If you’re looking to step into a senior role or move into executive leadership, an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership offers a clear path forward. It gives you practical tools to make better decisions and the confidence to lead teams through big changes. For anyone ready to take the next step in their career, it’s a powerful way to build lasting impact.
At UMass Global, more than 50 percent of our Ed.D. students received a promotion or a new position while in this program (Per our Summer 2023 - Spring 2025 Ed.D. program exit survey).
UMass Global's Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership program is unique in that, rather than requiring comprehensive exams to advance, students apply leadership theory and research to multiple real-world change initiatives within their organizations, bridging theory and practice throughout the program.
One of the things I love most about our program is that students don't have to wait until graduation to make a difference, they take what they learn in class and apply it to real organizational challenges throughout the program.
explained Dr. Marilou Ryder, program chair and professor of education for the Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership at UMass Global.
While everyone has differing leadership philosophies when it comes to guiding their teams, some traits are undeniably more effective than others. The best leaders, it turns out, share a number of qualities in common.
The most successful leaders in any organization:
Leadership isn't defined by a title; it's defined by the ability to inspire others to willingly follow a shared vision. You become a leader not because you're given authority, but because people trust your vision, choose to follow your direction, and work together to achieve meaningful change.
The UMass Global program was intentionally designed around core tenets that help students acquire these critical skills. Those main principles include transformational leadership, political intelligence, collaborative relationships and diversity. Each of these tenets are critical in the work you’ll do. Take diversity, for example.
The best leaders don't surround themselves with people who think exactly like they do, they build teams with diverse perspectives, welcome respectful challenges, and create space for new ideas that lead to stronger decisions.
noted Dr. Herrera.
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that salary increases along with educational attainment. According to 2024 data from the BLS, the median usual weekly earnings of doctoral degree holders in $2,278; that’s 24 percent more than that of master’s degree holders. Additionally, the unemployment rate for doctoral degree holders is a mere 1.2 percent; less than half the 3.3 percent rate for all workers.
Transitioning into a new industry can feel daunting when your background is tied to a specific field. But an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership acts as a powerful bridge. This degree develops the leadership capabilities that organizations in every industry need.
An educational doctorate shifts your identity from a functional specialist in a single field to a strategic generalist. By mastering the science of how organizations function, you gain a universal toolkit that allows you to step into leadership roles in virtually any sector.
UMass Global’s Ed.D. program can open doors via networking and mentorship opportunities. Your cohort and alumni network become a direct line into industries you may want to enter, providing insider connections, referrals, and unadvertised executive opportunities. And because these programs are taught by faculty who are experienced executive-level leaders, you receive guidance grounded in active, real-world experience.
When you earn a doctorate, you’re in a prestigious class. According to data obtained by the Education Data Initiative, only about 3 percent of Americans hold a doctorate or professional degree. At UMass Global, we’re thrilled to celebrate this momentous milestone with you.
One of my favorite conversations is with students who tell me they've wanted to earn a doctorate for years. For many, it's a deeply personal accomplishment and a commitment they've finally decided to make for themselves.
said Dr. Herrera.
You should also consider what completing a doctoral program will mean for your loved ones. It may help family members realize just how much they’re capable of and encourage them to achieve their own goals.
Attending a dissertation defense and seeing an entire family there to celebrate is one of my favorite moments. Sometimes there are 20 or 30 people in the room. For many of our students, they're the first in their family to earn a college degree, let alone a doctorate.
shared Dr. Ryder.
Become a transformational leader with UMass Global’s Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership. Highlights of the program include:
Have questions and want to see how UMass Global can support you to reach your educational goals? Contact a UMass Global enrollment coach at (800) 746-0082.
**Check out our stats and sources at www.umassglobal.edu/sources
Through our coursework, we gained clarity to see beyond surface issues to the deeper systemic forces shaping our organizations... our doctoral education has given us the expertise to translate research into meaningful change. As doctors of education, we have the privilege of using our enhanced vision to illuminate paths forward and foster environments where transformation can flourish.
Explore our resources for educational leadership degrees, from master's to doctorates, and learn about career options that fit your future.
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