PhD in Organizational Leadership (PhD)

At Northwest University, tuition is Tuition is $920 per credit for the 2025–26 academic year, with a total program cost of $66,240 before financial aid and transfer credits..

Graduates are qualified to pursue academic, consulting, and executive leadership roles in higher education, nonprofit, and organizational settings. The programme combines scholarly research with practical leadership development through a hybrid format. Students engage in original research that addresses real-world organizational challenges. The program emphasizes faith-integrated leadership and ethical decision-making.

Focus areas include Business Concentration, Ministry Concentration, Education Concentration.

The programme requires 72 credits distributed across core courses (36 credits), concentration courses (18 credits), research seminars (6 credits), and dissertation courses (12 credits).

Graduates enter roles such as university professor, leadership consultant, chief learning officer, research director, or nonprofit executive.

Applicants must hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution, submit official transcripts, a professional resume, a statement of purpose, an academic writing sample, and two to three recommendation letters. An interview is required for selected candidates.

The programme totals about 72 credit hours. Hybrid format with two to three one-week on-campus residencies per year in Kirkland, Washington, and online coursework. Full-time study over four years. For international students, tuition is around the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 88% of applicants.

Northwest University is based in Kirkland, Washington, just outside Seattle. Student life includes campus ministries, gatherings and events, spiritual life credit, meetings with pastors, and connections with local churches. The university offers an international education pathway, while its on-campus and online formats provide different ways to study. Professors know students by name, and small classes support close academic guidance.

Academic programs cover biblical and theological studies, biology, business, communication and media, computer science, education, exercise science, film production, design, nursing, psychology, music, and ministry. Graduate options include business administration, counseling, information technology management, ministry leadership and theology, organizational leadership, physician assistant studies, and teaching. Online programs include business management, psychology, ministry leadership, and interdisciplinary studies.

Career preparation is built into the academic experience, with internships available across all majors. Health-related study includes nursing, exercise science, psychology, mental health counseling, physician assistant studies, and doctoral psychology. Music production students train in recording arts through hands-on work with professional studios and equipment. Northwest’s education combines coursework, career preparation, and a stated commitment to helping students grow in character, careers, and Christian faith.