted through a holistic review of an applicant’s fully submitted application materials. These materials include the following:
In addition, an applicant may also submit or participate in any of the following additional opportunities that are optional but not required for admission:
Additional information on each required and optional application materials can be found in the following sections:
The ELOD PhD program admits students once each year for an August start date. The priority admission deadline for fellowships and scholarships is October 1st. The final deadline for admission consideration is February 1st. Students typically are notified of final admission decisions by early April.
University of Louisville
Graduate School
2211 S Brook St, Houchens Bldg, Rm 105
Louisville, Kentucky 40292
The United States of America
Email Address: gradadm@louisville.edu
Phone Number: (502) 852-6495
Your essay should intertwine several messages that: (a) provide a background to your chosen topic; (b) inform your reader why your chosen topic is important and what is known about the topic; (c) articulate at least two approaches you could address your topic using research articles; (d) recommend an avenue or perspective in which to take along with supported rationale; and, (e) provide a summary with concluding remarks that bring your essay to a logical conclusion.
By applying for admission to the LEAD doctoral program, a prospective student affirms that the contents of the application, including the research proposal, analysis essay, and accompanying documents, etc. are the product of their own intellectual efforts. It is perfectly acceptable to use outside resources and materials as a part of the application. However, throughout the application materials, where appropriate, we expect that an applicant acknowledges those sources of inspiration, whether they be from published works, collaborations, or AI-based programs, through appropriate citations and references using the latest APA-style guidelines.
By submitting application materials, applicants acknowledge they understand that plagiarism, fabrication, or any form of academic misconduct is unacceptable and undermines the values of intellectual rigor and integrity. At the University of Louisville, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of academic honesty and ethical conduct throughout our Ph.D. application process, and we expect students who join our academic community to value and uphold the same standards and rigor.
Any intentional misrepresentation or breach of academic integrity could have serious consequences, including the potential denial or revocation of admission, or dismissal from the program.
Department of Educational Leadership, Evaluation and Organizational Development
College of Education and Human Development
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY 40292
502-852-6475
Those interested in general information about the ELEOD PhD program should contact Dr. Mary Brydon-Miller at mary.brydon-miller@louisville.edu. For specific program track information, please contact the following faculty for detailed information:
Evaluation - Dr. Jason Immekus
P-12 Educational Leadership - Dr. Kyle Ingle
Sports Administration - Dr. Chris Greenwell
Human Resources and Organizational Development - Dr. Brad Shuck
Higher Education Administration - Dr. Jacob Gross
Advanced positions in the fields of education, training and development. Positions as a university professor in the field of education and human resource education. Positions in the fields of educational research and policy.