Leadership Studies

Department of Leadership Studies

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Vision: The University of Central Arkansas interdisciplinary PhD in Leadership Studies (LEAD) program prepares active professionals from education, healthcare, government, and nonprofit settings to contribute to the body of knowledge in leadership studies and to enhance human and community development through their research and service.

Click here for more info on our application process. We are a face-to-face program, only occasionally offering online courses.

Mission: The interdisciplinary Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership Studies prepares students for academic positions and for leadership roles in complex organizations found in public and nonprofit sectors. Graduates will understand their roles in conserving, expanding, and transforming the discipline of leadership studies, research methodologies, and leading toward an improved quality of life for all.

The LEAD program is a way to explore my profession deeper and to better myself as an educator. Education in Arkansas is often viewed as being weak, but we can find ways to make improvements all across the board and the LEAD program is a great way to do that. — Cody – Cohort 2012

The LEAD program is the only degree program of its kind in Arkansas and is unique to this region of the United States. The program, taught by faculty from a variety of academic disciplines, offers a broad-based, interdisciplinary curriculum using scholarly skills and research for preparing active professionals to contribute to the knowledge of contemporary leadership and to assume organizational leadership roles.

The LEAD program allows me to better understand the complexity of people’s needs. It is a wonderful experience to know people interested in contributing to the improvement of our environment. Being a part of the program represents an enormous challenge to me, and I am very thankful for the opportunity to learn and participate in the change. — Yolanda, Native of Mexico – Cohort 2016