July 30 update: Okay, so since the 07/09/08 (Online Degree Programs in Leadership) post I have actually "recommended" a couple of low-residency or online Ph.D. programs. I say "recommend" (in quotes) because it hasn't really been a recommendation per se, but more of... you may want to look into these programs, because I still don't know too much about online Ph.D. programs in Leadership.... And, I certainly don't know enough about these programs to feel comfortable recommending them with a stamp of approval....
But, I do know that these programs exist. So, I would suggest to anyone interested in pursuing an online or low-residency program... talk to current students enrolled in the programs of interest. Ask the admissions coordinators if it is possible to contact a couple of students either via phone or e-mail. See what current students say about the program, and what their perspectives are. Typically schools will put you in contact with current students if you ask.... so, that would be my first step.
However, I would still encourage everyone to seriously consider a residency based program before pursuing an online program. I think that an online Ph.D. program should be your last option. If there are no programs related to leadership near you then consider a Ph.D. program in an inter-related field (e.g. social anthropology, sociology, organization studies/behavior/development, etc.) and develop your own concentration in leadership.
Not to imply that residency-based programs are in any way "better" than online or distance programs, but in a residency-based program you are able to develop relationships with fellow classmates and professors. Relationships that can be built upon and that can establish academic repoire among colleagues. This is especially helpful when you begin to consider publishing and will also be helpful to some degree at the dissertation phase of your program. (In addition, many online programs are offered through for-profit universities-- and, to see my thoughts on for-profit universities click here. That said, you should be leery about any school-- for profit or nonprofit-- that admits anyone willing to pay, and dons out "A's" effortlessly.)
But, like I mentioned before, I do realize that there are individuals who are just unable to relocate or unable to commit to a residency based program due to familial and/or work-related responsibilities. In these instances, then the only option for some may actually be a Ph.D. via distance education or a low-residency based program (and, this is perfectly understandable).
So, for those who are just unable to enroll in a residency based Ph.D. program, the following programs are either offered online or are low-residency (there may be more, but I haven't found them):
- Antioch University Ph.D in Leadership and Change (Low-Residency)
- Union Institute & University Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies (Ethical and Creative Leadership Concentration) (Primarily Online... Limited Residency)
- Nova Southeastern University Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership (Online)
- Regent University Ph.D. in Leadership Studies (Online)
- Thierry Graduate School Ph.D. in Leadership and Mastery of Change (Online)
- University of Maryland, Eastern Shore Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership (Low-Residency)
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