ONLINE DOCTOR OF ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP —
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Below are answers to common questions about Muskingum’s online Doctor of Organizational Leadership program.
COST AND FINANCIAL AID
How much does the DOL program cost?
For the 2025–2026 academic year, the DOL program is priced at $765 per semester credit hour.
Is financial aid available for DOL students?
Yes — DOL students are eligible for federal financial aid, scholarships, and grants. For details, visit the Office of Financial Aid.
DURATION & COMPLETION
HOW LONG WILL THE DOL PROGRAM TAKE TO COMPLETE?
The average time to complete the DOL is 3–5 years, though students have up to 7 years to finish the program.
PROGRAM TYPE & FORMAT
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PH.D. AND A PROFESSIONAL DOCTORATE LIKE THE DOL?
The DOL is a professional doctorate focused on applying evidence-based research to real-world organizational problems. A Ph.D. is more research-intensive and designed for those pursuing academic or scholarly careers. Both are considered terminal degrees.
ARE DOL CLASSES FULLY ONLINE?
Yes. Courses combine synchronous (via Zoom) and asynchronous formats. They are interactive and include research-based final projects relevant to your field of interest.
ACCREDITATION & QUALITY
IS THE DOL PROGRAM ACCREDITED?
Yes, the program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
RESEARCH & DISSERTATION
WHAT IS THE DISSERTATION PROCESS LIKE?
- After completing the core coursework (DOLP 800–809), students will take a candidacy exam (DOLP 901).
- Then they move into stages: Dissertation Proposal (DOLP 902), Data Collection & Analysis (DOLP 903), and Dissertation Writing & Defense (DOLP 904).
- Students must maintain continuous enrollment in dissertation phases.
PROGRAM POLICIES
WHAT IS THE GPA REQUIREMENT FOR THE DOL?
Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 across the core courses.
For additional details, complete the brief request form. We look forward to connecting!
LET’S GET STARTED
CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Robert McManus
Executive Director of Graduate Business and Leadership
Muskingum University
260 Stadium Drive
New Concord, OH 43762
PH: 740-826-8277
E-mail: rmcmanus@muskingum.edu