Lead what is next.
Avila University’s Ph.D. in Strategic Leadership and Innovation prepares experienced professionals to turn complex challenges into meaningful, evidence-based change. Through advanced leadership study, research, technology-enabled innovation, and strategic practice, candidates develop the knowledge and skills to address real-world challenges and create solutions that make a lasting impact in their organizations, industries, and communities.
A Historic Milestone
Approved by the Higher Learning Commission
Avila is proud to launch its first doctoral program. Applications are being finalized. Submit an inquiry to receive program news, application timing, and invitations to future information sessions.
54-57
credit-hour doctoral program
Online/Hybrid
coursework designed for working professionals
3 years
possible full-time completion timeline
Applied
project-based dissertation from day one
Leadership With Purpose
A doctorate built for the work leaders are doing now.
The Ph.D. in Strategic Leadership and Innovation brings together advanced leadership theory, research, technology-enabled innovation, and strategic practice — designed for professionals who lead across organizations, industries, and communities and want to create solutions that matter.
At Avila, doctoral scholarship is designed to move from inquiry to impact. Candidates connect rigorous scholarly research to a significant real-world problem, developing an evidence-based solution that can make a difference in their workplace, sector, or community.
Lead across complex systems
Build the strategic, ethical, and collaborative leadership capacity needed to move organizations forward in a changing world.
Use research to drive action
Develop qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods research skills to make sound, evidence-informed decisions.
Create practical impact
Design, implement, and evaluate an innovation that responds to an authentic challenge, not a hypothetical case study.
The Avila Difference
The dissertation does not wait until the end.
Designed for leaders. Built around real problems. Focused on innovation and measurable change
Rather than separating coursework from dissertation work, Avila embeds the project-based dissertation throughout the curriculum, with structured milestones and faculty feedback.
- Identify a meaningful problem of practice
- Build and test an evidence-based solution
- Create a tangible artifact or intervention
- Defend rigorous scholarly and applied work
Rooted in Avila’s commitment to service, ethical leadership, and the dear neighbor, the program prepares leaders to apply scholarship and innovation in ways that create meaningful change for organizations and communities.
Designed Around Professionals
Rigor, flexibility, and a connected learning community.
The program uses a cohort model and primarily online delivery, including asynchronous and synchronous learning activities — designed to support full professional lives without compromising doctoral-level engagement or mentorship. Students work closely with faculty advisors and dissertation chairs through regular milestones, virtual touchpoints, and research and writing support.
F-1 international students will be required to participate in an in-person academic residency at Avila University’s Kansas City campus once each semester as an integral component of their full course of study and in accordance with federal F-1 requirements. Enrollment of F-1 students in the Ph.D. program is subject to SEVP approval. Domestic students are not required to attend the in-person residencies but may choose to participate.
Shape your Expertise
Focused study. Broad influence.
Designed for experienced professionals ready to lead at a higher level.
The program is designed for leaders, executives, administrators, educators, healthcare professionals, technology leaders, and other experienced professionals seeking to use research and innovation to address complex organizational and societal challenges.
A Clear Path Forward
From problem of practice to purposeful change.
Define the challenge
Identify a consequential problem in your professional setting.
Build the evidence
Ground your work in scholarship, data, and ethical inquiry.
Design the solution
Create a research-informed intervention, framework, or artifact.
Evaluate the impact
Use disciplined methods to assess results and implications.
Lead what is next
Defend your dissertation and bring your work into the world.
Stay Connected
Your next level of leadership begins here.
The application is being finalized. Submit an inquiry now to be among the first to receive admission details, application timing, and program updates.
- Receive the first notice when applications open
- Learn about admission requirements and program costs
- Get invitations to online information sessions
- Connect with an Avila graduate admission representative