Doctor of Executive Leadership

Application Information | Information Sessions

The Doctor of Executive Leadership was created to produce the next generation of senior-level leaders capable of integrating theory and practice. Such future leaders are necessary to ethically guide institutions, organizations, and
communities in an increasingly complex, dynamic, and diverse world. These scholar-practitioners will be capable of generating, conserving, and transforming leadership practice and knowledge and developing other aspiring leaders to become leadership scholar-practitioners.

The program is

• Cutting edge. Based on the Carnegie Foundation's
  groundbreaking research on the current state of
  doctoral education in the United States, utilizing
  practices that develop intellectual community,
  scholarly integration, and stewardship of the
  discipline.
• Comprehensive. Fostering the critical thinking,
  creativity, and research skills necessary for
  executive leadership and lifelong learning.
• Transformative. Engaging students in the
  reflection and insight that advance the ability
  to lead based on individual and 360-degree
  assessments, mentoring, and personal growth
  strategies.

How does the D.E.L. compare to a Ph.D.?

Traditionally a more academic degree, a Ph.D. is often used for teaching. The D.E.L. is designed to be a versatile, highly practical degree that is grounded in research.

Our program is academically rigorous with the goal of creating scholar-practitioners, people who both study and practice leadership. While it may be used as a credential for teaching, it is also helpful for anyone working in business or industry, education, a nonprofit organization, government, health care, or the military.

Organizations need leaders who understand how to lead in our current global environment. The D.E.L. program will prepare you to understand and implement change, utilize resources effectively, encourage innovative solutions to problems, access networks and technology, and facilitate team building.

What is the format for my study?

The Doctor of Executive Leadership is offered in both classroom and online formats, and all doctoral students attend a five-day campus residency each year.

Students in the classroom sections meet on the Beckley campus approximately two weekends (Friday afternoon and Saturday) a month throughout the duration of their studies. Online students use a variety of technologies, including web conferences and online chats, discussions, and team activities.

Click here for information on courses and residencies.