Best Online PhD Programs in Management and Leadership for US Learners

Online doctor of philosophy (PhD) programs in management and leadership are increasingly becoming more popular among students in the United States (US). This is primarily because of the immense flexibility they offer and the way they help graduates advance their careers in the competitive business world here. 

These programs are highly credible, as evidenced by the salaries graduates earn. For example, they can secure roles as chief executive officers, earning between USD 128,837 and USD 220,631 per year.

In this blog, we will discuss online PhD programs in leadership and management and explore their key details, including what they cover, how they benefit you, and their eligibility requirements. 

Source: Indeed, as of December 22, 2025

Take your skills to the next level — Explore Doctor of Business Administration Degree Online in the USA

Top Online PhD in Leadership and Management Programs in the US

The online PhD programs in leadership and management align with the needs of a rapidly evolving global economy and modern working professionals, which is why they are so highly preferred by people who want to work and study simultaneously to advance their careers. 

Program	University/Institution	Format	Key Features	Duration	Accreditation
PhD in Leadership: Organizational Leadership	Concordia University Chicago	Online	Research-focused curriculum and change & strategic leadership.	3-5 years.	Higher Learning Commission
PhD in Organizational Leadership	National University	100% Online	Flexible pacing, research and dissertation, and one-on-one instruction.	40-49 months.	Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)  Senior College and University Commission
PhD in Organization & Management – Leadership	Liberty University	100% Online	Leadership and management theory, asynchronous, and ethical focus.	4 years.	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
PhD in Organizational Leadership	Eastern University	Online with Residencies	Interdisciplinary leadership research and residencies, and concentrations.	5 years.	Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
PhD in Leadership Studies	University of the Cumberlands	100% Online	Leadership theory and practice that apply to organizations and the education sector.	Varies depending on your pace.	Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

1. Unmatched Flexibility for Working Professionals

• In these programs, you can earn a doctorate without having to quit your job, even when it is a full-time one. This helps you maintain your income and seniority while studying.

• Many programs allow students to access materials and lectures at their convenience, including weekends and evenings. This is crucial for senior executives who work in high-pressure roles. 

• In these programs, you do not have to relocate to attend a prestigious university, eliminating major disruptions to your life. 

2. High Career Demand and Return on Investment (ROI)

• Earning an online PhD in leadership and management can help you increase your earning potential considerably straight away. In some C-suite roles, you can earn six-figure median salaries a year as well. 

• These days, the market is saturated with masters of business administration (MBAs), and these programs serve as unique and powerful credentials that set you apart from the crowd for thought and senior leadership roles. 

• Demand for top-level executive roles will grow significantly over the next decade, with expert teachers and consultants experiencing even greater growth. 

3. Focus on Applied and Practical Research

• Unlike conventional PhDs, many contemporary online doctorates, especially the doctor of business administration (DBA), emphasize applied research to solve immediate organizational problems. 

• In these programs, you can use your workplace as a case study, allowing you to deliver direct value to your employers while you study. 

4. Cultural and Technological Shifts

• Today, more academic institutions and employers consider accredited online PhDs in leadership and management to be equivalent to on-campus programs. 

• Thanks to the latest research platforms, virtual lab environments, and artificial intelligence (AI)-backed research tools, you now get an immersive experience in these programs that compares favorably with traditional classrooms. 

• These programs help you connect with international faculty and peers, fostering professional networks and global perspectives that were previously limited to a single location. 

5. Cost-Effectiveness

• Online programs are much more affordable, as you save on commuting, campus, and housing fees. 

• Many institutions that offer these programs provide flexible payment options, scholarships, and equated monthly installments (EMIs) specifically for online doctoral candidates.
  

What an Online PhD in Management and Leadership Really Covers

In the US, a PhD in leadership and management online covers the following:

Main Category	Sub-Categories
Core Leadership and Management Theory	Leadership Fundamentals Organizational BehaviorStrategic Management
Advanced Research Methodologies	Quantitative Methods Qualitative Methods Dissertation Preparation
Specialized Concentration Areas	Digital Transformation Human CapitalOrganizational Change Global Leadership
Residencies and Immersive Socialization	Face-to-Face Learning Defenses and Symposia

Eligibility and Admission Requirements

• The core educational requirement for an online PhD program in management and leadership in the US is a master’s degree, such as a master of arts (MA) or an MBA in leadership from an accredited institution. In some programs, you may gain direct entry if you are considered to be an exceptional candidate, even if you have just a bachelor’s degree.

• Many programs require 3-5 years of professional experience because they are designed for scholar-practitioners.

• Not all of these programs require a Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score, provided you have a high Grade Point Average (GPA) and relevant work experience.

Also Read: PhD in USA without GRE: Top Universities and Eligibility

How to Choose the Best Online PhD Program in Leadership and Management

If you want to select the finest online doctorate program in management and leadership in the US, you must focus on these factors:

Main Factor	Smaller Factors
Verifying Gold Standard Accreditation	Regional AccreditationProgrammatic Accreditation
Evaluating Faculty and Research Fit	Mentor Alignment Mentorship Model
Assessing Program Requirements and Delivery	Synchronous or AsynchronousResidency Requirements Duration
Reviewing Funding Models and Costs	Tuition Range Funding Opportunities

Apart from these, you must also compare the top-ranked programs so that you can make the best decision.

Also Read: Doctorate Program Guide for 2026: Duration, Specializations, and Benefits of Earning a PhD

How upGrad Supports US Learners in Their Advanced Leadership Journey

Through upGrad, US learners can access the best online doctorate programs offered through strategic partnerships with top universities worldwide, along with career-aligned support systems. 

• DBA in Emerging Technologies with a concentration in Generative AI, Golden Gate University
• Chief Technology and AI Officer Program, Waterloo University
• Chief Technology and AI Officer Program, Indian Institute of Information Technology – Bangalore (IIIT-B) and Indian Institute of Management – Udaipur (IIMU)
• DBA, Ecole Supérieure de Gestion et de Commerce International (ESGCI) 
• DBA, Rushford Business School

FAQs on Online PhD Programs in Management and Leadership