Rooted in Theory, Embodied in Practice
Throughout the program Ph.D. you are encouraged to explore the range of dynamics, theories and concepts within the transdisciplinary field of leadership that is of personal interest to you.
Gonzaga's DPLS expert faculty and curriculum weave theory, in-depth knowledge, experience and research together to create a dynamic learning experience that will engage you to meet the needs of the ever-changing world.
Program Details
- 60 Credits Total
- 21 Core Credits
- 21 Dissertation Credits
- 18 Elective Credits
All courses are 3 credits unless otherwise noted.
You can explore course descriptions in the catalog.
Core Courses - 21 Credits
- DPLS 700 Leadership Theory
- DPLS 701 Organizational Theory
- DPLS 703 Global Issues & Policy Analysis
- DPLS 720 Principles of Research - Prerequisite for DPLS 722 and DPLS 723
- DPLS 722 Quantitative Data Analysis
- DPLS 723 Qualitative Research Theory & Design
- DPLS 745 Ethics & Leadership Studies
Dissertation Related Courses - 21 Credits
- DPLS 730 Proposal Seminar - 3 Credits
- DPLS 735 Proposal Defense - 1 Credit
- DPLS 736 Dissertation - 5 Credits
Independent Study - Up to 12 Credits
You may take up to 12 credits of independent study. It is intended that you use these credits to expand upon your dissertation topic. You will be assigned a pre-candidacy advisor or dissertation chair, who will work with you to set expectations and define deliverables for dissertation topic research.
Independent studies are a part of your total 21 credits of dissertation related courses. Independent study classes are between 1 and 3 credits.
- DPLS 760 Independent Study
- DPLS 761 Independent Study
- DPLS 762 Independent Study
- DPLS 763 Independent Study
- DPLS 764 Independent Study
- DPLS 765 Independent Study
Elective Courses - 18 credits
The modality of these courses, whether they include an immersion or are fully online will be posted prior to registration.
- DPLS 705 Leadership & Social Justice
- DPLS 706 Leadership & Diversity
- DPLS 707 Leadership & Technology
- DPLS 708 Leadership, Forgiveness, & Restorative Justice*
- DPLS 709 Leadership & Spirituality
- DPLS 710 Planning for Change
- DPLS 711 Organizational Culture
- DPLS 713 Leadership & Law
- DPLS 714 Writing for Publication - 1 credit
- DPLS 716 Social Construction of Leadership
- DPLS 717 Leadership & Film
- DPLS 718 Ways of Knowing: Teaching, Learning, Leadership
- DPLS 719 Emergent Organizational Change
- DPLS 726 Advanced Qualitative Research
- DPLS 727 Complexity & Leadership Studies
- DPLS 728 Conceptual Framework & Research Design
- DPLS 729 Computer Analysis of Qualitative Data
- DPLS 741 The Art & Practice of Dialogue
- DPLS 743 Leadership & Consulting
- DPLS 744 Leadership, Language, & Culture
- DPLS 746 Leadership & Applied Ethics
- DPLS 747 Leadership & Classical Ethics
- DPLS 748 Leadership & Feminist Ethics
- DPLS 749 Leadership & Ecology Ethics
- DPLS 750 Leadership & Post-Modern Ethics
- DPLS 751 Leadership & History
- DPLS 755 Leadership & Communications
- DPLS 756 Leadership & Psychology
- DPLS 757 Power & Influence in Leadership
- DPLS 777-779 Special Topics
- DPLS 780 Servant Leadership*
- DPLS 781 Listen, Discern, Decide*
- DPLS 782 Foresight & Strategy*
- DPLS 783 Seminar in Servant Leadership - 1 credit*
*Servant Leadership focus
Mentorship or Internship
Students/candidates may take up to 6 credits of mentorship or internship that enhances and relates to their DPLS coursework. Students/candidates must submit a proposal to their advisor/chair that describes the purpose of the mentorship or internship, identifies the mentor or organization, and defines deliverables. The proposal must be approved by the advisor/chair.
Student Expectations
An ability to read and write critically, broadly, and in-depth is a fundamental component of the Ph.D. program. You should expect significant reading assignments in each class, which are essential for vibrant course discussions and research for written assignments. In order to facilitate and demonstrate learning in the field of Leadership Studies, you are also expected to write in an analytical and scholarly manner.
Questions?
Contact:
Heather Schmitt, Admissions Specialist
Call or Text: (509) 313-6240 or (866)380-5323
Email: schmitth@gonzaga.edu