Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership and Policy

The Ph.D. requires 60 credit hours beyond a master's degree with at least 48 of those credit hours completed at Niagara University. The program admits candidates who have evidence of scholarly work and who are established leaders. The program consists of two key components: the leadership and policy study core (30 credits) and the research study core (30 credits). All candidates for the Ph.D. in leadership and policy complete required courses as cohort members and have the opportunity to work individually toward their dissertation topic. During the first year of study, cohort members fulfill the doctoral residency requirement by completing nine credit hours in the fall semester and nine credit hours in the spring semester. Classes are held on Friday evenings and on Saturdays to accommodate professional schedules. Drawing on extensive research experience and real-world understanding and practice, our faculty prepares students to be thoughtful and effective agents of change in leadership and policy positions. As a result of their work at Niagara, in generating new knowledge that positions them to make a significant impact on organizations and individuals at the local, national and international levels, our Ph.D. graduates are prepared to engage in meaningful careers in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.