Doctor ofStrategic Leadership
Why choose oru for your dsl?
Our Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL) is an immersive program designed for mid-to-senior level professionals ready to lead with purpose and drive organizational transformation. The program prepares you to become a Spirit-empowered leader who inspires individuals, teams, and communities to reach their God-given potential. In the second year, students choose a 3-course concentration—Applied Research, Leadership Coaching, Change Management, or Strategic Foresight—each leading to credentialing opportunities and aligned with their unique calling and career goals. Through a blend of theory, practical application, and hands-on research, you’ll graduate ready to lead with confidence, clarity, and impact.
Start your journey in strategic leadership at ORU today!
Experience hands-on learning, face-to-face interaction, and vibrant community life
at our main campus. Join live, scheduled classes online with real-time interaction and a structured learning
environment. Access coursework anytime, anywhere—perfect for self-paced learning and flexible schedules.Flexible Study Options
ON CAMPUS
ORU FLEX
ONLINE
This concentration develops advanced research skills to analyze organizational challenges,
generate actionable insights, and lead evidence-based decision-making. This concentration helps you gain the tools and credentialing preparation to effectively
coach individuals and teams, fostering growth, accountability, and transformative
leadership. This concentration helps you learn to lead strategic change initiatives by mastering
frameworks, tools, and communication strategies that drive sustainable organizational
transformation. This concentration cultivates the ability to anticipate future trends and challenges,
equipping you to guide organizations through uncertainty with innovation and long-term
vision. Concentrations
Applied Research
Leadership Coaching
Change Management
Strategic Foresight
Dsl Courses Offered
As an ORU doctoral student in strategic leadership, you’ll gain expertise in key areas of the field, including:
- Spirit-Empowered Leadership
- Critical Inquiry & Research Methods
- Coaching & Talent Development
- Organizational Culture & Design
- Modeling Systems Change
- Global Entrepreneurship
- Collaborative Leadership
- Innovation & Change Management
- Decision & Data Analytics
Degree Path
Many of our full-time graduate students receive ORU scholarships and grants based
on academic merit and leadership potential. Explore our graduate financial aid page
to discover scholarship opportunities designed to support your education journey.Tuition and Scholarships
Careers with a DSL
As an ORU doctoral student in strategic leadership, you'll be prepared to lead and excel in fields such as:
- Communication & Media
- Educational Services
- Faith Communities
- Government & Public Services
- Healthcare Services
- Information Systems
- Management Services
- Military, Defense & Security
Program Features
Our faculty are seasoned executives, leadership scholars, and global consultants who
bring decades of real-world experience to the classroom. With expertise in organizational
strategy, change management, coaching, and innovation, they guide Spirit-empowered
leaders to lead with clarity, confidence, and vision in today’s fast-changing world.MEET YOUR FACULTY
