Lead the Way with an Online Ph.D. in Strategic Leadership & Administrative Studies

With an emphasis on applied and evidence-based research, the Ph.D. in Strategic Leadership and Administrative Studies (SLAS) offers students an interdisciplinary doctoral program designed for professional adults by accommodating their contemporary busy lifestyles, while also providing a cutting-edge, innovative, and cost-effective quality education. Our outstanding and experienced faculty, including Fulbright Scholars, uses dynamic teaching methods designed for learning adults and effective graduate studies.

Completely online with full- or part-time options.
Outstanding and experienced faculty, including Fulbright Scholars
Open enrollment throughout the academic year

Established in 1996, Marywood's doctoral program is completely online with an executive-type curriculum structured for the development of strategic leadership and administrative skills in interdisciplinary research-oriented doctoral studies.

Pathway to Complete Your Doctorate in Strategic Leadership and Administrative Studies at Marywood University

If you have achieved all but your Dissertation (ABD), the Ph.D. Program in Strategic Leadership and Administrative Studies at Marywood University offers you a path to complete your doctoral program without retaking or repeating the courses that you have already taken either at Marywood University or any other accredited university, and regardless of when you have taken these courses. With all the time, money, and efforts you have dedicated to completing these courses, why not take just one last step with us and get your well-deserved doctoral degree?

Marywood University offers a fully online program with 9 credits and 9 online dissertation credits (a total of 18 credits). This pathway is specifically designed for career professionals who are seeking to complete their doctoral studies and earn their Ph.D. without taking time off from their careers.

In as little as two years of study, you can add a “Ph.D.” to your list of professional accomplishments.

Support your personal growth and satisfaction, as well as your career accomplishments and professional aspirations—apply today to earn your well-deserved doctoral degree from an accredited, reputable university.

Program of Study
SLAS 6002: Ethical Leadership (3 credits)
SLAS 6012: Pre-Dissertation Seminar (3 credits)
SLAS 6013: Qualifying Seminar (3 credits)
SLAS 7000: Dissertation (min of 9 credits)

Watch as this panel of representatives discusses the structure of the Ph.D. program, along with a recent graduate's experience as a doctoral student.

From left to right:

Dr. Alexander Dawoody; Alex is the Director of the Ph.D. program in Strategic Leadership and Administrative Studies. He is a full-time faculty member at Marywood University.

Ryan Leckey; Ryan is the Founder & President of Ryan Leckey Media, an Emmy award-winning content creator, and a former reporter for WNEP Newswatch 16. Ryan earned his Ph.D. degree in Strategic Leadership and Administrative Studies from Marywood University in 2020, serving as the keynote speaker during Marywood's virtual Commencement ceremony that year.

Dr. Lia Palmiter; Lia is a faculty member and the Director of the Bachelor of Social Work Program at Marywood University. She previously served as Director of Student Equity and Inclusion and Director of Diversity at Marywood. Lia teaches in the Strategic Leadership and Administrative Studies, Higher Education, and Social Work programs. She worked with Ryan as the Chair of his Dissertation committee and acted as a mentor to Ryan throughout his journey as a student at Marywood.
Ryan Leckey, Ph.D. '20 Read All Testimonials

Our Ph.D. program prepares students to address the most complex challenges of the modern era and provide leadership in any professional setting, but a doctoral degree from Marywood is particularly useful in the areas of:

Institutions of higher education
Secondary institutions of education
City, county, state, and federal government
Global governance
Nonprofit organizations
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
Secondary and higher education institutions
Police departments and federal law enforcement agencies
Relief agencies (local, county, and national levels)
Emergency response agencies (local, county, and national levels)

Dissertation Course

All students are required to write and successfully defend a dissertation in order to graduate. Pre-requisites: The successful completion of all coursework.

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Outcomes & Opportunities

#20Best Value Schools

100% ONLINE Completely online or part-time options

Journalof Applied Professional Studies

Host of the scholarly peer-review »

$80,560 median salary »

*bls.gov

Top Employers

Technology Companies
Consulting Firms
Automotive Manufacturers
Universities

Top Career Paths

Chief Executive Officer
Training/Development Manager
Business Professor
Education Administrator

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Admission Requirements

Master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
Completed application
Essay
Official, sealed transcripts
Two or three letters of recommendation

The program is only 60 credit hours and consists of 15 courses, 2 seminars, and 9 dissertation credits. Up to 12 eligible master-level credits are considered for transfer.

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Credit Transfer Policy

The Ph.D. program in Strategic Leadership and Administrative Studies (SLAS) accepts the transfer of qualified master-level credits to the program as electives. The following conditions must apply:

Up to 12 graduate credits (4 eligible courses) from an accredited institution can be transferred to the program.
A student must be enrolled in the program before applying for credit transfer and all credit transfer applications must be approved by the Program Director.
Transferred credits must be related to the program's field of study. Practicum, field-studies, internships, and clinical courses are not considered.
Grade of any transferred course must be B or higher.
All approved transferred credits will be accepted as electives.

Facilities & Technology

Even though the program is online, for those that would like to connect in person, faculty is on camps for your needs. You also have access to all the services and campus amenities, so we hope to see you around campus!

The front of the McGowan Center with a metal fence serving as a railing over an edge

McGowan Center for Graduate and Professional Studies

1201 University Avenue
Map & Directions

The McGowan Center for Graduate and Professional Studies, located on the corner of University and North Washington Avenues, contains classrooms and related clinical/professional space for Communication Sciences and Disorders, Psychology and Counseling, Education, and Business students. Market Marywood is also located here.

Learn More | Take a Virtual Tour

Scholarships & Tuition

Fulbright Program

Sponsored by the United States Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Fulbright Program provides funding for students, scholars, teachers, and professionals to undertake graduate study, advanced research, university teaching, and teaching in elementary and secondary schools. The flagship international educational program sponsored by the U.S. Government, the Fulbright Program is designed to increase mutual understanding between the peoples of the United States and the people other countries.

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Faculty

Dr. Alexander Dawoody

Dr. Alan Levine

Dr. Stanley Kania

Dr. Phil Jenkins

Dr. Amy Paciej-Woodruff

Dr. Matthew Caputo

Dr. Kathleen Covey

Andrew Cutillo, JD

Dr. Caroline Millen

Dr. Yerodin Lucas

Dr. Lia Palmiter

Courses & Curriculum

80+ opportunities for you to find the right fit with 50+ undergraduate degrees and 30+ graduate and certificate courses.

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Current Student Resources

From #DayOne, Marywood is here for you each step of the way.

Student Handbook and Program Manual

Additional Resources:

Lead the Way with an Online Ph.D. in Strategic Leadership & Administrative Studies

Pathway to Complete Your Doctorate in Strategic Leadership and Administrative Studies at Marywood University