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Leadership
PhD in Business Management
Establish your ability to lead, consult, or teach in a global business landscape. Capella’s online PhD in Business Management, Leadership program teaches you to draw from multiple leadership approaches as you build productive relationships that strengthen organizations. You’ll develop your expertise in strategic planning, supervision, creative management, and statistical approaches while sharpening your high-level critical thinking skills.
Classes start April 10
Use the code WINTER to waive the $50 application fee.
At a glance
- Online
- 11 Core courses
- 12 max transfer credits
- 4 Specialization courses
- 1 Elective course
- 3 Virtual Residencies
- Comprehensive exam
- Dissertation
- ACBSP-accredited
Reduce your tuition by $20,000
Enroll in a qualified program and apply for a $20K Capella Progress Reward, a scholarship to help fund your doctoral degree. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore leadership courses
- This degree requires a total of 90 program credits
- You’ll need to complete 11 core courses, four specialization courses, one elective course, three virtual residencies, one comprehensive exam and one dissertation
| BMGT8610 |
Leadership Theory and Practice in a Global Environment
Learners in this course evaluate leadership theories and practices in diverse cultures from a historical and theoretical basis using a multi-disciplinary lens. Learners also develop expanded leadership perspectives and practices, enabling them to assure the viability of their organizations in a dynamic global business environment. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
|---|---|---|
| BMGT8612 |
Leadership as Personal Practice
Learners in this course focus on analyzing scholarly literature and emerging research trends in relational leadership. The course also emphasizes theories and models of leadership, which support a shift from hierarchical leadership to inclusive and collaborative leadership. Finally, learners assess personal barriers and facilitators to inclusionary leadership and apply theories and models to personal practice. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
| BMGT8614 |
Leading the Organizational System
In this course, learners explore leadership practice in complex and dynamic environments. Learners use systems thinking and organizational theory to analyze leadership practice within the framework of organizational systems and evaluate the role of systems thinking in organizations to develop innovation in complex environments. Finally, learners apply these concepts to leadership practice. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
| BMGT8616 |
Leading Dynamic Systems with Multi-Dimensional Thinking
Learners in this course synthesize multiple ways of thinking to support effective leadership decision making. By integrating critical, creative, reflective, systems, and statistical thinking, learners develop leadership qualities that allow them to apply their insights to current models and perspectives in order to envision a future with improved organizational patterns and outcomes. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. |
4 quarter credits |
What you'll learn
This specialization equips you with a multidisciplinary approach to leadership in today’s complex business environment. You’ll develop a far-reaching skillset that prepares you to lead others, build productive relationships, and strengthen businesses in a highly competitive era.
On successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Develop a personal view of leadership with an emphasis on connections to others in the organization, and to the broader community
- Evaluate how a leader’s perspective of the organization is influenced by mechanistic and living systems worldviews
- Integrate multiple ways of thinking to inform decisions–including creative, reflective, statistical, critical, and systems thinking
- Synthesize scholarly literature and emerging trends to advance the theory or practice of leadership
- Evaluate the historical and theoretical basis of leadership through a multidisciplinary lens to help ensure the viability of organizations in a dynamic global environment
- Exhibit proficiency in academic research, writing, and critical thinking skills
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
How much does the PhD in Business Management cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
GuidedPath
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1-2 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or term
$965 per credit, $5,000 quarterly tuition max, 90 coursework credits, 12 max transfer credits
Tuition breakdown
Program Phases
Coursework
$965 Per quarter credit
90 coursework credits; dissertation is additional
Coursework
What is coursework?$965
Comprehensive exam
$2,895 Per quarter
Comprehensive exam
$2,895
Per quarter
Dissertation
$2,895 Per quarter
Dissertation
$2,895
Per quarter
Fees
Resource kit fee
$175 Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Resource kit fee
$175
Per quarter
Coursework phase only; includes eBooks, textbooks, interactive media, software, course packs, articles, test kits, and other instructional materials
Application fee
$50 One-time fee
Application fee
$50
One-time fee
Tuition and program length are unique to you
Your total tuition and program length depend on a variety of factors:
- The program specialization you choose
- Scholarships and finances
- Prior coursework
- Transfer credits
- Employer and/or military benefits
- Number of quarters spent working on dissertation
- Complexity of your dissertation
- Academic performance
- School/work/life balance
- Unexpected life events
About cost scenarios
The cost scenarios below are examples based on general program pricing and 2022–23 Capella tuition rates, and assume the average number of transfer credits a student brings into the program. Pacing information is current as of January 1, 2022. These rates are the same nationwide and may change depending on factors affecting program length and price. You are responsible for paying your own travel costs related to residencies, including plane, hotel, and food expenses.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment counselor.
Cost scenarios
Completes dissertation in 7 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the fastest 25% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $965/credit 13 quarters |
$58,904.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,895.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,895/quarter 7 quarters |
$20,265.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$82,064.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-20,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$62,064.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 13 quarters |
$2,275.00 |
| Application fee: $50 one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total with Savings 21 quarters |
$64,389.00 |
Completes dissertation in 9 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the median 50% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $965/credit 13 quarters |
$58,904.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,895.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,895/quarter 9 quarters |
$26,055.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$87,854.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-20,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$67,854.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 13 quarters |
$2,275.00 |
| Application fee one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total with Savings 23 quarters |
$70,179.00 |
Completes dissertation in 13 quartersComplete each milestone at the pace of the slowest 75% of students |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $965/credit 13 quarters |
$58,904.00 |
| Comprehensive Exam 1 quarter |
$2,895.00 |
| Dissertation: $2,895/quarter 13 quarters |
$37,635.00 |
| Subtotal
|
$99,434.00 |
| Est. Scholarship Savings*
|
$-20,000.00 |
| Est. Subtotal with Scholarship Savings*
|
$79,434.00 |
| Resource kit fee: $175 13 quarters |
$2,275.00 |
| Application fee one-time fee |
$50.00 |
|
Est. Total with Savings 27 quarters |
$81,759.00 |
*Eligibility rules apply. Connect with us for details.
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment counselor to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Are there scholarships available for doctoral degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future that's within reach. There are more ways to save than you might think.
*Cost of each residency is included in the $5,000 quarterly tuition maximum; books, resource kit, travel, lodging, meals, and other expenses are not included.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
PhD in Business Management admission requirements
Applicants must provide the following information for admission to Capella programs and specializations:
- A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or from an internationally recognized institution
- Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International Student Requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of doctoral students. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces that build on one another to help you earn your doctorate. You’ll have support from faculty, staff, and online resources along the way.
What can you do with a PhD in Business Management degree?
Your education can help you reach your goals, professionally and personally. Here are some of the jobs and employment settings to consider with a PhD in Business Management, Leadership.
Related job titles to explore*
- Adjunct or part-time business faculty
- Full-time business faculty
- Dean or associate dean of a business program
- Research director
- Business researcher
- Consultant
- Leadership development manager/director
- Executive-level management
- Chief executive officer (CEO)
- Chief learning officer (CLO)
- Talent development manager/director
Employment settings to explore
- Land-based or online college or university
- Non-governmental organization
- Community college
- Consulting firm
- Corporation
- Health care organization
- Nonprofit organization
- Public and private education
- Manufacturing
- Insurance firm
- Small business
- Government—local, state, federal
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications, and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase, or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals.
Articles and resources
Expand your perspective on academic and career topics with articles and resources from Capella University.
How is a DBA different from a PhD in Business Management?
A DBA is a practitioner-based degree that utilizes existing knowledge to develop hands-on, practical solutions to problems in the workplace.
What’s the ROI for a PhD?
Is a PhD worth the investment of time, money, and energy?
What’s it like to be a doctoral student?
What does it take to earn a doctoral degree? Learn more about the experience and explore each step of the journey.