Program Overview
Lipscomb University’s Ph.D. in Leadership and Policy is an interdisciplinary studies degree that aims to prepare students for high-level careers in leadership and service across a range of professional sectors. The goal is to equip professionals to pursue challenging, high-level responsibilities requiring advanced knowledge, training, and rigor, and to do so with the highest levels of integrity, ethical understanding, and behavior.
Program Outcomes
The program aspires to produce graduates who have developed exceptional skills to lead effectively, understand policy development and implementation processes, organize substantial amounts of information, research subjects broadly, independently manage and bring to successful fruition complex and in-depth projects, adapt to changing environments, and who are subsequently prepared to be a valued resource to the professional community.
Watch to Learn More
Unsure which path to take? Watch our "Ed.D. or Ph.D." video below to learn more about the differences between the programs. Find out more about the Ph.D program, how to apply for admission, as well as Tennessee Administrative Licensure information by clicking the Youtube links below.
Admissions Requirements
We are eager to get you started on your journey toward a Ph.D. in Leadership and Policy. The current admission requirements are:
- Completed online application
- $50 application fee
- Official transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation (including a professional recommendation)
- A personal statement on your journey of faith and spiritual development
- Purpose Statement for pursuing Ph.D. in Leadership and Policy Studies
- Current resume
- Writing assessment
- Interview with doctoral faculty committee
Transfer Credit
A maximum of 15 hours of post-masters coursework may be transferred toward direct-equivalent courses in the Ph.D. Program. Additionally, the following guidelines for Ed.S. coursework apply:
- Approved leadership courses that are 600 level or higher within an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership Program may be transferred toward the Leadership Concentration (up to 15 hours).
- Only six post-masters hours may be transferred toward direct-equivalent courses in the research sequence and only if earned within the 5 years prior to enrollment in the Ph.D. program.
Courses
Once enrolled in Lipscomb’s Ph.D. in Leadership and Policy program, you will follow a set schedule to take 63 credit hours of courses. This includes the core requirements, guided elective courses in leadership and policy, as well as research-focused curriculum.
Fall 2023
- Full Term On-campus: EG 8473 Global Perspectives in Leadership (Core, 3)
- Term I Online: EG 7403 Ph.D. Seminar I (Core, 3)
- Term II Online: EG 8403 Ph.D. Seminar II (Core, 3)
Spring 2024
- Full Term On-campus: EG 7213 Qualitative Research (3)
- Term I Online: Leadership Elective Course (3)
- Term II Online: Policy Elective Course (3)
Summer 2024
- Full Term On-campus: EG 8453 Global Perspectives in Policy (Core, 3)
- Domestic or International Travel Experience
- Term I Online: Leadership Elective Course (3)
- Term II Online: Policy Elective Course (3)
Fall 2024
- Full Term On-campus: EG 7433 Statistics for Social and Behavioral Science (3)
- Term I Online: Leadership Elective Course (3)
- Term II Online: Policy Elective Course (3)
Spring 2025
- Full Term On-campus: EG 8213 Advanced Methods in Quantitative Research (3)
- Term I Online: Leadership Elective Course (3)
- Term II Online: Policy Elective Course (3)
Comprehensive Exam Stage Begins
Summer 2025
- Full Term On-campus: EG 7173 Applied Research Seminar (3)
- Term I Online: Leadership Elective Course (Capstone, 3)
- Term II Online: Policy Elective Course (Capstone, 3)
Comprehensive Exam Stage must be completed prior to taking EG 8013
Fall 2025
- EG 8013 Dissertation Research I (3)
Spring 2026
- EG 8023 Dissertation Research II (3)
Summer 2026
- EG 8033 Dissertation Research III (3)
Additional Semesters
EG 8041 Extended Research (as necessary)
Tuition & Aid
Lipscomb University is committed to making our first-class education as affordable as possible. For students earning their Ph.D. in Leadership and Policy, the tuition is approximately $953* per credit hour.
With various scholarship and financial aid programs available, your out-of-pocket cost of attendance can be much lower. Learn more about your financial aid options.
*Note: The graduate tuition rates may increase annually, effective each summer semester.
Why Earn Your Ph.D. Degree at Lipscomb University?
Years to complete
Our Faculty
Career Paths
University Faculty
Educators work in higher education as faculty or in administrative roles such as program directors, deans, vice presidents, and presidents. Their job duties vary depending upon the role they fill, but leadership and research expertise is key to success in these roles.
Nonprofit Director
Nonprofit Directors work as liaisons between the board and staff to discover and provide resources for growth, as well as pinpoint areas to incite change.
Policy Director
Policy Directors bear the responsibility of analyzing, implementing and directing policies for a variety of organizations in accordance with regulations and impact.
Public Service
Professionals in the Public Service field work to preserve the quality of life and environments through policies and regulations at various levels from local to federal government.
Organizational Leadership
Individuals in Organizational Leadership positions make decisions that impact an organization in its entirety, from the initial point of contact offices like HR to high level efficiencies.