Leadership and Organizational Development PhD
The Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership and Organizational Development at Southern Miss is a 54-credit hour doctoral program designed for working professionals who want to advance human-centered learning, leadership, research, and organizational transformation.
Students develop advanced research competencies and scholar-practitioner skills that prepare them to generate evidence-based insights, guide organizational decision-making, improve performance, and lead change. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, applied research, and a rigorous executive-format learning environment, students learn to connect theory, research, and practice in ways that support innovation and organizational impact.
The Leadership and Organizational Development PhD program is dedicated to advancing human-centered learning, leadership, and organizational transformation through rigorous research, continuous innovation, and ethical leadership. By integrating theoretical knowledge, research methodologies, and applied practice, the program equips scholar-practitioners with the expertise to drive meaningful improvements in workplace learning, human performance, and organizational development. Graduates are prepared to lead, consult, and educate across industries and higher education.
To be a globally recognized leader in research-driven innovation and organizational transformation, shaping the future of human-centered learning and leadership. Through interdisciplinary collaboration and applied research, we aspire to cultivate a network of scholar-practitioners.
- Develop advanced research expertise. Prepare scholars in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method research to advance knowledge and drive evidence-based decision-making in learning and organizational development.鈥夆��
- Prepare scholar-practitioners to solve real-world challenges through applied, interdisciplinary collaboration. Integrate theory and practice to address organizational and learning needs, while engaging in research, consulting, and knowledge-sharing that drive impact across organizations.
- Advance leadership and change management competencies. Develop leadership and change management competencies grounded in ethical and inclusive practices to drive sustainable growth across diverse organizational contexts.
- Enhance learning leadership and workforce development skills. Develop expertise in learning sciences, instructional design, learning technology, and measurement and evaluation to optimize human and organizational performance.鈥�
Flexible Executive Format
Choose a doctoral program designed for experienced professionals who want a rigorous academic experience with practical application.
- Executive format: Engage in a blend of face-to-face and online instruction.
- Gulf Coast location: Participate in required in-person sessions on the Gulf Park Campus in Long Beach, 果冻传媒麻豆社.
- 3-day face-to-face sessions: Build relationships with faculty, peers, and industry experts through intensive learning experiences.
- Online instruction: Continue coursework and collaboration between in-person sessions.
- Designed for working professionals: Balance doctoral study with career, leadership, and personal responsibilities.
Program Structure
- Total credits: 54 graduate credit hours beyond the master鈥檚 degree
- Professional core: 12 credit hours
- Research core: 27 credit hours
- Electives: 15 credit hours
- Culminating requirements: Comprehensive examination and original research dissertation
- Campus: Gulf Park
Admissions
- Start Terms: Fall, Spring, and Summer
- Applicants should have a minimum GPA of 3.5, calculated on a 4.0 scale, on previous graduate coursework.
- Applicants must submit a resume or CV, three letters of recommendation, and a Statement of Qualification.
Built on Excellence
Earn your doctorate from an institution recognized for research excellence. The University of Southern Mississippi holds a Carnegie R1 designation, reflecting its status as a top-tier research institution.
The School of Leadership, housed in the College of Business and Economic Development, prepares students to lead organizations, develop talent, support workforce growth, conduct applied research, and improve performance through programs grounded in evidence-based practice, collaboration, and human-centered leadership.
Program Details
Core Course Overview
Leadership in Organizations
Organizational Development
Learning and Talent Development
Performance Improvement and Evaluation
Qualitative Research Methodologies I and II
Quantitative Research Methodologies
Statistics in Leadership and Org. Development I and II
Research in Leadership and Org. Development
Dissertation (for a minimum of 9 hours)
Expert Faculty & Staff
Who Are There to Help
Our faculty and staff bring expertise in leadership, workforce development, talent development, learning, organizational change, performance improvement, and applied research. Students learn from professionals who are committed to helping them connect theory, research, and practice in ways that support meaningful workplace impact.
Dr. Amin Alizadeh
Assistant Professor
Area of Expertise: Business Ethics, Corporate Social Responsibility, Employee Well Being
Dr. Vishal Arghode
Associate Professor
Dr. Jon Beedle
Associate Professor
Area of Expertise: Instructional Technology and Design
Dr. Jacob Breland
Associate Professor and Interim Program Coordinator
Area of Expertise: Human Resources, Organizational Behavior, Talent Management, Workplace Civility, Bullying,
Sexual Harassment, Performance, Turnover
Dr. Quincy Brown
Associate Professor
Area of Expertise: Human Resource Development Research, Instructional Technology
Dr. Emma Draper
Graduate Programs Success Coordinator
Dr. Casey Maugh Funderburk
Associate Professor
Area of Expertise: Workplace/Organizational Communication, Persuasion, Leadership, Gender, Coaching,
and Mentoring
Dr. Shinhee Park
Assistant Professor
Dr. Shuyan Wang
Professor
Area of Expertise: Technology in Curriculum Development, Educator and Employee Training, Online Course
Design, Effective Technology in Teaching, Learning Outcome Assessments, Program Evaluation
- Executive Leadership
- Talent Development
- Change Management
- Consulting
- Organizational Development
- Learning and Development
- Research and Evaluation
- Human Resource Development
- Workforce Development
- Performance Improvement
- Higher Education
- Organizational Effectiveness
Honoring Our Human Capital Development Roots
The Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership and Organizational Development honors the strong foundation of the former Doctor of Philosophy in Human Capital Development, a program founded through the vision and leadership of Dr. Cyndi Gaudet and Dr. Heather Annulis. Their work helped establish a doctoral program focused on people, learning, workforce development, organizational performance, and meaningful workplace change.
The new program name reflects the continued evolution of the field while preserving the values at the heart of Human Capital Development. Leadership and Organizational Development continues to emphasize human-centered research, workforce development, leadership, organizational transformation, performance improvement, and evidence-based practice. This updated name more clearly communicates the program鈥檚 focus to today鈥檚 students, employers, and industry partners while honoring the program鈥檚 original commitment to helping people, workplaces, and communities thrive.
Dr. Cyndi Gaudet, Professor Emerita
Dr. Heather Annulis, Professor Emerita