Are you a working professional seeking to elevate your leadership capabilities and drive significant impact within your organization? The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), a renowned institution backed by the UNC System, has launched its pioneering Online Doctorate In Leadership, the Ed.D. in Organizational Learning and Leadership, through its esteemed School of Education. This innovative program is meticulously designed to equip professionals like you with the advanced knowledge, refined skills, and practical experiences necessary to champion human-centered leadership approaches, ensuring your organization not only meets but exceeds its strategic goals and mission.
This groundbreaking online Ed.D. program is the result of a collaborative effort between the UNC School of Education, The Graduate School at UNC-Chapel Hill, the UNC Office of Digital and Lifelong Learning, and 2U, ensuring a robust and high-quality educational experience. Applications are now being accepted, with the inaugural cohort of students set to commence their studies in the fall of 2024.
“For over 130 years, the UNC School of Education has been at the forefront of preparing leaders for diverse educational landscapes, from classrooms to school districts, and extending its reach to organizations far beyond the traditional education sector,” stated Fouad Abd-El-Khalick, the Dean of the School of Education and Alumni Distinguished Professor. “Learning is a lifelong journey that extends across all facets of life, and thriving organizations are built upon a foundation of continuous learning. Our faculty’s deep expertise in organizational learning and leadership positions this program as an exceptional pathway for professionals to accelerate their careers and enhance their organizations’ effectiveness.”
The curriculum for this online doctorate in leadership has been thoughtfully developed with direct input from professionals across both private and public sectors, representing a wide array of industries. It is specifically tailored to provide students with specialized expertise in critical areas such as improvement science, leading change initiatives, human-centered design principles, fostering equitable and inclusive practices, and rigorous research methodologies. Furthermore, the program emphasizes practical application, providing students with tangible opportunities to directly implement their learning within their current professional roles.
The program delivery model blends engaging interactive online classes, flexible self-paced asynchronous lessons, and an immersive in-person experience held on the vibrant UNC-Chapel Hill campus. This on-campus immersion serves as a crucial opportunity for students to build strong networks and establish lasting connections with faculty, staff, and their peers.
The online doctorate in leadership culminates in a capstone project, challenging students to identify a significant and complex challenge within their organization. Students then undertake in-depth research and implementation efforts to effectively address this challenge, designing and proposing impactful and sustainable solutions.
“Our faculty have meticulously crafted this program and its curriculum to equip professionals with practical tools that deliver immediate value – for our students themselves, for the teams they lead, and for their broader organizations,” emphasized Thurston Domina, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Director of Graduate Studies at the School. “We envision our graduates achieving significant success across diverse sectors, including private companies, government agencies, non-profit organizations, business and management consulting firms, human resources departments, project management roles, and leadership coaching and development, among others.”
Dr. Carrol Warren, Ed.D., who joined the faculty as an Assistant Clinical Professor on January 1st, will serve as the inaugural Program Director, bringing her extensive experience from NC State University.
“Leading teams and organizations in today’s dynamic environment is a multifaceted and complex undertaking,” noted Dr. Warren. “We are enthusiastic about welcoming students from varied career stages, organizational backgrounds, and geographic locations who share a commitment to this endeavor. I am eager to foster enriching learning environments where our students and our equally dedicated and expert faculty collaborate to advance the greater good through the principles of human-centered leadership practice.”
Prospective students are encouraged to begin their online application now by visiting online.unc.edu. The priority application deadline for the first cohort is June 11th, with a final deadline of July 3rd. Comprehensive details regarding application requirements are available online at https://online.unc.edu/online-doctoral-programs/online-edd-organizational-learning-and-leadership. For personalized guidance, prospective applicants can also connect with an admissions counselor.
