FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Bethany, Okla.] - Southern Nazarene University is excited to introduce an Organizational Leadership track within its Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program, offered through the College of Professional & Graduate Studies, expanding opportunities for working professionals seeking advanced leadership preparation across a variety of industries and organizational settings.
The new Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership (Ed.D.-OL) track builds on the strong foundation of SNU’s established Doctor of Education in Administration and Leadership (DEAL) track while offering a specialized focus on organizational leadership theory, strategy, innovation, and applied research. Designed for professionals who want to lead effectively in corporate, nonprofit, healthcare, ministry, government, and educational environments, the program equips students to address complex organizational challenges with confidence and purpose.
The Ed.D.-OL track was collaboratively developed by Dr. Stephoni Case, Director of SNU’s Doctor of Education program, and Dr. Michael Houston, Director of SNU’s Master of Organizational Leadership (MOL) program.
“Adding the Org Leadership track as an option to our current Education Leadership track is an obvious plus. Students can identify the focus of their professional futures and choose accordingly,” said Dr. Stephoni Case, DEAL Program Director.
“When looking at the success of the Master’s of Organizational Leadership program, I approached Dr. Case with the idea of partnering to create a new path for leaders in fields beyond education. The Org Leadership track is the exciting culmination of this partnership,” shared Dr. Michael Houston, MOL Program Director.
Like SNU’s existing Ed.D. track, the Ed.D.-OL track emphasizes applied research and practical outcomes. Dr. Michael Houston believes the SNU offerings provide a unique approach in the doctoral landscape. “The DEAL program is truly a scholar/practitioner degree. We are training leaders to do more than just take courses that culminate in a degree. We are challenging our learners to find ways to apply their learning to a particular industry and/or organization. This is evident in the shift in the culminating project for the program.”
In addition to the embedded dissertation, students now have the option to complete a capstone project instead, which includes a journal submission (article) and a research presentation, allowing graduates to contribute accessible, relevant insights to their professional fields.
The fully online or in-person cohort program is designed specifically for working adults balancing careers, families, and educational goals. Students complete coursework in a six-week course format while receiving personalized guidance from dedicated faculty and research writing professors through the program.
SNU’s doctoral programs are known for their supportive cohort model, faculty mentorship, and emphasis on practical application. The addition of the Organizational Leadership track reflects the university’s commitment to developing ethical, adaptable leaders prepared to make a positive difference in their organizations and communities.
Applications are now being accepted for upcoming cohorts.
To learn more about SNU’s Doctor of Education program, visit Southern Nazarene University’s Ed.D. Program Page.
Southern Nazarene University, located in Bethany, Oklahoma, is a private Christian institution committed to shaping servant leaders since 1899. With more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs offered on campus and online, SNU emphasizes accessibility, purpose-driven education, and holistic student support.