Doctoral Program in Leadership Studies

Explore the Questions of Humanity

Gonzaga's Doctoral Program in Leadership Studies (DPLS) centers on three dimensions of leadership - the leader as a person, organizational complexities, and global systems - and our relationships within them.  

We follow the Jesuit tradition of educating the whole person and create a space for you to confront the questions of humanity with critical thought and moral conviction. 

Your coursework and research will explore conceptual, scholarly, and professional competencies needed to lead and serve others at all levels.

Extend Your Reach

Our transdisciplinary Ph.D. program is designed for working professionals and welcomes students across a broad range of professions, including:

  • Education
  • Healthcare
  • Social Services
  • Business
  • Government
  • Non-Profit
  • Faith-Based
  • Law Enforcement
  • First-Responders

Discover Your Learning Community 

You'll work together with faculty and staff to develop and sustain a learning community in which all members can nurture the personal qualities of self-knowledge, self-acceptance, restless curiosity, a desire for truth, a mature concern for others, respect for human diversity and individuality, and a thirst for justice.

No matter where our students and faculty come from, we have one mission: to educate ethical individuals who understand and value the importance of service. All are welcome here. 

Transform Yourself 

  • Recognize your own humanity and that of the people surrounding you, and strive to understand and create productive, meaningful relationships
  • Explore how these relationships exist, interact, and compound within organizations, and how you can apply qualities like forgiveness, mercy, and justice to create shared visions that turn everyone in an organization into a leader
  • Examine the ways in which global issues touch upon and interact with organizations so that you can embrace and respond to a diverse, constantly changing world

Alumni Spotlight

Scott Hagan

Dr. Scott Hagan

Graduate, DPLS

Dr. Scott Hagan is the seventh President of North Central University in Minneapolis, MN. He began this role in June 2017, following a 35-year career as a pastor.

Rosemary Muriungi

Dr. Rosemary Muriungi

Graduate, DPLS

Dr. Muriungi has worked in higher education and organizations advocating for children’s/human rights and sustainable human development in Africa and the United States.

Maria Rivera Gonzalez

Dr. Maria Rivera Gonzalez

Graduate, DPLS

Dr. Rivera Gonzalez has over 15 years of experience in leadership teaching-learning and development in Mexico and the US.