Leadership Studies, Ed.D.

Tuition is Tuition: Doctoral Programs..............$937. The amounts listed are for the 2026-2027 academic year, and include classes from Fall 2026 through Summer 2027. Tuition cost is per credit hour unless otherwise stated..

This interdisciplinary doctoral program combines proven leadership theory with practical skills to build leadership capacity in organizations and communities. It examines traditional and emerging leadership approaches, change management, organizational culture, and the psychological and sociological factors influencing effectiveness. The program is designed for mid-career professionals and focuses on proven approaches with documented outcomes, preparing graduates to lead ethical change.

Focus areas include Organizational Culture & Change, Psychosocial Dimensions of Leadership, Ethical, Spiritual & Character-Based Leadership, Leadership Development, Higher Education Governance, International Business Ethics.

The program requires 45 credit hours of coursework distributed across Leadership, Research, and Applied Leadership cores, plus 15 credit hours for dissertation advisement, totaling 60 credit hours.

Graduates are prepared for professional careers in business, community, non-profit, educational, health care, and public service arenas.

Applicants need an advanced degree (Master's, J.D., or Ph.D.) with a minimum 3.0 GPA, and international applicants must have equivalent U.S. bachelor's and master's degrees. Required documents include transcripts, resume, a 1,000-word personal essay, and three letters of recommendation; non-native English speakers must submit TOEFL scores. Admission decisions are based on submitted materials and an interview.

The programme totals about 60 credit hours. Online, flexible format allowing students to choose course load per semester; coursework can be completed in just over 2 years, with an additional estimated 18 months for the dissertation. For international students, tuition is well below the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 88% of applicants.

Xavier's history is rooted in Jesuit Catholic education, with learning connected to service, reflection and personal growth. That foundation shapes a community where professors know students by name and where the core curriculum helps first-year students develop tools and connections for their studies. More than 7,000 people call Xavier home, and students can take part in more than 160 clubs and organizations.

Academic options include undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as business, accounting, actuarial science, computer science, artificial intelligence, applied physics, biology, biomedical sciences, nursing, education, communication, politics and the arts. Students interested in professional preparation can study biomedical sciences before medical or dental school, explore data analysis and business systems, or pursue programs in health care, counseling and psychology. Graduate certificates and online programs are also available, including online study in business and addiction counseling.

The campus is in Cincinnati, Ohio, and offers residence halls, dining at Hoff Dining Commons, general medicine and preventive care, counseling, and the HUB fitness center. First-year students begin with Manresa orientation, connecting with classmates, student leaders and the wider campus community. Athletics include 19 Division I teams, while recreational sports, club sports, student government, faith traditions and service communities provide additional ways to participate. As a Jesuit university, Xavier makes community service part of learning and its mission.