PhD in Global Leadership and Change
Empower Your Vision. Lead Global Change.
Prepare to become a visionary leader and agent of change in strategy and policy for nonprofit, government, for-profit, and academic institutions with a PhD in leadership from Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP).
This doctorate in leadership program emphasizes practical application alongside rigorous research, integrating academics and actionable strategies to equip students with the tools needed to address global challenges effectively.
Over three years of rigorous coursework and international experiences, students will gain firsthand insights into leadership and policy while connecting with prominent global experts. The online PhD leadership program culminates in a one- to two-year dissertation process, where students contribute new knowledge to the field of their selected research topic.
Program features:
- A hybrid format combining 60% face-to-face sessions at our West Los Angeles campus and 40% online coursework.
- National and international experiences that provide a global perspective on leadership and policy.
- A one- to two-year dissertation process that enables students to create impactful, original research.
- Cohort-based learning fostering collaborative relationships and professional connections.
- Personalized mentorship through a faculty-to-student ratio of 1:12 and average class sizes of 15 students.
PhD in Leadership Program Benefits
Global Access Format
This highly selective doctoral program's hybrid format, which is 60% face-to-face and 40% online, is formatted to be ideal for working professionals.
Values Centered
Students are empowered to make a lasting impact through GSEP's core values of academic excellence, social purpose, and meaningful service.
Quick Facts
| Format: | Online-Hybrid |
| Term: | Fall |
| Location: | West Los Angeles |
| Length: | 4 years |
| Units: | 66 +2 per term for dissertation |
| Tuition: | $2,015 per EdD unit; $2,385 per PhD unit |
Top Choice
One of the top choices for online PhD programs in Leadership in the United States.
Reputable Program
Highly selective doctoral program at one of the top universities in the United States, committed to the highest standards of academic excellence.
Convenient Format
Our Global Access (60% in-person/40% online) format is ideal for working professionals and full-time students.
Comprehensive Curriculum
Incorporates core courses shared between all doctoral offerings, program-specific classes, and elective options to customize your learning experience.
Master's-to-Doctorate Pathway
Options for students without a master's degree to earn both a master's and a doctorate in leadership.
Nationally Recognized Faculty
Faculty are scholar-practitioners with exemplary academic achievements, professional expertise, educational experience, and scholarly credentials.
No GRE or Standardized Tests
We offer an equitable admission process that considers your ability and commitment to succeed rather than test scores.
Cohort Model
Our online PhD programs in Leadership enable students to build upon leadership skills while forging valuable relationships with colleagues.
Small Class Sizes
A Faculty/Student ratio of 1:12 provides an environment for faculty mentorship.
One of the Top Choices for PhD programs in Global Leadership in the US
Elective Options To Customize Your Program
Course Format
Policy Trip
International Trip
Faculty:Student Ratio
Up to $10K Available in Scholarships
Take the Next Step
Reach out to us to learn more about Pepperdine's PhD in Global Leadership and Change program.
Get in Touch
Fill out the Request Information form to learn more and get in contact with an enrollment officer.
Attend an Info Session
Experience an in-depth overview and meet program leaders.
Start Your Application
Submit the application form early to meet scholarship and enrollment deadlines. It takes fewer than 15 minutes.
Program Deadline
Fall 2025: International Submit Deposit & I2E - Submit the Intent to Enroll form and enrollment deposit/fee in WaveNet.
Fall 2025: Application Complete - Submit your completed application form and all supplemental application materials by this date.
Online PhD Leadership Program Details
Students in the PhD in Global Leadership and Change program participate in a cohort-based hybrid format that combines personalized mentorship, collaborative learning, and practical application.
Duration: The program spans approximately 4 to 4.5 years and includes 66 units of coursework, culminating in a dissertation.
Class Format: The hybrid model integrates 60% in-person sessions held at our West Los Angeles Graduate Campus and 40% online coursework. Weekly live online classes are scheduled after 5 PM PST to accommodate working professionals. In-person sessions include two four-day meetings per term during Fall and Spring, and one three-day weekend in Summer.
Learning Experience: Students engage in national and international experiences, gaining firsthand insights into global leadership and policy challenges while connecting with prominent global experts. This hands-on approach ensures practical application of learned concepts.
Dissertation Process: The program culminates in a rigorous one- to two-year dissertation process, during which students conduct original research and contribute meaningful advancements to their chosen field.
This structure fosters an engaging and flexible environment tailored for working professionals while maintaining a high standard of academic excellence.
Curriculum Overview
This doctoral program includes 66 units of coursework and a dissertation. You will experience a curriculum focused on preparing leaders with well-rounded and unparalleled global leadership theory and practice courses, research, policy development, funding, economics, entrepreneurship, and many others. Research methods and applications are accomplished through both coursework and a final dissertation. To gain an international perspective on policy development, students will visit an international location, meet local and national leaders, and observe and examine industries and organizations.
Program Learning Outcomes
GSEP is committed to a learner-centered approach in the programs we offer. Each program has a set of objectives that a student graduating from the program is expected to achieve. The knowledge and skills taught in the program might be introduced in some courses. In other courses, students are asked to apply knowledge by practicing skills and demonstrating their abilities. Within the program, the values and dispositional attributes important for individuals entering the profession are emphasized. Graduates of the PhD in Global Leadership and Change program.
International Student Opportunities
- This program is approved for international students perusing an F-1 or any other type of visa.
- A dedicated Enrollment Services Officer will make your admissions process easy and comfortable with experience in supporting both international and domestic students.
- Integration of domestic and international students across campuses. Dedicated support for international students is provided through the Office of International Student Services (OISS).
- Opportunities to participate in university social, sporting, cultural, and spiritual events.
- Cohort model designed to build upon leadership skills, peer support, and lifelong relationships with colleagues.
- Robust alumni network.
- Partnerships with professional networks and conferences.
Career Outcomes
This PhD from Pepperdine provides a strong opportunity for employment growth and earning potential. As a graduate, you will be prepared to increase your earning potential and help make a lasting difference in a variety of business and academic roles.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Pepperdine GSEP generously offers over $6,000,000 in scholarships every year, with the majority of students receiving financial assistance. There are numerous scholarship opportunities that are both merit and need-based in addition to discounts for meeting application deadlines.
GSEP welcomes federal and state aid eligibility and veteran benefits which may further reduce tuition cost.
The Financial Aid Office is available to answer questions and help you navigate funding your education at GSEP through numerous scholarship, grant, loan, and other opportunities.
To help determine your total cost of tuition and living expenses for this specific program, please refer to our GSEP tuition calculator.
Alumni and Faculty Spotlight
"What led me to Pepperdine was initially the face-to-face. I really enjoyed being able to start off by coming in every week to class and meeting with my peers and my professors, and building a camaraderie. Being able to connect with everybody, knowing that there’s such a huge diversity, I think that really exceeded my expectations." - Dr. Asia Ghazi, Alumni
What Our Alumni Are Saying
"I have become a better leader and help people on my team lead better, which is the greatest joy I derived from the program."
- Frederique Covington Corbett, PhD in Global Leadership and Change '21
"I enjoyed the setup of the cohort system implemented in the program because it was an extra layer of accountability, which helped all of us get through the program."
- Victoria Queen Brown, PhD in Global Leadership and Change '21
Why Pepperdine
Accreditations and Recognitions
Contact Us
Inva Lumi
Enrollment Officer
Pepperdine GSEP
310.568.5532
Email
Schedule an Appointment
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Learn more about Pepperdine's PhD in Global Leadership and Change program.