Learn to Lead Organizations in Business and Beyond
American International College (AIC) Online EdD in Educational Leadership and Administration program’s Organizational Leadership and Development specialization is designed to prepare leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to lead and develop organizations across various sectors including business, government, healthcare, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions.
What is the Focus of our Ed.D. Organizational Leadership and Development specialization?
This specialization focuses on leadership theories, organizational dynamics, strategic decision-making, and the cultivation of a positive organizational culture. The program will prepare candidates to lead and manage change in diverse settings, fostering innovation and driving sustainable organizational growth.
New England Commission of Higher Education
Top National College
U.S. News & World Report
A+ in Diversity from Niche
Flexible Learning, Endless Possibilities
Apply for Spring 2025
- Complete in just over two years
- Nationally ranked and academically recognized
- Fully online doctoral degree
-
The Organizational Leadership and Development specialization is designed to meet the demands of today’s rapidly evolving global landscape as the rise of digital transformation, increased globalization, and the need for sustainable practices reshape how organizations operate. To navigate these complexities, leaders must possess not only traditional management skills but also the ability to think strategically, lead diverse teams, and foster innovation across multiple sectors.
By offering a robust curriculum that transcends the confines of any single industry, the versatility of this track is one of its key strengths. By focusing on universal leadership competencies such as strategic decision-making, change management, and cultural competence, this track ensures that graduates are well-equipped to lead effectively in any context.
- Graduate in just over two years (seven terms) while studying full-time
- Study 100% online – no campus immersions or travel requirements
- Benefit from a cohort-style learning model, allowing you to build key connections with peers within and outside of your role
- Learn from doctorally-prepared faculty who are educators themselves
- Receive dedicated student advisor support from application to graduation
AIC has a long-standing history of making education more accessible for people of all backgrounds, with a legacy centered around diversity, access, and inclusion. Founded in July 1885, AIC still stands more than 125 years later as a leader in education and continues to foster community more effectively than any other time in its history.
-
-
-
-
The Organizational Leadership and Development specialization is designed to meet the demands of today’s rapidly evolving global landscape as the rise of digital transformation, increased globalization, and the need for sustainable practices reshape how organizations operate. To navigate these complexities, leaders must possess not only traditional management skills but also the ability to think strategically, lead diverse teams, and foster innovation across multiple sectors.
By offering a robust curriculum that transcends the confines of any single industry, the versatility of this track is one of its key strengths. By focusing on universal leadership competencies such as strategic decision-making, change management, and cultural competence, this track ensures that graduates are well-equipped to lead effectively in any context.
- Graduate in just over two years (seven terms) while studying full-time
- Study 100% online – no campus immersions or travel requirements
- Benefit from a cohort-style learning model, allowing you to build key connections with peers within and outside of your role
- Learn from doctorally-prepared faculty who are educators themselves
- Receive dedicated student advisor support from application to graduation
AIC has a long-standing history of making education more accessible for people of all backgrounds, with a legacy centered around diversity, access, and inclusion. Founded in July 1885, AIC still stands more than 125 years later as a leader in education and continues to foster community more effectively than any other time in its history.
Join an Inclusive and Diverse Community
Designed for engaged leaders
Fully online with no campus immersions or travel requirements
Legacy of Diversity, Access & Inclusion
A history of making education more accessible for persons of all backgrounds
Expert Support and Guidance
Study under thought leaders committed towards training the educators and leaders of tomorrow
Affordable Tuition
Competitively priced tuition compared to similar programs
Why Choose AIC?
This course provides an introduction to the foundational theories and concepts of leadership within a broad spectrum of organizations. Students will explore classical and contemporary leadership theories, the role of leaders in shaping organizational culture, and the ethical implications of leadership across various sectors. Emphasis will be placed on understanding how leadership styles influence organizational effectiveness and how leaders can inspire and motivate teams to achieve organizational goals.
This course focuses on strategic decision-making processes in diverse organizational environments, including business, government, non-profits, and education. Students will learn about various decision-making models, the role of data in making informed decisions, and how to align decisions with organizational goals and values. Case studies from multiple industries will be used to help students develop the skills necessary to make complex decisions in dynamic and varied settings.
In this course, students will examine the principles and practices of organizational development, with a particular focus on leading and managing change in a variety of contexts. Topics include the analysis of organizational structures, the dynamics of change processes, and strategies for implementing and sustaining change across different sectors. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of how to facilitate change that aligns with the mission and goals of various types of organizations.
This course explores the role of organizational culture in shaping the effectiveness and success of diverse organizations. Students will learn how to assess organizational culture, identify areas for improvement, and develop strategies for fostering a positive and inclusive culture across different sectors. Topics include the impact of leadership on culture, the role of communication in culture-building, and the influence of organizational culture on employee morale, customer satisfaction, and organizational performance.
This course addresses the challenges and opportunities of leadership in a globalized world. Students will explore the impact of globalization on organizations, the role of cultural competence in leadership, and strategies for leading diverse and international teams. The course will also cover the implications of global trends for organizational leadership and development, preparing students to lead effectively in a multicultural and interconnected world.
Nicole Esposito
MS ’09, EdD ’12
"My professors at AIC changed how I viewed myself, my abilities, and what I could offer my community."
Online EdD in Educational Leadership and Administration - Organizational Leadership and Development Track
American International College’s Online EdD in Educational Leadership and Administration program is a supportive online doctoral degree intended to facilitate transformative change, delivered with a connective, tailored curriculum. The Organizational Leadership and Development track develops leaders who are not only knowledgeable but also agile, capable of leading teams through change and uncertainty, and adept at building and sustaining positive organizational cultures. Leaders today must be able to collaborate across sectors, understanding the distinct challenges and opportunities that each presents. This track emphasizes cross-sectoral learning and the application of leadership theories to real-world problems, making graduates valuable assets in any sector.
FAST FACTS
3 intakes per year
Full-time
Classes are 100% online
Educational Doctorates: Ed.D. vs Ph.D.
Generally speaking, an Ed.D. degree is practitioner-based. It is designed for professionals who want to apply their knowledge to practice. A Ph.D. degree, however, is more focused on research. Both tracks earn you the title of Doctor.
| EdD | PHD |
|---|---|
| Practitioner-based | Research intensive |
| Faculty/scholar | Prepares students for researcher or faculty roles |
| Complete in 2-3 years | Complete in 5+ years |
| Around 60 credits | Around 90 credits |
American International College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
This program can be completed in two years and three months (seven semesters).
The tuition for this program is $960 per credit hour, totaling $48,960
*Please speak with your enrollment advisor about additional program fees.
In this program, you will study under an engaged, doctorally-prepared faculty of prolific scholars, practitioners, and leaders who are committed to your success.
Highlighting the unique features of the EdD Organizational Leadership track are the dissertation writing courses. Typically, dissertation research and composition fall at the end of a degree program and can take years to complete. Our process is different. Interwoven throughout the EdD program are four dissertation writing courses, where the daunting aspects of a dissertation project are broken down into clear, manageable tasks. This structure allows students to start their dissertations as early as the third term, stay connected to their research, and complete their degrees on time.
While all the courses are fully online, there are plenty of opportunities to connect with classmates and faculty. Under a cohort-based model, you will complete your courses alongside the same group of students throughout the program. This model will help you develop those critical relationships and further build a professional network.
Students also experience a mix of asynchronous online courses (meaning there are no mandated log-in times for classes), as well as optional live classes on a week-by-week basis. Students can join live Zoom sessions which provide the opportunity to connect with peers and faculty in real time.
