PhD in Applied Psychology and Organizational Leadership
| 45 UnitS |
ACADEMIC PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Applied Psychology and Organizational Leadership is a 45-credit, post-master's doctoral program that prepares experienced professionals for advanced leadership roles in executive coaching, organizational development, behavioral health administration, consultation, workforce development, and higher education leadership. Integrating advanced psychological theory with leadership science, the program equips scholar-practitioners to understand, influence, and develop individuals, teams, and organizations in complex environments.
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Grounded in a scholar-practitioner model, the curriculum emphasizes the application of psychological principles to leadership, organizational effectiveness, human performance, coaching, mentoring, strategic planning, and ethical decision-making. Students engage questions of vocation, ethics, worldview, human dignity, justice, and service in light of Christian thought and practice, joining rigorous academic inquiry with faith-informed reflection.
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The program is delivered in a cohort model using accelerated six- to eight-week courses and may be completed in as few as three years, depending on enrollment continuity and dissertation progress. This program is not designed to meet educational requirements for licensure as a psychologist.
ADVANCED PSYCHOLOGY CORE — 15 CREDITS
Psychological foundations, human motivation and personality, neuropsychology and human performance, wellness and organizational health, and ethics, diversity, and multicultural leadership.
LEADERSHIP CORE — 15 CREDITS
Advanced leadership study includes:
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Organizational leadership and management
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Organizational behavior, theory, and design
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Strategic foresight, thinking, and planning
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Strategic leadership and management of coaching
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Ethics, technology, and Christian leadership in a changing age
A guided four-seminar sequence carries students from research foundations and proposal design through IRB approval and candidacy to data collection, analysis, and the final dissertation defense.
SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
Associate of Arts in Leadership Studies
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Bachelor of Arts in Leadership Studies
Associate of Arts in Health and Social Care
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Bachelor of Arts in Health and Social Care
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Associate of Arts in Computer Science
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Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science
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Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership
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Master of Science in Computer Information Systems
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Master of Science in Computer Science
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Ph.D. in Organizational and Global Leadership
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PhD in Applied Psychology and Organizational Leadership
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PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
PHD IN APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY AND ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP
PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
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Apply advanced psychological theories and principles to leadership, organizational effectiveness, and human performance
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Evaluate the influence of motivation, personality, cognition, behavior, and social systems on individuals, teams, and organizations
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Demonstrate advanced leadership competencies in strategic planning, organizational development, executive coaching, and workforce engagement
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Integrate ethical reasoning, cultural competence, Christian worldview reflection, and social responsibility into leadership and organizational practice
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Design and conduct applied research that addresses significant problems in organizational, educational, behavioral health, ministry, nonprofit, or workforce development settings
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Communicate scholarly findings effectively to inform professional practice, organizational improvement, and leadership decision-making
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Develop evidence-informed recommendations that contribute to professional practice and organizational effectiveness
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must meet the general admission requirements for doctoral study at Kairos Pacific University and submit the following:
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A completed application for admission
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Official transcripts reflecting completion of a master's degree from an accredited institution or an institution recognized by the University
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Evidence of academic and professional preparation appropriate for doctoral study
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A statement of purpose outlining professional goals and reasons for pursuing the degree
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A current curriculum vitae or résumé
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Any additional materials required by the University or program
Admission decisions are based on the applicant's academic preparation, professional experience, writing ability, professional readiness, and potential for success in doctoral-level scholarship.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
To qualify for graduation, students must:
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Complete all required coursework for the degree
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Successfully complete the dissertation sequence and final defense
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Achieve all program learning outcomes
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Meet all institutional academic requirements and maintain good academic standing
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Satisfy all financial obligations to the University
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Submit all required graduation documentation by published deadlines
The program prepares graduates for advanced leadership and consulting roles across behavioral health, education, ministry, and organizational settings. Possible careers include:
Executive Coaching and Organizational Development
Behavioral Health Administration
Higher Education Leadership and Teaching
Ministry and Nonprofit Leadership
Workforce Development and Consulting
Government and Private-Sector Leadership
Applied Research and Program Evaluation
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