Organizational Leadership (Doctorate)

To be considered for admission to the program, applicants must: 

• Submit your resume to demonstrate interest in the program by emailing gofurther@hood.com. The Program Director will review your resume and offer an opportunity for a preliminary meeting to discuss your eligibility.
• Complete the online application here.
• Have previous institution submit an official e-transcript for a completed master’s degree. Applicants must have completed a master’s degree with a minimum 3.25 GPA and taken at least one course in statistics. E-transcripts should be sent to the Hood Graduate Admissions via Parchment or emailed to gofurther@hood.edu.
• Submit a résumé that demonstrates a minimum of 8-10 years of progressive professional work experience (*please note that if you submit your resume upfront to gofurther@hood.edu, the doctoral program director will review it and reach out for a preliminary meeting to discuss your background & the doctoral program).
• Submit two letters of recommendation: one from your employer that speaks to your professional work experience and leadership skills, the second from an individual who can attest to your leadership skills.
• Submit a 400- to 500-word personal essay that describes what attracts you to this doctorate program.
• Submit a 500- to 750-word essay in response to one of the following prompts:
  • What is the role of leadership in an organization as it focuses on challenges and issues of the twenty-first century?
  • Leadership is often defined as the “art of influence.” What lessons have you learned from a leader you admire?
  • Compare and contrast your leadership style with that of a leader you admire and respect.
  • Describe how sustainable leadership (economic, social and environmental) fits with your personal paradigm of leadership.
• Provide one of the following admission elements:
  • Standardized test scores (SLLA, GRE, GMAT or MAT) - OR -
  • Evidence of master’s level culminating research experience (capstone project, thesis, field work or action research project).
• For International Students: English language test and a NACES or AICE course by course transcript are required. Visit our international admission webpage for more details.

Once applications have been submitted for initial review, eligible applicants will be invited for a virtual interview with the doctoral review committee as part of the application process.

Transfer credit policy for admitted students

Students may transfer a maximum of 8 graduate credits from an external, accredited institution, or another Hood graduate program prior to the first semester of study in the current program. Please review the full graduate transfer credit policy in the College catalog.

The Doctoral Program in Organizational Leadership is a cohort-based  program with hybrid scheduling that provides flexibility for busy professionals. Coursework for the multidisciplinary program is completed in three years.

Students progress through 60 credits of coursework over a period of three years that include 27 credits of core leadership courses, 9 credits of research methods courses, 12 elective credits from the Delaplaine School of Business. Finally, 12 credits of dissertation research courses provide the structural support to ensure candidates complete their dissertations and earn their doctorate. Faculty continue to provide necessary one-on-one support for two semesters beyond the third year.  If candidates need even more time to complete their dissertation work, additional support is provided with 1-credit courses every semester until they complete their dissertations.

Classes are offered on Saturdays in a flexible, hybrid format, with in-person classes on some Saturdays.

Saturday-Only Format
All classes are held on Saturdays, allowing students to continue full-time employment while engaging in doctoral study.

Cohort Model & Learning Community
Students move through the program as a cohort, forming lasting relationships that foster mutual support, accountability, and professional collaboration.

Faculty Mentorship
Faculty members offer personalized support from admission through dissertation defense, contributing to high completion and satisfaction rates.

Community-Centered Focus
Students engage with projects that make a real-world impact, often tied to organizational or community needs in the Frederick region and beyond.

Cross-Sector Diversity
Class discussions are enriched by students from varied industries and leadership backgrounds—making the DOL a true incubator for innovation and insight.

Hood Doctoral Student Bios​​​​

• Cohort 9 Doctoral Student Bios
• Cohort 8 Doctoral Student Bios
• Cohort 7 Doctoral Student Bios
• Cohort 6 Doctoral Student Bios
• Cohort 5 Doctoral Student Bios
• Cohort 4 Doctoral Student Bios

Hood Doctoral Alumni Bios

• Cohort 3 Doctoral Alumni Bios
• Cohort 2 Doctoral Alumni Bios
• Cohort 1 Doctoral Alumni Bios

Hood Doctoral Student Spotlights

• Smita Padmanabhan (short video clip)
• Darnell Billups (short video clip)
• Cynthia Johnson (short video clip)
• Jeneen Stewart (short video clip)
• CDR Youssef Aboul-Enein, USN, DOL
• Jonathan Spaans, DBA'19

Hood Doctoral Alumni Spotlights

• Ja'Bette Lozupone, DOL'20 - featured in January 2023 Diverse Magazine, Emerging Scholars issue
  
  Photo Gallery
• Graduating Doctoral Cohort 2022
• Graduating Doctoral Cohort 2021
• Graduating Doctoral Cohort 2020

Program Outcomes

Graduates of the DOL program will be able to:

• Apply advanced leadership theory to guide ethical and inclusive decision-making

• Design and conduct applied research that informs policy and practice across sectors

• Develop and lead sustainable change initiatives within complex organizations

• Communicate effectively across diverse stakeholders and organizational systems

• Influence community transformation through systems thinking and strategic advocacy

• Pursue roles as executive leaders, consultants, educators, authors, or policy influencers

• Earn the title “Dr.”, enhancing professional credibility and positioning for long-term impact

Career Paths

Graduates of Hood’s DOL program are prepared for a variety of high-impact leadership roles, including:

• Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Executive Director, or Superintendent

• Organizational or Leadership Consultant

• College or University Faculty Member

• Public Policy Leader or Nonprofit Director

• Author, Researcher, or Speaker

The DOL equips leaders to inspire transformation in their fields, institutions, and communities.