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Introduction
Gannon University is pleased to introduce the newest addition to our graduate programs, a Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Learning and Leadership. This doctoral degree is founded on an interdisciplinary model of teaching and learning and is designed to integrate two major theoretical and practice areas of study: learning and leadership. Participants in the program will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to lead effectively in complex learning organizations. The program is designed to prepare practitioners to better analyze data, conduct research, solve problems and enhance the effectiveness of their organizations.

The Ph.D. is an academically rigorous program designed for the working professional. Courses will be scheduled with flexibility to accommodate individuals’ full-time work related responsibilities. This program’s approach will include classroom-based learning supplemented by on-line interaction among a cohort of students drawn from diverse professional backgrounds. The program strives to balance a common didactic learning experience with the research component of a traditional doctoral degree program while acknowledging and accommodating the prior academic work of the participants.

As a result of the variety of backgrounds in the applicant pool, the program provides the flexibility for students to fulfill the cognate and major area of study coursework in accordance with their individual educational, professional and research needs. This model balances the benefits of an interdisciplinary cohort model with the flexibility necessary for individual student matriculation and administrative efficiency in program delivery. Individuals who complete the program will gain enhanced opportunities and qualifications for additional positions either through more flexibility in positions or improved upward mobility in their current organization.

Philosophy
The goal of Gannon’s graduate programs is to prepare students for leadership, scholarship and service. This focus is reflected in the goals and objectives of the values-based interdisciplinary Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Organizational Learning and Leadership. The development of this doctoral degree represents the coalescence of several elements: the needs of the local community, changes in institutional leadership, expansion of service to exiting students and the natural evolution of the learning organization.

This doctoral degree was designed to respond to the call for academically strong leaders in our region who work in a variety of organizations. Additionally, it will prepare leaders to address the challenges of the 21st century. These leaders will be able to readily respond to roles that are rapidly changing and becoming more demanding, as well as successfully guide complex organizations through the change process. Finally, the program will prepare individuals to assume leadership roles in their organizations in order to meet the challenges of an ever more complex world.

Program Goals and Objectives
This program is designed to:

• Provide the working professional with the knowledge, skills and understanding to lead his or her organization in adapting, evolving and learning in an ever- changing environment
• Provide the participant with a breadth of knowledge to facilitate examination of issues or opportunities from diverse systemic and individual perspectives
• Provide the participant with the opportunity to develop an ability to identify creative and innovative responses to the issues and opportunities within their profession and their organization
• Facilitate the development of advanced analytical and problem solving techniques that are grounded in sound research approaches

Unique Features of the Program
The characteristics of a learning organization, i.e., collegiality, teamwork and the development and sharing of knowledge both within and outside of an organization, set the foundation for this interdisciplinary program. This program features a unique interdisciplinary approach that operates at three levels:

Curricular: The curriculum is designed to be interdisciplinary with its integration of coursework reflective of numerous disciplines.

Instructional: The faculty who will provide instruction in the program will be drawn from Social Sciences, Business Education, Health Sciences and others.

Participant: The students who will be admitted to the program will come with their own diverse content/professional expertise.

Technology
Students will be taught in traditional classroom settings with the use of ANGEL Course Management System which provides the opportunity for Web-enhanced or blended learning.

Admissions Requirements
Applicants must hold a masters or other post-baccalaureate professional graduate level degree from a regionally-accredited institution of higher education. Applicants should have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, have two years of post-baccalaureate work experience, and have experience in, or potential for, leadership positions. Admission is based on a review of a total profile with careful attention to the fit between the needs of the student and what the program has to offer.

Each applicant must submit the following information:

• A completed application providing demographic, employment, and academic information
• Copies of the Graduate Record Exam taken within the past three years reflecting quantitative, verbal, and written scores
• Three letters of recommendation
• Transcripts of all previous college work
• A resume delineating the scope, responsibilities, and functions of all positions held within the past five years
• A Statement of Purpose (limited to 500 words) that summarizes the value of the doctoral study for personal and professional growth and development and that reflects educational and professional experiences that serve as the foundation for doctoral study
• A statement that addresses how work expectations, professional and educational responsibilities will be balanced during the pursuit of the doctoral degree
• A statement that attests to the applicant’s computer literacy

Applicants for whom English is not their first language will also be required to submit scores on Test of English as a Foreign Language and Test of Written English along with a financial declaration and supporting documentation.

**All applicants who meet admission requirements will be required to attend an on-campus personal interview.

Capstone and Integrative Element
The Ph.D. will culminate with a required dissertation. The dissertation and the corresponding seminars are the capstone elements of the Ph.D. The dissertation is designed to assist students to explore and identify solutions to problems as they arise in their respective fields. The seminars will facilitate integration of knowledge and research and the application to identified problems.

Statute of Limitations
Gannon University’s policy for doctoral level study is that all students must complete their coursework and dissertation within seven (7) years. Students enrolled in the Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Learning and Leadership will be expected to meet this requirement following enrollment in the Multidisciplinary Core, Research and Dissertation level of the program.

Accreditation
Although the program itself does not require the approval of a disciplinary accrediting body, it does accommodate and give credit to those who have completed a 2006 PDE-approved program of Principal Certification and Superintendents Letter of Eligibility. Courses taken in fulfillment of either of these programs will be incorporated into the requirements of the Foundations level of the program as appropriate.